The 2017 Topps baseball card series featured several rookie cards and parallel variations that have proven to be quite valuable in the years since their release. With talented young players like Cody Bellinger, Andrew Benintendi, and Dansby Swanson debuting that season, collectors jumped at the chance to acquire their rookie cards which now hold substantial value. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive and desirable 2017 Topps baseball cards on the secondary market today.
Perhaps the biggest rookie sensation from the 2017 season was Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Cody Bellinger. Bellinger burst onto the scene by blasting 39 home runs and driving in 97 runs en route to winning National League Rookie of the Year honors. Not surprisingly, his Topps rookie card has become one of the priciest from the set. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of his base rookie currently sell for around $300-400 raw or $600-800 graded. Even PSA 9 Near Mint copies command $150-$250. Bellinger also has several valuable parallels from 2017 Topps like the Rainbow Foil (#323) and Gold Mini #/2017 (#139) which graded sell for $500-700 and $300-400 respectively.
Another star rookie from 2017 was Boston Red Sox left fielder Andrew Benintendi. While he didn’t put up the power numbers of Bellinger, Benintendi established himself as an elite contact hitter and glove man patrolling fenway’s left field. His Topps base rookie (#99) ranks as the second most expensive from the set. PSA 10 editions sell for $150-300 while PSA 9s go for $75-150. Like Bellinger, Benintendi has some premium parallel cards that add to his value such as the Gold Mini #/2017 (#27) at $250-400 PSA 10 and Rainbow Foil (#39) around $200-300 graded gem mint.
Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson also made his MLB debut in 2017 after being a top overall draft pick. While injuries hampered his production that year, Swanson has developed into an above average defensive stopper and solid hitter. His base Topps rookie (#138) in a PSA 10 holds a price of $75-150. Other notable Swanson parallels include the Gold Mini #/2017 (#10) at $150-250 graded and Rainbow Foil (#228) around $100-150 PSA 10. With continued improvement, the value of Swanson’s rookie cards should only increase in the coming years.
Beyond the star rookies, 2017 Topps is home to several short prints and autograph variations that command high values. One of the most coveted SP’s is that of Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant’s base card is #99, but the special short print swap variant checks in at #99SP. In a PSA 10 Gem Mint status, it currently sells for upwards of $700-1000 raw or $1500-2000 graded. Fellow Cubs slugger Anthony Rizzo has an equally rare #99SP that also reaches the $700-1000 raw/$1500-2000 PSA 10 price points.
On the autograph front, rookie signatures are always hot commodities for collectors. Examples include Chicago White Sox shortstop Yoan Moncada’s auto (#249) valued at $300-500 graded or Aaron Judge’s impressive rookie season swan song auto (#249) from Topps NOW priced around $200-300 PSA 10. Superstar Mike Trout also has several desirable autographed relic cards from 2017 Topps Update & Highlights like a dual patch auto /99 that commands $1000-1500 PSA 10.
The 2017 Topps baseball release did an excellent job highlighting many future stars at the onset of their careers. Cards like Bellinger, Benintendi, and Swanson have proven to appreciate nicely as those players blossomed into cornerstone big leaguers. Pair that with the always sought after short prints, autographed memorabilia cards, and premium parallels and it’s easy to see why 2017 Topps remains a vibrant and valuable modern set for collectors today. With several talented young players still in their prime, prices on desirable 2017 rookies and parallels should continue an upward trend for years to come.
