In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, talent and potential often ignite with the most minimal of sparks. Enter Hyeseong Kim, the dazzling 26-year-old rookie for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who appears to be the latest flame in a long line of Dodgers’ stars. Bursting onto the scene with a batting average that’s stratospherically approaching .386 and an on-base plus slugging (OPS) nudging just shy of .985 over 31 adrenaline-filled games, Kim is not only lighting up the statistics but has also fanned the flames of collector fever. Yes, Kim’s dynamic presence at the plate and his lightning-fast footwork on the bases have made him a fan favorite, as well as a burgeoning star in the world of collectible sports memorabilia.
But here’s the real kicker: Kim’s dazzling performances are mirroring an equally exciting gem trade on eBay. His 2025 Topps Series 2 rookie cards are not just tokens of admiration — they are hot commodities, heating up auction sites and collector spaces alike. The buzz around this rookie’s cardboard counterparts is palpable, a fever dream for collectors who are always on the hunt for the next big thing.
Redemption autos are stealing the show, drawing attention and high bids alike. Kim’s signed redemptions have already scored four-figure sales, ranging from a whopping $1,200 to an even more jaw-dropping $1,704. These aren’t the kind of finds languishing in bargain bins, that’s for sure — they have become crown jewels in any collector’s cache.
Then there are the distinctively rare one-of-ones and low-numbered parallels which are fetching equally impressive amounts. A Gold Foil 1/1 shimmered its way to a $650 sale, while a Black Diamante /10 snagged $600. Meanwhile, a Fireworks Foil /10 blazed through collectors’ networks at a fiery $350. Indeed, the very limited Red Fireworks Foil /5 is creating an admirable stir, tantalizing prospective buyers with its scarcity and desirability.
The nostalgia-laden 1990 Topps Baseball Mojo Foil RC, decked in classic Dodger Blue borders, is stirring the pot of collector interest as well. While these cards tend to hover around a modest $10 when ungraded, autographed versions are commanding an upward price shift, edging close to $400. What can we say? Sometimes a bit of retro panache is all it takes.
A particularly intriguing entry into the collectors’ catalog is Kim’s Golden Mirror Variation card, a snapshot of the rookie in mid-press conference. It’s unconventional, to say the least — but isn’t that what makes it memorable? Appealing in its oddity, listings for this whimsical card have seen asking prices flux from a demure $150 to a resplendent $425.
Remarkably, the tide of enthusiasm doesn’t stop there. From the Flagship Real One card collection emerges an orange foil auto card, numbered to a mere 25 — one recently finalized a sale at $1,704, with another listed tantalizingly at $1,500. In the high-stakes game of collecting, every bid tells a story.
And Kim’s impact is perhaps most evident when considering that out of the top 20 sales over $1,000 for the 2025 Topps Series 2 set, Kim holds sway over three spots. Not too shabby, considering he’s elbowing alongside MLB supernovas like Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. The Dodgers, evidently, are holding court with 16 of the set’s 20 hottest hits accounted for by Dodgers cards, a testament to the team’s profound impact on the collectors’ landscape.
Whether Kim’s prowling center field, deftly maneuvering at second base, or soaring the invisible price ceilings charted by card enthusiasts, he’s a name that collectors and casual fans alike are etching onto wish lists and scorecards. As his role within the Dodgers’ squad blossoms, so too does the allure and value of his rookie artifacts. If sales figures are to be believed, and what else would collectors trust, this rookie’s rise is far from plateauing. In fact, he seems poised for a trajectory that is both as unpredictable and exciting as a curveball. In the narrative of baseball and collectability, Hyeseong Kim is stealing more than just bases — he’s stealing the spotlight.