The 2018 Topps Baseball card set featured some of the game’s biggest stars and top prospects. As with every year, a select few cards stand out as being the most valuable for collectors. Several factors contribute to a card’s value, including the player’s performance, popularity, and future potential. Scarcity also plays a major role, as lower print runs lead to higher demand.
One of the biggest risers in value from the 2018 Topps set has been Shohei Ohtani. As a rookie, Ohtani made history by thriving as both a pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Angels. His unique two-way talents captivated fans across baseball. In the 2018 Topps set, Ohtani’s most valuable card is his base rookie (#150). Due to his breakout debut season, combined with his rare left-handed hitting/right-handed pitching abilities, collector demand for Ohtani rookies skyrocketed. Near-mint, graded copies of this coveted rookie now sell for over $1,000.
Another rookie seeing tremendous growth is Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals. At just 19 years old in 2018, Soto crushed 22 home runs and posted an OPS of .923 to finish second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His extraordinary poise and production as a teen phenomenon created buzz around MLB. Soto’s Topps base rookie (#99) has followed suit, with PSA 10 versions commanding $800-1000. Both the Ohtani and Soto rookies hold significant long term value as arguably the top prospects from the 2018 draft class.
For star veterans, superstar Mike Trout’s cards are consistently at the top of value lists. In 2018, Trout had another incredible season by winning his third AL MVP award. As one of the game’s true generational talents, Trout mania shows no signs of slowing. His base Topps card (#97) grades out nicely in PSA 10 for $350-400. Another perennial superstar, Clayton Kershaw put together a strong walk year before leaving the Dodgers via free agency. His 2018 Topps base (#291) in a 10 gem nets $150-250 due to his first-ballot Hall of Fame resume and LA star power.
For pitchers, three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer remains one of the most dominant hurlers in baseball. At age 33 in 2018, Mad Max led the league with a stellar 2.53 ERA and 300 strikeouts. As a surefire future Hall of Famer, his 2018 Topps base card (#111) in PSA 10 condition sells around the $100-150 range. Another arm in high demand is Corey Kluber, coming off his second career Cy Young in 2017. Kluber’s blend of pinpoint control and electric stuff make him a stud on the mound. His Topps base (#353) in a 10 grade fetches $75-100 for Cleveland fans and prospectors.
Beyond star individuals, some inserts and parallels hold significant value as well. For rookies, the Topps Chrome Refractors remain a tried and true prized parallel. Soto’s refractors from 2018 can reach over $500 PSA 10, while Ohtani’s attain $400 slabs. For veterans, the Topps Finest parallels undergo high demand. Trout’s 2018 Finest Purple refractor 10’s have sold north of $250 multiple times. On the team side, Patriots Day and Stars and Stripes parallels appeal due to their intricate designs combined with limited print runs.
The 2018 Topps product featured several rookies that exploded onto the scene like Ohtani and Soto. Their base rookies lead the way as flagship cards for collector value. Perennial superstars Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw command the most for established veterans. Beyond the standouts, refractor and specialty parallels round out the high-end options. With another year of player performance and collecting interest behind it, the 2018 Topps set maintains relevancy in today’s booming baseball card market. Rookie hits like Ohtani and Soto especially hold promise as blue-chip investments long term.
