The 1989 Topps Traded baseball card set is one of the most iconic and valuable traded sets ever produced. Issued midway through the 1989 MLB season, the 174 card set featured current stars, rookie cards, and Hall of Famers in new poses and uniforms from trades that occurred since the previous year’s regular Topps set. While not the most abundant traded set, the 1989 Topps Traded cards contain several highly sought after rookie cards and provide a snapshot of where players ended up after some major deals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable cards from the 1989 Topps Traded set that continue to attract attention from collectors decades later.
Ken Griffey Jr. rookie card (Card #161): Widely considered the crown jewel of the entire 1989 Topps Traded set, Griffey’s rookie card shows him in a Seattle Mariners uniform after being traded from the Cincinnati Reds in a pivotal deal. Often ranked as one of the most iconic baseball cards ever made, the Griffey rookie is in extremely high demand due to his legendary career and is one of the most valuable modern rookie cards on the market when graded and preserved nicely. PSA 10 examples have sold for well over $10,000, making this one of the essential cards for any collection.
Rickey Henderson (Card #55): Arguably the greatest leadoff hitter and base stealer of all time, Henderson’s card in a New York Yankees uniform stands out after being traded from the Oakland A’s. As one of the most prolific base stealers in MLB history, Henderson was a fan favorite player and his cards remain popular collectibles. Higher graded versions can sell for $500-$1,000 due to his Hall of Fame career spent between the A’s and Yankees primarily.
Barry Bonds (Card #13): Before emerging as the all-time home run king, Bonds was a budding superstar outfielder playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. His traded card shows him after being dealt to the San Francisco Giants, foreshadowing the incredible power numbers he would put up over the next decade wearing orange and black. Bonds’ rookie cards in general are some of the most iconic from the late 80s and this traded version is highly sought after by collectors.
Nolan Ryan (Card #104): As one of the most intimidating and accomplished pitchers in baseball history, Ryan’s 1989 Topps Traded card stands out. It features him with the Texas Rangers, continuing the legendary hurler’s later career after stops with the Mets, Angels, and Astros. Ryan’s Hall of Fame resume and the iconic “Ryan Express” persona make any of his vintage cards popular with collectors. This traded version often fetches $100-$200 in high grades.
Ozzie Smith (Card #121): Nicknamed “The Wizard” for his dazzling defensive skills, Smith was a fan favorite as the smooth-fielding shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals. His traded card depicts him after being dealt to the San Diego Padres in a pivotal move. As a 15-time Gold Glove winner and 13-time All-Star, Smith is beloved by collectors for his highlight reel plays. His traded card can sell for $75-$150 depending on condition.
Roger Clemens (Card #134): One of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, Clemens’ Red Sox tenure ended with a trade to the Toronto Blue Jays where he would win two Cy Young Awards. His power pitching made him a must-have for any collection, and this traded card captures an integral part of his Hall of Fame career. Higher graded versions often sell in the $150-$300 range.
In addition to these superstar cards, the 1989 Topps Traded set also contains valuable rookie cards for players like Barry Larkin, Randy Johnson, and Sandy Alomar Jr. It provides a unique snapshot of where many MLB players ended up after major 1988 trades. While it didn’t receive the same print run as flagship Topps sets, its memorable content and connection to a pivotal season in baseball history make the 1989 Topps Traded collection highly coveted by vintage card collectors decades later. Examples that receive high grades from services like PSA and SGC can sell for thousands when the right buyer surfaces. For fans and investors, this set from ’89 remains an essential part of the hobby.
