In the bustling world of Major League Baseball, where whispers about prospects can turn into roars overnight, one might find themselves examining a hot new name climbing out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dugout. Enter Hyeseong Kim, a young 26-year-old rookie who is not just scorching statistics on the baseball field but is also becoming quite the sensation in the memorabilia market. While the Dodgers are accustomed to unearthing diamonds in their roster, Kim shines not only with his bat but also under the enthusiastic scrutiny of collectors eager to grasp his rookie cards.
A debut that has set tongues wagging and pitchers scattering, Kim stepped up to the major leagues on May 3 and has been leaving a trail of impressed fans—and presumably, bewildered opponents—in his wake. With a towering .386 batting average and an OPS dancing around .985 over the course of 31 games, Kim has swiftly embedded himself in the hearts of Los Angeles fans and, amusingly enough, on eBay listings as well. His stellar performance on the field has paralleled a burgeoning interest in the hobby, as collectors can hardly keep up with the demand for his rookie cards.
Speaking of collecting, Kim’s rookie cards, found in the 2025 Topps Series 2, have become the golden tickets everyone wants. They’re the tangible trophies that mirror his fanfare on the field. From basic to elaborate variants, Kim’s cards are making big splashes in both the common and prestigious corners of the collector’s market, with sales figures echoing the kind of excitement he’s generating on the diamond.
Let’s stalk the center stage, where redemption autos strut. A few redemptions signed by Kim himself have already had the audacity to scale past the four-figure mark. Collectors with deep pockets have been dishing out anywhere from $1,200 to $1,704, elevating Kim’s cards from being quiet sleepers to ones that demand your full attention.
One-of-one pieces and rare parallels are foods to the hungry collector’s soul in this frenzy. Take, for example, a Gold Foil 1/1 which reeled in $650, and a Black Diamante out of ten commanding $600. Not to drift out of the spotlight, a Fireworks Foil Limited to 10 finds its signature flair at $350. Meanwhile, a rarer Red Fireworks Foil /5 is creating a stir as it floats tantalizingly on the market.
Adding to his collectible allure, Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil Rookie Card is strutting a retro charm wrapped in Dodger Blue borders that enthusiasts simply can’t resist. A card fully embodying the quaintly nostalgic vibes, it slides into collections for about $10 if found raw, while its autographed counterpart skyrockets closer to $400.
Highlighting Kim’s appealing peculiarity and respecting the card collector’s quirk, there’s the Golden Mirror Variation. An unusual shot, it captures Kim mid-press conference—an uncommon choice but an endearingly weird addition that excites many. Naturally, such curious collectibles have listed asking prices from $150 to $425, markably variable like any good conversation piece should be.
Don’t overlook the orange foil auto of Kim’s Flagship Real One card, numbered to 25 in rarity. A redemption of this distinguished card has already been nabbed at $1,704, with another poised and primed at $1,500 across digital vendor arms like eBay.
Standing firmly, and deservedly surprised, three of the top 20 sales over $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set flash Kim’s pride. His notable presence in the set makes waves even as he shares it with established stars like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. In fact, the Dodgers are in friendly competition with themselves, accounting for a resounding 16 of the 20 high-end sales tracked by the diligent folks over at Card Ladder.
The narrative surrounding Kim is one of rapid growth and remarkable promise. As he oscillates between roles at second base and center field with the finesse of a seasoned pro, his momentum in the collectible sphere does nothing but swell. Kim’s dual capability, blazing bright on the field while simultaneously elevating in the collector’s heavens, makes him a rookie worth keeping close tabs on.
His escalating sales figures sing a loud chorus confirming that collectors, astute and keen-eyed, have taken notice. It’s only a chapter early in his story, but whether you’re a numbers aficionado or a collector whisperer, one thing’s for certain: Hyeseong Kim is serving up all fields and cards with a dose of untamed excitement.
