Tag Archives: 2016

2016 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Chrome baseball card set was released in late July of 2016 as the flagship Chrome product from Topps. Chrome sets have become hugely popular annual releases that utilize high-quality photograph technology to produce card images with a shiny, reflective finish resembling polished chrome. The 2016 Topps Chrome set continues the tradition of showcasing the biggest stars and top rookies of Major League Baseball through innovative photography and cutting-edge design.

Some key facts and details about the 2016 Topps Chrome baseball card set:

The base card set contains 366 total cards featuring players and managers from all 30 MLB teams. This includes updated rosters from after the mid-season July trading deadline.

Popular repeat refractors and parallels are included such as the traditional Chrome Refractor parallel available at a 1-in-10 packs odds. These have intricate swirls and intricate patterns making the images pop even more.

Top rookies receive special treatment with Topps Chrome Rookie Autographs and Patch cards available at extremely low print runs. Corey Seager, Trevor Story, and Tyler Glasnow were some of the most sought-after rookie cards in the set.

Veterans and fan-favorites like Clayton Kershaw, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Noah Syndergaard grace the base set along with dozens of productive all-stars. Having the biggest names drives collector demand year after year.

Design remains largely consistent with a clean white border surrounding each full bleed photograph. Name and team logo appear above with the 2016 Topps logo subtlety below. Slight design tweaks are made each season to keep things feeling fresh.

Parallels and specialInsert sets include the always popular Chrome Cardinals, Chrome Traditions with historical photos, and Chrome Prospects highlighting top minor league talent. These offer variation and collecting challenges beyond the base cards.

Insert sets within hobby boxes provide additional authenticated memorabilia relic cards from today’s top players. These include pieces of jerseys, bats, caps or other unique equipment certified authentic by MLB.

Autograph chasing is a big part of theChrome excitement. Ranging from simple on-card autos to rare triple logo- swatch 1/1 parallels, finding a hit from a favorite team or player is always a thrill. Superfractors are the ultimate short print autographs.

Price points for the product increased slightly from prior years with hobby boxes available for around $85-100 due to rising MLBPA licensing fees. But box breaks, blaster packs and retail hangers still provide affordable collecting options compared to decades past.

Overall design, quality, and collector experiences maintained Topps Chrome’s standing as one of the leading flagship releases on the annual baseball card calendar and highly attractive to both traders and investors. Strong aftermarket resale holds value for years to come.

While the 2016 Topps Chrome base set photo subjects have already changed teams or retired in many cases, the cards themselves remain a snapshot of that particular baseball season. For collectors, putting together the 366-card base set provides a time capsule to revisit the rosters and talent from five years ago. Add in the various parallels, inserts, and autographed rookie cards and you have a true showcase of the 2016 MLB year through vibrant Chrome photography. From flagship products to value offerings, Topps fulfilled its mission of providing affordable and high-end accessibility to fans and collectors of all budgets. The 2016 Topps Chrome baseball card set endures as another highly regarded annual release in the multi-decade tradition of Topps Chrome.

2016 CUBS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Chicago Cubs baseball team made baseball history by breaking their 108-year World Series championship drought. Their dominant season resulted in highly sought after trading cards that year. Let’s take an in-depth look at the most notable 2016 Cubs cards:

The flagship rookie card for the Cubs that year was Kyle Schwarber’s Topps Chrome RC. As a promising power hitter who played a big role in the Cubs’ playoff run in 2015 before getting injured, Schwarber’s debut rookie card carried significant hype. While injuries hampered his 2016 season, his card remained one of the most popular Cubs RCs to collect. Another rookie standout was starter Kyle Hendricks. His 2016 Topps Chrome RC showed promise for his developing pitching skills and it gained value as he solidified his spot in the Cubs’ rotation in subsequent years.

Of course, the biggest star on the team was third baseman Kris Bryant. After winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2015, Bryant’s sophomore season cards captured the anticipation of him stepping into a superstar role. His 2016 Topps Series 1 base card became a flagship item for any Cubs PC, while parallels and short printed versions command premium prices. The prized 2016 Gypsy Queen Kris Bryant auto remains a ultra-expensive card years later. Donruss Optic also featured a popular Kris Bryant RC auto relic parallel in 2016.

Coming off his NL MVP award in 2015, Bryant’s teammate Anthony Rizzo’s cards in 2016 took on added significance as he emerged as a team leader. Rizzo’s Topps Update base card showed him celebrating on the field and it became a popular Cubs card to own. Rizzo also had sought after 2016 Topps Stadium Club chrome autos and parallels that held value well. Another offensive force, veteran slugger Ben Zobrist played a crucial role in the Cubs’ championship and his 2016 Update and Stadium Club cards gained recognition from collectors.

On the mound, 24-year old fireballer Aroldis Chapman joined the Cubs at the trade deadline and brought excitement as the new closer. While injuries limited his playoff impact, his Cubs debut fueled interest in his 2016 Topps Update and Donruss Optic refractors and parallels. Fellow reliever Hector Rondon also shined in the late innings and his 2016 Stadium Club chrome autos were hot Cubs cards. Starting pitcher Jon Lester anchored the rotation as the staff ace and veteran leader. His 2016 Topps and Bowman autos built on his established star power.

Of course, no article on 2016 Cubs cards would be complete without discussing the legendary retirement season of pitcher Jake Arrieta. After winning the Cy Young Award in 2015, Arrieta posted another stellar year and his playoff dominance led the Cubs to the title. Arrieta’s 2016 Topps Series 1 base card gained recognition as a prized piece of Cubs history. Rare Arrieta autos and rookie cards from prior years skyrocketed in value too. For Cubs diehards, Arrieta will always be remembered as a huge part of ending the century-long drought.

The 2016 Cubs team cards celebrated one of the greatest seasons in franchise history and the ending of a legendary championship drought. Key rookies, stars and veterans from that championship core like Bryant, Rizzo, Arrieta and more will forever have their player cards enshrined in Cubs card history. Even years later, 2016 remains one of the most collected seasons for any Cubs baseball cards as fans look to commemorate the long awaited World Series title.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO INVEST IN 2016

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With the baseball season in full swing, many collectors are looking to the hot prospects and rising stars of the game as potential long-term investments in the baseball card market. While iconic vintage cards from the 1950s and 1960s will always hold value, today’s savvy collectors are focusing on cards of current players who have breakout potential. Some analysts are even predicting a rebound in the baseball card market overall in 2016. With that in mind, here are some of the best baseball cards to consider investing in for this year and beyond:

Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Picks Refractors #66) – Widely considered the best all-around player in baseball today, Trout has already cemented himself as a future first-ballot Hall of Famer despite only being 24 years old. His rare 2009 rookie card from Bowman Chrome is one of the key chase cards on the market. Only 99 copies of the refractors version were produced, and gem mint copies have already started to eclipse the $10,000 price point. With Trout in the prime of his career and signed long-term with the Angels, his cards should continue appreciating significantly for years to come.

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals (2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Picks Refractors #88) – Like Trout, Harper has established himself as a true five-tool superstar at a very young age (23). Also limited to just 99 copies produced, Harper’s prized rookie refractors from Bowman Chrome have already more than doubled in value over the past year. He’s signed through the 2018 season in D.C. and could push Trout for the mantle of best player in baseball before long. Condition-sensitive Harper rookies are a sound portfolio addition.

Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox (2014 Topps Update #US-MB) – Betts exploded onto the scene in 2015 by winning the American League batting title at age 22 while playing stellar defense in right field for the World Series champs. He’s signed through 2020 and is poised for superstardom. His affordable 2014 Update rookie is primed to appreciate significantly as Betts’ career blossoms. Look for a price spike if he wins AL MVP this season.

Corey Seager, Los Angeles Dodgers (2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP90) – Widely considered a can’t-miss prospect coming up through the Dodgers system, the 21-year-old Seager has wasted no time proving it in the majors. His slick defense at shortstop and advanced hitting skills have him looking like a perennial All-Star. The prized 2015 Bowman Chrome rookie is still under $100 but should multiply in value as Seager locks down the Dodgers position for years to come.

Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs (2015 Topps #373) – After winning NL Rookie of the Year honors in 2015 while helping to lead the Cubs’ revival, Bryant looks poised for superstardom on baseball’s biggest stage in Chicago. His affordable flagship Topps rookie card is an easy addition for any portfolio. With his five-tool skills and the Cubs’ World Series aspirations, Bryant’s star will only continue rising.

Carlos Correa, Houston Astros (2015 Topps #373) – The first overall pick in the 2012 draft, Correa has quickly developed into a cornerstone player for the improving Astros at just 21 years old. His slick defense and mature approach at the plate have drawn comparisons to a young Derek Jeter. The affordable 2015 Topps rookie is a bargain for such a polished young talent who could be collecting hardware for years in Houston.

Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets (2015 Topps Update #US-NS) – “Thor” has burst onto the scene as one of the most dominating pitchers in baseball in his first full season. The sheer power of his right arm has drawn comparisons to a young Randy Johnson. His affordable 2015 Update rookie is a great long-term play on continued success with the Mets. Look for his card values to spike if he wins the NL Cy Young in the coming years.

Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians (2015 Topps Update #US-FL) – Still just 22, Lindor has already established himself as one of the premier young shortstops in baseball. His combination of slick defense, speed, and a polished hitting approach have him looking like a perennial All-Star for years to come in Cleveland. His affordable 2015 Update rookie is poised for big returns as Lindor’s star continues rising.

Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves (2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP60) – The number one overall pick in the 2015 draft, Swanson rocketed through the minors to make his MLB debut by the end of the season. He immediately showed polished all-around skills that have the Braves viewing him as their shortstop of the future. His rare rookie cards from 2015 Bowman Chrome are still very affordable but should multiply in value quickly as Swanson establishes himself in Atlanta.

Julio Urias, Los Angeles Dodgers (2015 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP100) – Still just 19 years old, Urias has already made a successful jump to the majors thanks to his advanced pitching skills. He looks poised to become the Dodgers’ new ace in short order. His rare 2015 Bowman Chrome rookie cards are bargains now but should explode in value over the next few years as Urias dominates hitters who are often five or more years his senior.

While vintage stars like Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams will always hold cachet, today’s savvy collectors are looking to invest in the emerging stars who are just starting to make their mark. Young talents like Trout, Harper, Betts, Bryant, Correa, Syndergaard, Lindor, Swanson, and Urias represent the best opportunities to get in early on future Hall of Famers and accumulate cards that could appreciate significantly over the long run. With strong performances on the field in 2016, any of these players could see a major spike in the value of their rookie cards. Collectors positioning themselves now stand to earn big returns by getting in ahead of the curve on baseball’s next generation of stars.

MOST EXPENSIVE 2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps baseball card set saw some truly extraordinary cards exchange hands at elevated prices, with several rookie cards and autograph cards eclipsing the $10,000 mark. The 2016 season marked notable debuts from prospects who would go on to stardom like Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Michael Fulmer of the Tigers. It also featured the final Topps cards of legends like Ichiro Suzuki before retirement. All of these factors contributed to several highly coveted rookie and star cards emerging from the 2016 Topps set as heavy hitters in the vintage baseball card resale market.

Perhaps the most expensive 2016 Topps card is the Gold Label parallel of rookie phenom Corey Seager’s base card. Seager won 2016 NL Rookie of the Year honors with the Dodgers and has become a perennial All-Star. The extreme scarcity of the parallel 1-of-1 Gold Label variant skyrocketed its value. In January 2021, one of these ultra-rare Seager rookies sold for a staggering $29,995 via Goldin Auctions. It remains one of the costliest cards ever printed from any modern set due to Seager’s elite status and the parallel’s shocking rarity.

Another rookie who has become a superstar, Michael Fulmer, also has a highly valuable 2016 Topps card. Fulmer won AL Rookie of the Year in 2016 with a breakout season for the Detroit Tigers. His Topps rookie autograph card, serial numbered to only 99 copies, has sold for amounts approaching $10,000. Similarly, rookie cards of established young stars Corey Kluber, Trevor Story, and Gary Sanchez command $1,000-5,000 based on their early career success and likelihood to become Hall of Fame candidates someday.

Veteran superstars with nearing end-of-career status also saw inflated 2016 Topps card values. For example, one of the last Topps cards featuring Ichiro Suzuki in a Mariners uniform before retiring sold on eBay for nearly $10,000 in 2020, showing the Japanese legend’s enduring collectible appeal. Meanwhile, David Ortiz cards from his final season with the Boston Red Sox routinely sell for $2,000-5,000 each. The fact that 2016 would prove to be Big Papi’s swan song added immense value to any of his flagship rookie or star Topps cards from that year.

Two other very expensive 2016 Topps cards come from Los Angeles Dodgers superstars. A pink parallel version of Clayton Kershaw’s base card is among the rarest in the entire set, with an edition numbering around only 100 copies. It has sold above the $4,000 mark. Meanwhile, rookie cards of future NL MVP Cody Bellinger have approached $1,000 due to his stardom for the storied Dodgers franchise and early Cooperstown potential. Bellinger and Kershaw are amongst the most popular collectibles for Dodger fans worldwide.

The 2016 Topps baseball card set showcased emerging young stars and legendary veterans alike. Rookie cards of players like Seager, Fulmer, and Bellinger who would achieve instant MLB fame drove the set’s values extremely high. Meanwhile, Ichiro, Ortiz, and Kershaw cards gained collectible prominence as some of the last of their iconic careers. This perfect storm of debuting talent and established names nearing retirement made the 2016 Topps series a veritable gold mine for savvy vintage collectors and dealers in subsequent years. The rookies have only continued their stellar careers to further boost demand, while appreciation for the legends is eternal.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2016 Topps baseball card set was the 65th complete base set release from Topps and featured designs, rookies, variations and inserts that made it a highly coveted collection for both players and investors. The set was released in March 2016 and contained 60 cards each for all 30 MLB teams, totaling 2016 commons. It featured dozens of inserts, parallels, short prints, autographs and memorabilia cards that increased the challenge of completing the entire release.

One notable aspect of the 2016 Topps design was the return to a traditional fixed-photo look after several years of creative photo variations. The large 3.5″ x 2.5″ cards featured a headshot of the player against a solid color background in their team’s colors. Stats and career highlights were listed on the back along with trademarks of the Rookie Cup for first year players and All-Star logos for those who participated in the 2015 Midsummer Classic. While a more classic look, the clean design focused attention cleanly on the photography and allowed parallels to stand out more distinctly.

Key rookies and prospects featured included shortstops Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Dansby Swanson of the Braves, outfielders Nomar Mazara of the Rangers and Tyler Naquin of the Indians. Several had hits early and added demand to their base rookies and Topps Chrome refractors. Masahiro Tanaka’s first Topps Yankees card also created buzz as he emerged as the ace of their staff. Veterans making their MLB debut with a new team like Ian Desmond’s first Rockies card were also noteworthy additions to collectors.

Parallels were where the 2016 Topps set truly shined with its record-setting variety of parallel and short print versions of the base cards. The flagship parallels included Gold Foil (#/2016), Silver Pack (#/150), Red Foil (#/50) and Blue Foil (#/25). More parallels found in retail and hobby boxes included Camo, Rainbow Foil, Sepia and others numbered to smaller print runs that added scarcity. Retail-exclusive “Walmart” parallels were also introduced for the first time further adding to completion demands.

Topps Chrome, the premium refractor parallel counterpart to the base paper set, featured even more parallel options like Black, Spectrum Chrome, Purple, Orange and Green refractor variants. The 1/1 superfractor parallel became must-have chase cards on prospect rookies. Additional high-end inserts exclusive to hobby boxes like Topps Heritage Minors and Archives Signature Series autographs provided dedicated collectors countless chase cards at every collector level.

As the industry transitioned away from printed checklists, Topps introduced an innovative Master Checklist set format. Featuring a design paying homage to early Topps baseball issues from the 1950s and ’60s, subsets broke the massive checklist down into more manageable collector-friendly pieces that were inserted throughout the season-long release. The Master Checklist format became a beloved fan favorite in the years since. The 2016 installment included subsets focused on retired players from past Topps eras and rookie stars of tomorrow.

While the base card designs and available parallels provided depth, the 2016 Topps set also featured many dynamic and popular inserts outside the base checklist. Leading the way were the larger 3.5″ x 5″ Topps NOW real-time reaction cards featuring dramatic recent performances. Dozens were inserted through the season, including Cubs’ Jake Arrieta’s no-hitter and Indians’ Corey Kluber’s 20-strikeout game. Other Topps NOWs even captured postseason performances that became some of the set’s most valuable chase cards.

Additional inserts ranged from fun and nostalgic retro custom “Damaged” and woodgrain “Archive” cards to prestigious Diamond Anniversary tributes to the Topps brand. Sets paid homage to both the current stars as well as past greats with Flashback insert subsets to the 1965, 1975 and 1985 Topps designs. Miniaturized “Minis” inserts and sepia “T206-style” cards rounded out some of the most notable and collectible insert offerings. The vast variety made 2016 Topps one of the most comprehensive and rewarding sets to chase in recent years across all collecting levels.

In the years since, key cards from the 2016 Topps release have proven to be great long-term investments. Corey Seager and Dansby Swanson’s coveted rookie cards have held and increased in value considerably as they’ve developed into young stars. Autographs, relics and parallels of top rookie classes consistently trade hands among collectors. Popular inserts featuring players from the record-setting home run season like Kris Bryant, future MVPs like Jose Altuve and rookie standouts top the want lists of today’s collectors.

With its classic yet creative designs, record parallels and deep inserts focused on both modern stars and vintage throwbacks, Topps outdid themselves with the 2016 baseball release. It delivered everything serious collectors looked for in an annual set and established itself as a true “collect ’em all” challenge. The depth, quality and memorability of its contributions to the hobby seven years later make the 2016 Topps base set an undeniable benchmark year that will stand the test of time for dedicated collectors. Its complete set combines the builds of their single-year rosters into a lasting chronicle of iconic MLB talent during a truly memorable campaign.

The 2016 Topps baseball card release featured iconic rookies, record-breaking parallels, fun and nostalgic inserts and masterful overall set design that made it a beloved and rewarding complete collection for players and investors alike. Its mix of contemporary stars, retro throwbacks and investment-worthy chase cards established it as one of the premier Topps releases of the modern era. Several years later, its significance and collectibility continue to grow among dedicated baseball card collectors.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2016 Topps Baseball Card Set continues Topps’ long-standing tradition of bringing collectors high-quality cardboard and memorable baseball moments from the previous season. The 2016 checklist included various inserts and parallels to appeal to collector interests at different levels. Let’s take an in-depth look at the main set and some of the insert variations collectors searched for.

The 2016 Topps base set included cards #1-329 and featured all living major and minor league players from the 2015 season, as well as retired stars, managers, and executives. Topps again opted for a bordered design with vivid team color accents, player photos on a solid color background, and text kept to a minimum allowing the visuals to shine. Like in recent years, Topps included short write-ups on each player card highlighting stats and accomplishments from the prior season.

Topps also produced multiple parallel and insert sets within the 2016 release. The most sought-after red parallel variants included one red foil card in every 24 pack box. This 1:24 ratio made the reds exciting chase cards for collectors. Additional parallels included Gold (#/2016), Black (#/150), Star Wars (#/75), and Printing Plates (#1/1).

Several inserts examined specific aspects of the game. Topps Archives Flashback cards paid tribute to classic designs from the 1980s and 1990s. Heritage Minors recalled the look of vintage minor league sets. Stadium Club threw back to the ultra-premium cards of the 90s with sharp on-card photos on a textured stock.

Topps also celebrated milestones with special insert sets. Their Legends of the Game insert recognized players who reached career marks in 2015. This included Todd Helton’s 2500th hit and Chipper Jones’ Hall of Fame induction. An All-Star Game subset highlighted players who stood out during the midsummer classic.

Rookies and prospects received extended treatment with Topps Series 1 and Series 2 Rookies inserts. This provided an early look at the next wave of young stars. Topps Prospects cards teased anticipated future impact performers who had yet to debut in the majors such as Corey Seager and Julio Urias.

For autograph cards, Topps offered three core autographed sets – Diamond Collection, Gypsy Queen, and Bowman Sterling. Diamond Collection pulled ex-players out of retirement for on-card signatures reminiscent of their playing days. Gypsy Queen incorporated wood grain borders and a retro look paying homage to vintage tobacco cards. Meanwhile, Bowman Sterling flashed brushed metal accents fitting the brand’s tradition of highlighting prospects.

Topps also rolled out special subsets recognizing individual clubs. Bronx Bombers called out the Yankees’ storied history. Boston Strong remembered the Red Sox 2013 World Series win following the Boston Marathon bombings. Additionally, Turn Back the Clock took a fun approach reviving 1980s designs for all 30 MLB teams.

Although baseball cards now compete with a host of digital entertainment, Topps proved once again that collecting cardboard still holds appeal. The 2016 mix of classic designs, star players, rookies, parallels and inserts touched on aspects fans find engaging both visually and statistically. Whether completing the base set or seeking specific short prints, the 2016 Topps checklist gave collectors many exciting avenues to build or enhance their collections and memories from another season. The combination of traditional and innovative elements showed Topps’ dedication to serving the baseball card community while periodically injecting fresh nostalgia.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 2016 Topps Baseball card series featured some of the game’s biggest stars and top prospects. Like every year, certain rare and coveted rookie cards stood out from the rest as having the most long term potential value. While in-demand veteran cards also commanded higher prices. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 2016 Topps set’s most valuable cards based around rarity, player performance and historical value trends.

Leading the way is the prized black border parallel rookie card of Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger. Only available as serial numbered to 10 copies, Bellinger’s explosive rookie season that saw him claim NL Rookie of the Year honors skyrocketed the value of this uber-rare parallel. Fetching up upwards of $5,000 in gem mint condition, it’s clear Bellinger has stamped this as one of the most desirable 2016 rookie cards.

Another Dodgers rookie standout, shortstop Corey Seager also had an impressive black border parallelSerial numbered to just 5 copies, Seager’s dominance as a rookie All-Star and his career trajectory point to this as a true blue chip specimen. Seager black borders routinely bring in over $3,000 in top grades.

Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant had an outstanding sophomore campaign in helping lead his team to a World Series title. His silver pack rookie parallel numbered to only 25 copies exploded in value. Bryant silvers trade hands for $800-1,200, showing he has staying power as one of the game’s best young players.

Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto took the MLB by storm as a teenager in 2018. His 2016 Topps Update Chrome green refractor rookie parallel offers a rare early Soto card available in ultra-low single digit population numbers. Green Soto rookies command $500-800 based on his immediate superstardom.

Boston Red Sox lefty reliever Joe Kelly had a breakout 2016 season that carried over to playoff heroics during their 2018 championship run. Early career RCs like his Topps Update Blue Refractor parallel numbered to /25 saw a boost. Kelly blues trade in the $300-500 range.

Another former Dodger now thriving elsewhere is Milwaukee Brewers slugger Travis Shaw. His Topps Update Silver Pack parallel rookie numbered to only 50 copies has maintained strong demand. Shaw silvers consistently hit between $150-250 given his solid offensive production.

Future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw remains the face of the Dodgers franchise and one of the game’s best pitchers.Early parallels like his Topps Update Green Refractor numbered to a tiny population of /5 hold significantcollector interest. When a Kershaw green hits the market, expect prices north of $250.

Top prospects in 2016 like Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. also have 2016 cards that jumped in demand after breaking out in full. Guerrero’s Topps Update Orange Refractor RC /50 and Acuna’s Topps Update Silver Pack parallel /50 regularly sell for $150-200 long term holds.

Several veterans delivered All-Star caliber seasons in 2016 that maintained strong demand for their base rookies cards as well. These include Cards’ Matt Carpenter,Indians’ Francisco Lindor and Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo. Each of their flagship RCs trade in the $50-100 range.

As with any collectible genre, condition and scarcity play heavily into the long term value of 2016 Topps cards. But for those featuring players who went on to shine the brightest, the combination of on-field success and limited print runs has made cards like Bellinger, Seager, Bryant and Soto true blue chip modern gems in the 2016 Topps baseball series. Strong future performance by any of these young stars will only serve to increase demand and prices tenfold in years to come.

2016 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Bowman baseball card set was one of the most anticipated card releases of the year. As one of the flagship baseball card sets released annually by Topps, Bowman is known for featuring prospects and young stars just starting their professional careers. The 2016 edition continued this tradition and gave collectors their first card featuring some of baseball’s next generation of superstars.

Some of the top rookies and prospects highlighted in the 2016 Bowman set included future stars like Corey Seager of the Dodgers, Alex Bregman of the Astros, Dansby Swanson of the Diamondbacks, and Tyler Glasnow of the Pirates. All four would go on to become integral parts of their team’s cores within a few years. Seager won Rookie of the Year in 2016 and helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series. Bregman has been a star for Houston since debuting in 2016. Swanson has been a fixture for Atlanta since being acquired in a blockbuster trade. Glasnow emerged as the Pirates ace after being one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.

In addition to featuring rookie cards of future stars, Bowman sets are also known for including very rare and valuable autograph and memorabilia cards. The 2016 edition contained several inserts that provided collectors a chance to pull cards with autographs or memorabilia from some of the best young talent in the game. Some of the highly sought after “hit” cards from 2016 Bowman included prospects like Albert Abreu, Brett Baty, and D.L. Hall who each had nice autograph cards that hold value today.

The designs and photos used in Bowman sets also help contribute to their appeal. Unlike Topps flagship products which use team logo uniforms, Bowman photos are less polished and feature more candid action shots. The 2016 designs carried this tradition with a clean white border featuring various action photos on a dark gray or black background. The borders also incorporated streaks and pops of bright color that matched the tones of each team’s uniforms. Overall the aesthetics created a vintage baseball card feel that collectors enjoyed.

The 2016 Bowman release also featured several special insert sets that added to the excitement. The Pink Refractor parallel cards were some of the most coveted inserts. Featuring refractors of top prospects in vivid pink borders, these parallels carried premium values. Other inserts like the Baseball Flashback pictured prospects in vintage uniforms to evoke former MLB stars. Special parallels like Gold, Hyper, and Black also provided chances for valuable shortprinted cards.

While the 2016 Bowman release highlighted many future stars, the set itself has also proven to be a strong long term investment for collectors. With the success of players like Seager, Bregman, and Swanson at the MLB level, values of their rookie cards in the 2016 Bowman set have increased tremendously in the following years. Even lesser known prospects from the set have seen rising prices as more break out in the majors. The popularity of the Bowman brand combined with strong long term player performance has made the 2016 edition one of the strongest flagships from the modern era in terms of card value retention and increase.

For both baseball card collectors and investors, the 2016 Bowman release was an iconic set that featured many future superstars at the beginning of their careers. Between its memorable rookie class, coveted autographed and memorabilia inserts, fun designs, and lasting collectibility appeal, the 2016 edition became a landmark year that left its mark on the hobby. Several years later it remains highly regarded as one of the premier modern era releases from the prestigious Bowman brand.

2016 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2016 baseball season saw many exceptional performances and milestones that made certain players’ cards from that year quite valuable in today’s collectibles market. While the prices for modern cards will never rival those of the vintage era, there are still numerous 2016 rookie cards, autographed cards, and short print parallels that have gained solid value in a relatively short time. For collectors looking to potentially profit off investments in recent cards, here are some of the top 2016 baseball cards that could be worth money down the road.

Perhaps the biggest storyline of 2016 was Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant winning the National League MVP in just his second MLB season. Bryant led the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908, cementing his status as a true superstar. His 2016 Topps Update Series #US99 auto patch card /99 has achieved strong valuations, currently selling for $500-600 based on recent eBay sales. Another highly sought-after Bryant rookie is his 2016 Topps Chrome Purple Refractor #68, available in extremely low prints. Graded Mint examples of this card have sold for well over $1000. Bryant remains a cornerstone player for the Cubs franchise and his cards from his early career should hold value well for discerning collectors.

San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. burst onto the scene with a breakout season in 2019 but first appeared on the MLB radar with a strong 2016 campaign in A-ball. While he was still a relative unknown at the time, Tatis’ 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor #BCP99 has exploded in value since his emergence as an elite talent. PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ versions can sell for $4000-5000 or more based on Tatis’ huge upside. It’s one of the more distinctive prospect cards from that year that proved prescient. Similarly, New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso had a monster rookie season in 2019 but two years prior in 2016, his Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor auto #BCP41-PA was a sleeper card. High-graded examples have brought $800-1000 on the current market.

In the National League, Corey Seager established himself as one of baseball’s brightest young stars with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016. While Seager cards across the board hold value from his rookie year, one standout is his 2016 Topps Series 2 Baseball Card Variations #V1. This ultra-short print parallel features Seager swinging a bat and is numbered to just 5 copies. Two PSA 10 examples were recently listed for auction with a combined starting price of $15,000. Seager remains a key long-term piece for the Dodgers and such one-of-a-kind cards documenting early career milestones will stay highly coveted.

Across Los Angeles, Mike Trout continued cementing his place among the modern game’s all-time greats with another phenomenal season for the Angels in 2016. Trout already had valuable vintage cards from prior years but some sought-after 2016 parallels include his Topps Finest Refractor auto /99 and Topps National Baseball Card Day auto /10. Both routinely sell for $600-$1000 in top condition. Trout’s longevity and surefire Hall of Fame track record ensure any autographed or limited cards from his best seasons will retain strong collectible value. Also with the Angels, Japanese two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani began generating MLB buzz in early 2016 at just 21 years old before making the transition stateside a couple years later. Ohtani’s 2016 BBM 1st Version card slipped under the radar but has gained steam, with PSA 10s selling north of $150.

Across the AL West, Texas Rangers powerhouse Joey Gallo had an up-and-down 2016 but provided flashes of his limitless potential. One standout 2016 Gallo card is his Topps Inception Auto Patch #IP-JG, serial numbered to just 10 copies. Two recent sales of this rare parallel hit around $1200 each. Gallo’s combination of mammoth power and on-base skills keep him on the map even through cold stretches. Elsewhere in the division, future AL MVP Mookie Betts took another step forward for the Boston Red Sox in 2016 while establishing himself as a perennial All-Star. Betts’ 2016 Topps Finest Refractors #165 sell consistently for $100-150 in high grade. With continued excellence in Boston along with numerous past and future noteworthy seasons under his belt, Betts cards from this period remain highly relevant.

On the pitching side, future Cy Young winner Robbie Ray flashed ace upside during his first full season with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016. Ray’s 2016 Topps Finest Refractors #263 command a consistent $50-75 price tag for Mint 9’s. Fellow 2016 breakouts included Chicago White Sox hurler Carlos Rodon and San Francisco Giants starter Johnny Cueto. Graded copies of Rodon’s 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto and Cueto’s Topps Finest diamond parallel #255 have crossed auction blocks for $300-400 recently. Both lefty Rodon and veteran Cueto displayed potential turning points that year that make those cards meaningful souvenirs. At just 19 years of age, potential superstar Julio Urias debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016 ahead of schedule. While injuries stalled his career at times since, Urias’ raw ability and youth keep his 2016 Bowman Chrome 1st Autograph #84 a solid long-term prospecting play around $80-100 range.

In summarizing, while the odds of any single modern baseball card skyrocketing to the stratospheric values of yesteryear are slim, there remain numerous options from the 2016 season with staying power in the collectors’ market. Autograph and short print cards of future stars like Bryant, Tatis, Alonso and others have shown impressive appreciation over just a few years that is likely to continue. Highly graded base rookie cards, parallels and autographs of perennial talents like Trout and Betts maintain relevance as pieces of their careers too. For savvy investors, targeting such impactful 2016 cards at reasonable prices offers a better chance of future financial returns than chasing after expensive vintage cardboard.

SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS 2016

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The 2016 Series 1 baseball card set was the first standard issue set released by Topps that year. As with most flagship Topps releases, 2016 Series 1 had many valuable rookie cards and short prints that drive interest from collectors. The 2016 season marked notable milestones and debuts across Major League Baseball that made cards from this set highly sought after.

Some of the top rookies featured included Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who won NL Rookie of the Year in 2016. Seager had a phenomenal debut season, hitting .306 with 26 home runs and 72 RBI. His cards from this release skyrocketed in value as he quickly established himself as one of the elite young talents in baseball. Another star rookie was AJ Reed of the Houston Astros. Reed made his MLB debut in 2016 and showed prodigious power, racking up 11 home runs in just 192 at-bats despite playing for a subpar Astros team. His cards also gained value as he looked like a future heart of the order type of slugger.

Beyond rookies, many established veteran stars had notable achievements that made their 2016 S1 cards more desirable. For instance, Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant won NL MVP honors after leading the Cubs to their first World Series title in over a century. His performance that year significantly increased demand for his base rookie card from the 2015 set as well as any cards from 2016 that featured him in a Cubs uniform. David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox also saw cards appreciate in value as he retired after the 2016 season, capping off an iconic career that included three World Series championships. Ortiz left an indelible mark on baseball and cards featuring him in his final season took on extra significance.

The 2016 set had some specially marked parallel and short print cards that drove collector interest. First, cards numbered to only 50 copies, known as Gold Label parallels, were highly sought after. The extreme rarity of these Gold Label versions increased values exponentially compared to the base cards. Players like Corey Kluber, Noah Syndergaard, and Madison Bumgarner had the Gold Label treatment in this set. Also, short prints that were inserted much less frequently into packs became hot tickets. Hunter Pence, Todd Frazier, and Robinson Cano were examples of players who had short printed cards in the 2016 S1 checklist. The scarcity of these SP variants caused prices to soar in the collecting community.

Beyond stars and rookies, 2016 S1 featured many other notables from across MLB. Mike Trout continued to dominate on the field and his cards reigned as some of the most valuable in the set. Young talents like Francisco Lindor, Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez had rising star potential that excited card collectors. Veterans like Albert Pujols, Adrian Beltre, and Ichiro Suzuki saw cards gain significance as the future Hall of Famers remained productive deep into their careers. Meanwhile, Cubs players like Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, and Dexter Fowler populated the set as the reigning World Series champions.

The design and photography of 2016 Series 1 received praise from card aficionados. For the flagship Topps set, photo quality and subject variety are important benchmarks of success. The 2016 version delivered sharply focused images across a range of poses and backdrop styles. Team logo clutter was kept to a minimum to let the photography shine. Some particularly well-received designs included core rookies Corey Seager and AJ Reed with clean headshots against solid color backdrops. Also, cards like Hunter Pence, Buster Posey, and Jacob deGrom featured interesting action shots that popped visually. On the whole, the photography paired well with a muted color design scheme that emphasized the modern look of uniforms without overwhelming the cardboard.

As with all modern baseball card releases, parallels found within the 2016 S1 set added layers of collector interest. While the base cards carried the standard design, variations offered rarity premiums through specific numbering. Red and Blue Foil parallels numbered to only 100 and 75 copies respectively boosted values compared to bass versions. Also, Printing Plates featuring four-color layer separations and limited to one each from the printing sheet remained highly endangered chase cards within the checklist. The parallels stimulated an active collecting market where traders looked to complete parallel rainbow collections of their favorite players. This expanded the collector base and kept enthusiasm running high throughout the release cycle and beyond.

Beyond the flagship Series 1 base set, 2016 Topps also rolled out multiple supplemental products to extend the release lineup. The Transcendent collection showcased embedded memorabilia pieces or autographed swatches alongside Topps Project 70 photography in a high-end subset. Other additions included Traded which captured in-season trades, World Series Edition capturing the Cubs championship run, and Series 2 continuing the standard player checklist into the summer. Each supplemental offering appealed to specific collector niches to maximize interest across the 2016 season.

The 2016 Topps Series 1 baseball card set achieved strong overall reception due to marquee rookie debuts, veteran milestones, engaging photography and design, and a robust offering of parallels and variants. Rookies like Corey Seager and AJ Reed established themselves through impressive play and drove excitement early on. Meanwhile, stars of the Cubs championship and retirement of David Ortiz lent particular significance. Chasing the rarest parallels engaged collectors seeking to one-up each other’s sets. These factors combined to ensure 2016 S1 maintained the popularity and allure that Topps baseball has long carried with serious sports memorabilia collectors and enthusiasts. The set endures as a valuable snapshot of the 2016 MLB season.