Tag Archives: 2016

2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2016 Topps flagship baseball card set marked another iconic year for the brand that has produced cards since 1938. The 2016 iteration included a wide variety of inserts, parallels and short prints that added complexity to the traditional base card checklists. While the base rookies and stars from the 2016 season remain the core investment pieces from the set years later, the additional chasing aspects within the product line gave collectors excitement beyond the standard cards as well.

As with most modern issues from the last few decades, the true monetary value for any given 2016 Topps card is largely determined by the player featured, the specific parallel/variation/short print designation, and the gem mint graded condition attained. A broad overview can be formulated looking at the mainstream base rookies and stars that continue to see steady appreciation amongst investors and enthusiasts alike in PSA/BGS populations.

Key 2016 rookie hits that have trended up steadily in price through buylists and auction sites include Cubs 3B/OF Kris Bryant, Dodgers OF/1B Cody Bellinger, Yankees OF Aaron Judge, Astros SP Alex Bregman, and Brewers OF Lewis Brinson. Bryant remains the most valuable as a career .285 hitter who won 2015 NL Rookie of the Year and 2016 NL MVP in his first two seasons, though Judge is fast closing in as perhaps the game’s top power hitter and face of MLB today.

Bellinger broke out in 2017 and has remained an All-Star calibre regular for the Dodgers since, helping drive up his prices. Meanwhile Bregman has blossomed into a five-tool star for Houston and annual Gold Glover at third base, gaining recognition. Brinson was a former top prospect who hasn’t fully panned out, keeping his cards lower despite huge upside seen initially. Other decent hits from that rookie class including Rangers SP Lucas Giolito and Rangers OF Nomar Mazara also hold value but lag the elite talents above.

Premium star rookies and veterans alike also provide premium investment opportunities from the 2016 Topps checklist, headlined naturally by future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki in his final season cards before retirement. The legendary outfielder’s base rookie continues an impressive climb for such a modern issue player well after hanging up his cleats. Also gaining are rookie cards for established talents Corey Seager of the Dodgers, Kris Bryant of the Cubs, and Carlos Correa of the Astros, all early in careers cemented as perennial All-Stars today.

Veteran biggest stars that naturally retain strong demand include Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Bryce Harper and more, however cards from playoff performances can see a boost. Examples include Cubs 3B/1B Kris Bryant after his NLCS/World Series heroics, or Cleveland SP Corey Kluber following his Cy Young/postseason dominance. Even role players like Chicago’s utility man Ben Zobrist gained traction off his World Series MVP award. Across the board, higher graded examples in PSA/BGS MT/GL slab obviously demand the most money on the secondary market six years later.

Beyond the base checklist, Topps again loaded their flagship 2016 release with various inserts, parallels and short prints to appeal to completionists and investors alike. The popular ‘Topps NOW’ insert series returned highlighting that season’s biggest moments nearing instantaneously after they occurred. Other inserts like ‘Rookie Debut’ on young breakouts gained traction for key names. Parallels spanned the usual Chrome, Gold, Black, Blue, etc. and short prints added rarity. All help round out sets for collectors.

By and large, the 2016 Topps Baseball card values hold up remarkably well considering that half-dozen years have passed. Names that flourished and those that disappointed are apparent with investing perspective. While the vintage era greats may gain more over longer time horizons, modern issues can still supply affordable investment options appreciating alongside today’s hottest MLB talents entering their primes. For collectors and investors alike, Topps 2016 presents opportunities worth exploring across its thorough and highly coveted production spanning rookies to veterans. The cards that captivated fans of that special season remain accessible holds in portfolios today.

While 2016 Topps baseball cards led by Clayton Kershaw, Kris Bryant, Aaron Judge and more remain affordable compared to vintage greats, prices have steadily increased over the past six years for gems of stars cementing strong careers anticipated to continue. Less heralded rookie hits have predictably lagged but supplemental inserts provide alternative value. Overall the 2016 Topps flagship release endures as a recognizable and iconic modern set maintaining relevance amongst today’s player collectors.

TOPPS 2016 ATHLETICS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 baseball season was a rebuilding year for the Oakland Athletics. After losing 88 games in 2015, the team embarked on a youth movement, looking to develop promising young talent for future success. Topps’ 2016 Athletics baseball card set reflected this transition period through its photography and player selection.

With longtime stars like Brandon Moss, Ben Zobrist, and Scott Kazmir no longer on the roster, newcomers and up-and-coming players took center stage in the cardboard. Topps photographers shot many of these athletes against the lush green backdrop of the Oakland Coliseum, showcasing the natural beauty of the venue. Some cards even featured portraits taken outdoors near the ballpark or at spring training in Arizona, hinting at the fresh start underway.

Veteran hurler Scott Kazmir, coming off an All-Star campaign in 2015, was one of just a few Athletics holdovers to land one of the prestigious Topps flagship base cards. However, Kazmir would be dealt to the Dodgers before the trade deadline, capping a downward career arc hinted at through his transition from Richards’ signature silver border parallels in past years to a more common design this time. His exit further symbolized the changing of the guard in Oakland.

That changing of the guard was most evident in the big picture rookie cards distributed. While veterans like Coco Crisp, Danny Valencia, and even fading slugger Billy Butler made appearances, much of the cardboard real estate was allocated to members of the next generation. Shortstop Franklin Barreto, acquired in the Ben Zobrist trade, landed one of the coveted Topps Chrome rookie refractor autographs expected to gain value in coming years if his development continues apace. Catcher Bruce Maxwell, a Rule 5 selection who surprisingly made the Opening Day roster, got his mug on a zippy Chrome rookie as well.

Perhaps no one rookie defined the Topps 2016 Athletics set more than righty pitcher Sean Manaea. The hulking 6’5” hurler, drafted in 2013, had dazzled in a September call-up down the stretch the prior season. Topps commemorated Manaea’s arrival with a striking primary base card photograph showcasing his intense gaze. They also sleeved his autograph rookie in the prized Topps Chrome parallel, hinting he may develop into the staff ace around which the next contending A’s club could be built. His stats in a full 2016 season backed up such optimism, leading to inclusion in flagship Update and year-end Bowman offerings as expectations grew.

While veterans like Coco Crisp hung around, most of the Topps Athletics cardboard real estate in 2016 showcased up-and-coming talent like Franklin Barreto, who landed a coveted Topps Chrome rookie autograph. Bruce Maxwell, a surprising out-of-nowhere rookie catcher, also got prominent placement. But perhaps no one benefited more than starting pitcher Sean Manaea, who landed one of the set’s most striking primary photographs and a prestigious Topps Chrome autograph rookie after dazzling down the stretch in 2015. This reflected his emergence as a potential future staff ace around which the team could be rebuilt.

The focus on promising rookies and the picturesque Oakland surroundings highlighted how the franchise was transitioning to wave of exciting youth under new front office leadership. While 2016 ultimately resulted in another 90-loss season, the foundation was being laid. Topps foreshadowed this new chapter with a 2016 Athletics card design highlighting the bright spots of tomorrow emerging from the rebuilding ashes of 2015. In the years since, players like Manaea, Barreto, and others from this issuance have developed into core parts of successful A’s clubs, showing how diagnostic the cardboard could be of changes ahead, even in a season focused on development over wins. The set serves as a reminder of baseball’s constant evolution and Oakland’s ongoing quest to contend through shrewd roster construction.

In summary, Topps’ 2016 Oakland Athletics baseball card release appropriately centered around documenting the franchise’s transition to a new core of homegrown talent. Through its photography, rookie selections, and snubbing of departed veterans, the design previewed which players may lead the A’s back to prominence. Several of these featured rookies like Sean Manaea have indeed developed into impact roles, showing how prescient these cardboard portents could be. The set reflects both a time of rebuilding as well as the allure of tomorrow that motivated it. For A’s fans and collectors alike, it serves as an evocative memento of change ahead heralded by promise on the horizon.

MOST VALUABLE 2016 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2016 Topps baseball card set saw the emergence of several young star players who captured the attention of collectors. While rookie cards are usually the most sought after, veteran stars still hold value as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2016 Topps cards on the secondary market today based on PSA 10 gem mint prices.

Perhaps the most coveted 2016 Topps card is the prizm parallel of Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant. Bryant had a phenomenal rookie season in 2015 that culminated in NL Rookie of the Year and MVP honors. Topps captured Bryant’s stardom perfectly in the prizm parallel design which features vivid colors and a refractor-like quality. In a PSA 10 gem mint grade, Bryant’s prizm card has sold for over $800 due to his popularity and on-field production. With Bryant leading the Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908 in 2016, his rookie cards from that year stay in high demand.

Another Cubs young star, shortstop Addison Russell, also has one of the most valuable 2016 Topps cards. Russell’s regular base rookie is amongst the most traded cards on eBay, routinely selling for $100-150 raw. It’s Russell’s prizm parallel that really turns heads. Like Bryant’s prizm, Russell’s features brilliant colors that pop on the sidelines. The prizm parallels capture the eye of collectors and in a PSA 10 have sold for over $600. Factor in Russell’s key role on a championship Cubs team and his cards hold tremendous interest.

Staying in Chicago, White Sox rookie pitcher Carson Fulmer has one of the most sought after rookie cards from 2016 Topps. Fulmer was selected 8th overall in the 2015 draft and had a strong debut in 2016 that tantalized collectors. While he may not have the fame of Bryant or Russell, Fulmer’s on-field performance and future potential make his base rookie a hot ticket. PSA 10 examples have sold for $250 due to his status as a promising young arm. As Fulmer continues to develop, his rookie card value should steadily climb.

On the veterans side, one of the true iconic stars of 2016 was Cubs ace Jake Arrieta. After winning the 2015 Cy Young Award and pitching dominant in the 2016 playoffs, Arrieta had arguably the best campaign of his career. His 2016 Topps base card reflects his ace status and in a PSA 10 grade, routinely sells for over $150. With Arrieta being a key figure in ending the Cubs championship drought, any of his rookie or star cards remain popular pickups.

While he may be past his prime, Yankee veteran CC Sabathia still has one of the most valuable 2016 Topps base cards. Sabathia’s status as a former Cy Young winner and long time Yankee puts emphasis on any of his vintage cards. In a PSA 10, his 2016 Topps card has sold upwards of $125 due to his strong brand and baseball pedigree. For Yankee collectors especially, snatching a pristine Sabathia rookie or star card is always a worthwhile addition to their collection.

Two rising stars that truly burst onto the scene and captured Topps collectors in 2016 were Corey Seager of the Dodgers and Gary Sanchez of the Yankees. Seager, only in his first full season, led the Dodgers to the NL West title while smashing 26 home runs and winning NL Rookie of the Year. His2016 Topps base rookie in a PSA 10 currently sells for over $250 due to his immediate success. Meanwhile, Sanchez exploded onto the Yankee scene with 20 home runs in just 53 games, launching his way to becoming a fan favorite. His impressive rookie campaign has made his base 2016 Topps rookie reach $225 in PSA 10 condition. With both Seager and Sanchez still young and improving, their rookie cards seem poised to exponentially rise in value in the coming years.

Of course, one of the most legendary players of his generation had perhaps the most prized 2016 Topps card – Mariano Rivera. In his final season and on the heels of being unanimously voted into the Hall of Fame, Rivera was honored everywhere, including by Topps. His base card in PSA 10 condition currently reaches highest end prices of $350 due to his iconic career and status as the greatest closer of all-time. Few players can match Rivera’s on-field achievements, making any of his Topps cards highly coveted memorabilia for collectors.

The 2016 Topps baseball card set featured many young stars who are poised to have Hall of Fame careers like Bryant, Russell and Seager. It also paid homage to veterans at the height of their powers or winding down iconic runs like Arrieta, Sabathia and Rivera. For collectors, targeting PSA 10 gem mint examples of these prized rookies or veterans provides an investment that seems virtually guaranteed to hold and increase value over time as the players’ legends grow. The 2016 season gave Topps many unforgettable stories to capture for the collectibles marketplace.