Meet Hyeseong Kim, the latest sensation to power up the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup while causing a stir both on and off the diamond. Premiering on May 3, Kim, a 26-year-old rookie, has immediately captivated fans and collectors alike. With an impressive .386 batting average coupled with an on-base plus slugging (OPS) nudging .985 across his first 31 games, he’s rapidly earning a reputation as a force to be reckoned with in Major League Baseball, and as a golden ticket in the world of trading card collectibles.
The buzz surrounding Kim isn’t just limited to his on-field prowess—it extends to the fervent card-collecting community, where his presence in the 2025 Topps Series 2 has prompted a flurry of speculative acquisitions. From more common base cards to shiny foils and even limited-edition autographs, Kim’s likeness seems to be everywhere in the new set, attracting the attention of hobbyists eager to snag a piece of what could become a legacy.
The cream of the crop in Kim’s card lineup? Undoubtedly, the redemption autographs. These beauties have already begun to command eye-popping prices, with several fetching between $1,200 and $1,704. Initially labeled ‘sleeper picks’ due to Kim’s unproven rookie status, these redemptions have clearly awakened the market’s consciousness, escalating swiftly to must-have echelon for serious collectors.
Beyond autographs, several rare and low-numbered parallels are also making their mark. Noteworthy sales include a Gold Foil 1/1 realization of $650, a Black Diamante numbered out of 10 garnering $600, and a Fireworks Foil /10 igniting a buying frenzy at $350. Buzz is likewise intensifying around an elusive Red Fireworks Foil out of just five copies, causing something of a competitive frenzy among bidders.
Taking a page out of nostalgia, Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil Rookie Card with its dazzling old-school charm and quintessential Dodgers’ blue bordering has turned into an unexpected hit—bargain-priced at roughly $10 in its unautographed incarnation, it becomes a rather lucrative find when signed, scaling up near $400 in value.
But perhaps the card with the most unique backstory, and certainly the most giggle-worthy gallery of quirks, is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation. Featuring him caught mid-press conference, this offbeat image has achieved cult-like status among collectors. With listings floating around between $150 and $425, it has become a conversational piece and a visually fun addition to any collection.
Moreover, Kim’s Orange Foil Auto from the Flagship Real One card, limited to just 25 copies, adds another layer of allure. One recent transaction for this particular gem topped the market at $1,704; meanwhile, another awaits its lucky purchaser on eBay with a $1,500 tag.
It’s telling that among the top 20 commanding sales priced over $1,000 within the 2025 Topps Series 2 lineup, Kim’s cards stake a claim to three of those elite slots. Even more striking when considering he’s vying for space with some heavy hitters like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers, as if channeled through Kim himself, have laid claim to a staggering 16 out of the top 20 esteemed sales monitored by Card Ladder—that’s a testament to a franchise awash with both player and collectible value.
As Hyeseong Kim continues to split his playing days between second base and center field for the Dodgers, his stock—both on the field and in card portfolios—continues to soar. Whether it’s tracking fly balls or watching his card prices climb the charts, Kim is undoubtedly staking his claim as one rookie whose journey is both thrilling and worthwhile to follow.
With his on-the-ground achievements matched only by the heights of his trading card allure, Kim is quickly becoming a favorite not just within the walls of Dodger Stadium but across dinner tables cluttered with card binders and auction sites beckoning the highest bid. Collectors have taken notice, and if the skyrocketing sales are any indication, there’s no turning back for his rapidly growing fan club.
