The 2017 Topps baseball card set featured several rookies and star players that have cards from that year now holding strong value. released in late winter/early spring of 2017, the flagship Topps series is one of the most popular issues from the modern era thanks to a loaded rookie class and inclusion of big names. While it may be too early to truly know which 2017 Topps cards will become the most coveted long term, there are already several that stand out as solid investments or hold meaningful value for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2017 Topps baseball cards worth focusing on that could make owners money down the road.
One of the biggest stories from the 2017 season was Aaron Judge’s record-setting rookie campaign with the New York Yankees. Judge smacked 52 home runs to set the new rookie record, playing a huge role in the Yankees returning to the postseason. Not surprisingly, his top rookie card from 2017 Topps is one of the set’s most expensive. The Aaron Judge topps chrome refractor rookie card #US250 often sells for $100+ in mint/near mint condition. The iconic photo and his huge breakout year make this one of the clear standouts from the set. While Judge has experienced some sophomore slump struggles, his rookie success and marketability to Yankee fans ensures this will remain a coveted card for years. Other Judge rookies like his mainstream base rookie are also worth a couple dozen dollars or more.
Another rookie slugger who had a huge first impression was Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers. While he doesn’t have the name recognition of Judge, Bellinger swatted 39 home runs as a rookie and helped lead the Dodgers to back-to-back NL pennants. His Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie #US300 often sells in the $75-100 range in strong condition. Even Bellinger’s base Topps rookie card has held value around $20-30. With continued strong play in tough LA market, Bellinger’s cards could appreciate well as he develops a career. His rookie cards remain solid holds especially for Dodgers collectors.
Staying in Los Angeles, one of the set’s most iconic veteran cards is Clayton Kershaw’s base issue. The Three-time Cy Young winner and longtime Dodger ace is one of the faces of the game, and #82 remains one of the most identifiable player cards in the modern era. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples often sell in the $50-75+ range. While injury has slowed him at times the past few years, when healthy Kershaw remains one of MLB’s most dominant starting pitchers which should continue driving interest in his cards long term. Other star Dodger veterans like Corey Seager who’ve experienced postseason success also command respectable prices in higher grades.
Star Chicago Cubs have always held collector appeal, and franchise cornerstone third baseman Kris Bryant made his Topps debut in 2017. Bryant won NL MVP in 2016 and continued producing at an All-Star level in 2017-18. His base rookie card remains a steady $15-25 while the top Kris Bryant Topps Chrome Blue Refractor RC #99B often reaches $50-75+ in pristine condition. With sustained star caliber play Bryant has staying power, and his cards should appreciate alongside the Cubs continued success or if he’s traded to another big market team. Other young Chicago stars like shortstop Addison Russell also have upward momentum on higher graded examples of their respective rookies from this set as they develop.
Beyond the huge name rookies, 2017 Topps had a loaded group of potential one-year wonders who broke out but have since cooled off. Players like Gleyber Torres, Cody Bellinger, Rhys Hoskins, Andrew Benintendi and more all had huge rookie campaigns in 2017 that caused their cards to spike initially. While some have tapered off a bit statistically since, their rookie cards have maintained $10-25+ price points in top condition thanks to huge debut years. If any rebound to recapture that magic, their 2017 Topps rookies could see another price bump. Meanwhile, the cards of players who have stayed consistent like Ozzie Albies, Willie Calhoun and others remain solid investments around the $5-15 range.
Top veteran pitchers who were entering or solidifying their primes in 2017 like Corey Kluber, Chris Sale, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander also command respectable values across the board from $5-25+ in higher grades. Perennial stars and budding young aces are always safe bets, and those names in particular have track records of elite performance that will drive long term collector and investor interest in their 2017 issues if maintained. Popular young stars like Francisco Lindor, Mookie Betts and other prominent faces of the league carry strong value potentials from this release. Name recognition and sustained success is key to appreciating cards long term.
Taking a broader look, beyond key rookies and stars 2017 Topps also included highly sought short prints and parallels that can hold immense value. Rare SP and printing plate cards of stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper or rookies selling for hundreds to thousands depending on the player and specific parallel. Condition sensitive refractors, prisms, and serial numbered or autograph parallels are the longshots most apt to experience exponential price growth matching the ascension of featured players careers. While it’s impossible to project the next true breakout star, higher end short prints and serials hold the biggest upside financial potential from this release if features players turn into household names.
While it’s still relatively early the 2017 Topps baseball release has proven to hold many worthwhile long term investment and collection cards centered around stars like Judge, Bryant, Bellinger and elite veterans. Maintaining the cards of top young talents and aces in higher grades is advisable. The short prints and parallels also carry enormous valuation ranges depending on the players’ eventual outcomes. Overall 2017 Topps is one of the more intriguing modern sets to watch appreciate over coming years as careers progress and rarer inserts increase in desirability. Patience and focusing on proven performance and marketability will serve collectors best with this release.
