The 2017 Topps Baseball card set saw many of the set’s star rookies and iconic veterans gain significant value in the years since their release. As the collecting hobby continues to grow in popularity, certain cards have begun to appreciate greatly based on player performance and cultural relevance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most expensive and sought-after 2017 Topps Baseball cards on the modern market.
The absolute cream of the crop from the 2017 Topps set is undoubtedly the Aaron Judge rookie card. As a cornerstone member of the New York Yankees and 2017 American League Rookie of the Year, Aaron Judge exploded onto the scene with a mammoth 53 home run season. This earns him the top spot on our list as his flagship Topps rookie card, the #177 base card from the standard release, now fetches well over $1000 USD in Near Mint condition. Graded examples at BGS/PSA Gem Mint 10 routinely sell for multiples of that price, with one bringing in a staggering $46,000 back in April 2021. This massive price is no surprise given Judge’s superstar emergence and the Yankees franchise player status he holds.
Another rookie card that gained tremendous value was that of Cubs star Kris Bryant. As the reigning 2015 National League Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP, Bryant already had proven himself an elite player before the 2017 season. His Topps rookie from that year, card #144, has followed suit value-wise. Near Mint Bryant rookies now trade hands for $400-500 frequently online. Higher graded 10’s have reached $1000-2000 at auction. With Bryant still in his prime at only 30 years old playing for the legendary Cubs, this blue chip card seems primed to appreciate even further.
Mike Trout collectors were thrilled to see the Los Angeles Angels superstar grace the cover of the 2017 Topps series 1 pack. This rarity alone made Trout’s base card, #79, extremely hot out of the gate. Now considered one of the set’s premier “short prints,” PSA 10 Trout cover cards change hands for $800-1000. Even raw Near Mint copies sell for $300-400 without a grade. For the consensus best player in baseball today, any Trout release is destined for big numbers in the long run.
Continuing with superstar short prints, the Aaron Judge Sp-variant card #SP77 gained cult status right away as the elusive Judge short print. Only obtainable through special Walmart blaster boxes, this parallel saw immense jumps upon the Yankees slugger’s breakout campaign. Near Mint copies recently sold for $150-200 online, with a PSA 10 recently bringing a large $600 bid. Having become one of the famous “chase” cards in 2017 Topps, values will likely stay elevated for Judge’s short print parallel indefinitely.
Elsewhere in the sunken rookie card treasure trove, Cody Bellinger’s first Topps issue at #384 experienced massive appreciation the past few years. The 2019 National League MVP has cemented himself as a true superstar for the Dodgers, resulting in the Bellinger rookie trading hands for $150-200 in NM condition nowadays. Higher grades of 9-10 usually crack $300-500 easily based on recent sales. Keep an eye on this blue chip LA card to push even further upwards if Bellinger keeps raking.
One other major 2017 rookie to explode in value has been that of Astros ace Justin Verlander. Acquired midseason from Detroit, Verlander went on to dominate for Houston down the stretch and into their 2017 World Series victory. His Topps debut at #584, originally a $1-2 card, now fetches $50+ in NM-MT condition on the open market. Thanks to Verlander maintaining elite status well into his late 30’s, first year cards will stay in high demand for years to come from collectors.
Moving to veterans, one of the true gems from the 2017 set was any base card showing New York Mets ace and future Hall of Famer Jacob deGrom. With his back-to-back Cy Young wins in 2018-2019 still fresh in collectors minds, deGrom’s flagship Topps issue at #65 now trades for $50+ even in played condition. Higher grades realize $100-200 consistently in recent sales. As one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, all early deGrom cards will stand the test of time.
Other proven vets that gained tremendous newfound appreciation included Chicago Cubs stalwart Kris Bryant (#144) in the $400-500 range graded and near mint Aroldis Chapman (#386) of the Yankees fetching over $100. Dodger star Clayton Kershaw, even at the relatively young age of 29 during 2017, saw his base card #57 gain over 500% in value to the $30-40 range. And don’t sleep on Miguel Cabrera, as his #85 jumped to $15-25 based solely on his legendary career and future Hall of Fame induction.
While always a fun rip, the 2017 Topps Baseball release has proven to be a virtual gold mine for savvy long term collectors. Rookie exploits of Judge, Bellinger, Bryant and more made several practically overnight superstars. Meanwhile, serial Cy Young winners like deGrom and perennial All-Stars like Trout and Verlander showed their cards’ staying power. For those who held onto their complete sets or coveted singles, the 2017 Topps set has handily outperformed just about any other modern year in terms of appreciation and blue-chip investments realized. With several young stars’ careers still unfolding, this set’s best cards may be yet to come.
