The 2007 Topps baseball card set was released in late 2006/early 2007 and contained several rookies and cards that have proven very valuable in the years since. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2007 Topps cards and analyze what has led to their increasing value in the collector market.
One of the biggest stars and most valuable rookie cards from the 2007 Topps set is Josh Hamilton. As the first overall pick in the 1999 MLB draft, Hamilton had all the tools to be a superstar but struggled mightily with substance abuse issues. He made his MLB debut in 2007 with the Cincinnati Reds after battling back from addiction and became just the 16th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. Hamilton would go on to have All-Star caliber seasons with the Reds and Angels before injuries slowed him down. His rookie card from 2007 Topps set the stage and it has done very well as an investment. Near mint copies in a PSA 10 gem mint condition have sold for over $1,000, showing the strong demand for one of the best rookie cards from the set.
Another young star whose 2007 Topps rookie card holds great value is Evan Longoria. The third overall pick in the 2006 draft, Longoria quickly proved he was a can’t-miss talent by debuting in the majors in 2008 and winning AL Rookie of the Year honors. He became a perennial All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, leading them to several postseason appearances. Longoria’s career was derailed by injuries in recent years but his accomplishments as one of the best third basemen of his generation makes his rookie card a very desirable piece for any baseball card collection. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $500, a testament to his star power and the rarity of pristine graded copies of his first Topps issue card.
Staying in the AL East, Joba Chamberlain also had an highly sought after rookie card in 2007 Topps. The prospect became a sensation with his blazing fastball and ability to overmatch hitters in his debut season split between the Yankees bullpen and rotation in 2007. His card exploded in popularity and value due to “Joba Mania,” the excitement he generated in New York. Near mint copies still sell for around $100 today because Chamberlain failed to fulfill his immense potential due to injuries. But for Yankees collectors, his is a memorable rookie issue from a time of great promise.
Moving to the National League, Cole Hamels emerged as one of baseball’s premier left-handed starters beginning in 2006 and helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series title in 2008. His superlative regular season and postseason performances that year dramatically boosted interest in his 2007 Topps rookie card. While injuries would later slow Hamels as well, PSA 10 examples are still sought after at the $150-200 price point. As a champion and one of the NL’s workhorses for over a decade, his durable career solidifies the classic rookie card as a prized piece in any collection.
A few others rookies from 2007 Topps have also shown steady appreciation due to strong MLB performances. Jered Weaver broke in as an AL West ace for the Los Angeles Angels and his near flawless mechanics led to a long, productive career. PSA 10s trade for $75-100 range. Kansas City speedster Alcides Escobar debuted in 2007 and was an integral part of their 2015 World Series title team, giving his rookie card extra cachet for Royals collectors. Graded gems sell for $50-75. Reliever Trevor Hoffman rounded out a Hall of Fame career after his rookie issue and remains one of the game’s all-time saves leaders, making near mint examples around $40-60.
While rookies get top billing, star veterans can also make valuable cards in any given year. Such is the case for a few special 2007 Topps issues. It’s the last card showing Yankees great Derek Jeter with his patented number 2, as he switched to number 6 the next season. PSA 10s command $250-350 due to his icon status. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz appears hitting left-handed, a seldom seen reverse negative image that entices variety collectors. Prices reached $150 before Ortiz’s 2017 retirement further boosted attention. And a rare Chipper Jones printing plate 1/1 never left the Topps vault until recently fetching $2,000, underscoring the Braves legend’s enduring fandom.
The high-powered rookie class of 2007 plus unique veteran variations have made several 2007 Topps baseball cards tremendously valuable in today’s market. Factors like on-field success, position scarcity, player milestones and postseason heroics have elevated the investment potential for cards showcasing talents like Josh Hamilton, Evan Longoria, Cole Hamels and others over the past decade-plus. As more players reach the Hall of Fame, demand will remain strong for their classic rookie issues and one-of-a-kind parallels from this iconic Topps series.
