The 2019 Topps baseball card set was released in February 2019 and contained a variety of valuable rookie cards and veteran stars. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the set and analyze their current values.
One of the most coveted rookie cards in the 2019 Topps base set is Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña had a breakout season in 2018 that saw him finish second in the Rookie of the Year voting. He continued his stellar play in 2019 and has quickly become one of the faces of baseball. The Acuña rookie card from the 2019 Topps base set can fetch $40-50 in near mint condition. The update and Chrome versions of his rookie card hold similar values.
Another rookie sensation in 2019 was Houston Astros starting pitcher Forrest Whitley. While injuries have slowed his career progression, Whitley was still considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball before debuting in the majors. His 2019 Topps rookie card in mint condition averages around $15-20 currently. Fellow Astros pitcher Corbin Martin, who debuted in 2019 as well, has a rookie card valued at $5-10.
Reigning American League MVP Mike Trout remains one of the most sought after names in baseball cards. Even a base rookie card of his sells for thousands. His standard issue cards from recent years can still hold solid value. A mint condition 2019 Topps Mike Trout base card will fetch $8-12 on the current market. Parallel and autographed versions of his 2019 cards have sold for hundreds as the future Hall of Famer remains in his prime.
The 2019 rookie class also featured Baltimore Orioles outfielder Yusniel Diaz, who was acquired from the Dodgers in the Manny Machado trade. Diaz made his MLB debut in 2019 and his Topps rookie card ranges from $3-5. Fellow Oriole rookie DJ Stewart has a cheaper rookie around $1-3. Indians pitcher Triston McKenzie, who many considered a top 100 prospect, has a $4-6 rookie despite not debuting until 2020.
Veteran superstars still possess value as well. A mint condition 2019 Topps base card of Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout goes for $8-12. A near mint/mint Shohei Ohtani rookie sells between $10-15 despite concerns over his return from injury. Reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich checks in around the $6-8 range. Two-time defending AL Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander hits $4-6.
Parallels and short prints from the 2019 Topps set that feature special designs, colors, and lower printing numbers command premiums. The highly coveted Topps chrome parallels offer some of the highest values. A 2019 Topps Chrome Red refractor parallel of Ronald Acuña Jr. has sold for over $150 in gem mint condition due to a scarcity of only 50 printed. Other popular parallels include the Rainbow Foil prints limited to 10 copies each.
Autographed and memorabilia cards from 2019 Topps hold the greatest potentials. A Ronald Acuña Jr. autographed patch card numbered to /25 moved for nearly $800. A Mike Trout autographed card reached almost $400. No-hit pitchers like Justin Verlander and Walker Buehler saw their autographed cards sell for $250-350. Rarer 1/1 ink autographed relic parallel cards featuring top names can sell for thousands.
The 2019 Topps baseball set featured several premier rookies like Ronald Acuña Jr. and established superstars like Mike Trout that remain highly valuable. While most base cards hold values of $5-15, special parallels and autographed cards provide the biggest hits. Rookies poised for stardom and veterans at the top of their games will likely retain or increase in value as collectors seek icons of the sport both future and present. The 2019 issue proved one of the best in recent years for providing cards of rising talents and established names alike that hold solid long term appeal.
The 2019 Donruss baseball card set was released on March 27, 2019 and featured players from every Major League Baseball team. Some of the key storylines and details surrounding the 2019 Donruss set include:
Design – For 2019, Donruss continued with their classic 1990s design aesthetic that had been reintroduced in recent years. The front of the base cards featured a centered headshot of the player along with their name across the top and team logo at the bottom. Statistics from the previous season were listed on the back along with a brief career synopsis. Insert sets in the product also maintained a similar ’90s inspired design look focused around primary colors, clean fonts, and graphics of the Donruss logo and baseball imagery.
Base Set – The base card checklist included all current MLB players as well as a selection of retired stars and prospects. Rated rookies and stars were featured in the base set which spanned 366 total cards after accounting for variations. The base set was printed on thin, high-gloss cardboard stock meant to emulate the original late 80s/early 90s Donruss design.
Parallels – In addition to the base set, Donruss offered multiple parallels that were inserted throughout packs and boxes at different rarity levels. The most common were blue and red parallels while rarer versions included gold (/50), silver (/25) and black (/10) parallels. For the first time, Donruss also featured ‘Donruss Debut’ parallels highlighting the first card in the brand for major rookie debuts.
Insert Sets – Highlighting some of the top returning insert sets were ‘Diamond Kings’ featuring refractor-like parallels of superstar players, ‘Clubhouse Collection’ chronicling famous MLB clubhouses, and ‘Stars of the 90s’ remembering greats from Donruss’ heyday. New inserts like ‘League Leaders’ and ‘Stars of the Game’ were introduced showcasing the past season’s top performers.
Rookies – With many top prospects having made their MLB debuts in 2018, the 2019 Donruss class was loaded with potential stars. Some of the biggest names included Fernando Tatis Jr, Eloy Jimenez, Victor Robles, Jack Flaherty, Shane Bieber and Lucas Giolito who all received various parallels and rookie card treatments. Tatis Jr’s autograph was one of the most sought after pulls as a prized dual-sport RC.
Autographs/Memorabilia – As with prior years, Donruss continued to offer high-end autograph and memorabilia cards through their ‘Diamond Kings’ and ‘Clubhouse Collection’ inserts including 1/1 plates and patches. Notable hits ranged from Ronald Acuna Jr autos to pieces of jersey from all-time greats like Ken Griffey Jr and Mike Piaxko. Limited logoman and dual-relic cards were also highlights.
Hobby/Retail Release – Similar to 2018, the 2019 Donruss release was split between the high-end ‘Hobby’ products found in hobby shops versus the lower-priced retail blasters/hangers available at major retailers. Both tiers included the full base set checklist however hobby boxes came with thicker bonus packs housing premium inserts and parallels while retail had fewer extras. Mini boxes bridged the divide.
Legacy – As it approached its 30th anniversary, Donruss continued establishing its modern legacy as one of the most nostalgic brands in the hobby. While not attaining the same pop or credit as brands like Topps, Panini was successfully recreating the smooth classic Donruss aesthetic fans remembered from childhood. Strong rookie classes and exciting inserts kept the brand growing each year and positioned it as a staple product for both collectors and investors.
The 2019 Donruss release built upon the retro designs and themes that had helped bring the brand back to prominence in recent years. Loaded rookie lineups, attractive parallels and high-end inserts satisfied fans both old and new to the iconic baseball card manufacturer. While not necessarily the biggest brand, under Panini’s stewardship Donruss had firmly cemented its place back amongst the sports card industry’s elite players. 2019 marked another solid installment that boded well for the brand’s ongoing revival and future in capturing the nostalgia of baseball card collectors worldwide.
The 2019 baseball card season was another highly anticipated year in the hobby, with several high-profile rookies making their card debuts and established stars receiving some of their best designs yet. With so many great options to choose from, narrowing down the best 2019 baseball cards requires considering factors like the players featured, the visual design and photography quality of the cards, and their overall collectibility. Here are some of the top cards released in 2019 that collectors highly regard.
Perhaps the most sought-after rookie card of the year was Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. While he didn’t make his MLB debut until late April, Guerrero had long been considered one of the top prospects in baseball. His prospect cards gained significant value in anticipation of his call-up to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Bowman Chrome refractors and parallels quickly became THE rookie card to own for the heir to Vlad Sr.’s hitting throne. With his huge debut season that showed he may live up to the hype, these Guerrero Jr. rookies should remain at the top of want lists for years to come.
Another can’t-miss rookie was Eloy Jimenez of the Chicago White Sox. Jimenez shattered expectations in his first full season, hitting 31 home runs and establishing himself as a budding superstar. Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor #US250 and Topps Opening Day Blue Refractor #OD-EJ capture Jimenez in his White Sox uniform and are sure to gain value as he develops into a perennial All-Star. Topps also released an amazing Jimenez Negative Refractor parallel (#TTNEG-EJ) that stands out with its innovative design. These Jimenez rookies are as investment-worthy as any other from the 2019 class.
For established MLB stars, Topps Finest provided some of the best looking cards of the year. Names like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Ronald Acuña Jr. received exquisite refractor parallels in the set. The photography and on-card autographs elevate Finest above other high-end brands. Yelich’s Finest refractor autograph parallel (#FFA-CY) in particular stands out, as the 2018 NL MVP put together an even better season in 2019. These stars are locked in as franchise cornerstones, making their Finest RCs excellent long-term holdings.
Bowman Sterling also delivered some tremendous rookie cards, led by super-prospects like Bo Bichette, Keston Hiura, and Carter Kieboom. The on-card autographs, plus the ample color parallels like green, orange, and blue refractors, give collectors plentiful high-end options to chase. As these rookies continue developing, their Bowman Sterling autographs may emerge as all-time greats at their positions. Even non-autos like Bichette’s base paper rookie (#BSH-BB) hold value as he takes Toronto’s shortstop job.
Two veterans received some of their best looking cards ever thanks to Topps Heritage. Both Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw were featured on magnificent retro-style mini cards with crisp photos and designs evoking the look of the late 1960s. Trout’s mini (#HM-MT) is a work of art showcasing perhaps the greatest player of this generation. Meanwhile, Kershaw’s (#HM-CK) serves as a timeless reminder of the Dodgers’ ace in his prime. These mini cards captured the nostalgia of the Heritage set while honoring modern day legends – a true win-win for collectors.
Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome also delivered some irresistible rookie refractors. Names that stood out included Bo Bichette’s Topps Chrome Blue Refractor (#TCB-BB), Carter Kieboom’s Topps Chrome Orange Refractor (#TCO-CK), and Gavin Lux’s Bowman Chrome Pink Refractor (#BCP-GL). As these rookies continue to develop, their flagship Chrome cards should hold strong long-term value in collections. The refractors also look fantastic straight out of the pack.
In summary, 2019 was a great year for baseball cards thanks to standout rookies like Guerrero Jr., Jimenez, Bichette, and Hiura. Established stars also received some of the best designs of their careers in products like Topps Finest and Heritage. With so many talented young players and perennial greats featured, 2019 housed cards that should retain collector interest and value deep into the future. The year’s top cards captured amazing photography while honoring players who will long be remembered as legends of the game.
The 2019 Bowman baseball card released debuted in April 2019 and featured prospects and rookie players from all 30 MLB organizations. This year’s Bowman set gained popularity among collectors due to strong rookie crops of players eligible for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Like most Bowman issues, the 2019 version offers collectors an early glimpse of future stars at affordable prices. Several highly touted talents saw their rookie cards jump in value within a year of release.
The 2020 season saw many of these prospects make their MLB debuts and some have already exceeded expectations, boosting interest and demand for their 2019 Bowman rookies. As these rookies continue to perform at the major league level, prices are expected to rise further for their flagship cards. Likewise, autograph and refractor parallels that were overlooked initially are gaining traction. The 2019 Bowman crop offers collectors an opportunity to acquire affordable cards of future all-stars before they establish themselves in the big leagues.
Some key 2019 Bowman prospects that have seen noteworthy price increases include Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Pete Alonso. Many considered Guerrero Jr. and Jimenez as consensus top prospects going into the 2019 season and their MLB debuts did not disappoint. Guerrero Jr.’s base Bowman Chrome paper rookie reached over $100 within a year while Jimenez’s moved above $50. Both players’ autographed parallels jumped into the thousands. Tatis Jr. also ended 2019 as a rising star and his base rookie now trades around $40 compared to just a few dollars upon Bowman’s release.
Pete Alonso had one of the finest rookie campaigns in recent MLB history, bashing 53 home runs to set a new rookie record. This mammoth performance caused his 2019 Bowman paper rookie to skyrocket past $50 in some cases. His autographs climbed over $1000. Other 2019 Bowman rookies that saw respectable gains include Chris Paddack (over $30), Brian Anderson (over $20), and Mike Soroka (over $15). Collectors who plucked up these rookie cards for mere dollars last year have certainly seen strong returns on investment.
Beyond the flagship prospects, there are several 2019 Bowman prospects holding stable or increasing values based on their progress. Bo Bichette became an impact player for the Blue Jays in 2019, causing his base rookie to rise to the $20-25 range depending on parallel. Keston Hiura also made positive strides for Milwaukee, maintaining his Bowman rookie at $15-20. Logan Allen showed promise in brief action for San Diego and his base remains around $10-15.
Meanwhile, Casey Mize and MacKenzie Gore remain valued prospects primed for future stardom. Despite limited 2019 playing time, Mize’s Bowman rookie holds around $10-15 and Gore’s at $8-12 based on future potential alone. Both were top picks who could become aces. Cardinals’ prospect Dylan Carlson is another to watch, with his base staying $5-8 as he rises up minor league ranks. Cards fan favorites like Nolan Gorman and Elehuris Montero have maintained $5 and under valuations from the jump.
For collectors willing to stray outside the top 100 prospects, values can still be had on future potential players signed in 2019 Bowman. Several pitchers like Deivi Garcia ($3-5), Brailyn Marquez ($3-4), and Matt Liberatore ($2-3) have shown aptitude. Position players Ronny Mauricio ($3-4), Bobby Witt Jr. ($3-4), and C.J. Abrams ($2-3) remain affordable in hopes of future breakouts. Even deeper prospects trade for under $2 if collectors are patient on long term prospects developing.
The strong crop of MLB debuts and achievements from the 2019 Bowman class has noticeably raised prices on flagship rookie cards like Guerrero Jr., Jimenez, Tatis Jr., and Alonso within their first year in the show. The set as a whole provides opportunities to acquire future stars at reasonable rates considering progress made by prospects such as Bichette, Hiura, and Paddack. Going forward, sustained success of 2019 rookies as well as debuts of elite talents like Mize, Gore, and Carlson ensures continued collector interest in this set for years to come.
Baseball cards are a collectible that millions of people enjoy gathering and trading. The 2019 season brought another exciting year of baseball action and a new crop of rookie cards and inserts to chase. Whether you’re a casual collector looking to build your childhood collection or a serious investor scouring for the next big hit, here’s an in-depth look at some of the most notable baseball cards from 2019.
2019 Topps Series 1
As is tradition, Topps kicked off the new baseball card year with their flagship Series 1 release in late February/early March. Some of the top rookie cards to look out for included Eloy Jimenez, Victor Robles, Shane Bieber, and Kyle Tucker. Jimenez in particular was one of the most hyped rookies after a breakout 2018 season in the minors. His Series 1 card carried a print run of around 300,000 copies and sold for around $10-15 each at release. Robles made his MLB debut in 2018 and played a key role for the Nationals down the stretch and in the postseason. His Series 1 rookie card also hovered around the $10-15 mark.
Beyond the rookies, Series 1 included several popular parallels and inserts. The Topps Chrome parallel features a photo negative-like design and refracted foil and can be found as serially numbered versions as low as /25 copies. These low-numbered Chrome parallels command significant premiums. The Topps Gallery of Heroes insert set pays tribute to baseball legends and features cards like a Mariano Rivera 1/1 printing plate. This super short print parallel alone sold for over $1000. Series 1 is the foundation that kicks off the card year, and 2019 did not disappoint collectors with exciting new faces and chase cards.
2019 Topps Heritage
Released in late March/early April, Topps Heritage is one of the most anticipated retro-styled releases each year. The set replicates the classic look of 1950s/60s Topps cards with team-color borders and a centered vertical photo. Heritage also included the highly coveted short print variation cards that are exponentially rarer than the base cards. Some of the biggest names that received short prints in 2019 included Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Ronald Acuna Jr. These cards carried print runs estimated at 1 per case or less, making each one a true chase card worth hundreds if not thousands in pristine condition.
Beyond the short prints, Heritage also featured the popular “Minis” insert set. These mini renditions of the base cards measured only about 1.5 inches square and came one per pack on average. Popular players like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Mookie Betts commanded top dollar for their mini counterparts. Overall, Heritage brought that nostalgic retro design along with some of the most valuable parallels and inserts of any set released in 2019.
2019 Topps Chrome
As one of the premier flagship releases each year, Topps Chrome hit shelves in late May/early June of 2019. The set is highly sought after due to its photo negative-style design paired with refracted foil that makes the cards shine and pop under light. Topps Chrome is also one of the best products for finding serially numbered parallels like gold, red, and especially the elusive chrome rainbow foil parallel numbered to just /25 copies.
Some of the top rookie cards in the 2019 Chrome set included names like Fernando Tatis Jr., Pete Alonso, and Bo Bichette. Tatis in particular had one of the biggest rookie seasons of any player and his Topps Chrome RC became a highly valuable card overnight. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso’s record-setting rookie home run total made him the talk of baseball. His Topps Chrome card was a must-have for any collector on a budget. Overall, Topps Chrome continued to be a flagship release that showcased the sport’s brightest young stars alongside valuable refracted parallels.
2019 Topps Allen & Ginter
Released in mid-July, Topps Allen & Ginter took a departure from traditional baseball cards with its unique checklist filled with athletes, entertainers and historical figures. While baseball players were certainly included, the set is best known for oddball parallels featuring pop culture icons, artists, scientists and more. Some of the biggest chase cards in 2019 included a 1/1 printing plate of Michelle Obama, a /25 parallel of Bob Ross, and a short print variation of Stephen King.
Beyond the celebrities, Allen & Ginter also included several fun baseball-related inserts. The “Stadium Club” mini cards recreated iconic ballpark scenes from around the league in a postcard-like style. And the “Triple Threads” patch cards combined swatches of game-used memorabilia with parallel autographs. These specialty baseball inserts added some fun collecting angles alongside the set’s eccentric non-sports parallels. Allen & Ginter continued to be one of the most unique and collectible releases on the baseball card calendar.
2019 Topps Update Series
Released in late August/early September, Topps Update served as the halfway point update to the flagship Topps Series 1 and 2 releases from earlier in the year. The set highlights players who made their debuts or had breakout seasons over the summer months. Some of the top rookie cards in 2019 Update included names like Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Mike Soroka who all excelled after their midseason call-ups.
Update also included several popular parallels and inserts. The “Photo Variations” subset featured alternative action shots of star players. And the “Artifacts” relic cards combined autographed swatches with serially numbered parallels as low as /10 copies. Overall, Update serves as a valuable midseason refresher of the top rookies and performers from the year while providing several chase inserts for collectors. It remains one of the most anticipated releases each baseball season.
2019 Topps Finest
Released in late October, Topps Finest is renowned for its high-end polished design with refractors, parallels, and autographs galore. The 2019 edition featured a clean white borderless design with players photographed front and center. Finest is one of the best products each year for finding serially numbered parallels like the popular “X-fractors” featuring refractors inside the autograph patch. Stars like Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Mike Trout routinely have their 1/1 X-fractor RCs sell for thousands.
Beyond the base cards, Finest also included several chase autograph and memorabilia inserts. The “Dual Auto Relics” paired swatches with dual autographs numbered to /25 copies. And the “Triple Threads” patch autographs pushed the memorabilia factor even further. Overall, Finest serves as a true high-end showcase of the year’s top stars and rookies with some of the shiniest parallels and autograph cards around. It remains a must-have release for serious collectors every fall.
2019 Topps Transcendent Collection
Released as Topps’ true high-end offering in late November, the Transcendent Collection pushed relic and autograph cards to new levels. Headlined by 1/1 printing plates, the base cards featured sharp horizontal photos on thick cardstock. But it’s the inserts that truly captured attention, like the “Dual Relics” pairing swatches with dual autographs numbered to an ultra-low /5 copies. And the true chase cards were the 1/1 “Triple Relic Autographs” featuring three swatches and a single on-card signature.
Some of the biggest names that received 1/1 Triple Relic Autos in 2019 included Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger. Needless to say, each one sold for tens of thousands due to their one-of-one status. The Transcendent Collection took Topps’ memorabilia cards to new heights and established itself as the true high-end offering for those seeking the rarest relic and auto parallels on the market.
The 2019 season was another huge year for baseball cards, with exciting rookies, valuable parallels, and one-of-a-kind memorabilia inserts across Topps’ various flagship and high-end releases. Names like Tatis, Alonso, Guerrero Jr. and more emerged as the new faces of the sport, and their rookie cards became highly sought after player collections. Meanwhile, inserts like Topps Chrome refractors, Allen & Ginter oddballs, and Transcendent 1/1s thrilled collectors at both casual and serious investment levels. With the excitement of the 2020 season now underway after the long delay, collectors can’t wait to see what new cards this year will bring.
The 2019 baseball season saw an impressive rookie class make their debuts in Major League Baseball. From superstar talents like Pete Alonso and Yordan Alvarez to breakout pitchers like Mike Soroka and John Means, this group of rookies made an immediate impact. As a result, their rookie cards from 2019 Topps baseball products have gained significant interest from collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookie cards from 2019 Topps and discuss what makes them so desirable.
Perhaps the biggest rookie star of 2019 was Pete Alonso of the New York Mets. The powerful first baseman smashed a rookie record 53 home runs, winning the National League Rookie of the Home Run title. Not only was Alonso impressive with his prodigious power, but he also played for one of the most iconic franchises in MLB. The combination of his elite talent and popularity in a major market made Alonso one of the faces of baseball rookies in 2019. His base rookie card from Topps Series 1 and Topps Update Series has become extremely sought after by collectors. Graded Gem Mint 10 examples of his card have sold for over $1000, showing how collectors value his rookie.
Another huge breakout star was Houston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez. After debuting in June, Alvarez slashed .313/.412/.655 with 27 home runs in just 87 games, finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Like Alonso, Alvarez immediately demonstrated elite power that captivated fans. His cards have also gained significant value, with PSA 10 copies of his Topps Series 1 rookie fetching over $500. Alvarez is also playing for the powerhouse Astros, who have one of the largest fanbases. His cards hold great long term potential as Alvarez looks primed to be a perennial All-Star.
Beyond Alonso and Alvarez, several other 2019 rookies made their Topps rookie cards very desirable. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. had a phenomenal season cut short by injuries but displayed five-tool talent and electrifying flair that engaged fans. As a result, his Topps cards have surged in value and a PSA 10 of his Series 1 rookie recently sold for over $450. Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka established himself as one of baseball’s best young hurlers in 2019 with an ERA under 3.00. His cards have also gained value thanks to his impressive debut and playing for a historically renowned franchise.
Some other 2019 rookie cards that have impressed collectors include Eloy Jimenez (CWS), Jack Flaherty (STL), Victor Robles (WSH), Chris Paddack (SD), and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR). While they didn’t have the huge debut seasons of Alonso or Alvarez, these rookies demonstrated all-star caliber potential. Their cards remain solid long term holds that could pay off as their careers progress. Lower profile rookies like John Means (BAL) and Bryan Reynolds (PIT) also broke out in impressive fashion, making their cards potential steals at cheaper price points.
When it comes to design, the 2019 Topps Series 1 set is considered the flagship rookie card release of the year. Featuring colorful borders and team logo designs, the set nicely highlights each rookie within the traditional Topps aesthetic. The parallel and short print rookie cards from Series 1 have also gained popularity. The Topps Update Series set, which was released later in 2019, is also highly regarded. It features updated team photos from after roster moves and call-ups. Update Series rookie cards for breakouts like Alvarez have done very well.
The 2019 Topps baseball rookie class featured some true superstar talents like Alonso and Alvarez that immediately took the league by storm. Their rookie cards, along with other breakouts from the year, have gained heavy collector interest. While the raw rookie cards remain the most iconic, higher grade PSA/BGS versions command top dollar. For savvy collectors, keeping an eye on lesser known 2019 rookies who could emerge could yield returns further down the road. This rookie class established itself as one of the most memorable in recent years, making their Topps cards prized holdings for any collection.
The 2019 Topps Walmart Holiday Baseball card set was released by Topps during the 2019 holiday season as an exclusive set sold only through Walmart stores and on Walmart.com. The 300 card set featured modern players from MLB along with holiday themed artwork and designs. It proved to be very popular among collectors, especially those seeking an affordable and festive baseball card product to open during the winter holidays.
The set paid tribute to some of the biggest stars in the game at the time of its release in late 2019. Several of the most popular and highly-produced cards featured Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Each of these young superstars had recently had incredible seasons and were among the most popular and valuable modern players. Having hits of their holiday themed cards in the Walmart set made these some of the mostly highly sought after by collectors at packs were ripped open.
In addition to current players, the set also included some retired legend cards. A few of the most notable legendary players featured were Babe Ruth, Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera. Topps did a great job of selecting some of the most iconic and universally beloved players from baseball history to include holiday versions of in the set. Having these legend cards mixed in provided some excitement for collectors who might pull a hit of one of the all-time greats from the past.
Beyond just images of the players, one of the most fun aspects of the 2019 Topps Holiday Baseball set were the uniquely festive card designs. Rather than just standard baseball posed photography, each player card had a fun winter or Christmas theme applied. Examples included players dressed as Santa Claus, opening presents under a tree, building a snowman, ice skating, drinking hot cocoa by a fire, and more. This gave each card a very festive visual feel perfect for the season rather than typical on-field action shots.
In addition to the traditional player base cards, the 300 card checklist also included several insert sets with different themes. One was a 12 card “Presents Under the Tree” set showing players ripping wrapping paper off boxes. Another was an 8 card “Cookie Baking” set depicting players in holiday aprons making treats. And a 10 card “Ornaments” insert featured baseballs as Christmas bulbs. These inserts helped add variety to the experience of opening packs of the exclusive Walmart set beyond just the standard base cards.
The 2019 Topps Walmart Holiday Baseball card set gave collectors an opportunity to grab some affordable family holiday fun while also possibly adding to their modern player collections. With retail blasters selling for around $10-15, it was easily accessible for anyone looking to participate. The festive themes and mix of current stars and legends provided excitement in each pack. While not high end, the set delivered enjoyable holiday baseball cards for fans of all ages and became a seasonal favorite sold only at Walmart stores. It showed the potential of exclusive retailer partnerships for Topps to reach new collector audiences outside the standard hobby shop market. The 2019 Topps Holiday Baseball set was an example of how combining a sport hobby with a winter theme made for a winning formula with collectors.
The 2019 Topps Walmart Holiday Baseball card set offered an affordable and festive seasonal product that collectors enjoyed opening during the winter holidays. Featuring modern superstars and legends in fun winter designs, each pack delivered fun surprise hits. Between the standard 300 card base set checklist and several inserted sets with different themes, there was variety in each pack. Being a Walmart exclusive helped reach collector audiences beyond just the traditional hobby shop market. The set succeeded in providing affordable family holiday entertainment while also building modern baseball collections. Its popularity showed the potential for more cross-promotional licensed sports products tied to annual celebrations. The 2019 Topps Holiday Baseball cards were a hit among collectors seeking festive baseball cards to enjoy during the winter season.
The 2019 Topps baseball card release marked another iconic year for the oldest and most prominent brand in the trading card industry. For over 70 years, Topps has been producing high quality trading cards that baseball fans of all ages collect and enjoy. Their 2019 card designs, variations, parallels and insert sets captured the excitement of the MLB season and provided dedicated collectors numerous chase cards to pursue.
Some of the notable rookie cards featured in Series 1 included Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. Soto had one of the strongest rookie seasons in baseball history in 2018 and his card value skyrocketed. Ohtani’s dual-threat ability as a pitcher and hitter made him one of the most intriguing players in the game. Guerrero and Tatis looked primed for stardom coming into 2019 as two of the top prospects. Their rookie cards in the mainstream Series 1 set immediately generated buzz among the collector community.
Topps also released several special subsets highlighting different aspects of the game. The ‘Photo Finish’ cards showcased dramatic action photos from key moments of the 2018 season. The ‘This Day in Baseball History’ subset honored iconic events from past years such as Hank Aaron’s home run record and Don Larsen’s perfect game. Topps also paid tribute to retiring Hall of Famers with a special ‘Thank You’ subset for players like Mariano Rivera, Chipper Jones and Roy Halladay.
In addition to the base Series 1-4 sets, Topps produced many parallels and short printed variations to drive collector interest. The popular ‘Chrome’ refractor parallel contained shinier versions of standard cards. The ‘Rainbow Foil’ parallel featured iridescent cards that really popped on shelves. Topps also included ‘Gold Label’ and ‘Gold Label Auto’ parallels that were numbered to just 50 copies each. These ultra-rare cards of stars like Mike Trout and Christian Yelich immediately shot to the top of want lists.
Some of the major insert sets in 2019 included ‘Topps Now’ which captured key moments within a week of occurrence. ‘Photo Fronts’ displayed dramatic action shots as the front of the card rather than the standard vertical photo. ‘Topps Archives’ paid tribute to classic designs from the 1960s/1970s. And ‘Topps Gallery’ showed off original paintings commissioned to depict iconic MLB images.
A variety of autographed memorabilia cards were also available through different retail products. ‘Topps Signatures’ paired swatches or memorabilia with on-card autographs of both active players and retired legends. ‘Topps Triple Threads’ became one of the most coveted inserts with autographed relic cards that fans scrambled to pull. Topps even had 1-of-1 ‘Superfractor’ autographs of talents like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Juan Soto.
Bowman was another standout Topps brand in 2019 that focused on top prospects and recent draftees. The base ‘Bowman Draft’ and ‘Bowman Sterling’ sets contained rookie cards of future stars like Bo Bichette, Keston Hiura and Gavin Lux. Bowman parallels like ‘Chrome’, ‘Rainbow’ and ‘Gold’ were collector favorites alongside autograph chase cards through ‘Bowman’s Best’ and ‘Bowman Sterling’. Breakout players often saw their Bowman RC values outpace their Topps debut.
Of course, Topps released licensed trading card products for all major American sports throughout 2019. But their assortment dedicated to MLB remains the gold standard in the industry, capturing everyone from budding rookies to living legends. With elite photography, timely inserts and scarce parallels/variations, Topps cards continued fueling the collecting passion of baseball fans worldwide. Their 2019 releases commemorated another unforgettable season on the diamond and strengthened their legacy as the premier brand in the hobby.
The 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year. Topps Chrome is known for its photo negative “chrome” design and paper-thin card stock that gives collectors a high-end modern look at the current Major League Baseball season. The 2019 Topps Chrome set was released on August 28, 2019 and contained several exciting rookie cards and variations that made it a must-have for both vintage baseball card collectors and investors.
Some of the key details about the 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball card set include:
The base card design features a photo negative look on chrome-like card stock and players are pictured in their team uniforms from the current MLB season. Backgrounds are colored to represent each team.
The base set contains 330 standard cards featuring current Major League players from all 30 MLB franchises. Serial numbering runs from 1 to 330.
In addition to the base cards, the set contains 44 additional insert cards of star players like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and Cody Bellinger. Popular insert sets include Chrome Update, Chrome Parallels, Chrome Refractors and more.
Several highly anticipated rookie cards were included such as Pete Alonso, Fernando Tatis Jr., Victor Robles, Shane Bieber and Eloy Jimenez. These rookies had breakout seasons and their Topps Chrome rookie cards are very valuable.
Various parallels and variations added to the card rarity and collectibility. Popular parallels included Gold (/50), Silver (/99), Orange (/150), Blue (/299) and Green (/399). Refractors had no print runs.
The largest and most valuable rookie card in the set was Pete Alonso’s base rookie card. Alonso smashed an MLB rookie record 53 home runs, won the Home Run Derby and took home NL Rookie of the Year honors. His Topps Chrome rookie prices skyrocketed.
Other stars with increased value included 2019 NL MVP Cody Bellinger, AL MVP Mike Trout and breakout stars like Christian Yelich, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. Their rookie cards and base cards are highly sought after.
Many top prospects made their MLB debuts and had rookie cards in Topps Chrome including Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Gavin Lux, Keston Hiura and more. These rookies all had outstanding debuts.
Topps Chrome Baseball cards are considered the “chrome version” of the standard Topps Baseball set but feature a more visually appealing design and premium card stock that makes for great presentation and longevity.
The set is highly popular with investors and collectors looking for modern rookie cards and inserts of star players they can potentially grade and hold long term. Pristine Topps Chrome rookie cards from the 2010s have increased greatly in value as players establish themselves.
Hobby boxes of 2019 Topps Chrome retail for about $100-150 and contain 12 packs with 4 cards per pack. On average, one autograph or memorabilia card can be pulled per every two hobby boxes.
The 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball set contained several key rookies and stars that all had breakout seasons, driving up values for their coveted rookie cards considerably compared to release prices last year. Several rookies won major awards.
According to Beckett Price Guides, the current PSA 10 value of the Pete Alonso Rookie is over $1,000 alone. Tatis Jr., Bellinger, Yelich, and Acuna rookies have all steadily increased since release. Holding graded Chrome parallels could yield high returns.
The modern design, thin card stock and hype around star rookie cards each year make Topps Chrome a favorite among collectors. With top rookies sustaining early success, the 2019 edition has proven to be one of the strongest releases of the past decade. Values are projected to only continue rising long term.
The 2019 Topps Chrome Baseball set stands out as one of the most investment-worthy and collectible issues in recent years due to some truly elite rookie classes breaking into the majors. Stars like Alonso, Tatis Jr., Bellinger and others all had monster campaigns that line up perfectly with the release of their coveted rookie cards in this premium modern set. Long-term, graded examples from this release should retain and gain significant worth.
The 2019 Topps baseball card set was another highly popular and valuable issue from the iconic trading card company. As with any recent year, there were certain rare and highly sought after rookie cards, legendary veterans, and limited parallels that commanded a premium on the secondary market. While Topps dominated the baseball card market as usual in 2019, the competition from brands like Bowman and Leaf pushed them to focus on quality and exclusive content. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards investors and collectors sought after from the 2019 Topps baseball set as values continued rising post-release.
Heading the list of most expensive 2019 Topps cards is without question the prized Pete Alonso rookie card. As the reigning NL Rookie of the Year following his record-setting 53 home run season with the Mets, Alonso’s stock skyrocketed. His patented “Polar Bear” celebration made him a fan favorite as well. The Alonso Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor parallel numbered /99 fetched over $2000 in Near Mint condition. Even base rookies went for $100-150. Also notably pricey is his 2019 Topps Transcendent Baseball Autograph which contains a piece of his game bat. Graded gems of this ultra-rare 1/1 card crossed $10,000.
Another massive young star with a coveted rookie was Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals. Still just 21 years old at the time of issue, Soto had already solidified himself as a budding superstar and perennial MVP candidate. While not as scarce as Alonso parallels, mint condition Soto rookies from Series 1 and Update still routinely sold for $75-150. His Topps Transcendent triple jersey/relic auto 1/1 parallel reached $3000 in mint condition as well due to his enormous fanbase and talent level. Cardinals prospect Dylan Carlson and Mariners starlet Evan White also had desirable rookies in the $50-100 range.
Two legendary veterans who continued to drive hobby interest were Albert Pujols and Mariano Rivera. Both recently retired future Hall of Famers signing with new clubs created buzz around their returns. Pujols playing for the LA Angels resulted in nice popularity for his uniform change card depicting him in an Angels uniform for the first time. These sell around $50-75. Rivera’s retirement tour with the Yankees and final season kept the attention high on his 2019 issue cards. His Topps Transcendent on-card auto /5 sold for an astonishing $10,000. Even base Rivera and Pujols rookies hold steady $20-30 values.
Some of the most visually stunning parallels came in the form of Topps Sapphire and Topps Finest. The flashy blue Sapphire cards numbered /50 or less brought huge premiums. For example, a Mike Trout Sapphire auto relic numbered /10 realized over $2000. Finest with its high-end photo variations and on-card autos were equally as desirable. A Cody Bellinger Finest Spectrum Blue Wave auto /5 sold for north of $1000. Finest parallels with legends or stars frequently commanded $300-500 range. Perhaps the scarcest parallel though was Topps Tek which featured 3D player images on high-tech cards. A Christian Yelich Tek auto /5 went for an eye-popping $4500.
Hometown heroes continually are strong performers as well. In Cubs country, a Javier Baez Topps Fire refractor auto /99 fetched $650. For the Red Sox faithful, a Xander Bogaerts Topps Transcendent dual memorabilia auto 1/1 with a piece of jersey and bat sold for $2300.Stars on new teams after offseason moves like Bryce Harper and Manny Machado had increased value. A Harper Topps Finest Spectrum Green auto /5 realized $750 while a Machado Topps Transcendent quad relic auto 1/1 crossed $1700. Rookies to watch like Eloy Jimenez and Fernando Tatis Jr also saw solid early demand before fully breaking out in 2019-20.
As more time passes, the standout rookies and short print parallels from the 2019 Topps set will continue gaining in collector demand. With players like Alonso, Soto, Tatis Jr, and Acuna Jr likely to be future Hall of Famers, their premier cards may someday rival the costs of legends like Trout, Jeter and Griffey Jr. For savvy investors, locating pristine versions of the above mentioned notable 2019 Topps cards and holding for the longterm provides the potential for strong returns. Even partial PC builders love hunting for affordable issues from this popular set to enjoy the players and moments it captures from that season.
