Tag Archives: 2018

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING IN 2018

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The player featured on the card – Cards featuring legendary or star players tend to retain the most value over time. Players like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Jackie Robinson and more modern stars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, etc. will almost always have cards in demand. Even role players or never-were prospects can have valuable rookie cards.

The year and brand of issue – Older vintage cards from the early 20th century through the late 1980s are usually more valuable, as those early printing runs were much smaller. Also, some brands like Topps, Bowman and Leaf have historically been more coveted by collectors.

Condition of the card – A card’s state of preservation is absolutely critical to its worth. Near mint/mint condition cards in the highest available grades from services like PSA or BGS can be exponentially more valuable than worn/damaged cards of the same player/issue. Raw, ungraded cards are tougher to value.

Rarity – For vintage cards especially, rare variations like error cards, unique serial numbers, scarce parallels, and 1/1 patches or autographs command the highest prices. Even a common card can gain value if few surviving examples are known.

Current player performance – For modern issues (mainly 1990s-present) involving active players, their ongoing career success very much impacts card prices. A superstar in his prime will carry premiums over post-retirement versions of the same player. Injuries, controversies, and declines can have negative effects as well.

General collectibles market – Wax box and unopened pack prices tend to rise during bull markets. But individual cards also track general economic conditions and collectors’ risk tolerance over the long run. Recessions can temporarily depress values across the board.

With all that context in mind, here are some specific observations about the baseball card market in 2018:

Vintage cards remain strong – Pristine examples of iconic 1920s-1980s players continue setting record prices at auction. A Mint-graded 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle just sold for over $2 million, underscoring steady institutional interest. Commons from the golden era still appeal to new collectors.

1990s boom hits 25-year mark – This hugely productive period for the hobby is reaching “vintage” status itself. Ken Griffey Jr. and other stars are peaking in demand from nostalgic 90s kids who grew up with them. Prices reflect increased appreciation of the designs and players from that era.

Prospecting pays off eventually – While few true “rookie cards” command big bucks right away nowadays due to larger print runs, cards of future stars purchased cheaply provide opportunities. Players who debut and then have breakout seasons see past issues spike in value from initially cautious collectors. Risk and patience are keys here though.

Modern parallels prosper – Inserts, autographs, memorabilia cards, and limited parallel versions of current superstars like Mike Trout are steady performers. As rookie classes get larger, rarer variations offer collectors opportunities to profit by finding the hidden gems earlier.

Unopened wax stays pricey – Sealed 1986-1987 Topps boxes continue setting new records above $20,000-$30,000 as safe, tangible investments. Other complete vintage sets do well too when graded gem mint. Powerful brands remain crowdpleasers for prestigious mainstays of collections.

Online auction sales robust – Between eBay, Heritage Auctions, and more specialized third party graders/sellers like PWCC, auction prices tend to accurately reflect current collector tastes and market values. Increased global reach and competition inflates final figures.

Digital cards arrive – New blockchain-based platforms create collectible virtual replicas that can be bought/sold/traded. It remains to be seen if they gain mainstream adoption, but could open the hobby to younger demographics more comfortable in digital spaces. Values fluctuate wildly in these early experimental markets though.

While not achieving the frenzied heights of the early 1990s bubble, the baseball card market remains vibrant and multi-tiered. Smart collectors can still find plenty of affordable entry points at commons boxes or lesser-known stars’ issues, while high-end vintage cardboard poised to set new benchmarks. Condition, research, and long-term appreciation continue paying dividends for dedicated fans in this timeless field of collecting.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS PRICE GUIDE

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The 2018 Topps Baseball card set was released in late winter/early spring of 2018 and contained several highly sought after rookie cards as well as veteran stars. Let’s take an in-depth look at the price guide for some of the top cards from the 2018 Topps Baseball set.

One of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2018 Topps Baseball set is Shohei Ohtani RC #132. Ohtani was a true two-way player in 2018 as a pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Angels. His rare ability to excel at both generated a ton of excitement and collector interest. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of the Ohtani RC routinely sell for $300-400. Even raw near mint copies in the 8-9 range sell for $100-200. With Ohtani’s star continuing to rise in MLB, this card remains one of the crown jewels of the 2018 Topps set and a strong long term investment for collectors.

Another highly sought after rookie card is Juan Soto RC #249. Soto burst onto the scene as a 19-year-old for the Washington Nationals and finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. PSA 10 copies of the Soto RC sell in the $150-250 range. Raw near mint copies go for $50-100 depending on the exact condition and centering/corners. Soto is already one of the best young hitters in baseball and his rookie card price should continue to climb over time.

Beyond the rookie cards, veteran superstars also command top prices from the 2018 Topps set. For example, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of the Mike Trout SP Variation #79 sells in the $150-250 range. Even raw near mint copies bring $50-100. Trout remains the best all-around player in MLB and any of his cards, especially serial numbered and short printed versions, hold value extremely well for collectors.

Another perennial superstar with a valuable 2018 Topps card is Clayton Kershaw SP Variation #107. PSA 10 versions sell for $100-150. Raw near mint copies can be acquired for $40-80 depending on exact condition. Kershaw is a first ballot Hall of Famer when his career is over and any of his serial numbered or short printed cards are always in high demand.

For baseball fans and collectors looking for a bargain, there are also several undervalued 2018 Topps cards that could appreciate significantly down the road. For example, a PSA 10 of Ronald Acuna Jr. RC #250 currently sells in the $50-80 range. But Acuna has already proven himself as a budding superstar and his cards could easily reach Soto or Ohtani prices within a few years as his career progresses. Buying raw copies now in the $10-20 range is a low risk prospecting opportunity.

Similarly, Gleyber Torres RC #291 remains quite affordable despite Torres emerging as a budding All-Star for the Yankees. PSA 10s sell around $40-60 while raw near mint copies are $15-30. Torres is only 23 and has All-Star and MVP potential, so his rookie card could appreciate sharply if he continues developing into a true franchise cornerstone for New York.

The 2018 Topps Baseball set contains many valuable rookie cards and veteran superstar inserts that hold strong long term value for collectors. Cards like Ohtani, Soto, Trout, and Kershaw routinely sell for hundreds in top grades. Meanwhile, prospects like Acuna and Torres can still be acquired relatively cheaply now with upside for significant future appreciation. Careful study of the 2018 Topps price guide allows collectors to identify both established gems as well as potential future breakouts from the set.

TOP ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS 2018

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The 2018 MLB rookie class had several rookies who made an immediate impact and their cards have become highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookie cards from 2018 that have generated a lot of buzz in the hobby.

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps Series 1 #181, Topps Chrome #195): No rookie in 2018 had more hype surrounding them than Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese star signed with the Angels and showed off unreal two-way talent, pitching and hitting at an elite level. This made his rookie cards an instant must-have. While injured for most of 2019, collectors retained high interest and his rookies increased in value. The flagship Topps Series 1 is considered the premier Ohtani rookie and in top grade fetches $200-300. The parallels and color variations are also coveted, with the Topps Chrome leading as the highest valued Ohtani rookie around $400-500 PSA 10. No rookie cards from 2018 have seen more growth in such a short time.

Gleyber Torres, New York Yankees (Topps Series 1 #268, Topps Chrome #209): After being acquired by the Yankees in a trade, Torres wasted no time adjusting to MLB. He mashed in his rookie season, hitting .271 with 24 home runs and 77 RBIs, playing a key role for the Yankees’ playoff run. This electric performance generated immediate buzz and his rookie cards shot up. Topps Series 1 and Chrome rookies are a hot commodity, with PSA 10’s regularly selling above $100-150. His numbered parallels have seen the most dramatic appreciation, and short prints like Topps Chrome Sepia #’d /25 are approaching $1,000 raw. Torres looks primed to be a star for years to come and his rookies reflect massive belief in his future potential.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps Series 1 #145, Topps Chrome #125): From the moment he debuted in late April, Acuña announced his presence with authority. He carried the Braves offense for stretches and finished with a .293 average, 26 homers, and 64 RBIs in only 111 games. Rated as baseball’s #1 prospect, Acuña lived up to expectations right away. This further increased his already high profile coming into the year. Both the Topps Series 1 and Chrome rookies have steadily climbed and a PSA 10 of either is now around $150-200. Short prints are even more valuable, with the elusive Topps Series 1 Bowman Platinum Auto /5 selling for over $3,000 raw. Acuña seems destined for superstardom and his cards will likely only appreciate from here.

Juan Soto, Washington Nationals (Topps Series 1 #168, Topps Chrome #149): Though just 19 years old for most of 2018, Soto played with poise well beyond his age. He hit .292 with 22 home runs and 70 RBIs, providing a major boost to the Nationals. His breakout season catapulted Soto into the national discussion as a true phenom. Currently, his rookie cards hold the second highest values of the 2018 class. A PSA 10 Topps Series 1 can fetch $150-200 while the Topps Chrome parallel is slightly more at $200-250. There is belief Soto will continue getting better and his rookies should remain highly collectible long term.

Walker Buehler, Los Angeles Dodgers (Topps Series 1 #302, Topps Chrome #270): Coming into 2018, Buehler was one of baseball’s elite pitching prospects and he shined right away in LA. Posting a 2.62 ERA over 151 innings between the regular season and playoffs, Buehler gave Dodgers fans championship-level hope for the future. Though overshadowed by the big bats, Buehler’s rookie cards gained collectors’ attention. A Topps Series 1 PSA 10 recently sold for over $100, while the prized Topps Chrome refractor numbered /2018 changed hands for close to $300 raw. Continued success will maintain long term demand for these coveted rookie pitchers cards.

Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds (Topps Series 1 #387, Topps Chrome #331): Coming into his own in 2018, Castillo struck out over 200 batters while going 7-7 with a 3.32 ERA as Cincinnati’s staff ace. This breakout elevated him as one of MLB’s top young arms. Though not a household name, Castillo started to gain recognition from hardcore collectors. His flagship Topps rookie settled around the $50-75 mark for a graded PSA 10 after starting the year closer to $20-30. Short prints and autos saw more pronounced jumps as well. With continued dominance on the mound, Castillo’s cards have room to climb even higher in coming years.

Max Muncy, Los Angeles Dodgers (Topps Series 1 #350, Topps Chrome #310): An incredible comeback story, Muncy went from struggling journeyman to hitting 35 home runs as an everyday player after joining the Dodgers. Busting out in a huge way at 27 years old, Muncy became a fan favorite overnight. While not a true rookie, the unexpected breakout generated buzz around his cardboard. Topps Chrome rookies have gained the most, rising to $50-75 PSA 10 as Muncy sustained his success in 2019. The storyline and performance captured imaginations and kept enthusiasts hunting his 2018 MLB debut cards.

Aaron Nola, Philadelphia Phillies (Topps Series 1 #86, Topps Chrome #56): As one of baseball’s best and most underrated starting pitchers, Nola’s talents have been evident for years even if Phillies team success lagged. In 2018, he finally gained national exposure by finishing third in NL Cy Young voting with a superb 2.37 ERA over 214 innings. This illuminated his potential and bumped up values of his 2014 rookie cards. Both the Topps flagship and Chrome are now around $75-100 in top grade, reflective of growing appreciation for Nola as a true ace and cornerstone player for Philadelphia going forward.

This covers some of the biggest standouts and most coveted rookie cards from the talented 2018 MLB class. With continued success on the field, these rookies should stay hot commodities for collectors for years to come. The breakouts of Ohtani, Acuña Jr., Torres, and Soto in particular made their rookie cards instant classics that will be prized holdings for savvy investors. It will be exciting to see which young stars from the 2019 and 2020 classes can achieve similar heights and generations of fans discovering their rookie cards.

2018 ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 MLB season saw several rookie players make an immediate impact in Major League Baseball. These top newcomers have already produced valuable rookie cards for collectors only one year after their professional debuts. The dominance and hype around certain 2018 rookies have led to some cards gaining even more value in a short time. With their early success and long careers still ahead, many of these rookie cards offer strong investment potential.

One of the most noteworthy rookies of 2018 was Japanese two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. Playing as both a pitcher and hitter, Ohtani’s rare two-way talents had not been seen in the big leagues for over a century. His debut was highly anticipated and Ohtani delivered, hitting .285 with 22 home runs and 61 RBI as a designated hitter while also posting a 3.31 ERA with 63 strikeouts over 10 starts on the mound. The excitement around Ohtani led to his 2018 Topps Baseball rookie card gaining immediate value, rising above $100 shortly after release. With Ohtani’s unique dual talents and marketability in both the United States and Japan, his rookie card is projected to appreciate substantially over the long run as one of the most significant cards in recent history.

Another highly coveted rookie in 2018 wasAtlanta Bravesoutfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Coming into the season ranked as baseball’s top overall prospect byMLB.com, Acuña did not disappoint in his first full year in the majors. He hit an impressive .293 with 26 home runs and 64 RBI while adding 21 stolen bases in only 111 games. At just 20 years old, Acuña arrived in the majors with a rare five-tool talent package and continued to improve over the season’s second half. His athleticism and flair for the dramatic helped him become a breakout star, driving significant demand for his 2018 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Refractor rookie card. Currently valued over $400, Acuña’s rookies appear poised to exponentially rise in coming years should he fulfill his superstar potential.

Another highly regarded rookie performer in 2018 was San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Though limited to only 84 games due to injury, Tatis made the most of his opportunity by hitting .286 with 16 home runs and 43 RBI in his age-19 season. He demonstrated elite tools with tremendous raw power, elite speed, and strong defense as one of the sport’s premier young middle infielders. Tatis made an immediate splash as one of baseball’s top prospects and his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor rookie card retailed for over $150 near the end of the season. As Tatis gains more experience at baseball’s highest level and develops into an all-star caliber player, his card values are expected to multiply rapidly in the years ahead as one of the most valuable Padres cards ever.

Two other key rookies from 2018 who have demonstrated potential for significant growth have been Gleyber Torres of the New York Yankees and Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals. Torres batted .278 with 24 home runs and 77 RBI in his first full MLB season at just 21 years old. He took over as the Yankees’ everyday second baseman and should develop into a franchise cornerstone. Torres’ 2018 Topps Chrome Prospects Refractor rookie card averaged around $50-75 last fall. Juan Soto had one of the finest rookie campaigns in recent history, hitting .292 with 22 home runs and 70 RBI at only 19 years old. He added six more postseason home runs and hit cleanly throughout the Nationals’ World Series run. Soto emerged as one of MLB’s brightest young stars and his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor rookie sells for over $100 presently. Both players have All-Star upside and their rookie cards stand to significantly increase with sustained excellence.

Another name that stood out among rookies in 2018 was Milwaukee Brewers reliever Josh Hader. Transitioning seamlessly from starter to dominant late-inning reliever, Hader posted a 2.43 ERA with 143 strikeouts over only 81.1 innings in his first full major league season. His repertoire of elite plus fastball and wipeout slider allowed him to dominate hitters from both sides of the plate. Hader solidified himself as one of baseball’s premier young closers and has turned into a workhorse in Brewers’ playoff runs the past two seasons. His 2018 Topps Chrome Prospects Refractor has climbed above $75 with his ascension as an established shutdown left-handed reliever. With continued success in a late-inning role, Hader’s 2018 rookie card seems poised to cross the $100 threshold soon.

While not a true rookie in the traditional sense after making his debut late in 2017, New York Metssecond baseman Jeff McNeil still qualifies as a rookie card-eligible player in many collectors’ eyes for the 2018 season. McNeil broke out as one of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2018, batting an astounding .329 over 136 games while playing sterling defense at second base, in left field, and even shortstop in a pinch. McNeil’s elite contact skills and ability to play all over the diamond have solidified him as an important starter for the Mets. His 2018 Topps Series 2 rookie card jumped from around $10-15 over the summer to hovering around $25-30 presently. With McNeil cementing himself as an everyday player, there is strong belief his 2018 rookie cards could surpass $50 within a couple years.

Those represented above comprised some of baseball’s most successful and impactful rookies from the 2018 MLB season. One year later, their rookie cards have already gained respectable value as collectors gambled on their early MLB promise blossoming into sustained brilliance at the game’s highest level. While investment risks remain in any cards issued only a single season ago, the upside potential appears enormous for rookies like Ohtani, Acuña, Tatis, Torres, Soto and others should their careers continue ascending. For savvy collectors willing to hold onto these rookies long-term, their cards offer chances for exponential returns down the road. With sustained excellence, many of these 2018 rookie cards may emerge among the most historically significant baseball cards of the modern era in the years still ahead.

2018 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2018 Topps Heritage Baseball card set saw Topps reintroduce vintage-themed designs in a bid to appeal to nostalgic collectors. As with prior Heritage sets, Topps mined the archives to revive classic art and imagery from the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. While not quite as iconic as their inspirations, 2018 Topps Heritage cards have grown in popularity and demonstrated strong secondary market demand.

The 2018 Heritage set totals 332 cards and includes base Reds, parallels and insert cards. The designs harken back to Topps issues from 1967, 1977 and 1984. For example, the 1967 design uses a simple team logo atop the player photo with stats below, while 1977 employs a more colorful banner style. 1984-inspired cards have a larger headshot and bolder colors/font throughout. As with past Heritage sets, the cardstock replicates the thicker feel and finishes of older Topps issues.

In terms of base cards, the 2018 Topps Heritage standard issue reds remain reasonable in price. Most common star and rookie cards from the reds checklist trade in the $2-5 range. The reds of certain high-end stars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich and possible Hall of Famers like Ichiro Suzuki command $10-20 each. Rookies that have broken out also carry higher values, such as Juan Soto reds hovering around $15-25 given his early success.

When it comes to parallels and short prints, demand and thus pricing ramps up considerably for the rarer Heritage variations. The most coveted are the 1/1 printing plates, which naturally fetch premium prices upwards of several hundred dollars. Rainbow foil parallels number to only 50 copies each and trade hands for $50-150 on average depending on the player featured. Conversely, the unnumbered foilboard and sepia parallels have larger print runs into the thousands yet still pull $5-15 a card.

As for sought-after short prints and/or serially numbered inserts, prices really take off. Popular short prints like Mike Trout (#/499), Christian Yelich (#/350) and Mookie Betts (#/299) regularly sell in the $75-150 range. Low numbered parallels under #/50 of star rookies such as Juan Soto command $200-400. Iconic veterans in highly limited parallels also appreciate substantially – for instance, a #/25 Derek Jeter sells for $500-1000. Exceedingly rare autograph and patch parallels of top names can even reach several thousands of dollars.

Besides star players, a few key rookie cards from the 2018 Topps Heritage set stand out as strong long term investments given their early MLB success. As noted, top prospect Juan Soto cards hold substantial value already. Likewise, cards featuring Ronald Acuña Jr. breakout have increased sharply since his stellar rookie season. Acuña red parallels under #/200 now sell for $100-250 minimum. Rookie cards of budding superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Gleyber Torres, Walker Buehler and others should retain strong future demand if they continue producing at a high level.

All in all, the 2018 Topps Heritage set proved to be another highly collectible nostalgic throwback issue from Topps. While the base red cards remain moderate in price, the short prints, parallels and especially serially numbered rookie cards of budding stars exhibit strong potential for value growth going forward for savvy collectors. The Heritage brand has clearly resonated with both nostalgic collectors and those pursuing the cards of rising young MLB talents. As such, complete sets and key singles from the 2018 edition warrant consideration as a sound hobby-related investment.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 Topps Baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year as it marked the 65th anniversary of Topps’ existence as a trading card company. Some of the key features and highlights of the 2018 Topps Baseball card set included:

To celebrate their 65th anniversary in 2018, Topps went above and beyond with the design and photography of the cards. The borders on the base cards were trimmed in gold foil to commemorate the occasion. The team logo on the front of each card was enlarged and given extra prominence to make the designs really pop on card shelves and in binders. The photos on the cards also seemed sharper and more vivid than in years past. Topps clearly spared no expense to make the 2018 set truly stand out visually amongst its competition.

Base cards made up the bulk of the 2018 Topps Baseball release at a massive 880 cards total across Series 1, 2, and Update Series. This was one of the largest modern base sets ever produced. Ranging in number from 1-880, the base cards featured current Major League players from all 30 teams. Parallels and insert sets were also included. Topps has also continued its popular Traditions subset, which pays tribute to classic card designs from the 1950s and 1960s.

A record 26 rookie cards debuted in the 2018 Topps set, headlined by future superstars such as Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Fernando Tatis Jr., and others. Topps did an excellent job highlighting these newcomers that would make major impacts right away. The photography and design really made these rookies stand out as future stars. Many of these rookies ended up becoming the most coveted and valuable cards in the set within just a few short years.

The flagship Topps product also included several exciting insert sets beyond the base cards. The popular Topps Now series returned with hits featuring timely and story-driven moments from the current season. Additional insert sets included 1965 Flashback, 1975 Flashback, Heroes of the Game, Topps History, 1987 Turn Back The Clock, and Hometown Heroes among others. Topps did a great job selecting dynamic subject matter and designs for these inserts that would appeal to both casual and serious collectors.

Topps continued their partnership with Major League Baseball by including all active players in their uniforms shot specifically for the 2018 Topps series. Throughout the decades, Topps photographers have shot some of the most iconic and collectible baseball card images of all-time. The 2018 set carried on this tradition with sharp, high quality action photography featuring today’s biggest stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Judge and more. Fans could build complete team sets with accurate, up-to-date rosters straight from that current season.

In addition to the core Series 1, Series 2 and Update Series releases for the flagship Topps brand, there were also several associated product lines and special subsets released alongside the primary 2018 Topps Baseball set. Finest, Chrome, Archives Signature Series, and Allen & Ginter’s among others all featured additional player cards and inserts tied into the main Topps release but with parallel designs and autographed or memorabilia cards exclusive to those specialty sets. This added tremendous value, variety and Chase cards for collectors at all levels.

Parallels and short prints were also inserted throughout the primary series runs adding to the challenge of completing full sets. Topps tinkered with different parallel variations including gold foils, sepia tones, negatives, etc. Numbered parallels like red rainbow foil and gold label were some of the most sought after chase versions. Meanwhile, Topps continued their sketch card subsets hand drawn by top artists that stand out as truly one-of-a-kind collectibles. The inclusion of so many parallel and short print variations kept even seasoned collectors engaged in hunts throughout the release cycle.

As with any Topps Baseball release, chase autographs and memorabilia cards of the game’s biggest stars were also included alongside the base cards to add excitement and significantly boost collector interest. Rookie autos, star autos from franchise players, rare 1/1 printing plates and more exotic memorabilia cards with uniform or equipment relics from historic moments made these premium chase cards highly valuable for years to come in the collecting hobby. This gave collectors of all levels worthwhile prizes to hope for in every pack or box they opened.

When the final cards of the 2018 Topps Baseball release were distributed, the massive undertaking of another epic year of baseball collecting was complete. With an enormous base set paying tribute to Topps’ 65th anniversary, a record number of rookie debuts, beloved staple inserts and parallels, star autographed hits and sharp high-quality photography, the 2018 Topps flagship set solidified its place amongst the all-time classic and most complete annual releases in the hobby’s long history. Its celebration of the past blended seamlessly with present day players to create a true historical time capsule that baseball card collectors and fans will cherish for generations to come.

In summary, 2018 Topps Baseball proved to be one of the most ambitious and fan-pleasing releases from the venerable brand. Its massive checklist, striking commemorative designs, record rookie classes and inclusion of current players made it a definitively complete capturing of the season that has becoming increasing collectible and valuable in recent years. For both casual and serious collectors, the 2018 Topps Baseball set marked both an exciting new chapter and direct connection to Topps’ storied 65 year legacy of documenting America’s pastime one cardboard at a time. Its prominence and popularity have endured and will likely ensure its place as one of the all-time Topps classics for decades more.

2018 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2018 Topps Baseball card set saw Topps return to its traditional design roots after experimenting with different styles and layouts in recent years. The set featured all 30 MLB teams and included rising stars, veteran players, and Hall of Famers. While individual card values vary greatly depending on player, position, and card condition, here is an overview of the 2018 Topps Baseball set and what certain cards have sold for since release.

The base card design was a straightforward vertical layout with the team logo at top and player photo centered below stats. The paper stock was thicker than recent years for enhanced durability. The base rookie cards of future superstars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Shohei Ohtani were highly sought after by collectors from the start. Mint condition Soto and Acuña rookies have sold for $50-100 each, while a PSA 10 graded Ohtani rookie fetched over $500 given his unique two-way playing ability.

Parallels and inserts added variety to the set. The most coveted were the Rainbow Foil parallel cards which featured vibrant colors and hyper-refractive foil stamping. Rainbow Foil parallels of big names like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Mookie Betts have brought $30-50 each depending on the player color. Popular inserts included ‘Stars of the Game’ featuring iconic photos of legends, ‘Diamond Kings’ highlighting each team, and ‘High Tek’ with 3D hologram effects. These specialty cards added value and excitement for collectors.

Autograph and memorabilia cards provided the highest potential returns. Top rookie autographed cards of Soto, Acuña, and Ohtani routinely sell for $200-400 each. A Soto autograph PSA 10 gem sold for an astonishing $900 given his breakout rookie campaign. ‘Prime Performers’ autograph relic parallels featuring swatches of jersey material combined the appeal of autographs and memorabilia. A Manny Machado Prime Performers sold for $125. Autographed and relic cards of stars like Trout, Harper, Betts, and others command $50-150 depending on the swatch or signature quality.

Veteran superstars remain highly sought after. Mint condition base cards of all-time greats like Trout, Harper, Betts, Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer usually sell in the $5-15 range. A PSA 10 graded Trout rookie from his 2009 Bowman Chrome set sold for an unbelievable $22,000, showing his enduring fan appeal and investment potential. Hall of Famers also hold value with their place in history. A PSA 10 graded Mickey Mantle rookie from 1952 is worth over $100,000 today.

As with any collectible set, condition is key to long term value. Cards received low grades of Poor or Good sell for just a dollar or two. Near Mint and especially Mint graded cards in the PSA 8-10 range command the highest prices. The 2018 Topps set overall provided a fun and affordable way for new and veteran collectors alike to enjoy the latest MLB stars while also potentially finding valuable rookie cards, autographs, and parallels that could appreciate over the years. With its classic design and inclusion of rising talent, the 2018 Topps Baseball set proved to be one of the most popular and valuable in recent memory.

BEST BASEBALL CARDS OF 2018

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The 2018 baseball card season was another exciting year in the hobby, with several major releases from top issuers like Topps, Panini, and Bowman. With a variety of parallels, autographs, and rookie cards across all the major sets, collectors had plenty of options to chase their favorite players. Here’s a look at some of the standout cards collectors were buzzing about in 2018.

A major storyline in 2018 was the continued emergence of Shohei Ohtani, who made history as the first player in decades to pitch and hit as a regular position player. His rookie cards were hot commodities all year from Bowman, Topps, and Panini. One of the most coveted was considered to be his autographed refractor parallel from Bowman Sterling, which was serial numbered to just 10 copies. These ultra-rare Ohtani autographs fetched prices well over $1,000 each online.

Another rookie who took the baseball world by storm was Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. While his 2017 rookie cards were out of most collector’s price ranges, 2018 saw plenty of affordable parallels and inserts featuring the towering slugger. Topps Chrome Blue Refractors and Topps Fire parallels of Judge rookies were popular chase cards. Additionally, Judge’s Topps Opening Day auto parallel /99 and Topps Holiday auto /50 inserts provided affordable autographed options for fans.

For collectors chasing the game’s biggest stars, 2018 Topps Archives offered retro-styled cards that captured the nostalgia of the hobby. A Mike Trout autograph parallel from the set numbered to just 10 copies sold for over $3,000. Also coveted were autographs from the set’s “Hall of Fame” subset, including a rare /5 Babe Ruth that traded hands for close to $4,000 online. Topps Tribute also paid homage to baseball legends with its “Then and Now” parallels, which paired a current star like Mookie Betts alongside an icon from the past like Ted Williams.

While the MLB rookies and stars garnered much attention, collectors also had fun hunting vintage-style throwbacks. Topps Heritage featured its popular “Minors” subset highlighting prospects, while Topps Allen & Ginter offered esoteric player cards mixed with characters from pop culture in its trademark style. Heritage’s “Record Breakers” insert set paid tribute to milestones in baseball history. Additionally, Heritage’s “Rookie Cup” parallel autos including Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. were hotly pursued.

For those seeking autographs and memorabilia cards, 2018 Bowman Sterling and Bowman’s Best delievered the goods. A Ronald Acuña Jr. Sterling auto refractor numbered to just 5 copies traded hands for over $2,000. Bowman’s Best featured impressive patches and autographs of stars like Christian Yelich and Cody Bellinger. Additionally, Topps Finest Autograph parallels offered on-card autos of rising talents like Gleyber Torres and Walker Buehler.

When it came to international prospects, 2018 Bowman Draft proved to be the premier release. Cards of top international signees like Wander Franco from the Dominican Republic and Shun Yamaguchi from Japan found an eager collector audience. Additionally, Bowman International highlighted prospects from all over the globe. The release also allowed collectors to invest relatively inexpensively in the next generation of MLB stars from abroad.

In the vintage market, collectors continued to pay top dollar for iconic cards from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. A near-mint 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle sold for over $100,000. Also achieving six figures was a gem mint 1966 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie card. A rare 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner realized a hammer price of over $350,000 at auction. While these vintage behemoths were out of reach for most, affordable vintage options could be found in sets like Topps 1969, Topps 1973 and Topps 1976.

In summary, 2018 was another banner year for the baseball card collecting community, with exciting rookies, stars, parallels, and vintage offerings across all the major releases. With new young talents emerging each season and the never-ending nostalgia of the hobby, the future remains bright for baseball cards. As collectors look ahead to the 2019 season, they can anticipate another great year of chasing their favorite players both present and past through the cardboard culture of the MLB.

HOUSTON ASTROS 2018 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 Houston Astros baseball cards commemorated the franchise’s first World Series championship. After reaching the Fall Classic in 2005 and losing to the Chicago White Sox, the Astros broke through in 2017, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games to capture club’s first title. Top rookies like outfielder Derek Fisher and pitcher Francis Martes emerged, joining superstars Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, George Springer and Justin Verlander on a dominant pitching staff and powerful lineup.

The most recognizable cards featured Astros’ biggest stars, starting with 2017 American League MVP and second baseman Jose Altuve. Altuve’s breakout season saw him hit .346 with 24 home runs and 81 RBI while leading the majors in hits. His dazzling play and inspirational leadership fueled Houston’s championship run. Altuve’s iconic 2018 Topps cards showcased his dynamic abilities and cement his status as the face of the franchise.

Young shortstop Carlos Correa also gained widespread attention during the Astros’ title defense. After missing half of the 2017 regular season due to injuries, Correa helped Houston win the pennant by batting .309 with 4 home runs in the ALCS and World Series combined. The 23-year-old’s burgeoning power and Gold Glove caliber defense in the heart of Houston’s lineup made him one of baseball’s rising stars. Correa’s 2018 card highlights captured his blossoming superstardom.

Towering right fielder George Springer turned in another All-Star campaign, batting .283 with 34 home runs and 85 runs batted in. Springer’s athleticism, elite power, and dominant playoff performances in 2017 cemented his place as a cornerstone of Houston’s core. His memorable postseason heroics, including a Game 2 home run in the World Series, made Springer one of the most exhilarating Astros to watch. His 2018 cards celebrated another breakout season.

Veteran ace Justin Verlander also joined Houston via a late summer trade and immediately transformed their rotation. The former Detroit Tigers star went 5-0 with a 1.06 ERA after being dealt, then won two games in the World Series including a complete game victory in Game 2. Verlander’s veteran leadership and overpowering stuff gave Houston a true ace for October. His 2018 cards with the Astros highlighted a new chapter after years in Detroit.

Rookies like outfielder Derek Fisher and flamethrower Francis Martes also received flashy commons and inserts in their debut seasons. Martes missed all of 2018 due to injury but impressed in 2017 before undergoing Tommy John surgery. As young power arms, Martes and fellow rookie Brad Peacock provided promise for Houston’s future rotation. Fisher made his MLB debut in September 2017 and looked poised for an impact role in 2018 before injuries limited him to 69 games.

Veteran starters like Lance McCullers Jr., Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton and Collin McHugh anchored a formidable starting five. Dynamic rookie relievers Chris Devenski and Joe Smith emerged as lights-out bullpen options alongside veterans Ken Giles and Luke Gregerson. Backup catcher Brian McCann and versatile infielder Marwin Gonzalez proved indispensable both offensively and defensively. The depth and talent throughout Houston’s 40-man roster led to championship success.

Parallels, retro variations, autographs and memorabilia cards of stars like Altuve, Correa, Springer and Verlander highlighted insert sets. Rare 1/1 printing plates and red parallel autos fetched top dollar as collectors chased the reigning champs. Extended sets from Upper Deck, Topps, Bowman and Leaf captured breakout players as well as depth roster guys who contributed. International licenses from Panini added to the excitement around Houston’s first title team.

Whether celebrating franchise cornerstones, breakout rookies or role players, the 2018 Houston Astros baseball cards paid tribute to a championship roster that brought Houston its first World Series trophy. Memorable inserts, parallels and autographs enshrined the stars and depth that lifted the Astros to elite status among baseball’s best. With a talented young core and proven playoff pedigree, the future remains bright as Houston aims to repeat its 2017 championship run.

2018 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 Topps Heritage baseball card set pays homage to the design style of baseball cards from the late 1960s. As with each yearly edition, the Heritage set strives to authentically replicate the look and feel of cards from baseball’s past. For collectors and fans longing for a blast from the past, the 2018 Topps Heritage set delivers retro art and nostalgia in spades.

Topps first launched its Heritage line in 1991 as a means to celebrate the early traditions of the hobby. Each year’s rendition focuses on a different design era, and 2018 takes its cues from 1969 Topps. From the horizontal sizing to the simple team logo-centric photography, the 2018 Heritage cards feel plucked directly from nearly 50 years ago. Even the soft, gently gritty stock used for the 2018 cards harkens back to the simple yet charming cardboard favorites from baseball’s early topping decades.

The 524-card flagship base set covers all 30 major league teams from 2017. Some key parallels and inserts round out the available checklist. The venerable ‘Traded’ and ‘Record Breakers’ subsets that ran annually in ’60s/’70s Topps see new life in Heritage. Players like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and Bryce Harper receive special ‘Rookie Cup’ treatment like the stars of yesteryear as well. Limited parallels like ‘Green Shimmer’, ‘Gold’ and ‘Red’ offer die-hard collectors rarer vintage-style chase cards too.

Straight out of 1969, iconic Hall of Famers dominate Heritage’s photography. Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and more ballpark legends appear amongst the sea of retro cardboard. Modern stars like Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw receive the same distinguished Heritage treatment. Even today’s rising talent like Giancarlo Stanton and Andrew Benintendi look right at home amongst the timeless legends. With minimal stats displayed and classic team fonts, 2018 Heritage feels like a direct bridge to baseball’s fabled past.

One of the standout achievements of each Heritage release lies in the impeccable reproduction of the 1969 Topps visual style and design aesthetic. From the highly saturated Pantone shades to the intricate dotted rear borders, 2018 captures the nostalgic look pitch perfectly. Whether enjoying nostalgic Dodgers powder blue or profoundly darkened Rangers ballpark shots, the vivid photography feels as lively as nearly 50 years ago. Even minuscule details like the vintage team logo watermarks integrated into each image pay tribute to the era.

As with all products in today’s robust sports card market, various parallels offer collectors rarer cardboard. The 2018 Heritage set includes ‘Green Shimmer’ parallels pulled 1:6 packs along with even scarcer ‘Gold’ parallels at a rate of around 1:90 packs. Limited ‘Red’ parallel inserts also exist at approximately 1:540 packs. While offering chase excitement, these shiny subsets still preserve the classic 1969 Topps style and photography instead of featuring radically alternative designs. For Heritage purists, the simple yet effective reflective parallels provide throwback appeal.

In addition to the base 524-card set and parallels, insert series continue traditions from the original 1960s Topps issues. ‘Traded’ cards highlight midseason player moves with photos from both new and former teams. The ‘Record Breakers’ subset commemorates statistical milestones with artistic flair worthy of the era. For modern stars making their Heritage debut, special ‘Rookie Cup’ cards spotlight talents like Cody Bellinger at the start of their careers much like the first-year greats before them.

For devoted collectors, each Topps Heritage release holds significance in maintaining connections to the earliest years that built the sports card industry. While technology and baseball itself have progressed enormously since the late 1960s, the 2018 Heritage set captures all the nostalgic charm and aesthetic warmth of the timeless originals. Whether preserving memories of childhood summers past or introducing the pure joy of vintage cardboard to a new generation, Topps Heritage ensures baseball’s storied history lives on through this annual tradition. For fans of America’s Pastime and the iconic cards that preserve its legacy, the 2018 Topps Heritage collection ensures that nostalgia remains part of the game forever.