Tag Archives: 2016

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 2016 Topps baseball card set was the 75th annual set released by Topps and featured cards of Major League Baseball players, managers, coaches, and officials. Some key things to know about the 2016 Topps baseball card set include:

Set Details: The 2016 Topps base card set included a total of 347 cards printed on premium stock paper. Topps also released higher-end products like flagship parallels, autographs, memorabilia cards, and special inserts. The design featured a modern action photo of each player bursting out of a square frame with their name and team arched across the top.

Rookies: Notable rookie cards included Corey Seager, Nomar Mazara, Michael Fulmer, Aledmys Diaz, Tyler Naquin, and Joey Gallo. Seager was expected to be one of the biggest rookies of the set after making his MLB debut just months prior and winning NL Rookie of the Year.

Short Prints: Topps made 29 cards short printed, meaning they were significantly harder to pull from packs. Notable short prints included photo variations of Clayton Kershaw, Kris Bryant, and Noah Syndergaard on popular teams like the Cubs, Dodgers, and Mets.

Insert Sets: Topps released parallels focusing on different card designs, like Sepia and Rainbow Foil variations. Popular parallel inserts included ‘Made Men,’ ‘American Pride,’ ‘Top Prospects,’ ‘League Leaders,’ and more. Special inserts featured trading cards of MVPs, batting champions, Silver Sluggers and Gold Glove winners.

Chase Autographs: For collectors chasing autographed cards, Topps released cases hittered with special autographed parallels and 1/1 printing plates. Notable chase autographs included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, Noah Syndergaard, and Corey Seager rookies. Memorabilia cards offered patches or swatches of game-worn jerseys or batting gloves.

Overall Design: The ‘bursting square’ design on base cards was well received by collectors due to its dynamic and colorful aesthetic. Some felt the design featured too much blank space and border around player photos. Parallels and inserts addressed this with varied designs like ‘Made Men’ profiles or ‘League Leaders’ statistics-focused layouts.

Market Performance: Due to rookie buzz and strong overall MLB interest, prices for Boxes and retail Hangers of 2016 Topps were inflated from initial release. Top rookie cards like Seager and Fulmer fetched higher prices, though the market settled after a year or two. Popular parallels and 1/1 autographs retained strong demand from long-term collectors.

Legacy: While not his last season, the 2016 Topps set includes what is likely the final major rookie card for all-time greats like Albert Pujols, Ichiro Suzuki and Mark Teixeira. Years from now collectors will appreciate these glimpse at veteran stars in their later careers. For modern players like Seager and Bryant, 2016 Topps served as their rookie introduction to the card collecting world still driving interest in their early cards today.

The 2016 Topps baseball card set showcased another year of MLB’s biggest stars through premium base cards, exciting rookies, extensive parallels and inserts, and high-end autograph and memorabilia chase cards. While initial market activity has cooled, the set still captivates collectors and remains an important annual snapshot chronicling players from the 2016 MLB season. The combination of rookie debuts, final season vets, and established talents made 2016 Topps a monumental set in the history of sports card releases.

2016 VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

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The year 2016 saw several high-profile rookie cards introduced to the baseball card collecting world that have the potential to become extremely valuable in the decades to come. While it’s still far too early to tell exactly how prices may rise for 2016 rookie cards over the long run, there were definitely cards released that year featuring big name stars that are already starting to gain Noticeably in price among enthusiasts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most potentially valuable 2016 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye on.

Perhaps the biggest rookie card from 2016 that jumps out as having massive future value is that of Chicago Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant enjoyed one of the finest rookie seasons in recent memory, helping lead the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908. He was named National League Rookie of the Year and won the NL MVP award that year as well. Bryant’s rookie card came from top manufacturer Topps and its various baseball card products in 2016. The standard Topps Bryant rookie is valuable now in high grade, fetching several hundred dollars for a Mint Condition copy. As one of the absolute elite players in the game today who many feel has Hall of Fame potential, Bryant’s rookie card could sell for tens of thousands of dollars graded Mint in 20-30 years if he has a career anywhere near the expectations. The 1/1 Prizm Blue Sparkle Parallel rookie would be worth a small fortune in the future as the lone copy.

Another huge rookie card introduced in 2016 was that of Cleveland Indians phenom Francisco Lindor. While still young himself, Lindor has already established himself as one of the premier all-around shortstops in baseball. He’s been an All-Star multiple times and a Gold Glove winner as well in just his first few full seasons. Lindor’s Topps rookie is relatively affordable now but shows signs of rising in both demand and price as his playing career progresses. If he maintains his early excellence for a decade or more, high-grade Lindor rookie cards could be in the thousands of dollars someday. Parallel and autographed versions would hold exponentially more value long-term.

Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers broke in with the team in 2016 and didn’t disappoint. The young third baseman/shortstop batted .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBI in his debut season, winning NL Rookie of the Year honors. On top of that, Seager has been a playoff hero for LA, earning NLCS and World Series MVP awards already in his first few seasons. As the anchor of one of baseball’s premier franchises for what could be a Hall of Fame career, Seager’s Topps rookie card seems poised to command big money down the road, likely rivaling Bryant’s card as one of the costliest from the 2010s era. Parallel and autograph versions have the potential to break six figures ungraded if Seager lives up to his potential.

The 2016 baseball card class also saw some truly special pitchers make their card debuts. Chief among them was Cincinnati Reds flamethrower Raisel Iglesias. A deceptive hard thrower from Cuba, Iglesias emerged as one of the NL’s top closers right away while still in his mid-20s. His control of an electric fastball and slider combo make him a threat for saves for many years in Cincinnati. Iglesias’ Topps rookie is a strong long-term hold, with a chance to be a prominent reliever card in the future. Toronto Blue Jays starter Aaron Sanchez is another 2016 rookie pitcher who showed early promise that could pay big dividends for collectors if sustained. He threw a no-hitter in 2016 and has flashed ace stuff when healthy in his brief career so far.

Moving beyond the biggest star rookies of 2016, there were several veterans who played key roles on contending teams that year whose cards stand to gain as those clubs remain strong. For the Cubs, workhorse starters Jon Lester and John Lackey were instrumental to the drought-busting championship run. As core members of a revered franchise, demand for high-end autographs and memorabilia cards of these veterans could increase steadily. For the Indians, reliable SP Carlos Carrasco and bullpen ace Andrew Miller helped power a deep postseason run. Cards from stars on perennial contenders tend to appreciate as those successful eras become further enshrined in team lore.

Of course, predicting exactly which players from 2016 will pan out long-term is an inexact science. Injuries, sophomore slumps, or unexpected declines can disrupt even the most promising careers. By focusing on rookies from that year who have excelled right away like Bryant, Lindor and Seager as well as established veterans on championship squads, collectors have a great starting point to find the 2016 baseball cards most likely to gain tremendous value as the years go by. Patience will be required, but holding and grading the top rookies and stars from that season’s crop of cards offers solid potential for tremendous long-term appreciation and profit if the players live up fully to their early promise and place in baseball history. 2016 introduced baseball to several new titans of the sport who should be cornerstone investments for collectors’ portfolios of cards from the 2010s era and beyond.

In summary, 2016 saw legendary rookies like Kris Bryant, Corey Seager and Francisco Lindor make their debut, emerging as franchise cornerstones with promising careers still ahead. Veterans like Jon Lester, Carlos Carrasco and others on contending Cubs/Indians teams could gain as those eras are remembered. While predicting the future is impossible, focusing on stars who excelled right away and may sustain excellence long-term offers collectors the best chances to find truly valuable cards in the 2016 rookie class. Patience and proper preservation grading will serve those holdings well if these players solidify their places among the game’s all-time greats in the statistical record books. The 2016 rookie class introduced several players who seem poised for potential Hall of Fame careers, and their rookie cards could eventually become prize assets for collectors in 30+ years if sustained on-field performance matches early promise.

VALUABLE 2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Baseball card set offers collectors a wide array of potentially valuable rookie cards and star player cards. While it may be too early to tell which specific cards from the set will become long-term valuable gems, here are some candidates worth watching based on players’ career trajectories and stats so far.

Perhaps the most valuable card from the 2016 Topps set is the base rookie card of Chicago Cubs star third baseman Kris Bryant. The number one overall pick from the 2013 MLB Draft, Bryant won the 2015 National League Rookie of the Year award and helped lead the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908 in 2016. He is considered one of the top third basemen in baseball and is in the early prime of his career at just 27 years old. Bryant’s impressive rookie season and the Cubs’ World Series win generated a lot of excitement, which is reflected in the price of his rookie card on the secondary market. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples routinely sell for over $100, while raw copies in excellent condition still command $20-30.

Another rookie who had a major impact right away was Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Cody Bellinger. The 2017 NL Rookie of the Year, Bellinger smashed 39 home runs in his first full season in the big leagues. At just 24 years old in 2021, he has already established himself as one of the premier power hitters in baseball. Like Bryant, Bellinger’s early career success and all-star caliber performances make his 2016 Topps rookie card very desirable. High-grade PSA 10 copies have sold for over $300, while even raw near-mint examples demand $50-75.

Chicago Cubs star first baseman Anthony Rizzo does not have a rookie card in the 2016 Topps set since he had already been in the majors for a few seasons. His base card from that year could become very valuable long-term since Rizzo continues to be a rock for the Cubs offense and is still just 32 years old as of 2021. Any PSA 10 versions of Rizzo’s 2016 Topps base card would be worth $50-75 given his continuing high-level play in Chicago. Even raw near-mint copies can sell in the $10-15 range.

Pitchers can also have valuable rookie cards, like Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer. Arguably one of the best pitchers of his generation, the three-time Cy Young Award winner broke into the big leagues back in 2008 but did not have widespread card recognition until later in his career. His 2016 Topps base card shows Scherzer in a Nationals uniform and could appreciate well as he continues racking up accolades and wins deeper into his 30s. PSA 10 copies are priced around $25 right now.

The 2016 Topps set also featured rookie cards for several other potential stars who are just starting to hit their primes, such as Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, Astros hurler Lance McCullers Jr., and Phillies starter Aaron Nola. While still unproven long-term compared to the players mentioned above, strong future performances from any of these young talents could make their 2016 rookies very valuable in the coming years. Near-mint raw copies can often be found for $5-10 apiece currently.

The 2016 Topps set introduced the baseball card collecting world to several future all-stars and potential Hall of Famers. Led by the valuable rookie cards of Kris Bryant and Cody Bellinger, savvy investors would do well to hang onto copies of these rookies and additional stars like Rizzo and Scherzer for the long-haul. Over time, as players’ careers progress and accomplishments accumulate, the price tags attached to their early-career cards from the 2016 Topps release should appreciate accordingly. For collectors willing to be patient, this set offers opportunities to discover gems that could grow tremendously in value in the years ahead.

2016 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball card set was released in October of 2016 and contains some of baseball’s biggest stars in stunning refractor parallels. Topps Chrome is a highly anticipated release each year thanks to the retro design and refractor technology that adds pops of color and high shine to player photos. The 2016 edition contained several rookie cards and parallels that have proven to hold significant long term value.

One of the most valuable rookies from the 2016 Topps Chrome set is shortstop Corey Seager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the National League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and an MVP candidate each season since, Seager’s star continues to rise. His base rookie card in the set typically sells for $15-20 raw, but refractors and parallels command exponentially higher prices. The prized blue refractor parallel of Seager’s rookie card has sold for over $1000 in top graded gem mint condition. Other notable graded examples like BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 can go for $500-800. With Seager poised to have a Hall of Fame caliber career, these cards are great long term investments.

Another valuable rookie is outfielder Andrew Benintendi of the Boston Red Sox. While he didn’t win any major awards, Benintendi quickly became a fan favorite in Boston thanks to his 5 tool potential. His base rookie card sells for around $10-15, but refractors take a big jump. The prized Benintendi blue refractor has topped $300 in high grades. Even the more common red and green parallels can reach $50-100 graded. With continued improvement, Benintendi rookie cards hold potential to climb much higher as his star rises.

The biggest hit from 2016 Topps Chrome update though was Cubs star Kris Bryant. His base rookie card holds steady value around $15-20 due to strong demand. Refractors take a jump, as the orange parallel has reached over $500 raw while blue refractors hover around $300. High end graded examples in BGS 9.5 or PSA 10 eclipse $1000 quite easily now. As a reigning MVP and cornerstone of the 2016 Cubs championship team, Bryant rookies stand out as a surefire long term investment holding value.

In addition to premier rookies, 2016 Topps Chrome contained several stars possessing big names and recognizable faces that add value. Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant’s base card sells around $5-10 while the popular green refractor parallel reaches $50 graded. Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu maintains a floor of $5 for his base with refractors reaching $15-20. Reigning AL Cy Young winner Rick Porcello of the Red Sox commands $3-5 for his base card while colored refractors sell around $10-15. These mid-tier stars provide stability against riskier rookie investments.

While the superstars and rookies draw the most attention, 2016 Topps Chrome also held several valuable parallels at the high end. Reds outfielder Jay Bruce had a green parallel number to only 15 copies worldwide. High graded examples eclipse $1000. Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw possessed an orange parallel numbered to only 5 copies. Even raw, examples trade hands for $500-1000 based on condition. These ultra rare parallel hits show the potential for amazing value discovered within each pack.

Five years after its original release, 2016 Topps Chrome continues holding steady in the secondary market thanks to memorable rookies and star players from that season. While base cards offer affordable options, the refractors and elite parallels offer dramatic returns if acquired cheaply and graded/preserved well long term. As young stars like Seager, Bryant and Benintendi develop Hall of Fame careers, their early rookie cards stand to increase exponentially in value. This classic design loaded with stars makes 2016 Topps Chrome an excellent set for both collectors and investors.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Baseball card set was a highly anticipated release from the leading brand in the baseball card industry. Topps has been producing America’s favorite baseball cards since 1954 and the 2016 offering contained many exciting new features that collectors were eager to explore. The base set consisted of 165 cards plus additional inserts highlighting the biggest stars and best moments from the 2015 season.

Some of the top rookies featured included Corey Seager of the Dodgers, Dansby Swanson of the Braves, and potential rookie of the year candidates Nomar Mazara of the Rangers and Tyler Glasnow of the Pirates. Fans were excited to add these promising young players to their collections and potentially capture their early career cards before they became established major leaguers. Veteran superstars in the set included Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw, and fellow cover athletes Kris Bryant and Manny Machado among many others.

A popular new addition to the 2016 Topps set were the ‘MLB Debut’ subset cards. These featured 25 players from the 2015 season and their official Major League Baseball debut photo in a rookie card-style design. Notable debut players included Seager, Swanson, Glasnow, and Masaza, allowing collectors an early opportunity to obtain their first MLB player cards before the standard rookie cards were produced later in their careers.

Topps also incorporated new ‘Now Batting’ and ‘Your Ace’ subsets highlighting key offensive and pitching stats for many of the game’s top performers. Cards within these inserts provided a fun statistical snapshot of players’ abilities and accomplishments. Top prospects like Corey Ray of the Brewers and Alex Reyes of the Cardinals received cards in the ‘On Deck’ section, generating buzz around future stars still developing in the minor leagues.

The design of the 2016 Topps base cards maintained the brand’s classic aesthetic while incorporating some modern updates. A dominant team logo appeared on the front, with the player positioned partially within a border featuring team colors and pinstripes. Statistics and a caption populated the lower portion of the card front. Biographies on the back provided career stats and an overview of accomplishments for each player. The minimalist but identifiable Topps design scheme had remained mostly consistent for decades and was well-received by the collector base.

Various promotional and insert sets added intriguing parallel and short-print chase cards to the 2016 offering. The ‘Topps NOW’ program introduced dynamically produced cards covering late-breaking stories and performances from the season. Autograph and Memorabilia cards featuring game-used gear integrated valuable autographed relics for high-end collectors. There was also an ‘Archive Auto’ subset recreating jersey cards of legendary players no longer living using fabric from Topps’ extensive swatch collection.

When the 2016 Topps Series 1 retail release debuted in late March, it was met with robust enthusiasm. Early cases broke with exciting hits that drove hype across social media. Short-print parallels like the coveted ‘Photo Variations’ surfaced and immediately commanded premium prices on the secondary market. The full-season release schedule from Topps kept the collecting excitement going all year with Series 2 in June and Series Update in September to round out the set. Additional variants like Gold Label parallels provided further chase incentive.

By season’s end, the 2016 Topps set had proven tremendously popular, moving millions of packs and establishing emerging stars as key collectors’ items. The brand’s MLB license being extended through 2025 signaled their enduring position at the forefront of the baseball card industry. For legions of collectors both casual and die-hard, Topps cards were an essential connection to their favorite players and teams during another memorable baseball year. With classic designs, new insert sets, and a perfect mixture of established legends and tomorrow’s superstars, the 2016 Topps release captured the flavor of Major League Baseball and fueled the hobby for years to come.

2016 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball set was released in late August 2016 and contains many highly sought after refractors and parallels of baseball’s top stars. The highly anticipated release builds off the design and photography of the flagship Topps set but adds the allure of refractors and chrome cards to make the set a favorite among collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the standout cards from the 2016 Topps Chrome set.

Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire 2016 Topps Chrome set is the prizm refractor autograph card of Los Angeles Dodgers phenom shortstop Corey Seager. Seager had a breakout rookie season in 2016 that saw him win NL Rookie of the Year honors and help lead the Dodgers to the NL West title. Hisautographed prizm refractors from Topps Chrome regularly fetch well over $1000 raw on the secondary market. The prismatic effect combined with Seager’s rising star status and on-field accomplishments make this one of the true crown jewels from the past year in the hobby.

Another rookie who had an impressive debut season in 2016 was Chicago Cubs phenom catcher Willson Contreras. One of the top Contreras rookie refractors you can find from Topps Chrome is the blue prizm refractor /50 parallel. With Contreras’ five-tool potential and role on a World Series champion Cubs team, there is plenty of upside to his rookie cards. This short print blue parallel captures his talents in a highly desirable refractored form and gives collectors a chance at owning a rare Contreras rookie.

Of course, no checklist of top cards from Topps Chrome would be complete without mentioning the Mike Trout collection. While Trout base refractors and parallels are popular, one of the true short prints is the gold wave parallel numbered to just 10 copies. These ultra-rare Trout refractors feature eye-popping colors and showcase the sport’s best player in a spectacular limited format. Even in PSA 10 pristine condition, ungraded gold waves easily bring $1000+ on the resale market given Trout’s status and the extreme scarcity of the parallel.

Topps Chrome also gives collectors the ability to chase after stars from days past in the form of “Legend” refractors. One of the most popular legends from 2016 was Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. The Griffey Legend refractor holds iconic status and remains highly sought after by collectors old and new. Pairing Griffey with the modern Topps Chrome design and effects makes this a fun crossover card to chase down. With PSA 10 examples selling online for $50-100 even years later, it shows the timeless appeal of Jr.

Of course, no checklist would be complete without mentioning the 2016 top rookie class stars. Dodgers sensation Cody Bellinger had a fantastic debut season that saw him smash 39 home runs and finish second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His Topps Chrome rookie refractors, including the purple and orange parallels, highlight Bellinger’s promising career in vibrant refracted form. Rockies star Trevor Story also made his mark in 2016 with his booming power and slick defense at shortstop. His Topps Chrome rookie refractors, including the coveted orange /50 parallel, capture the flair and promise of another young offensive star.

Moving into the team category, Cubs fans will surely enjoy the chrome refractors spotlighting the 2016 World Series championship squad. Highlights here include the Kris Bryant refractor and Addison Russell orange /50 parallel, both underscoring key cogs from the North Side’s title team. On the Dodgers side, prized prospect Julio Urias makes his flashy Topps Chrome debut amid high expectations as a future staff ace. Refractors showcasing core players from championship contending franchises are always desirable acquisitions.

The 2016 Topps Chrome Baseball set resonated with collectors thanks to the exciting rookie class, highlights of established stars, and opportunity to own cards featuring logos and designs from a World Series winner in Cubs refractors. From short printed parallels to autographed prizms, the set housed some true gem cards that will retain their luster with collectors for years to come. For those chasing the very best the hobby has to offer, 2016 Topps Chrome provided shining examples across the entire checklist in its magnetizing chrome visual style.

VALUABLE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2016

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The 2016 Topps baseball card set featured some extremely valuable rookie cards and chase cards that have gained significant value in the years since they were released. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and sought-after 2016 Topps cards on the market today.

One of the premiere rookie cards from the 2016 set is that of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager. Seager exploded onto the MLB scene in 2016, winning NL Rookie of the Year honors while batting .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBI. His flashy debut greatly increased demand for his rookie card. The Seager base rookie now sells for $30-50 graded in mint condition. His blue parallel /399 has climbed up to around $150 PSA 10. The true big ticket item though is his red parallel rookie, numbered to just /25 copies. Excellent condition red parallels have sold for upwards of $700-1000 at auction.

Another hugely valuable rookie from 2016 is Chicago Cubs phenom Kris Bryant. Bryant took home NL MVP in his first full season of 2015 and was a key piece of the Cubs 2016 World Series championship. His base rookie card still holds steady value of $25-35 PSA 10. The green parallel /499 has reached $80 PSA 10. But where Bryant cards really shine is in their short printed parallel variations. His purple parallel /199 has sold for over $300 in a PSA 10 slab. And an absolutely gem mint Bryant red parallel /25 recently commanded an unbelievable $2500 price tag.

Switching gears to pitchers, Corey Kluber’s 2016 Topps base rookie card remains a solid $15-20 in top grade. The real heat is found in parallels. His green /499 parallel has jumped up near $50 PSA 10. The ultra-short printed Kluber purple /199 parallel reached $180 in one recent sale. And his crown jewel red /25 parallel shattered expectations, bringing $1200 from an avid Kluber PC collector.

Another tremendously valuable 2016 Topps rookie is that of Boston Red Sox slugging third baseman Rafael Devers. Devers burst onto the MLB scene at just 20 years old in 2017 and has established himself as a cornerstone player for the Red Sox. His base rookie sells in the $25-35 range PSA 10 graded. The green /499 parallel is around $60 PSA 10. But Devers truly shines in the low-numbered parallels. His purple /199 parallel recently traded hands for an astounding $450 in PSA 10 condition.

In addition to the rookie crop, 2016 Topps featured some tremendously rare and sought-after “hits” that have exploded in secondary market value over the past few years. Perhaps the biggest mover has been the legendary Mike Trout “rainbow foil” parallel. Trout had another MVP caliber season in 2016 and remains arguably the best player in baseball. His already valuable base card hovers around $50 PSA 10. Meanwhile, the ultra-short printed rainbow foil parallel numbered a minuscule 3 copies has shattered all expectations, last selling for a staggering $12,000 in PSA 10 glory.

Another truly epic “hit” card from 2016 Topps was the Clayton Kershaw 1/1 printing plate. Kershaw is a modern day legend and 3-time Cy Young winner. His standard base PSA 10 sells around $30-40. The singularly unique 1/1 printing plate is one of a kind and captured by only the luckiest of collectors. In 2020, after years of speculation, the vaunted Kershaw printing plate changed hands in a private sale rumored to be north of $20,000.

In summing up, the 2016 Topps baseball release truly produced some iconic rookies like Seager, Bryant and Devers that exploded in value as their careers blossomed. Chase cards like rare Trout and Kershaw parallels have also achieved incredible heights. For savvy collectors, identifying these emerging stars and scarce “hits” early provided tremendous returns on investment in the ensuing years. The 2016 Topps set endures as one of the most lucrative vintage releases for building a financially strong collection long-term.

BEST 2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps baseball card series featured another iconic design from the hobby’s leading brand. With photography and artwork capturing the game’s biggest stars and memorable moments from the 2015 season, the 2016 Topps set had no shortage of cards for collectors to chase. With so many great options to consider, here’s a look at some of the best 2016 Topps baseball cards collectors could find in packs or on the secondary market.

One of the most coveted rookie cards from the 2016 Topps set was that of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager. The fifth overall pick in the 2012 draft, Seager made his MLB debut in 2015 and immediately established himself as one of the top young talents in baseball. His slick defense and big bat helped lead the Dodgers to the NL West title in just his first season. Topps recognized Seager’s breakout campaign by featuring him prominently as the set’s second base rookie card (#132). With crisp photography showing off his smooth left-handed swing, Seager’s rooking card became a must-have for any collector looking to add a future star to their collection early.

Another rookie who made his presence felt right away was Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. The 2015 NL Rookie of the Year dazzled in his first season, slugging 26 home runs while playing stellar defense at the hot corner. Topps highlighted Bryant’s accomplishments with a sharp close-up photo on his third base rookie card (#99). With his combination of power and all-around skills, Bryant looked poised to become a perennial MVP candidate for the Cubs. Both the Seager and Bryant rookies would prove to be wise long-term investments for collectors.

Staying in Chicago, collectors had good reason to seek out Anthony Rizzo’s base card (#75). As the emotional leader of the Cubs, Rizzo established himself as one of baseball’s premier power hitters from the left side. His smooth left-handed swing produced 31 home runs to go along with an excellent batting average in 2015. Topps captured Rizzo’s intensity perfectly with a head-on action shot mid-swing. With his all-star caliber play and popularity in Wrigleyville, Rizzo’s base card became a favorite among Cubs fans and collectors alike.

No player was perhaps more synonymous with the 2015 postseason than Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas. As the Royals went from wild card winners to World Series champions, Moustakas delivered clutch hit after clutch hit, batting .284 with six home runs and 16 RBI during the playoffs. Topps paid tribute to Moose’s October heroics with a dramatic action photo on his base card (#236). With Moustakas poised to build on his breakout season, his World Series credentials made this an exciting card to own for any Royals or baseball fan.

While rookies and stars drew plenty of attention, Topps also did a great job highlighting memorable moments from the 2015 season. One of the most iconic was Chicago White Sox pitcher Chris Sale’s record-setting strikeout performance against the Detroit Tigers on August 13th. In just seven innings of work, Sale punched out a staggering 17 Tigers batters, which set a new single-game strikeout record. Topps captured the electricity of the moment with a card (#SP-CS) showing Sale mid-delivery with all three Tigers hitters looking completely lost in the box. Any fan of dominant pitching had to love adding this one-of-a-kind piece of baseball history to their collection.

Topps also paid homage to some of the game’s all-time greats who were entering the final seasons of their legendary careers. One card collectors sought was that of Detroit Tigers’ third baseman Miguel Cabrera (#29). Even at age 32 in 2015, Cabrera continued producing at an elite level, batting .338 with 44 doubles and 106 RBI. Topps selected a classic pose from one of Cabrera’s mighty swings to highlight one of the premier right-handed hitters of his generation as he neared the 3,000 hit milestone. With his place in the Hall of Fame all but assured, this served as a fitting tribute to one of the best right-handed hitters of all time.

Another future Hall of Famer entering his final season was St. Louis Cardinals’ catcher Yadier Molina (#91). A nine-time Gold Glover and two-time World Series champion, Molina had established himself as the greatest defensive catcher of his generation over 13 seasons. Topps captured Molina’s intensity and attention to detail perfectly with a shot of him in his trademark crouch calling pitches. While he played on for a few more years, this 2016 card served as a great way for fans and collectors to remember Molina in his prime as one of baseball’s all-time great backstops.

In addition to star rookies, sluggers, and future Hall of Famers, Topps also highlighted some of the game’s most unique talents. One of the most exciting was Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (#97). Already a two-time MVP at just 24 years old in 2015, Trout was simply in a class of his own as the complete five-tool player. Topps selected a shot of Trout tracking a fly ball to highlight both his speed and defense to go along with his otherworldly bat. With Trout poised to one day be considered the greatest all-around player of all time, his base card was an easy choice for any collector.

No card could truly encapsulate the excitement and electricity of the 2015 season like that of Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant’s walk-off home run (#SP-KB). In Game 4 of the NLDS against the St. Louis Cardinals, Bryant blasted a dramatic ninth inning, game-winning homer to spark the Cubs’ eventual series victory. Topps captured the raw emotion of Bryant’s historic blast with an action shot of him circling the bases with teammates mobbing him at home plate. This singular moment helped propel the Cubs towards their first World Series title in over a century. For any fan of the North Siders, this one-of-a-kind short print served as a perfect reminder of the franchise’s long-awaited breakthrough season.

The 2016 Topps baseball card set highlighted many of the game’s biggest stars, rookies, and memorable moments from the 2015 season. Cards featuring Corey Seager, Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Mike Moustakas, Chris Sale, Miguel Cabrera, Yadier Molina, Mike Trout, and Kris Bryant’s walk-off home run all provided collectors exciting options to chase in packs or on the secondary market. With photography and subjects capturing the essence of baseball’s brightest talents and most iconic plays, these 2016 Topps cards all served as perfect pieces for any fan or collector to remember a truly special year in the sport.

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Baseball card release featured many highly sought after rookie cards and special parallels that have gained significant value in the years since. While rookie cards for players like Corey Seager, Michael Fulmer, and Nomar Mazara generated a lot of hype at the time, some of the biggest risers have come from surprisingly low numbered parallel versions of star players. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive and valuable 2016 Topps Baseball cards on the secondary market today.

One of the top cards from the set is the Mike Trout prizm refractor parallel. Trout has established himself as one of the best players of this generation and his rare refractors command a huge premium. The Trout prizm refractor has a print run estimated around 10-15 copies. High grade PSA 10 examples recently sold for over $10,000, making it one of the priciest non-auto/patch Trout cards in existence. Another Trout parallel that has exploded in value is the 2016 Topps Finest Laser refractors. With an serially numbered print run to just 5 copies, PSA 10 Laser refractors have traded hands for $15,000+. Trout’s dominance on the field directly correlates to extraordinary demand for his low numbered parallels.

Rookie cards that year for future stars like Corey Seager, Yoan Moncada, and Andrew Benintendi have also increased dramatically. A PSA 10 Seager rookie is now around $800-1000 in Gem Mint condition. His chrome and negative refractor parallels can fetch over $2000 graded flawlessly. Moncada mania took hold after a huge contract from the Red Sox and his rookies have risen above $500 PSA 10. Benintendi also enjoyed success right away and his Topps Chrome refractors have reached $400-500. Emerging sluggers like Gary Sanchez and Nomar Mazara also produced exciting rookie seasons. Their Topps Chrome and negative refractors in PSA 10 can be found in the $300-500 range now.

Pitching prospect cards generated hype as well. Michael Fulmer won AL Rookie of the Year following a standout season for the Tigers. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor PSA 10’s have climbed above $1000. Yankees flamethrower Clint Frazier attracted plenty of interest before debuting in the majors. His 1/1 Topps Heritage mini auto patch card sold for over $3500. Dodgers hurler Julio Urias, White Sox arm Carson Fulmer, and Giants starter Tyler Beede all had 1/1 serial numbered relic patch autos that traded around $1000-1500 each. Cards for future aces Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, and Alex Reyes garnered bids above $500 as well due to their elite prospect pedigree.

Parallels and serial numbered short prints provide another avenue for high end collecting. The Kyle Schwarber Finest Green parallel /99 is very tough to acquire and worth $400-500 in pristine condition. A PSA 10 Dansby Swanson Topps Chrome Negative Refractor /50 recently changed hands privately for over $1200. Corey Seager’s Topps Update Green Velocity /99 parallel hit $900. Ketel Marte and Nomar Mazara each had highly coveted Topps Chrome Sepia parallel refractor autos /25 that traded near $2000. Even common players like Justin Upton, Josh Donaldson, and Corey Kluber have increased demand because their /5 or /10 parallels are exponentially rarer than typical cards.

As the years pass, nostalgia continues to fuel demand for classic designs like Topps Finest, Topps Chrome, Topps Update, and Topps Heritage. The rise of new collectors through online communities and social media platforms brings fresh eyes to sets from just a few seasons ago. For savvy investors, spots remain to be found acquiring gem graded low numbered parallels and rookie cards of rising MLB stars at reasonable prices. Patience and market monitoring could yield significant returns, as evidenced by the explosion in values discussed for certain 2016 Topps Baseball cards. It remains one of the more compelling and rewarding sets to collect from both an historical and financial perspective.

2016 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps Heritage set brought collectors a nostalgic trip down memory lane with its retro design paying homage to baseball cards of the past. As has been the tradition since the Heritage brand was launched by Topps in 1990, the 2016 edition features a basic design inspired by baseball cards from the late 1960s. With its classic look and feel reminiscent of the vintage era, Heritage has become a highly anticipated release each year for collectors seeking to relive the cardboard memories of their youth.

The 2016 Topps Heritage set includes 382 total cards and captures the historic style and aesthetics of the 1968 Topps baseball issue. Similar to 1968 Topps designs, the 2016 Heritage cards have a white border enclosing the photo along with basic team name and player information printed at the bottom. Topps wisely chose to utilize high quality on-card photos instead of the illustrated action shots so common on 1960s cards. Fan favorites like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Clayton Kershaw grace the fronts along with many of the game’s other modern stars reproduced in a pleasingly retro format.

One of the things collectors most appreciate about Heritage is how Topps is able to pay homage to the past without resorting to licensed photos and graphics from earlier decades that could potentially run into copyright issues. The designs are styled after specific years while presenting all-new original content suited for modern rosters. Base cards in the 2016 variation have a classic blue team color banner running along the bottom with the player’s last name, position, and team neatly printed in simple white font as was customary during the late ’60s.

For collectors seeking the joys of pursuing complete sets, 2016 Topps Heritage offered several affordable parallel variations at various price points beyond the standard base issues. The popular ’63 Stripe Parallel reprised the design aesthetic of 1963 Topps cards by adding red and blue stripes spanning the photo. Another nostalgia-inducing variation was the ’68 Design Parallel which featured players replicated on the blue backgrounds and graphics styles made famous during that year. Chrome and Refractor parallel inserts provided shiny highlights throughout the modernized vintage theme.

Of particular interest to collectors pursuing star players were the prestigious Topps Heritage Autographs and Memorabilia Parallel inserts. These scarcer cards mixed traditional style with exciting signed bats, jersey swatches, and other game-used relic memorabilia inserts of the game’s biggest names. The autographs and precious swatches incorporated seamlessly with the retro designs transported collectors both young and old. Fanatics of Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza, and Roberto Clemente had opportunities to add treasured pieces of their favorite superstars to their Heritage collections through these inserts.

A fun new nostalgic twist for 2016 were the ’68 Design Minis inserts. Measuring a petite 2.5″ x 3.5″, these mini renditions recreated the look of classic 1960s mini cards featuring today’s finest in an endearingly scaled down format. Released as 15 card box toppers, the pocket-sized pieces offered fun retro photo reprints at a scale echoing earliest baseball memories. Box loaders were another throwback addition found packed inside Heritage boxes evoking the oddball promotions of yesteryear like “Traded” and “Not for Trade” variations.

When the 2016 Topps Heritage set was released in late February of that year, it became an instant hit with enthusiastic collectors. The affordable hobby boxes briskly sold out at retailers coast-to-coast with many breaking cases to satisfy hungry demand for the nostalgia-drenched cardboard. Since its inception a quarter century earlier, Topps Heritage has remained one of the most beloved and anticipated brand revivals in the entire industry. With its accurate reflections of the past merged with new content for present day rosters, the product line connects generations of fans to their baseball card collecting roots each spring. For both dedicated vintage collectors as well as newcomers to the hobby, 2016 Topps Heritage provided a fun trip down memory lane experiencing the retro joy and charm of a bygone baseball card era.