The 2014 Topps baseball card set saw the emergence of several young superstar players who would go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. While it may be too early to declare any 2014 rookies as definite shoe-ins for Cooperstown, certain cards from that year featuring players like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Mookie Betts have already proven to be valuable long-term investments. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable cards collectors scrambled to get their hands on back in 2014, and why they continue to hold significant worth today.
Easily the most sought after rookie card from the 2014 Topps set was Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s base card. Widely considered one of the best all-around players of his generation, Trout had already won an MVP award in 2012 just two years into his career. While still very young at the time, it was abundantly clear that Trout was on a Hall of Fame trajectory. His prodigious talent combined with the near flawless condition and centering that 2014 Topps cards are known for made Trout’s rookie a collectible prized by investors. PSA 10 gem mint copies often sell for well over $1000 today, showing that it remains one of the safest long-term investments from the past decade of the hobby.
Another exceptionally valuable star-studded rookie from 2014 was that of Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Already a perennial Cy Young candidate by 2014, Kershaw’s future first-ballot Hall of Fame candidacy was practically a lock despite having yet to win his first championship. Like Trout, Kershaw possesses a rare combination of sustained excellence, youth, and a clean Topps design that guarantees his rookie card demand persists. High-grade Kershaw rookies in the $400-500 range demonstrate why he remains a blue-chip commodity for collectors.
While rookies tend to drive the hobby, established superstars can also yield valuable cards. Such was the case with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig’s base card in 2014. Having already made a massive impact since his call-up the previous season, Puig mania was in full effect. His energetic play combined with off-the-field antics like bat flips made him one of baseball’s most polarizing figures. This notoriety translated to strong demand for his Topps issue. PSA 10 Puig rookies have doubled in value, finding buyers in the $150 range in today’s market.
Rookies were not the only young breakouts gaining traction in 2014. Boston Red Sox center fielder Mookie Betts had started to blossom after being called up late in the 2013 season. While still unproven, Betts possessed elite skills and was a major part of Boston’s growing core. His allure has only strengthened with years of stellar all-around play culminating in an MVP award in 2018. As a result, high-grade Betts rookies from 2014 have increased tremendously in value, with PSA 10s selling for over $300 to enthusiastic PC collectors and investors betting on his eventual Hall of Fame induction.
Superfractor parallels were one of the hottest subsets in the 2014 Topps release. Featuring serial numbers less than 10 copies produced, these hyper rare 1/1 Superfractor variants of the set’s biggest stars created a frenzy. Unsurprisingly, the Trout and Kershaw Supers commanded astronomical prices when they first hit the market. Nearly a decade later, they remain virtually unattainable for all but the deepest of pockets among vintage cardboard connoisseurs. Another memorable Superfractor pulled was that of reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen, with PSA 10 editions valued comfortably into the thousands.
Baseball cards are ultimately driven by performance on the field translating to popularity off of it. Colombian superstar Odubel Herrera had a breakout season for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2014 after being called up the year prior. Hitting .339 over the full season’s worth of at-bats, Herrera burst onto the national scene. As a result, his rookie card saw tremendous increase in demand and value appreciation. Even graded PSA 8/9 examples routinely sell for $50-75 nowadays, well above initial issue price. While injuries have slowed his career momentum in recent years, Herrera demonstrated how breakout campaigns can imprint value onto a player’s vintage cards.
The 2013 MLB draft led to the emergence of some outstanding talents, none more heralded than University of San Diego right-hander Kris Bryant. Selected second overall by the Chicago Cubs, Bryant began tearing through minor league pitching with jaw-dropping stats after signing. As the future face of the long-suffering Cubs, collectors flocked to his 2014 Topps Pro Debut issue. A PSA 10 Bryant Pro Debut in today’s market will fetch upward of $300, cementing its status as a premiere prospect card and prized piece of Cubs history from their championship core.
While the biggest stars predictably yield the costliest vintage cardboard, sleepers from the 2014 Topps set have also shown strong appreciation. One such example is Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun’s base card. Having resurrected his reputation a couple years removed from PED suspension, Braun was once again playing at an MVP level. Several 30+ home run seasons later, and the continued smooth surfaces and attractiveness of 2014 Topps designs have caused even common Braun cards to climb to the $15-25 range. Clearly, consistent production can bolster demand for formerly affordable 90s and 2000s stars.
The future outcome of any given player’s career remains difficult to forecast. However, 2014 Topps afforded collectors an opportunity to invest in the early days of talents that have since proven destined for greatness. Factors like youth, track record, parallels and more all influence valuation. But at their core, the most valuable and sought after cards remain those attached to the most accomplished and popular ballplayers, whose sustained on-field performance nourishes cardboard nostalgia for generations to come.
