The 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball card set was released in October of 2016 and contains some of baseball’s biggest stars in stunning refractor parallels. Topps Chrome is a highly anticipated release each year thanks to the retro design and refractor technology that adds pops of color and high shine to player photos. The 2016 edition contained several rookie cards and parallels that have proven to hold significant long term value.
One of the most valuable rookies from the 2016 Topps Chrome set is shortstop Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the National League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and an MVP candidate each season since, Seager’s star continues to rise. His base rookie card in the set typically sells for $15-20 raw, but refractors and parallels command exponentially higher prices. The prized blue refractor parallel of Seager’s rookie card has sold for over $1000 in top graded gem mint condition. Other notable graded examples like BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 can go for $500-800. With Seager poised to have a Hall of Fame caliber career, these cards are great long term investments.
Another valuable rookie is outfielder Andrew Benintendi of the Boston Red Sox. While he didn’t win any major awards, Benintendi quickly became a fan favorite in Boston thanks to his 5 tool potential. His base rookie card sells for around $10-15, but refractors take a big jump. The prized Benintendi blue refractor has topped $300 in high grades. Even the more common red and green parallels can reach $50-100 graded. With continued improvement, Benintendi rookie cards hold potential to climb much higher as his star rises.
The biggest hit from 2016 Topps Chrome update though was Cubs star Kris Bryant. His base rookie card holds steady value around $15-20 due to strong demand. Refractors take a jump, as the orange parallel has reached over $500 raw while blue refractors hover around $300. High end graded examples in BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 eclipse $1000 quite easily now. As a reigning MVP and cornerstone of the 2016 Cubs championship team, Bryant rookies stand out as a surefire long term investment holding value.
In addition to premier rookies, 2016 Topps Chrome contained several stars possessing big names and recognizable faces that add value. Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant’s base card sells around $5-10 while the popular green refractor parallel reaches $50 graded. Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu maintains a floor of $5 for his base with refractors reaching $15-20. Reigning AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello of the Red Sox commands $3-5 for his base card while colored refractors sell around $10-15. These mid-tier stars provide stability against riskier rookie investments.
While the superstars and rookies draw the most attention, 2016 Topps Chrome also held several valuable parallels at the high end. Reds outfielder Jay Bruce had a green parallel number to only 15 copies worldwide. High graded examples eclipse $1000. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw possessed an orange parallel numbered to only 5 copies. Even raw, examples trade hands for $500-1000 based on condition. These ultra rare parallel hits show the potential for amazing value discovered within each pack.
Five years after its original release, 2016 Topps Chrome continues holding steady in the secondary market thanks to memorable rookies and star players from that season. While base cards offer affordable options, the refractors and elite parallels offer dramatic returns if acquired cheaply and graded/preserved well long term. As young stars like Seager, Bryant and Benintendi develop Hall of Fame careers, their early rookie cards stand to increase exponentially in value. This classic design loaded with stars makes 2016 Topps Chrome an excellent set for both collectors and investors.
