The 2017 Topps Baseball series featured several young stars who made their MLB debuts in 2016 or 2017 that collectors searched packs for. Top rookies included Corey Seager, nomadic slugger Joey Gallo, and lightning-bolted center fielder Adam Engel among others. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2017 Topps Baseball set.
Leading the class with one of the finest rookie seasons of all-time was Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 23-year old shortstop batted .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBI in his rookie campaign, winning both NL Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards. Seager’s rookie card #232 is one of the gems of the 2017 Topps set. With a clean photoshoot style showing his batting stance, the card features a sharp focusing effect drawing the eye to Seager. Many consider this one of the premier rookie cards of the past decade already.
Joey Gallo of the Texas Rangers followed up a strong 2015 debut by hitting 40 home runs in 2016 despite batting only .204. Gallo’s prodigious power makes him a constant trade deadline rumor, and collectors were high on his 2017 Topps rookie card #285 from the start. Gallo stares down from the card with a fierce intensity, emphasizing the no-nonsense approach he brings to the plate. Expect this cardboard to keep rising as Gallo’s career progresses.
Making his first extended MLB appearance in 2017 was Adam Engel of the Chicago White Sox. Hampered by injuries in the minors, Engel exploded on the scene by displaying elite defensive skills and surprising pop at the plate. His 2017 Topps RC #394 shows Engel patrolling centerfield with grace, highlighting why scouts saw his 5-tool potential for years. As the White Sox continue building, Engel may emerge as a true breakout.
Staying in the AL Central, Josh Bell became a young cornerstone for the Pittsburgh Pirates after switching from catcher. With a simple headshot pose, Bell’s 2017 Topps rookie card #77 understatedly acknowledged his arrival. Now an All-Star slugging first baseman, Bell’s card remains affordable but holds steady appreciation.
Dominic Smith was considered the Mets top prospect, though injuries stalled his rise. His 2017 Topps RC #468 projected further stardom with a dynamic action photo of Smith pulling the ball. While playing time issues still linger in New York, Smith remains a prime candidate to emerge if given an extended look. This card reflects his hype from a few years ago.
Other noteworthy rookies from the 2017 Topps Baseball set include Astros teammates Alex Bregman and Francis Martes, Dodgers hurler Julio Urias, Orioles frontman Trey Mancini, Brewers flamethrower Josh Hader, and Cardinals jack-of-all-trades Harrison Bader. Each offer varying levels of upside and affordability for collectors.
As the careers of players like Seager, Gallo, and Engel continue advancing, their early rookie cards stand to gain even more recognition and demand. The 2017 Topps Baseball release housed many emerging talents that remain works in progress for collectors. For fans of the hobby and the game itself, hunting these rookie RCs makes for an entertaining interweaving of cardboard and on-field success.
