The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set is one of the more popular and valuable vintage card releases from the late 1980s. Compared to the traditional Topps flagship series issued earlier that year, the Traded set was smaller in size with only 200 cards but focused on high-profile players who were traded or had new teams during the 1986-87 offseason. Several factors contribute to the scarcity and demand for the top cards from this set nearly 35 years later.
One of the most influential trades before the 1987 season saw three-time NL MVP Mike Schmidt get dealt from the Philadelphia Phillies, where he spent his entire Hall of Fame career prior, to the Philadelphia Phillies. Topps captured this significant transaction by issuing Schmidt’s first card as a Phillie in the Traded set, making card #86 one of the key rookie cards for collectors. In near-mint to mint condition, Schmidt’s Traded Phillies rookie frequently sells for $500-1000 due to his excellence as a player and the rarity of his debut with a new franchise after 16 years in Philly.
Another mammoth trade that winter sent four-time Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver from the Boston Red Sox back to the New York Mets, where he became a star in the 1960s and 70s. Seaver’s return to his original team after brief Red Sox tenure created buzz, and his #73 Traded card reflecting this has only grown steeply in value over time. Graded gems of Seaver’s Mets Traded rookie can reach $3000-5000 at auction since he remains one of the most respected pitchers in baseball history.
A blockbuster seven-player swap that winter saw the Chicago White Sox acquire slugger Greg Luzinski from the Phillies. “The Bull” established himself as a tough out during his nine years in Philly, highlighted by back-to-back World Series titles in 1980-81. His #39 Traded card as a member of the Pale Hose is a highly coveted piece for Sox and Luzinski PC collectors, with pristine copies readily selling for $500-1000.
Arguably the most significant acquisition of the 1986-87 offseason took place on December 10th when the Los Angeles Dodgers pried four-time All-Star and National League stolen base leader Rickey Henderson away from the Oakland Athletics. The speedster wasted no time making an impact for his new club, leading the Senior Circuit with 90 steals in his debut season in Dodger blue. Henderson’s Traded card #1, showing him in this new Dodgers uniform, stands out as the most desired in the set due to his elite abilities and the lore surrounding his trade to LA. Graded mint examples have hammered for $5000-8000 at auction.
While Traded cards for the aforementioned stars fetch the highest totals, several other items from the set command four-figure values as well. Future Hall of Famer Tim Raines, fresh off a NL batting title, is featured on card #34 as a member of the Montreal Expos. Known as “Rock,” he was one of baseball’s top leadoff hitters and base stealers throughout the 1980s. Mint Raines Traded rookie cards have crossed for $2000. Another standout rookie was #185 card of slugging outfielder Tony Gwynn, who launched his incredible .300+ batting average career with the San Diego Padres after winning the 1987 NL batting crown. Near-mint to mint Gwynn Traded rookies can reach $1500-2500.
The 1987 Traded set had a relatively small print run compared to Topps’ flagship issues at the time due to it focusing only on offseason trades. This scarcity, paired with star power and key rookie cards, has elevated many items in the set to iconic status among vintage collectors. While pristine mint examples of the true stars like Henderson, Schmidt, Seaver, and Raines top the register, there are affordable gems like Luzinski, Gwynn, and others to be found as well – making this one of the most beloved subsets from the late 1980s. Over three decades later, the allure and demand keeps growing for cards highlighting memorable trades and debuts from the 1987 Topps Traded baseball release.
