The 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball set is considered one of the best modern releases from Topps. Chrome is a popular annual parallel issue of Topps’s standard flagship release that features shiny refractors instead of the traditional paper cards. The 2017 edition contained several highly coveted rookie cards and big star cards that have held and increased in value since release. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball.
One of the most desired rookie cards from the set is that of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Lewis Brinson (card #41). Brinson was one of baseball’s top prospects and there was big hype around his potential. While he has had some ups and downs in the majors so far, his rookie card remains very popular. Low-numbered refractors and parallels of his card consistently fetch over $100. Another rookie to watch is Cincinnati Reds two-way player Michael Lorenzen (card #281). Though primarily a pitcher, Lorenzen also plays outfield and can hit with power. His versatility makes his rookie card quite intriguing to collectors.
Two rookies who immediately made big impacts in 2017 and their cards have exploded in value accordingly are Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers (card #111) and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees (card #283). Bellinger won NL Rookie of the Year after mashing 39 home runs. HisChrome rookie is among the most expensive from the set, with high-grade versions reaching into the thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, Judge’s record-setting rookie season that included 52 homers took the baseball world by storm. Low-numbered parallels of his Topps Chrome rookie have broken records, selling for over $10,000.
Moving beyond the rookies, 2017 Topps Chrome had plenty of big stars and highlights as well. Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant (card #73) is a reigning MVP and cornerstone of the franchise. His refractors hold steady value in the $50-100 range. Reigning NL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals is featured on card #238. As one of the game’s premier pitchers, his cards are always in demand. Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a longtime ace and three-time Cy Young winner, appears on card #99. Low-numbered Kershaw cards can reach hundreds due to his legendary status.
Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is arguably the best player in baseball today. His card #256 from 2017 Topps Chrome is an absolute must-have for any collection. Even basic Trout refractors sell for $40-50 minimum due to his incomparable abilities and marketability. Fellow superstar Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals, who has an MVP under his belt as well, is on card #209. Harper is still chasing his ultimate potential but remains one of the faces of MLB. Star power like this helps drive interest in the set year after year.
The chase for the elusive 1/1 parallel proved exciting as always with 2017 Topps Chrome. Pulling a true one-of-one refractor is the ultimate thrill and scores massive dollars. Some highlights include a 1/1 green refractor of Nationals phenom Juan Soto (card #286) that brought over $3,000 at auction. There was also a prized 1/1 gold refractor of NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon of the Colorado Rockies (card #163) that sold for around $1,500. Even less heralded players received big bids when hit as the sole parallel.
In addition to the base Chrome issue, Topps also released higher-end parallel and memorabilia sets associated with 2017. The most costly and illustrious was 2017 Topps Chrome MLS, which featured one memorabilia card or autograph per box on average. Stars like Judge, Bellinger, Kershaw, and Trout appeared often here in low print runs that made each card exceptionally rare and valuable. Another premium tier was 2017 Topps Chrome Draft Day, which highlighted players selected in that year’s amateur draft with memorabilia autographs. Both sets offered alluring chase cards for the most avid collectors.
In summary, 2017 Topps Chrome Baseball proved to have incredible staying power and produced some true heavyweight rookie cards that will be followed for years. The combination of stars, prospects and hit parallels made it compelling from release through the present day. While prices have risen greatly for the most desired cards, values remain strong across the set as a whole. For those who cracked packs or purchased boxes back in 2017, it’s safe to say Topps Chrome delivered some incredible long-term keepsakes and potential investments.
