The 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball set was released in late August 2016 and contains many highly sought after refractors and parallels of baseball’s top stars. The highly anticipated release builds off the design and photography of the flagship Topps set but adds the allure of refractors and chrome cards to make the set a favorite among collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the standout cards from the 2016 Topps Chrome set.
Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire 2016 Topps Chrome set is the prizm refractor autograph card of Los Angeles Dodgers phenom shortstop Corey Seager. Seager had a breakout rookie season in 2016 that saw him win NL Rookie of the Year honors and help lead the Dodgers to the NL West title. Hisautographed prizm refractors from Topps Chrome regularly fetch well over $1000 raw on the secondary market. The prismatic effect combined with Seager’s rising star status and on-field accomplishments make this one of the true crown jewels from the past year in the hobby.
Another rookie who had an impressive debut season in 2016 was Chicago Cubs phenom catcher Willson Contreras. One of the top Contreras rookie refractors you can find from Topps Chrome is the blue prizm refractor /50 parallel. With Contreras’ five-tool potential and role on a World Series champion Cubs team, there is plenty of upside to his rookie cards. This short print blue parallel captures his talents in a highly desirable refractored form and gives collectors a chance at owning a rare Contreras rookie.
Of course, no checklist of top cards from Topps Chrome would be complete without mentioning the Mike Trout collection. While Trout base refractors and parallels are popular, one of the true short prints is the gold wave parallel numbered to just 10 copies. These ultra-rare Trout refractors feature eye-popping colors and showcase the sport’s best player in a spectacular limited format. Even in PSA 10 pristine condition, ungraded gold waves easily bring $1000+ on the resale market given Trout’s status and the extreme scarcity of the parallel.
Topps Chrome also gives collectors the ability to chase after stars from days past in the form of “Legend” refractors. One of the most popular legends from 2016 was Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. The Griffey Legend refractor holds iconic status and remains highly sought after by collectors old and new. Pairing Griffey with the modern Topps Chrome design and effects makes this a fun crossover card to chase down. With PSA 10 examples selling online for $50-100 even years later, it shows the timeless appeal of Jr.
Of course, no checklist would be complete without mentioning the 2016 top rookie class stars. Dodgers sensation Cody Bellinger had a fantastic debut season that saw him smash 39 home runs and finish second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His Topps Chrome rookie refractors, including the purple and orange parallels, highlight Bellinger’s promising career in vibrant refracted form. Rockies star Trevor Story also made his mark in 2016 with his booming power and slick defense at shortstop. His Topps Chrome rookie refractors, including the coveted orange /50 parallel, capture the flair and promise of another young offensive star.
Moving into the team category, Cubs fans will surely enjoy the chrome refractors spotlighting the 2016 World Series championship squad. Highlights here include the Kris Bryant refractor and Addison Russell orange /50 parallel, both underscoring key cogs from the North Side’s title team. On the Dodgers side, prized prospect Julio Urias makes his flashy Topps Chrome debut amid high expectations as a future staff ace. Refractors showcasing core players from championship contending franchises are always desirable acquisitions.
The 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball set resonated with collectors thanks to the exciting rookie class, highlights of established stars, and opportunity to own cards featuring logos and designs from a World Series winner in Cubs refractors. From short printed parallels to autographed prizms, the set housed some true gem cards that will retain their luster with collectors for years to come. For those chasing the very best the hobby has to offer, 2016 Topps Chrome provided shining examples across the entire checklist in its magnetizing chrome visual style.
