The 1987 Topps Traded baseball card set showcased some of the biggest names and best performances from the 1986 MLB season. With 198 total cards, the Traded set highlighted star players who were traded or had a breakout season the year prior. Several cards from the 1987 Topps Traded collection have become highly coveted by collectors due to the talent featured and their relative scarcity compared to the base set. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most noteworthy cards from this vintage release.
Perhaps the most iconic card from the 1987 Topps Traded set is the Kirby Puckett card. Puckett had just completed his first All-Star season with the Minnesota Twins in 1986, batting .328 with 170 hits, 11 home runs and 94 RBI. The Twins would go on to win the World Series that year, spearheaded by Puckett’s clutch performances. His Traded card, featuring him batting left-handed, has become one of the most valuable from the set, often grading and selling for well over $1000 in near-mint condition. Puckett went on to have a Hall of Fame career and this early card captures the start of his rise to stardom.
Another highly sought-after card is that of slugging outfielder Jose Canseco, who was traded from the Oakland A’s to the Texas Rangers after the 1986 season. Canseco had just won the AL Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in 1986, smashing 33 home runs in his debut season. His powerful swing and youthful exuberance helped usher in the new era of power hitters. Canseco’s Traded card shows him rounding the bases, exemplifying his prodigious power. In high grades, it routinely commands prices upwards of $500 due to his iconic status from the late 80s/early 90s “Bash Brother” Oakland A’s teams.
A third blue chip card is that of slugging first baseman Mark McGwire, who was also dealt that offseason from the A’s to the St. Louis Cardinals. Like Canseco, McGwire was a central figure in Oakland’s late 80s dynasty, clubbing 49 home runs in 1987, which at the time broke the single-season rookie record. His Traded issue portrays “Big Mac” at the plate, foreshadowing the mammoth blasts to come. High-grade McGwire rookies are among the most expensive from the late 80s, with the ’87 Traded often appraised at $400-500 in top condition.
In addition to the star power up front, the 1987 Topps Traded set also featured several other notable rookie cards that have stood the test of time. Future Hall of Famer Barry Larkin had a stellar rookie year for the Cincinnati Reds in 1986 and his Traded card is one of the more coveted rookie issues around. Another rookie to watch was Toronto Blue Jays’ pitcher Dave Stieb, who posted a 2.92 ERA in 25 starts in 1986 and had a promising career cut short by injuries. His Traded card remains a key piece for Jays collectors.
The 1987 Topps Traded set also highlighted breakout players from the year prior. Cleveland Indians’ catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. burst onto the scene in 1986 with a .295 average, 6 home runs and 57 RBI in his first full season. His Traded card portrays him receiving an award, a nice summation of his early success. Milwaukee Brewers’ slugger Rob Deer also had a breakout 1986 campaign, smacking 24 home runs in just 108 games. His power potential made his Traded card an exciting addition.
In terms of scarcity, the 1987 Topps Traded set had a much lower print run than the base issues. While the standard set had over 700 cards, the Traded version contained less than 200. This rarity always keeps collector demand high. The set is also notable for its creative photographic portraits and action shots of players. From call-ups to veterans, the 1987 Topps Traded captured the changes to rosters after the ’86 season. Over 30 years later, it remains one of the most iconic and investable vintage issues for baseball card collectors. Keys like Puckett, Canseco and McGwire will likely retain their luster for decades to come.
