The 2010 Topps baseball card set featured some of the biggest names in the game at the time as well as rookie cards that have stood the test of time in terms of value a decade later. Released in late 2009/early 2010, this set highlighted players who were integral parts of their respective teams and included stars still competing today along with future Hall of Famers. While base cards in good condition from this release can typically be found for under $1, there are several standouts that have gained significant value based on what the player accomplished both in 2010 and throughout their career. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most prized 2010 Topps issue that fetch premium prices on the secondary market.
Heading the list of2010 Topps valuables isMike Trout’s rookie card (#331). Widely considered one of if not the greatest player of his generation, Trout debuted with the Angels in 2011 but his star truly began to shine in 2012 on his way to eventually winning back-to-back AL MVP awards in 2014-2015. Trout went on to change the game with his combination of power, speed, defense and longevity at the plate that has kept him among the elite for over a decade now. PSA 10 grades of his 2010 Topps RC have eclipsed over $900 in recent sales while PSA 9s still demand $500-$700. There is tremendous demand for Trout’s first Topps card given his place among the all-time greats makes it one of the biggest modern rookie cards in the hobby.
Buster Posey’s emergence as one of baseball’s premier catchers has certainly fueled interest in his 2010 Topps rookie (#499). Playing a premium defensive position, Posey was already highly regarded having won a national championship at Florida State but joining the Giants organization as the fifth overall pick in 2008. He debuted late that year and played a role in their 2010 World Series victory before earning NL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 2012 during a year he hit .336. RC’s in PSA 10 condition have brought over $500 at auction recently while most PSA 9’s still pull in $200-$300 due to Posey’s continued success and three championship rings. Widely considered the best catcher of his generation, his first Topps issue remains a strong long term investment over a decade after release.
Staying in the NL West, Madison Bumgarner’s domination on the mound since debuting with the Giants in 2009 made his 2010 Topps rookie (#499) another standout. Known for his postseason heroics including World Series MVP honors in 2014 when he notched two wins and a save against the Royals, “MadBum” has anchored San Francisco’s rotation for years and earned three titles in the process. His rookie card values have followed suit, with most PSA 9’s bringing $150-$250 and the coveted PSA 10 nearing $500 due to his sustained excellence and champion pedigree.
One of the more intriguing newcomers to hit card shops shelves in 2010 was fellow NL West hurler Craig Kimbrel with the Braves. Debuting as a fireballing closer, Kimbrel made an immediate impact by setting the rookie record with 46 saves. He dominated with a 1.43 ERA while racking up a mindboggling rate of 16.8 K/9 which helped make his #264 rookie card a favorite of collectors. Although values dipped as Kimbrel dealt with injuries late in his career before retiring, RC grades of PSA 9 still trade in the $75-$150 range showing staying power.
Stephen Strasburg’s blistering major league debut for the Nationals in 2010 made his #134Topps RC among the highest profiled in years and attracted much attention from chase card collectors. Strasburg struck out 14 Pirates over 7 innings in his MLB start, flashing a 100+ mph fastball and knee-buckling breaking stuff that left many experts comparing him to legendary flamethrowers like Dwight Gooden or Kerry Wood at their peak. Unfortunately, Strasburg soon underwent Tommy John surgery ending his spectacular rookie campaign after just 7 starts but the promise and hype surrounding his potential maintained strong demand for decades after regardless. PSA 10’s of Strasburg’s first card have reached up to $450 at auction, a testament to the impact of his initial dominance and the rareness a true gem grade demands. PSA 9’s continue bringing steady money between $150-250 as well.
Two rising sluggers who burst onto the AL scene in 2010 were Toronto’s José Bautista and Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford. “Joey Bats” crushed a breakout 54 home runs that year while playing above average defense at third base, putting the baseball world on notice with his prodigious power after years of being non-descript. His sudden emergence fueled strong collector interest in his #284 rookie card. A decade later, PSA 10 Bautista RC’s trade for $225-300, with most PSA 9’s still fetching $75-$150. Meanwhile, Crawford long established himself as a premier leadoff hitter and defensive wizard for the Rays by 2010 in the midst of a .307 average, 19 homers and 90 RBI season leading up to free agency. His #198 Topps card remains a favorite of Tampa collectors seeking a piece of their former star, with PSA 9 examples still selling consistently for $50-100.
While the stars above gained greatest recognition, others like Jason Heyward #254, Evan Longoria #270, and Neftalí Feliz #581 each came to embody their respective franchises promise during these early seasons. Heyward was a phenom for the Braves while Longoria anchored the Rays and Feliz added as an electric Rangers closer. Their rookie cards retain $40-80 values across PSA 8-9 grades a decade later as these players went on to productive if not elite careers, fueled by strong following for their organizations at the time of release.
In terms of condition, near-mint PSA 8 grades for these prominent 2010 Topps rookies and stars hover between $30-70 while clean well-centered raw cards in similarly excellent shape can usually be acquired in the $15-40 range depending on player and demand. For investors or collectors seeking desirable gem mint 10 quality, raw examples meeting such lofty standards ungraded would command premium prices north of $100 on the large majority of the standouts discussed here.
The 2010 Topps baseball set highlighted many future Hall of Famers and perennial all-stars who went on help their clubs win numerous championships. A decade after release, some of these coveted rookie cards have increased exponentially based on how careers played out while others maintain strong values from collectors seeking pieces of their favorite players during these early seasons. Continued demand for the biggest names ensures these premium 2010 Topps issues remain sound long term investments for discerning sports card investors.
