The 2017 Topps Baseball card set offers plenty of value for collectors both young and old. With a huge selection of star players and memorable rookie cards, this set provides opportunities to build collections focusing on different teams, eras, and player accomplishments. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards to watch for from the 2017 Topps Baseball release.
One of the most coveted cards in the set is the Aaron Judge rookie card (card #168). Judge broke out as a rookie for the New York Yankees in 2017, slugging 52 home runs and establishing himself as one of the game’s next superstars. His rookie card has been in high demand ever since. While the base version isn’t too expensive, the parallels and autograph/memorabil card with a stunning picture of Judge towering over a baseball in his mighty left-handed swing pose. This card captures Judge’s monster 2017 season perfectly and will surely gain value as his career progresses.
Other top rookie cards to target include Cody Bellinger (Dodgers, #132), Andrew Benintendi (Red Sox, #122), Dansby Swanson (Braves, #107), and Kyle Lewis (Mariners, #645). Bellinger and Benintendi had outstanding rookie campaigns that have fans excited for their future careers. Swanson and Lewis may need more time to develop but have the talent to become cornerstone players if they reach their potential. For Bellinger and Benintendi especially, their rookie cards offer an opportunity to get in early on what could become superstar careers.
Veteran stars also have iconic cards in the 2017 Topps set. Any card showing Mike Trout (Angels, multiple cards) is noteworthy as the likely future Hall of Famer enters his prime. The #79 card offers a classic close-up action shot of Trout. Bryce Harper’s cards (#28, #87) pop as well following his 2015 MVP season and huge contract extension. Cards picturing Chicago Cubs stars like Kris Bryant (#84), Anthony Rizzo (#156), and Addison Russell (#166) hold value as the team defends its 2016 World Series title. And for Yankees collectors, cards with Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and others anchor the core of a competitive roster.
There are also noteworthy parallel and short-print variations that boost the value of certain base cards. The widely-recognized Topps Chrome refractors are present as short-prints. Cards #107 Dansby Swanson, #122 Andrew Benintendi, and #168 Aaron Judge are particularly desirable in the Chrome variations. Numbered parallels like Gold (#50 or less), Orange (#25 or less), and Red (#5 or less) also increase demand. Autograph cards signed by stars increase rarity further. Veteran stars like Mike Trout and young stars like judge offer the highest autograph prices.
Relic cards, containing shards of jerseys or other memorabilia, also excite collectors. Multi-relic cards combining swatches or patches from stars increase the thrill. High-value card #99R features patches from Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth and more legends of the game. Relics from active players like #232 Mike Trout further the hobby’s dual purposes of fun and potential investment. The signatures, swatches and on-card autographs provide tangible connections to legendary players.
The 2017 Topps Baseball release offers a fun annual snapshot of the game. Young stars establishing themselves and veterans performing at the highest level excite collectors both casually and seriously. The above highlighted cards represent popular targets, but the full set contains many other heroes for every team and player collector. For under $100, a factory-sealed box provides a collecting experience and chances to pull valuable serial-numbered hits. Even just busting a few packs brings memories of the pastime to the fore as a new season begins each spring.
The 2017 Topps Baseball set abounds with key cards that will appeal to collector demographics from novice to seasoned investor. Rookie sensations, famed veterans, compelling parallels and sought-after autographs/relics provide dedicated players for building long-term collections. This release encapsulates the action and personalities that make baseball America’s pastime. Whether casually collecting or strategy, the 2017 Topps cards remain a solid investment that can be enjoyed for years to come.
