The 2013 Topps Baseball card set was the 70th year of production for Topps and featured cards for all 30 Major League Baseball teams. The design featured players photographed against a colorful artistic background with their team logo prominently displayed. As with most modern sets, parallels and insert cards added variety and several short print cards boosted the excitement for collectors to find chase cards. Several years have passed since the release of the 2013 Topps cards, so here is an in-depth look at the current values for different levels of some of the top rookie and star players from that year’s set.
Mike Trout had a breakout season in 2012 that earned him American League Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. His formidable career was already well underway and collectors knew his rookie cards would hold great value. His base card from the 2013 Topps set isn’t particularly scarce, but still commands $10-15 in near mint condition. Low-numbered parallels like Gold (#/50) sell for $80-100 due to their limited print run. The short printed Fire parallel (#/5) is a true Trout gem that auction higher, bringing $300-350. His autograph cards signed early in his career have appreciated greatly and can reach $1000-1500 depending on the parallel. Any Trout rookie card remains a sound long term investment.
Bryce Harper was another elite young talent who was already developing into a superstar in 2013. His base card remains under $10, but refractors and high-numbered parallels hold nice value due to his fame. The Gold parallel (#/50) is around $75 in top condition. His autographs signed in 2013 can go for $350-450 depending on parallel. A popular Harper insert was the “Stars of MLB” card, showing action shots of big leaguers. His topped out around $30-40 in 2013 but now trades for $75-100 due to increased popularity. Harper continues producing at an MVP level so his 2013 rookie cards remain a strong long term spec.
In 2013, the baseball card industry buzzed with anticipation of another talented group of rookie prospects. Some who made an instant impact included José Fernández, Wil Myers, and Jurickson Profar. Unfortunately, Fernández tragically passed away in 2016. His base rookie holds steady around $15-20 and parallels like Refractors and Golds reach $65-85 due to his fame alongside his early death. Myers was an important part of the big Royals/Rays trade and made his MLB debut in 2013. His cards settled around $8-12 as his career hasn’t quite panned out as hoped. Profar was a top prospect but injuries stalled his potential. His cards linger around $5-7 as collectors wait to see his career turn.
Yasiel Puig produced one of the most exciting MLB debuts ever seen in 2013, launching himself as an overnight sensation with the Dodgers. His base rookie is around $15 due to plentiful supply but short prints hold value. Refractors reach $65-85 depending on parallel. Autographs signed in 2013 during his hype usually sell between $350-450 raw or $700-1000 slabbed and graded. Puig has some behavior issues that stalled his career growth, but his early rookie cards remain popular due to his breakout season.
The hobby also saw strength in veteran stars like Miguel Cabrera, Robinson Cano, and Clayton Kershaw. Cabrera won the Triple Crown and repeated as AL MVP in 2012-13, pushing his base card up to $12-15 range. Cano was still in his prime with the Yankees and his 2013 Update rookie parallel /499 reached $55-75. Kershaw was ascending as the game’s best pitcher and graded versions of his Topps Update printing plate cards from 2013 cross $1000. Even older stars sustained strong values from collectors seeking their iconic rookie cards from years past.
The 2013 Topps Baseball set provided an array of stars, prospects and short prints to excite collectors. Prices have fluctuated over the years as anticipated young careers developed differently than expected. But elite talents like Trout, Harper and Kershaw have only increased in fame and value since their cards were issued. Veterans continue interesting collectors seeking their iconic rookie cards and top parallels remain hot commodities. Overall, 2013 Topps provided a fun and diverse product that still holds appreciation potential today depending on the players involved.
