The 1988 Topps Traded baseball card set offers collectors a chance to own cards featuring some of the biggest stars and legendary players who were traded during the 1987 baseball season. While not the flashiest or most valuable vintage baseball card set overall, 1988 Topps Traded cards can provide an affordable way for collectors to add some iconic names to their collections. Let’s take a deeper look at the set and valuation of some of its top cards.
The 1988 Topps Traded set contains 144 total cards and was issued midway through the 1988 baseball season to highlight players who changed teams via trade in 1987. Some of the huge names included in the set are Ozzie Smith, Jeff Reardon, Tony Fernandez, Willie McGee, Mitch Williams, Bob Horner, and Rick Sutcliffe. Standouts from the set like Smith, McGee, Sutcliffe and Fernandez could realistically be valued anywhere from $10-50 depending on the player, year, and card condition. Solid but less iconic players may range from $1-10.
One of the most iconic and valuable cards from the 1988 Topps Traded set is that of “Ozzie Smith traded to Cardinals.” Widely considered one of the best defensive shortstops in MLB history, Smith was a fan favorite in San Diego but was surprisingly traded to the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1987 season. His 1988 Topps Traded Cardinals card in near-mint to mint condition could fetch $100-250 given his Hall of Fame talent and popularity. Having Smith in a Cardinals uniform was still new and interesting when the 1988 Traded set was released.
Another highly valuable 1988 Topps Traded card is “Tony Fernandez traded to Mets.” The smooth-fielding Fernandez made his name primarily as a Toronto Blue Jay but was dealt to the Mets in 1987. In top condition, his 1988 Traded Mets card could sell for $75-150 since Fernandez put together several All-Star caliber offensive seasons post-trade and remained a quality player into the 1990s. Collectors enjoy his card as it represents a change of scenery for the veteran star.
Moving down the value ladder a bit, the 1988 Topps Traded card showing slugger Willie McGee in a St. Louis Cardinals uniform continues to hold interest. McGee smashed his way to the 1985 NL Batting Title as a Cardinal but was surprisingly shipped to Oakland before 1987. His slick Traded Cardinals card in mint condition might trade hands for $30-50 since McGee went on to enjoy years of continued success for St. Louis post-return.
Another affordable standout from the 1988 Topps Traded set is Mitch Williams’ card, which depicts “Wild Thing” as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Williams achieved instant notoriety for his blown save in the 1993 World Series but was actually playing for the Cubs as far back as 1987 after time with the Rangers and Phillies. His Traded Cubs card in high grade could be valued at $15-30 given Williams’ colorful career persona.
Moving further down the checklist, most 1978 Topps Traded cards of mid-tier players who changed teams in 1987 can likely be acquired in solid condition for $1-10. This includes cards showing pitchers like Rick Sutcliffe (Indians), Bob Horner (Braves), Don Aase (Rangers), and Jeff Reardon (Twins). While not the biggest stars, collectors still enjoy adding these veteran players to represent the many trades that took place in 1987. Solid role players from the set might range from 50 cents to $5 depending on name recognition, position and state of the card.
The market for vintage 1980s and early 1990s baseball cards has strengthened significantly since the early 2000s. This has happened as children who grew up collecting in the 1980s-90s have gotten older and now have more discretionary income to indulge childhood interests. Thus, valuations for even mid-level cards from sets like 1988 Topps Traded have risen compared to 20 years ago. Factors like a player’s Hall of Fame induction can also boost values retroactively.
For collectors looking to fill out their rosters on a budget, 1988 Topps Traded remains a fairly affordable vintage set with the upside that a card like Ozzie Smith could provide a hefty return. Overall condition and centering are especially important to consider for the top stars when purchasing 1988 Topps Traded cards at auction. But for a set capturing a season of major trades, it offers fans a chance to own notable players from eras past at fair direct market prices.
While not as high-priced as flagship Topps sets of the same era, the 1988 Topps Traded baseball card release commemorates significant player movement from 1987. Keys like Ozzie Smith, Tony Fernandez and Willie McGee remain standouts in the set that provide a solid investment potential when centering is sharp and surfaces are clean. For affordable nostalgia and mid-level stars, prices remain reasonable across the board.
