In a city where stars are as common as palm trees, Los Angeles has found another sensation not on a Hollywood screen but rather in the infields and outfield of Dodger Stadium. Meet Hyeseong Kim, the unassuming 26-year-old rookie who has baseball aficionados buzzing and collectors scrambling to get their hands on his coveted rookie cards. Since his debut on May 3, Kim has been turning heads with performances that match his on-field dynamism, proving he’s more than just a blip on the Major League Baseball radar.
Kim’s already making history with his impressive .386 batting average and an On-base Plus Slugging (OPS) nearly touching .985 over just 31 games. These stats are not just numbers; they are a clarion call for Dodgers fans who have fallen for his undeniable talent and tenacity. While the team may boast a star-studded payroll, it’s gems like Kim that capture the heartstrings of both fans and collectors.
But it’s not just the traditional scorebooks where Kim’s value is skyrocketing. Enter the land of baseball cards—a collector’s paradise where relics of the sport’s greats are revered like ancient artifacts. Here too, Kim’s stock is rising almost as quickly as a bullet line drive over the second base. His 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards have emerged as scorching commodities, riding the heatwave ignited by his standout performances. From base cards to exclusive inserts and autographs, Kim’s cards are omnipresent in this newest set, capturing widespread interest and sending collectors into a fervor.
The crown jewels of Kim’s collection are undoubtedly the redemption autographed cards. These elusive treasures have broken into the high roller’s club, hitting the four-digit mark with astonishing regularity. For those managing to secure one, they’ve essentially struck gold. Prices for these autographs oscillate between $1,200 and $1,704, propelling them beyond mere collector’s items to become investment vehicles of their own.
One-of-a-kind items like Gold Foils featuring Kim have fetched impressive sums; one unique Gold Foil 1/1 recently commanded a robust $650, while a Black Diamante out of ten gathered $600. Meanwhile, a Fireworks Foil out of ten lit up at $350, and the rare Red Fireworks Foil out of five has collectors on high alert. Even Kim’s nod to nostalgia, the 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil Rookie Card with its retro visuals and Dodger Blue borders, has captured attention. This card sells for about $10 for ungraded singles, and once they brandish Kim’s signature, they skyrocket towards $400.
Amongst these is a distinctive fan favorite: Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation, capturing the young talent mid-press conference. While it breaks the typical mold, this quirky card has charmed its way into collector’s wish lists. Prices range from $150 to $425, highlighting an interest in collecting the unexpected.
Another hot ticket item is the orange foil auto from Kim’s Flagship Real One card, with a limited run of 25. The rarity and allure of this find saw a recent sale close thigh-high at $1,704, while another still tempts bidders at $1,500 on eBay.
The marketplace has been particularly kind to Kim, who, in a short span, already boasts three slots in the top 20 sales crossing the $1,000 mark from the entire 2025 Topps Series 2 release. To put that in context, he’s elbowing aside space next to industry heavyweights like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. Moreover, the Dodgers have dominated, not just on the field but in collector rankings as well, securing 16 of the top 20 spots according to Card Ladder data.
While Kim’s journey with the Dodgers sees him seamlessly switching between second base and center field, his impact on the hobby sector ensures that he’s a player to watch beyond the diamond. Collectors are taking heed, investing in his potential and banking on continued success both as a player and as a collectible star.
Even as he quietly climbs the ranks of card affluence, Hyeseong Kim is demonstrating how a love for the game and a knack for performing under pressure can captivate imaginations—and create tangible excitement in the bustling world of baseball card collecting. Both fans in bleachers and collectors behind their display cases look forward to many more game-changing moments. As his rookie story unfolds, one can only wonder how high his cards—and his fortunes—might eventually soar.
