The 2015 Topps baseball card set is one of the more recent issues that can contain cards holding significant value. While sets from the late 1980s and early 1990s are usually where you’ll find the true gem cards worth thousands, there are a few 2015 standouts that have appreciation potential. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key rookies and parallels from the 2015 Topps flagship set that are worth money for collectors and investors.
One of the most valuable base rookies from 2015 is Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Bryant’s iconic rookie card from the 2015 Topps series 1 set carries a strong premium. In gem mint condition, his base rookie fetches around $50-75 raw. Autographed and memorabilia Patch/Jersey parallel versions from the Topps Chrome and Bowman products can sell for thousands. Another top 2015 rookie is Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, whose base is around $15-25 graded. Look for autographed and low-numbered parallels to carry higher values as well.
Some other notable 2015 rookies worth collecting include Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez, Giants catcher Andrew Susac, Astros outfielder Domingo Santana and Brewers infielder Brett Phillips. While their base cards trade for just a few dollars, it’s possible any of these players could break out and significantly increase demand down the road. Be sure to hold onto their rookies in case of career breakouts. Beyond rookies, there are also several star player parallels and short-printed cards from 2015 Topps that command premiums.
One of the more valuable mid-range cards is the Kris Bryant gold foil parallel #/2015 from Topps series 1. In mint condition these trade between $75-100 raw. Another sharp looking parallel is the Joc Pederson orange refractors #/100, which hold value around $30-40 graded. For low-numbered short-prints, keep an eye out for Carlos Martinez’s red foil parallel #/50, valued at $40-60 in top shape. The Dexter Fowler blue foil #/250 sees action around $15-25 as well. When it comes to star veteran cards, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw parallels retain strong collector interest.
Some key Trout and Kershaw parallels that could appreciate nicely include the Kershaw gold parallel #/2015 (hovering around $40 now), Trout orange refractors #/100 ($30 range raw) and Trout special blue version #/99 (over $50 graded). Vintage Stock style parallels are another hot area. Try finding Trout and Kershaw’s ultra-tough Vintage Stock versions #/99. Autograph and memorabilia cards of star players like Trout, Kershaw, Bryce Harper and more will likely hold value the best long-term as well. Their prices are much higher right out of the pack.
Perhaps the most sought-after parallel overall from 2015 Topps is the rainbow foil Kris Bryant #/75. Grading a perfect PSA 10, mint versions have sold for over $500. Clearly Bryant’s emerging status as an offensive superstar makes his extremely low-numbered refractors very collectible. In addition to parallels, Topps update and high-number cards from 2015 can gain traction as well. For example, Kris Bryant and Joc Pederson’s update rookies remain lively at $10-15 each in top condition. Other notable Update rookies include Steven Matz, Tyler Glasnow and Miguel Sano.
While it may take several more years for the true gems from the 2015 Topps baseball season to fully emerge, there are already some choice rookies, stars and parallels beginning to show strong signs of future appreciation. For collectors and investors, keeping a close eye on standouts like Kris Bryant, Joc Pederson, Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw will prove rewarding down the line. By selectively accumulating their premium parallels and short-prints now, savvy collectors can gain an early foothold in developmental stars before prices escalate further. Grading strong conditioned cards will also add value and liquidity when the time comes to sell. With baseball’s never-ending nostalgia, 2015 Topps looks poised to produce its fair share of valuable cards in the years ahead.
