The 1990 Topps Traded baseball card set is one of the most sought after and valuable traded sets ever produced by Topps. The set showcases players who were traded to new teams midway through the 1990 MLB season. Cards in this 144-card set feature several future Hall of Famers and key players who made impacts on pennant races after being dealt to contenders. While print runs for modern card sets number in the millions, the relatively low production numbers for 1990 Topps Traded cards have made high grade examples quite scarce and valuable over the past 30 years. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the marquee cards from this set and their potential worth in various conditions.
Perhaps the most iconic and valuable card in the set is the Frank Thomas rookie card (#T109). Thomas was acquired by the Chicago White Sox in a blockbuster deal that sent Sammy Sosa to the Cubs. Thomas would go on to have a Hall of Fame career capped by back-to-back American League MVP honors in 1993-1994. PSA Gem Mint 10 examples of the Thomas rookie have sold for over $10,000 in recent years. Even in lower graded PSA 8-9 conditions, this card still fetches $1,000-$2,000 prices due to its true rookie card status of “The Big Hurt.”
Another in-demand rookie is pitcher Pedro Martinez (#T56). Martinez was dealt from the Dodgers to the Expos in 1990 and went on to stardom winning three Cy Young Awards between 1997-1999. High grade Martinez rookies have sold for $3,000-$5,000, while PSA 8s can sell for around $1,000. Given his pedigree as a future Hall of Famer, this card remains a strong investment even in lower grades.
Rickey Henderson was acquired by the Athletics in 1990 after nine stellar seasons with the Yankees (#T2). His acquisition helped spark an A’s dynasty. PSA 10 Hendersons have sold for $1,500+, with PSA 8s around $500. Henderson certainly enhanced his legacy with his Oakland years, making this one of his more valuable traded set cards.
Staying in Oakland, the Dennis Eckersley traded card (#T22) stands out as well. Eckersley had begun his transition to closer with the Cubs but became a superstar as the A’s closer. PSA 10s have sold for over $1,000 with PSA 8s in the $300 range. Eckersley’s Hall of Fame induction ads to the longterm value.
Continuing with relievers, the Lee Smith traded Tigers card (#T92) holds value. As the longtime Cubs closer, Smith was dealt to Boston at the deadline. PSA 10s have sold for $800 with PSA 8s around $200. The career saves leader’s name recognition helps his cards.
Switching teams galvanized slugger Junior Felix’s (#T107) career. Sent from the Expos to Athletics, Felix had his best season with 32 home runs for Oakland. High grade examples have sold for $700 while most PSA 8s sell for $150-$200 depending on the market.
Moving over to the National League, pitcher Jeff Reardon was a stalwart for the Pirates but dealt to the Reds midseason (#T53). Reardon had two solid seasons pitching in Cincinnati’s backend before injury. PSA 10s have reached $600 with PSA 8s around $150.
To wrap up some of the higher valued hitter cards, we have Milwaukee Brewers slugger Greg Vaughn’s (#T130) traded rookie card. Vaughn was acquired by the Brewers from the Cubs and smashed 17 home runs in just 75 games for Milwaukee down the stretch. PSA 10 Vaughn rookies have sold for as much as $600, with most PSA 8s in the $150-$200 range given his impressive MLB debut for the Brewers.
The 1990 Topps Traded baseball card set showcases some of the most important pennant race impacts and features valuable rookie cards and stars in new uniforms. Condition is king when appraising value, but the market has shown resilience for popular traded cards even in lower grades. With the set celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, 1990 Topps Traded remains a highly collectible part of card history for investors and fans alike due to the memorable players and seasons it acknowledges.
