The Los Angeles Dodgers stadium isn’t the only place experiencing a heatwave. Enter 26-year-old rookie Hyeseong Kim, whose dazzling performances have caught the attention of MLB aficionados and card collectors alike. In just 31 games since his May 3 debut, Kim has sparked a frenzy with his impressive .386 batting average and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) approaching .985. The rookie once unknown to most has now become the name on fans and collectors’ lips, as his talents translate into more than just game statistics; they’re cashing in big in the hobby world.
Kim’s rookie cards, especially the 2025 Topps Series 2, have become hot commodities. These cards are now glittering in collections with the same allure as his on-field performances. From base cards to holographic foils, autographs to retro-inspired inserts, Kim’s rookie merchandise has become the apple of every collector’s eye.
The headlines of this cardboard commotion are the redemption autos. Already, some of these signed redemption cards have surpassed the four-figure mark, selling for prices ranging from $1,200 to $1,704. No longer are these trades reserved for the stealthy or hidden gem seekers; Kim’s cards are now outright stars in the industry.
Rarer cards like his one-of-ones and low-numbered parallels have escalated the stakes even further. A Gold Foil 1/1 hit the emotional jackpot at $650, while a Black Diamante numbered to just 10 went for $600. Meanwhile, a Fireworks Foil, again limited to 10, ignited buyer enthusiasm, closing at $350. Among these novelties, a Red Fireworks Foil numbered just 5 is currently a subject of intrigue as eager collectors eye it with anticipation.
The 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC—featuring retro aesthetics and a nostalgic Dodger Blue—makes for a fascinating addition to any collection, gaining traction at around $10 for non-autographed versions. Those seeking the same card with Kim’s scribble will have to part with upwards of $400, a sum representing its rising star value.
Curiously leading the charge in adventurous desirability is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card. Picturing the rookie caught mid-press conference, this card blends the unconventional with charisma. Its quirky charm is clearly resonating, evidenced by multiple listings with eye-catching asking prices between $150 and a more substantial $425.
Then, there’s the eye-catching orange foil auto from his Flagship Real One card. Limited to merely 25 copies, the demand for one of these gems recently led to a sale concluding at a remarkable $1,704. Meanwhile, another is poised attractively at $1,500, just waiting for the right call to finalize its journey to a new abode.
In an impressive feat, three of Kim’s cards are listed among the top 20 sales surpassing the $1,000 bar from the entirety of the 2025 Topps Series 2 collection. Considering the prestigious company—names like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki populate the same list—that’s no small accomplishment. The extent of the Dodgers’ influence on this product is striking, with 16 of the 20 high-end sales tracked by Card Ladder logging Dodger representation. Truly, the Boys in Blue’s trading card world domination continues.
Kim is more than just a baseball sensation; he’s a budding hobby icon lighting up e-commerce platforms, continually drawing parallels with his evolving role on the actual diamond. He toggles between second base and center field with an ease that belies his rookie status, further sealing his allure both as a player and a collector’s dream artifact.
For enthusiasts pouring over card catalogs and eBay listings, Kim isn’t merely a player—he’s an investment manifesting in auction arenas. Watching his career unfold, whether over innings or illuminated in listings, has made this rookie a fascinating figure to follow. Collectors are already well aware that Hyeseong Kim represents more than the latest Dodgers sensation; he’s a bona fide hobby hero, very much living up to the hype that precedes him. His dual success—on-field and in the world of collectibles—cements his place as one to watch closely, both now and in seasons to come.
