The 1990 Topps Traded baseball card set showcased some of the biggest trades and free agent signings from that season.Released as a 96-card insert set alongside the main 1990 Topps release, it highlighted many well-known players who were on the move. Despite being produced just for one year, the 1990 Topps Traded set remains a popular and valuable vintage release for collectors today.

Some key things to know about the 1990 Topps Traded set include:

It was the first “traded” set Topps produced separate from the base set, showcasing players who switched teams via trade or free agency after the start of the 1990 season. Prior to 1990, traded players were included as inserts in the regular release.

Roster moves from the 1989 offseason through early 1990 season are reflected, including deals like Davey Johnson going from the Mets to Reds and Rick Reuschel signing with the Yankees.

Higher-profile trades like Willie Randolph from the Mets to the Dodgers and Hubie Brooks from the Expos to the Angels received image variations showing them in both team uniforms.

Rookies included Frank Tanana to the Red Sox, Rob Dibble to the Reds, and Scott Leius to the Twins after being part of significant deals.

The design featured a blue border with “Topps Traded” logo and the team nameplate showing both the original and new clubs. Photographs were often taken with the new uniform.

The backs contained standard Topps player stats and biography sections but highlighted the trade or signing that brought them to their new franchise.

With only 96 cards compared to over 700 in the regular flagship set, the Traded release had a much lower print run making individual cards scarcer and more valuable long-term.

Some of the most notable and valuable cards in the 1990 Topps Traded set today include:

Nolan Ryan (card #1) – The all-time strikeout king’s first season with the Rangers after leaving the Astros. Authenticated examples sell for over $300.

Kirby Puckett (#15) – Ultra-short print of the star centerfielder staying with the Twins. English-only versions around $150 but Spanish back near $1,000.

Pete Rose (#21) – One of his final card depictions before his lifetime ban, with the 1990 Athletics. Low pop numbers push PSA 10s above $500.

Darryl Strawberry (#23) – Fresh off signing a 5-year deal with the Dodgers after eight years with the Mets. His first card in Dodger uniform averages $75-150 graded.

Ozzie Smith (#27) – The Wizard’s first season with the NL Champion Reds after being traded from the Padres. Rare PSA 10s reach $400-500.

José Canseco (#33) – His sole season with the Rangers before returning to Oakland. Signed examples in the $100-150 range.

Mark McGwire (#45) – Beginning of his lethal home run tandem with Canseco after joining the A’s from the Cardinals. Signed PSA 9s $150-250.

Don Mattingly (#62) – His brief tenure with the Mariners after being surprisingly traded by the Yankees. Non-refractor versions fetch $150-300 graded.

Dennis Eckersley (#71) – During his dominating season as the A’s closer, after being acquired from the Cubs. Low-numbered gems push past $400 PSA 10.

Rickey Henderson (#72) – Iconic leadoff hitter’s two years with the A’s sandwiching stints with the Yankees and Mets. Sold for around $250 slabbed recently.

While production was short-lived, the 1990 Topps Traded release remains an iconic set chronicling many key player switches from that baseball season. Scarcity and star power lend continuing collecting interest and solid financial value, especially for higher-grade examples of the more prominent traded names. It serves as a unique yearly snapshot into one of the sport’s liveliest player movements of the early 90s.