In the ever-turbulent orbit of Major League Baseball, where supernova stars like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts blaze trails across the league, a new celestial body is gaining gravitational force in Los Angeles. Hyeseong Kim, the 26-year-old rookie sensation for the Dodgers, is turning heads both on the diamond and within the collector’s community, showcasing that his talents extend beyond just baseball.
Since his major league debut on May 3, Kim has ignited the league with fervor. In his first 31 games, he’s boasting a remarkable .386 batting average and a near-legendary OPS flirting with .985. It’s a performance as electrifying as a 4th of July fireworks show, leaving fans in awe and opponents scratching their heads. But while Kim has certainly won the hearts of Dodgers’ faithful, he’s also captivating a different audience: card collectors.
Enter the dynamic world of baseball trading cards, where Kim’s spectacular performance has set off a parallel frenzy. His 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards are the hot commodity of the season, with everything from base cards to limited edition inserts lighting up online auction platforms faster than you can say “Grand Slam.” It’s clear that both die-hard Dodger fans and savvy collectors see Kim’s cards as a worthwhile investment—as compelling to collect as a rare artisan chocolate despite their ephemeral nature.
Among the standout collectibles, Kim’s redemption autos have taken center stage. These signed cards, once elusive but now highly sought after, have been changing hands for more than just pocket change. Notably, some have passed the four-figure neighborhood, fetching anywhere from $1,200 to $1,704. If these are garnish, what’s the entrée? Well, that’s a delectable question, given the continued demand.
Meanwhile, the rarest and most spectacular of Kim’s cards, such as the Gold Foil 1/1, have blazed their own trails. One such card fetched a scorching $650, while a Black Diamante, resplendent in a print run of 10, sold for $600. Not to be outdone, a Fireworks Foil, limited to just 10 copies, pulled in a fiery $350. For those really keen-eyed collectors, there’s also a Red Fireworks Foil out there, with a mere five in existence, that has card collectors buzzing like bees around a honey pot.
Then there’s Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil rookie card, basking in retro allure complete with signature Dodger Blue borders. It has become a nostalgic yet slick pickup at around $10 in its raw form. Its autographed versions, however, are not to be trifled with, making a serious statement by pushing toward the $400 mark.
One especially curious addition to Kim’s card array is his Golden Mirror Variation. This card is as quirky as it is captivating, depicting the rookie mid-press conference like a candid stolen from a Wes Anderson film. The variation is delightfully unconventional, and collectors are certainly taking note, with list prices ranging between $150 and $425.
Yet, the pièce de résistance for many is without a doubt the orange foil auto from his Flagship Real One card, numbered to a mere 25 copies. It’s clear that scarcity breeds desire, as one of these rare gems recently sold for an impressive $1,704, while another sits temptingly on eBay priced at $1,500.
Kim’s ascent in the trading card realm is nothing short of meteoric. Among the top 20 biggest sales from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set, three belong to this budding Dodgers ace. This is quite the feat when you’re sailing in the same stratosphere as MLB luminaries like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. Astoundingly, the Dodgers have clenched 16 of the top 20 sales tracked in this release by Card Ladder, affirming their reign in this collectible sphere.
Kim’s contributions on the field—splitting his time dexterously between second base and center field—mirror the gravity of his rise in the trading card market. His dual talents—athletic prowess and collectible appeal—are cementing his role as a breakout star worthy of attention.
It’s like watching a Hollywood ascent, both batting averages and market prices ticking upward with an inevitable flair for the dramatic. Where Kim’s story on and off the diamond will land is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: It’s a ride that won’t be missed, especially for those fortunate enough to snag one of his coveted rookie cards. The future is bright for Hyeseong Kim, and by the looks of it, for his collectors too.
