It seems the Los Angeles Dodgers’ knack for uncovering baseball phenoms continues with the emergence of Hyeseong Kim. The 26-year-old rookie has taken the Major League Baseball world by storm since making his debut on May 3, and fans are quickly learning to remember his name, both for his on-field prowess and his skyrocketing card market.
Kim has been busy filling MLB box scores with impressive numbers, boasting a remarkable .386 batting average with an OPS hovering close to .985 across 31 games. These stats haven’t just turned heads; they’ve practically spun them around 180 degrees. He’s becoming a fan favorite faster than a Dodger Stadium wave, providing Los Angeles with yet another reason to cheer—and not just for their famously well-supported payroll.
The excitement generated by Kim isn’t confined to the diamond, however. In the world of card collecting—a passion as deeply rooted in nostalgia as it is financial speculation—Kim is rapidly becoming a key player. His 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards are a prime example. From standard base cards to elusive autographs and retro throwback inserts, Kim’s face and name have become fixtures in the latest card set, and collectors are taking note with enthusiasm.
Redemption autos, the crème de la crème of card collecting, have already set the market ablaze, surpassing the four-figure mark. Kim’s signed redemptions have witnessed sales figures from $1,200 to an eye-popping $1,704, indicating that they’re far from sleeper picks and are instead leading the charge.
Similarly, limited editions like one-of-ones and low-numbered parallels are stirring excitement. A singular Gold Foil 1/1 card snatched $650, showcasing its rarity and allure. Meanwhile, a Black Diamante numbered to ten managed $600, while a Fireworks Foil card, also limited to ten, charmed its way to $350. Loud whispers suggest a Red Fireworks Foil flying around, bearing the rarity of five, and captivating collectors’ attention.
Further adding fuel to this collecting fire is Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil rookie card. This particular card, with its nod to nostalgia and striking Dodger Blue borders, is proving to be a hot ticket, even in its raw form, with prices around $10. For those with an eye for the autographed versions, prices are escalating toward the $400 stratosphere—a clear sign that collectors can’t get enough of the Kim phenomenon.
Adding an unusual twist to the swirl of Kim-inspired collectibles is the Golden Mirror Variation card. Featuring the rookie amidst a mid-press conference pose, this card is the very essence of unconventional yet endearingly quirky and collectible. It speaks to collectors in the way unusual art might attract admirers, with price tags floating from $150 to $425.
Another intriguing piece is the orange foil autograph from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, limited to just 25. Recently, one of these redemptions dazzled its way to a $1,704 sales close, while another is comfortably perched on eBay with a $1,500 price tag demanding respect and admiration.
In terms of high-stakes action, Kim is holding his own impressively. Out of the top 20 sales exceeding $1,000 in the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set, Kim claims three. This is no small feat given that other compelling names, like baseball phenomenon Shohei Ohtani and the talented Roki Sasaki, are also part of the mix. Moreover, the Dodgers’ dominance in this product’s upper echelon is undeniably palpable, snagging 16 of the top 20 slots as tracked by Card Ladder. The team’s ace players and rookie gems are proving hard to beat, showcasing an impressive prowess both on-field and in collectible markets.
As Kim continues to hone his skills, splitting his on-field time between second base and center field, his value in the hobby world grows. Whether he’s making plays in the outfield or silently climbing the ladder of card prices, he’s a rookie that investors and fans alike are eyeing for the long haul.
It’s clear that the reverberations of Kim’s impressive debut season aren’t confined to mere game highlights. The fluctuations and spikes in the card market reflect a broader enthusiasm—collectors have locked on to Kim’s potential, following his journey with bated breath, and perhaps a collector’s guide in hand. With rising sales and growing interest, this rookie is more than just worth watching; he is essential viewing for fans and collectors who crave both baseball brilliance and the allure of rare collectibles.
