The 2016 Topps flagship baseball card set marked another iconic year for the brand that has produced cards since 1938. The 2016 iteration included a wide variety of inserts, parallels and short prints that added complexity to the traditional base card checklists. While the base rookies and stars from the 2016 season remain the core investment pieces from the set years later, the additional chasing aspects within the product line gave collectors excitement beyond the standard cards as well.
As with most modern issues from the last few decades, the true monetary value for any given 2016 Topps card is largely determined by the player featured, the specific parallel/variation/short print designation, and the gem mint graded condition attained. A broad overview can be formulated looking at the mainstream base rookies and stars that continue to see steady appreciation amongst investors and enthusiasts alike in PSA/BGS populations.
Key 2016 rookie hits that have trended up steadily in price through buylists and auction sites include Cubs 3B/OF Kris Bryant, Dodgers OF/1B Cody Bellinger, Yankees OF Aaron Judge, Astros SP Alex Bregman, and Brewers OF Lewis Brinson. Bryant remains the most valuable as a career .285 hitter who won 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP in his first two seasons, though Judge is fast closing in as perhaps the game’s top power hitter and face of MLB today.
Bellinger broke out in 2017 and has remained an All-Star calibre regular for the Dodgers since, helping drive up his prices. Meanwhile Bregman has blossomed into a five-tool star for Houston and annual Gold Glover at third base, gaining recognition. Brinson was a former top prospect who hasn’t fully panned out, keeping his cards lower despite huge upside seen initially. Other decent hits from that rookie class including Rangers SP Lucas Giolito and Rangers OF Nomar Mazara also hold value but lag the elite talents above.
Premium star rookies and veterans alike also provide premium investment opportunities from the 2016 Topps checklist, headlined naturally by future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki in his final season cards before retirement. The legendary outfielder’s base rookie continues an impressive climb for such a modern issue player well after hanging up his cleats. Also gaining are rookie cards for established talents Corey Seager of the Dodgers, Kris Bryant of the Cubs, and Carlos Correa of the Astros, all early in careers cemented as perennial All-Stars today.
Veteran biggest stars that naturally retain strong demand include Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper and more, however cards from playoff performances can see a boost. Examples include Cubs 3B/1B Kris Bryant after his NLCS/World Series heroics, or Cleveland SP Corey Kluber following his Cy Young/postseason dominance. Even role players like Chicago’s utility man Ben Zobrist gained traction off his World Series MVP award. Across the board, higher graded examples in PSA/BGS MT/GL slab obviously demand the most money on the secondary market six years later.
Beyond the base checklist, Topps again loaded their flagship 2016 release with various inserts, parallels and short prints to appeal to completionists and investors alike. The popular ‘Topps NOW’ insert series returned highlighting that season’s biggest moments nearing instantaneously after they occurred. Other inserts like ‘Rookie Debut’ on young breakouts gained traction for key names. Parallels spanned the usual Chrome, Gold, Black, Blue, etc. and short prints added rarity. All help round out sets for collectors.
By and large, the 2016 Topps Baseball card values hold up remarkably well considering that half-dozen years have passed. Names that flourished and those that disappointed are apparent with investing perspective. While the vintage era greats may gain more over longer time horizons, modern issues can still supply affordable investment options appreciating alongside today’s hottest MLB talents entering their primes. For collectors and investors alike, Topps 2016 presents opportunities worth exploring across its thorough and highly coveted production spanning rookies to veterans. The cards that captivated fans of that special season remain accessible holds in portfolios today.
While 2016 Topps baseball cards led by Clayton Kershaw, Kris Bryant, Aaron Judge and more remain affordable compared to vintage greats, prices have steadily increased over the past six years for gems of stars cementing strong careers anticipated to continue. Less heralded rookie hits have predictably lagged but supplemental inserts provide alternative value. Overall the 2016 Topps flagship release endures as a recognizable and iconic modern set maintaining relevance amongst today’s player collectors.
