When the Los Angeles Dodgers take a swing at discovering new talent, they seem to have an extraordinary knack for knocking it out of the ballpark. Enter Hyeseong Kim, a 26-year-old rookie whose name is becoming synonymous with both thrilling baseball and a sizzling trading card market. Making his debut on the baseball stage on May 3, Kim has been nothing short of spectacular, leaving not just MLB box scores aglow with his remarkable performances, but also setting the eBay listings alight with his in-demand rookie cards.
With a batting average that is the stuff of dreams—.386 to be precise—and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) that dances merrily around the .985 mark over a span of 31 games, Kim has carved out a place in the hearts of Dodgers fans and collectors alike. While his talents on the field have certainly caught the eye, it’s his resultant effect on the baseball card market that is truly newsworthy.
The buzz around his playing prowess has naturally spilled over into the hobby world, with his 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards quickly becoming the talk of the collector’s community. Kim’s cardboard renditions, ranging from base cards and foils to autographed versions and nostalgic throwback inserts, are figuratively flying off the shelves and into the hands of eager aficionados.
The headline grabbers of Kim’s card legacy so far are undoubtedly the redemption autos. These prized possessions have swiftly ascended the value hierarchy, with some of Kim’s signed redemptions comfortably soaring past the four-figure mark. Sales in this category have been raking in amounts between $1,200 to an impressive $1,704—a testament to their desirability and investment potential among collectors seeking a slice of the rookie phenom.
And where there’s smoke, there’s fire—one-of-ones and their rare cousin, low-numbered parallels, aren’t just present; they’re making significant financial statements. A Gold Foil 1/1 recently fetched a tidy $650, while a Black Diamante /10 didn’t lag far behind at $600. The market for these rare gems appears boundless, as evidenced by a Fireworks Foil /10 igniting excitement with a $350 sale. Adding a little more sizzle, a Red Fireworks Foil /5 is generating its own buzz, capturing the attention of the collector’s circle with its varying listings.
In this swirling mix of cardboard fever, Kim’s 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC stands as a beacon of retro chic with its Dodger Blue borders and nostalgic flavor. Priced favorably at around $10 raw, this card has become a must-have, particularly when adorned with the rookie’s signature—pushing autographed versions from this insert line upwards toward the $400 echelon.
Amidst the clamor of statistical victories and card trading victories, Hyeseong Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card is something of a quirky gem. This particular item catches Kim off-guard, mid-press conference—a gathering of elements that seems a touch unconventional but has struck a chord with enthusiasts due to its uniqueness. With price tags floating between $150 and $425, it’s a clear favorite in the lineup of his collectibles.
Not to be overshadowed, the orange foil auto from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, carrying the limited edition status of being numbered to just 25, has also captured the spotlight. Each redemption for this rarity has been a cause for celebration, with one closing at an impressive $1,704, and another comfortably listing at $1,500 on eBay.
It appears the trading card diamond is a frontier Kim is conquering almost as effortlessly as the baseball diamond. Top sales data illustrates the impact of Kim’s arrival; three of the top 20 sales exceeding $1,000 from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 set feature this phenomenal rookie. Given he shares the cosmic collecting universe with legends like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, Kim’s achievements are no minor feat. Indeed, the Dodgers collectively reign supreme in this enchanting card galaxy, seizing 16 out of the top 20 sales, a testament to their star-studded lineup and Kim’s inclusion among their ranks.
As Kim’s on-field responsibilities expand—alternating between second base and center field—so does his imprint on the hobby universe. Whether deftly navigating the outfield terrain or steadily ascending the ladder of trading card value, Hyeseong Kim embodies the rookie sensation worth observing keenly.
Judging by the escalating sales and fervor among collectors, it seems that the baseball world and beyond are already wide awake to the Kim Effect—an exhilarating spectacle that’s not just about runs and hits, but also additions to collections around the globe.
