The 2016 Topps baseball card set saw the emergence of several young star players who captured the attention of collectors. While rookie cards are usually the most sought after, veteran stars still hold value as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2016 Topps cards on the secondary market today based on PSA 10 gem mint prices.
Perhaps the most coveted 2016 Topps card is the prizm parallel of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant had a phenomenal rookie season in 2015 that culminated in NL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. Topps captured Bryant’s stardom perfectly in the prizm parallel design which features vivid colors and a refractor-like quality. In a PSA 10 gem mint grade, Bryant’s prizm card has sold for over $800 due to his popularity and on-field production. With Bryant leading the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908 in 2016, his rookie cards from that year stay in high demand.
Another Cubs young star, shortstop Addison Russell, also has one of the most valuable 2016 Topps cards. Russell’s regular base rookie is amongst the most traded cards on eBay, routinely selling for $100-150 raw. It’s Russell’s prizm parallel that really turns heads. Like Bryant’s prizm, Russell’s features brilliant colors that pop on the sidelines. The prizm parallels capture the eye of collectors and in a PSA 10 have sold for over $600. Factor in Russell’s key role on a championship Cubs team and his cards hold tremendous interest.
Staying in Chicago, White Sox rookie pitcher Carson Fulmer has one of the most sought after rookie cards from 2016 Topps. Fulmer was selected 8th overall in the 2015 draft and had a strong debut in 2016 that tantalized collectors. While he may not have the fame of Bryant or Russell, Fulmer’s on-field performance and future potential make his base rookie a hot ticket. PSA 10 examples have sold for $250 due to his status as a promising young arm. As Fulmer continues to develop, his rookie card value should steadily climb.
On the veterans side, one of the true iconic stars of 2016 was Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. After winning the 2015 Cy Young Award and pitching dominant in the 2016 playoffs, Arrieta had arguably the best campaign of his career. His 2016 Topps base card reflects his ace status and in a PSA 10 grade, routinely sells for over $150. With Arrieta being a key figure in ending the Cubs championship drought, any of his rookie or star cards remain popular pickups.
While he may be past his prime, Yankee veteran CC Sabathia still has one of the most valuable 2016 Topps base cards. Sabathia’s status as a former Cy Young winner and long time Yankee puts emphasis on any of his vintage cards. In a PSA 10, his 2016 Topps card has sold upwards of $125 due to his strong brand and baseball pedigree. For Yankee collectors especially, snatching a pristine Sabathia rookie or star card is always a worthwhile addition to their collection.
Two rising stars that truly burst onto the scene and captured Topps collectors in 2016 were Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Gary Sanchez of the Yankees. Seager, only in his first full season, led the Dodgers to the NL West title while smashing 26 home runs and winning NL Rookie of the Year. His2016 Topps base rookie in a PSA 10 currently sells for over $250 due to his immediate success. Meanwhile, Sanchez exploded onto the Yankee scene with 20 home runs in just 53 games, launching his way to becoming a fan favorite. His impressive rookie campaign has made his base 2016 Topps rookie reach $225 in PSA 10 condition. With both Seager and Sanchez still young and improving, their rookie cards seem poised to exponentially rise in value in the coming years.
Of course, one of the most legendary players of his generation had perhaps the most prized 2016 Topps card – Mariano Rivera. In his final season and on the heels of being unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame, Rivera was honored everywhere, including by Topps. His base card in PSA 10 condition currently reaches highest end prices of $350 due to his iconic career and status as the greatest closer of all-time. Few players can match Rivera’s on-field achievements, making any of his Topps cards highly coveted memorabilia for collectors.
The 2016 Topps baseball card set featured many young stars who are poised to have Hall of Fame careers like Bryant, Russell and Seager. It also paid homage to veterans at the height of their powers or winding down iconic runs like Arrieta, Sabathia and Rivera. For collectors, targeting PSA 10 gem mint examples of these prized rookies or veterans provides an investment that seems virtually guaranteed to hold and increase value over time as the players’ legends grow. The 2016 season gave Topps many unforgettable stories to capture for the collectibles marketplace.
