The 2010 Topps Baseball card set featured many top rookie cards that have gone on to become very valuable in the years since their release. The 2010 rookie class was considered one of the strongest in recent memory, headlined by players like Buster Posey, Jason Heyward, and Mike Stanton. While some of the top rookies from that year have transcended to superstardom, there were also several others who showed promise but have had more mixed careers to date. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key 2010 Topps Baseball rookie cards.
Perhaps the cream of the 2010 rookie crop is Buster Posey’s card. As the number one overall pick in the 2008 draft by the San Francisco Giants, Posey quickly proved he was major league ready and won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2010. He batted .305 with 18 home runs and 67 RBI in just 108 games played that season. Since then, Posey has developed into arguably the best all-around catcher in baseball, winning a NL MVP in 2012 and three World Series titles with the Giants. Not surprisingly, his 2010 Topps rookie card has appreciated significantly, currently valued near the $100-150 range in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition on the secondary market.
Another breakout star from 2010 was Braves outfielder Jason Heyward. As the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft, Heyward got his first extended taste of the big leagues in 2010 at just 20 years old and impressed with a .277 average, 18 home runs, and 72 RBI. He garnered NL Rookie of the Year votes and looked destined for stardom. Heyward battled injuries in subsequent seasons but is still considered among the game’s better all-around outfielders when healthy. Graded PSA 10 examples of his flashy 2010 Topps rookie card can fetch upwards of $75-100 given his past success and potential.
2010 also saw the major league debut of Marlins slugger Mike Stanton, who would later change his last name to Giancarlo. The second pick in the 2007 draft, Stanton blasted 22 home runs in just 100 games as a 21-year old in 2010. He led all NL rookies in homers that season and won the NL Rookie of the Home Run Derby. Stanton would go on to become one of baseball’s most prolific power hitters, smashing at least 27 home runs in six different seasons. His cartoon-like muscles and pure thunder from the right side have made him a fan favorite. Pristine PSA 10 versions of Stanton’s flashy 2010 Topps RC have broken the $100 mark in recent years considering his superstar status and continued offensive prowess into his 30s.
While those three players have established themselves as perennial All-Stars, there were other notable 2010 Topps rookies that have had more uneven MLB careers to date but still hold value in the hobby. Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon had a nice debut season in 2010, batting .304 in 88 games while swiping 40 bases. He’s gone on to have some productive seasons both offensively and on the base paths, though inconsistencies and injuries have prevented him from achieving true stardom. Still, in a PSA 10 grade his eye-popping speed translated card sells in the $40-60 range.
Another toolsy player whose career has had peaks and valleys is Angels centerfielder Peter Bourjos. In his rookie campaign of 2010, Bourjos slashed .271/.327/.429 in 104 games while showing elite defensive skills and 21 stolen bases. He’s had some strong offensive stretches but injuries and a platoon role have limited his playing time in recent years. Despite that, high-grade versions of his 2010 Topps RC still command $30-50 on the resale market due to his exciting five-tool potential displayed as a rookie.
While not having the bright long-term outlooks of top guys like Posey or Heyward, a select few 2010 rookies have still carved out respectable big league careers. Yankees reliever David Robertson had a quietly solid rookie year in 2010, recording a 3.30 ERA and 1.177 WHIP in 63.2 innings. He’s since developed into a dependable late-inning bullpen arm, notching over 100 saves so far most prominently for the Yankees and Phillies. Even a straightforward pitcher card like Robertson’s 2010 Topps RC holds a surprising $15-25 value in top condition.
The 2010 Topps Baseball rookie class had everything from future MVPs and offensive stars to solid if unspectacular big leaguers. While injuries and inconsistent play have prevented some from achieving stardom, Posey, Heyward and Stanton have risen to become true superstars at the top of the sport. A decade later, their impressive 2010 Topps rookie cards remain highly sought after and continue gaining value on the secondary market. For hobbyists and investors alike, these cards represent an iconic glimpse at some of the biggest names currently playing in Major League Baseball during their early prodigious careers.
