The 2020 Topps Heritage Baseball set was another highly anticipated release from Topps that paid homage to the classic design of baseball cards from the late 1960s. While the set lacked any true rookie cards of future superstars, several of the cards have gained significant value since the set was released in March 2020. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable cards collectors can find in the 2020 Topps Heritage Baseball set.
Perhaps the most sought after card from the 2020 Topps Heritage release is the Mike Trout SP Variation. Trout has established himself as the best player in baseball over the last decade, winning three MVP awards already in his career. The standard Mike Trout base card can be found for around $20-30 raw, but the SP Variation takes his card to new heights. The SP Variation features an alternate photo of Trout in a batting stance and is noticeably rarer to pull from packs. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, the Trout SP Variation has sold for over $800 on auction sites like eBay. Even in raw, ungraded form the Trout SP commands a significant premium over the base card due to its rarity and subject.
Another Angels star, Shohei Ohtani, has also gained value for his 2020 Topps Heritage card after an incredible 2021 season. As the current AL MVP and two-way phenom who can both hit for power and dominate on the mound, Ohtani is one of baseball’s brightest young stars. His base card typically sells for $15-25, but an Ohtani SP Variation with an alternate action photo also exists. The Ohtani SP is highly sought after, with PSA 10 examples selling for $300-400. Even raw copies have sold for over $100 due to the excitement around Ohtani’s dual-threat talents.
Ronald Acuña Jr. has established himself as one of the NL’s top young outfielders after breaking out in 2018. Still just 23 years old, Acuña has all the tools to be a perennial MVP candidate for the Braves. Like Trout and Ohtani above, Acuña has both a standard base card as well as an SP Variation. The Acuña base typically sells for $10-15, while the more scarce SP can fetch $50-75 even in raw form due to his rising star status. A PSA 10 Gem Mint Acuña SP would undoubtedly sell for well over $100.
Another rising young star with multiple valuable cards is Juan Soto of the Nationals. Though just 22 years old, Soto has already won a batting title and made two All-Star teams. His standard base card sells for $15-20, respectable for a player still so early in his career. But Soto also has parallel cards and variations that take his value much higher. His Gold Foil parallel /50 is highly sought after by collectors, with PSA 10 examples selling for $250-300. An Soto Negative Parallel /25 holds similar value. And like the above players, Soto has an SP Variation that can sell for $75-100 even raw.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has also developed a strong following as one of baseball’s most exciting young power hitters on the Blue Jays. Though he’s had some ups and downs, Guerrero has 40 home run potential and could develop into a true superstar. His base card typically sells in the $15-20 range. But Guerrero parallels hold significant value as well, like his Gold Foil /50 ($150 PSA 10) and Negative /25 ($200 PSA 10). And his SP Variation commands $50-75 even in raw form. As Guerrero continues to develop, these cards stand to gain even more value long term.
Moving beyond just the young stars, the 2020 Topps Heritage set also featured several legendary players with valuable vintage-style cards. A Hank Aaron base card in good condition can be acquired for $10-15, while a Aaron SP sells closer to $30-40 raw. A Willie Mays base typically sells in the $15-20 range as well. But the most iconic player in the set, Babe Ruth, has cards that command top dollar. A standard Ruth base in good condition sells for $25-35, with an SP going for $50-75. And a rare Babe Ruth Negative Parallel /25 would undoubtedly sell for well over $150 in a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade.
In addition to star players, the 2020 Topps Heritage set also featured several popular managers and coaches that add value. A Tony La Russa base sells for around $10-15, with an SP going for $20-30. A Don Mattingly base fetches $8-12, with his SP around $15-20. And legendary Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, who passed away in January 2021, has cards that gained value after his death. A Lasorda base sells for $15-20, with his scarce SP Variation reaching $40-50 raw prices.
While rookie cards of future stars like Wander Franco were absent, the 2020 Topps Heritage Baseball set still gave collectors opportunities to acquire classic vintage-style cards of the game’s modern icons and legends. With its retro design paying homage to the 1960s, Topps Heritage remains a popular annual release. While base cards can be acquired relatively affordably, the short printed parallels and variations of stars like Trout, Ohtani, Acuña and Soto hold significant long term value. For collectors seeking classic cardboard of baseball’s greatest players, the 2020 Topps Heritage set delivered numerous highly valuable cards.
