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IS THE NEW BASEBALL CARD SET TOPPS UPDATE WORTH INVESTING IN

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IS THE NEW BASEBALL CARD SET “TOPPS UPDATE” WORTH INVESTING IN?

Each year, Topps releases an updated version of their flagship baseball card product called Topps Update in late summer/early fall. The 2023 version hit hobby shops in late August, and as with any new release, collectors and investors are trying to determine if it makes sense to purchase packs and boxes of the set with hopes of holding cards long-term to appreciate in value. After researching the key factors around the 2023 Topps Update release, here is my take on whether it is worth investing in:

Rookie Class – arguably the most important consideration for any modern baseball card product’s long-term investment potential is the quality and star power of the rookie class featured. The 2023 Update set has one of the strongest rookie classes we’ve seen in years. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign in 2022 that has vaulted him to superstardom. He possesses clear 5-tool talent and should be an perennial All-Star for years to come. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop/outfielder Vidal Brujan showed flashes in his MLB debut and is still just 24 years old. Hard-throwing righty George Kirby of the Mariners proved he belongs in the major league rotation as a rookie. Other notable rookie cards like Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene and Miami Marlins outfielder Peyton Burdick add to the depth of investment-worthy options. When grading the rookie class, Topps Update 2023 earns an A.

Content – a big new addition to the 2023 Update checklist is the inclusion of all the top prospect cards from Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome Draft that summer. Names like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, Elijah Green and Jackson Holliday headline an excellent draft class. The set also features all of the most significant rookie debuts, breakouts, injuries returns and team changes from the second half of the season. Staple subsets return like Black Border Parallels, Galactic parallels and 1986/1992 Tribute Cards. As an update set, it does a fantastic job capturing the most meaningful on-field performances, prospects and storylines of the year. The content is very comprehensive and suitable for both collectors and investors. Grade: A

Print Run – Always a crucial factor, but difficult for outsiders to know definitively. According to insider sources, the print run for 2022 Topps Update fell somewhere in the 8-10 million range. As one of Topps’ premier annually-released baseball sets, Update print runs are higher than most, but still reasonable relative to the size and passion for the hobby. It’s no Chrome, but Update certainly isn’t overproduced in a way that would diminish cards’ long-term values. There is enough scarcity to fuel collecting and investing interest without being overly restrictive. Grade: B+

Design – Each year Topps tweaks the visual design slightly. The 2023 rendition maintains the clean and classic baseball card look with sharp color contrast and player photos occupying most of the front. Statistics and team logos on the back provide important info for collectors. While not the flashiest annually-produced baseball set, the understated design maintains tradition in a way that collectors appreciate. Topps did a nice job with parallel and insert set designs as well. Grade: A-

Past Performance – Looking back at Topps Update offerings from years past gives us our best indicator of how the cards from this year’s set might appreciate with time. Holofoil and Black Border parallels from sets like 2014, 2015 and 2017 Update are highly sought after today. Rookie cards of stars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Christian Yelich, Walker Buehler and others from their respective Update years trade hands frequently in the secondary marketplace. Even draft picks and prospects from past Updates that panned out like Eloy Jimenez, Shane Bieber and Bo Bichette are valued commodities nowadays. Topps Update as a release has proven itself very investible, so that bodes well for 2023. Grade: A

Secondary Market – Though just released, early signs point to strong immediate secondary market demand and liquidity for 2023 Topps Update cards. Julio Rodriguez rookies have exploded in price and sell out instantly on eBay. New star rookies like Greene and Burdick plus top prospects gain value daily. Low serial number parallels move quickly at auction. Even base rookies and stars trade hands. When a new release shows signs of rapid appreciation and sales velocity, that shows investor confidence in the long-term potential. This level of activity out of the gate bodes very well. Grade: A

Economic Factors – Some uncertainty remains in how inflation and potential recession may impact discretionary spending on sports cards and affect the collectibles economy going forward. Baseball cards have proven relatively resistant to economic downturns previously. Enthusiasm remains high, as does the steady influx of new collectors. Modern cards have also become a popular investment vehicle, not just a hobby. As long as the sport of baseball remains popular in America, its cards provide a relatively safe asset compared to stocks or cryptocurrencies. The infrastructure supporting the baseball card trade is also well-established. Current macroeconomic conditions don’t seem likely to negatively dent the 2023 Topps Update product long-term. Grade: B

When considering all of the key factors – especially the investment-worthy rookie class and history of strong long-term performance of Topps Update cards – it is clear that 2023 Topps Update earns very high marks as a recommendable baseball card product to purchase packs or boxes of with goals of holding for investment purposes. Few annually-produced sports card sets offer the proven long-term appreciation that Topps Update regularly delivers on cards from breakout rookies, young star performers and top prospects. While short-term “flipping” profitably is never guaranteed, those who acquire 2023 Topps Update now stand an excellent chance of the cards growing significantly in worth five or ten years down the line. For investors seeking upside within the baseball card market, Topps Update 2023 looks like one of this year’s top offerings.

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2022 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS JUMBO BOX

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The 2022 Topps Update baseball card set was released on September 7th, 2022 and brought fans another chance to collect some of the biggest names and top rookies from the current MLB season. As with every year, the Update set serves as Topps’ opportunity to include players who made their debuts or had significant accomplishments after the flagship Series 1 and Series 2 sets were already finalized and printed.

The 2022 Topps Update Baseball Cards Jumbo Box offers collectors an exciting way to rip packs in search of star rookies and key inserts at a great value. Each jumbo box contains 30 packs with 12 cards per pack, meaning a massive 360 total cards in each box. That massive volume of cards provides collectors with a much better chance of pulling coveted rookie cards compared to just buying loose packs or a hobby box with only 10 packs.

Some of the top rookies featured in the 2022 Topps Update set that jumbo box hunters are chasing include Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. Rodriguez in particular has exploded onto the MLB scene in 2022 and is widely considered the favorite for American League Rookie of the Year. His rookie cards have skyrocketed in value throughout the season.

Aside from the star rookies, Update sets also provide collectors the opportunity to obtain base cards and parallel variations of players who were traded or changed teams during the season. Notable names in the 2022 Topps Update set who were on the move include Juan Soto (traded from Nationals to Padres), Luis Castillo (traded from Reds to Mariners), and Josh Bell (traded from Nationals to Padres). Parallels and autographs of these newly minted Padres are hot commodities for collectors.

In addition to the base rookie and traded player cards, Topps loads Update jumbo boxes with various exciting insert sets to find. Some of the top inserts in the 2022 release include All-Star Cards, League Leaders, Topps Now Moments, and Topps Heritage parallels. The All-Star Cards pay tribute to players who excelled in the Midsummer Classic. League Leaders highlight statistical champions at seasons end. Topps Now captures iconic regular season moments frozen in card form. And Topps Heritage parallels recreate classic designs from the archives.

Perhaps the most coveted insert for collectors to pull from a 2022 Topps Update jumbo box is the three-card Rainbow Foil parallel set. Featuring a red, blue, and green parallel of the same player, these ultra-short printed parallels are true chase cards. Other highly sought after rare parallels include Gold Foil, Silver Foil, and Refractors. Autograph and memorabilia cards of star players also make exciting hits.

In addition to the excitement of the chase, jumbo boxes offer several advantages over other products for collectors on a budget. With 30 packs equating to a massive 360 total cards, the odds of completing large portions of the base set are very high. Jumbo boxes also eliminate much of the randomness of loose packs by guaranteeing a large sample size in each purchase. This allows collectors to methodically work through the set at an efficient pace.

The value proposition of a 2022 Topps Update jumbo box is also very strong compared to other options on the secondary market. While individual hobby boxes can be quite expensive due to low print runs, jumbo boxes maintain a more affordable price point of around $100-125 on release. This provides a budget-friendly way to rip a ton of packs and make headway in the set without breaking the bank. As an added bonus, the large volume also increases odds of scoring valuable short prints, autographs, and other big hits versus smaller products.

The 2022 Topps Update Baseball Cards Jumbo Box offers collectors an exciting and affordable way to chase down the hottest rookies and key inserts from the season while making quick progress through completing the base set. With 30 packs equating to a massive 360 total cards per box, the value is unbeatable. The thrill of the hunt for stars like Rodriguez, Harris II, and Rutschman, as well as coveted parallels and memorabilia cards makes these jumbo boxes one of the most enticing annual releases on the baseball card calendar.

1994 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 1994 Fleer Update baseball card set is considered one of the most iconic and valuable modern era releases. Issued midway through the 1994 season as an extension of Fleer’s main flagship set from that year, 1994 Fleer Update featured rookie cards and updated player photos for stars who had breakout seasons up to that point. While not quite as nostalgic as early 1990s releases, 1994 Fleer Update cards still hold strong nostalgic appeal for many collectors who were coming of age in the mid-90s. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key things that make 1994 Fleer Update such an interesting and collectible set, even over 25 years later.

One of the biggest draws of 1994 Fleer Update is the star-studded rookie class it featured. Topping the list is undoubtedly the Francisco Rodriguez rookie card. “K-Rod” went on to accrue over 400 career saves and help guide the Angels to a World Series title in 2002. In gem mint condition, his rookie now sells for thousands of dollars. Also peaking collector interest are rookie cards of Nomar Garciaparra, Kerry Wood, Hideo Nomo, and Bobby Higginson. Each of these keys rookies in top condition can fetch hundreds on the secondary market.

Beyond the big name rookies, 1994 Fleer Update had updated photos of players who were breaking out that year like Jeff Bagwell, Frank Thomas, Cal Ripken Jr., and Tony Gwynn. It was also interesting to see progression shots of young stars like Ken Griffey Jr., who was clearly on his way to superstardom. The set also included updated photos of established vets who were enjoying career years like Randy Johnson, Don Mattingly, and Fred McGriff. All things considered, 1994 was shaping up to be a landmark year in Major League Baseball.

When it comes to condition and rarity factors, 1994 Fleer Update holds up very well against other releases from its time in terms of scarcity. Part of what makes it more scarce than Fleer’s larger flagship issues is the fact it was produced midway through the season as more of a bonus mini-set. The smaller print run lends rarity to all the key rookie cards and stars. Another factor is the thinner stock cardboard used for the cards. While enabling more to be packed in a box, the stock was also more prone to damage over time. As a result, pristine gems of the superstar rookies are scarce to come across.

One reason 1994 Fleer Update continues attracting collectors outside its niche is the incredible array of parallel and short-print variants that exist. Contrary to the single-design base set, Fleer got creative with alternate cards sporting different photo croppings, autographs, or serial numbering. Some of the more exciting chase variants include K-Rod’s ultra-short print sticker autograph, Frank Thomas’ 1-of-1 printing plate, and serial-numbered Ken Griffey Jr. and Nomar parallels ranging from 1 to 10 copies. Especially the uniquely numbered cards fuel intense collector demand and constantly escalate in aftermarket value when they surface.

Beyond the on-card qualities, 1994 Fleer Update also enjoys nostalgia benefits in the larger collecting landscape. It comes from a time period considered the golden era of modern baseball cards before the industry inflated massively in the late 90s. But it also post-dates the early 90s boom, lending it more accessibility than ultra-premium sets from that time. The mid-90s aesthetic of pastel colors and player photos also resonate strongly with collectors who grew up with the cards. This nostalgia ensures 1994 Fleer Update remains a focal point in the hobby even as younger collectors drive more recent trends.

When scrutinizing price guides, auction records, and private sales, it’s clear that all factors considered, 1994 Fleer Update has cemented itself amongst the most valuable modern baseball card releases. Of course, common players and base rookies can still be acquired quite reasonably in lower grades. But for high-grade examples of the keys, collectors should expect to pay tens of thousands at minimum. Recent PSA 10 sales of the K-Rod, Nomar, Griffey, Ripken, and Thomas rookies have soared well into the five-figure range and set new appreciation benchmarks. With its small print run, superstar content and historical context in the hobby, 1994 Fleer Update is sure to retain its highly coveted status for a long time to come.

BASEBALL CARDS UPDATE 2022

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Baseball Card Industry Continues to Thrive in 2022

The collectible baseball card industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years, fueled by renewed interest from both casual and serious collectors. As we enter 2022, the market shows no signs of slowing down. Several key trends have continued to drive interest and excitement around the hobby.

One of the biggest stories over the past couple years has been the rise in popularity of vintage cards from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Stars from that era like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Sammy Sosa are seeing their rookie cards demand huge prices at auction. In 2021, a near-mint condition 1989 Griffey Upper Deck rookie card sold for over $500,000, shattering records. Prices for vintage have skyrocketed as more collectors look to invest in proven commodities from the past.

At the same time, the modern game is producing new stars that are attracting collectors to present-day products. Players like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have seen their rookie cards become hot commodities. A mint Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor rookie just sold for over $350,000. With talented young stars driving interest in today’s game, their cards remain a strong segment of the market.

The rise of online selling and social media has also fueled unprecedented interest and accessibility when it comes to baseball cards. Websites like eBay allow anybody to buy, sell, and trade cards easily from home. Popular collectors like Logan Paul have used YouTube and Instagram to expose new audiences to the hobby. These platforms have brought in a whole new generation of collectors during the pandemic.

In response to surging demand, card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Bowman have greatly expanded production levels in recent years. Shortages of cardboard, ink and other raw materials due to pandemic-related supply chain issues have led to product allocations and limited print runs. The scarcity has kept excitement high and card values increasing. It has become harder than ever to get some of the most coveted modern rookie cards.

Another notable trend is the increasing crossover of baseball cards into other collecting hobbies like cryptocurrency and NFTs. In 2021, Topps released digital Garbage Pail Kids cards as NFTs and saw huge interest and sales. Bowman also issued Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. autograph NFTs that each sold for over $100,000. More traditional card companies are embracing these new digital collecting platforms.

Looking ahead to 2022, all signs point to another big year of growth for the baseball card market. Vintage stars from the late 80s and 90s will remain a huge driver as prices continue rising. Young stars like Acuña, Soto and Guerrero will see strong ongoing demand for their modern cards as well. Limited print runs and product allocations are likely to persist due to ongoing supply chain problems. And crossover into cryptocurrency and NFTs will further expose new audiences to the allure of baseball memorabilia collecting.

After exploding in popularity in recent years, the baseball card industry shows no signs of slowing down. Both casual fans and serious investors are pouring money into vintage cardboard and chasing the next big stars. Shortages are keeping excitement high. New digital platforms like NFTs are opening up baseball cards to an even wider collector base. As more people get involved in this classic American hobby, 2022 promises to be another huge year of growth, investment and enthusiasm for baseball cards. Whether collecting for fun or profit, this historic pastime remains as strong as ever heading into the new year.

MOST VALUABLE 1989 FLEER UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 1989 Fleer Update baseball card set was the second series release of cards by Fleer that year, originally hitting store shelves in August 1989. While most of the cards in the set hold relatively modest value today, there are a select few that have appreciated significantly due to various factors such as the players’ iconic status, statistical milestones reached, or scarce production runs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable 1989 Fleer Update baseball cards from the set.

Ken Griffey Jr. – Griffey’s rookie card from the main 1989 Fleer set is one of the most iconic and sought-after modern rookie cards ever made. Naturally, his Fleer Update card from the same rookie season holds significant value as well. Graded mint condition PSA 10 examples of Griffey’s Update card have sold for over $1,000. Even lower graded copies still command prices well over $100. What makes Griffey’s rookie cards so desirable is that he went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was a fan favorite known for his smooth left-handed swing.

Nolan Ryan – Legendarily, Nolan Ryan’s Update card shows him wearing a Texas Rangers uniform for the first time after having previously played for the Astros, Angels, and Mets. At age 42 during the 1989 season depicted, Ryan was still overpowering hitters and went on to notch his 5,000th career strikeout that year. PSA 10 examples of his Update card have sold for upwards of $600 due to Ryan’s iconic status as perhaps the greatest strikeout pitcher ever.

Ryne Sandberg – Sandberg made his lone appearance on the cover of a baseball card set with the 1989 Fleer Update, depicting him in mid-swing wearing a Chicago Cubs uniform. In 1989, Sandberg put together one of the finest offensive seasons for a second baseman in winning the NL MVP award. Graded mint copies regularly sell for $150-$250 given Sandberg’s Hall of Fame career and the cover status of his Update card.

Orel Hershiser – Hershiser’s dominant playoff performance in 1988 that led the LA Dodgers to a World Series title is cemented in baseball history. His Update card highlights his success and fame from that season by showing him in a Dodgers uniform. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $400 due to Hershiser’s renown and his one-year wonder status that was the peak of his career.

Don Mattingly – As one of the game’s premier hitters of the 1980s, Donnie Baseball’s 1989 Fleer Update card portrays him in a New York Yankees uniform near the tail end of his prolific career. Mattingly’s Update holds steady value at $75-$150 even in lower grades considering his six All-Star nods and nine Gold Gloves won as a first baseman.

Greg Maddux – Maddux had begun to emerge as one of baseball’s best pitchers by 1989, as portrayed by his Fleer Update card at age 23 for the Chicago Cubs. What makes his rookie season Update cards more scarce and valuable is that Maddux would achieve superstar status over the following decade plus by racking up 355 career wins and 4 Cy Young Awards between the Cubs and Braves. PSA 10 copies frequently sell for $400-$500 due to Maddux’s elite Hall of Fame pitching career.

While production numbers for the 1989 Fleer Update set were high overall, demand has increased the prices considerably for the select standout rookie and star player cards over the ensuing decades. For vintage cardboard investments and collectors pursuing complete Fleer sets from the late 1980s and early 90s, high grade copies of stars like Griffey, Ryan, Sandberg, Hershiser, Mattingly and especially Maddux provide the most stable long term value and collectibility in the 1989 Update set.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2020 UPDATE

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The 2020 Topps baseball card update set is one of the most highly anticipated card releases each year by collectors both new and old. The update set provides a mid-season snapshot of the current MLB season by featuring players performance and roster changes from the first half of the year. With over 400 cards in the 2020 Topps update set, collectors have many exciting new additions to find including rookie cards, autographs, and parallels.

Some of the biggest storylines of the 2020 MLB season are highlighted in the update set through new images and stats. For example, rookie sensation Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres is prominently featured after bursting onto the MLB scene in 2019 and continuing his stellar play in 2020. Tatis Jr. has become one of the faces of baseball and his cards are in high demand. Other emerging young stars like Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays, Mike Soroka of the Atlanta Braves, and John Means of the Baltimore Orioles made their Topps rookie card debuts in the 2020 update.

Veteran players who switched teams before or during the 2020 season through trades and free agency signings also receive new card designs and uniforms. For instance, catcher Willson Contreras is pictured as a member of the Chicago Cubs instead of the Atlanta Braves after being traded earlier in the year. Starting pitchers like Lance Lynn and Mike Minor gained new cards donning their respective new uniforms for the Texas Rangers and Oakland Athletics. Even players who missed time due to the COVID-19 pandemic but are returning for the shortened 2020 season, such as David Price of the Los Angeles Dodgers, have latest info included.

In addition to standard base cards, the 2020 Topps update set treats collectors to several numbered parallels that are inserted randomly in packs. The Gold parallels are numbered to 2020 copies, making them slightly rarer than the base cards. The Red and Blue parallels are numbered even lower to only 150 and 50 copies respectively, increasing their value. Other popular parallels found at reduced odds include Atomic Refractors, Photo Variations, Negative Photographs, and Rainbow Foil cards. Autograph and memorabilia ‘hit’ cards signed by today’s MLB stars are also potential pack pulls that can be worth hundreds of dollars.

Some veterans whose careers may be winding down or in transition received special commemorative cards in this year’s Topps update. For example, the Cardinals’ Yadier Molina and the Cubs’ Jon Lester both got ‘Final Five’ cards depicting them with their new teams as they enter their final seasons under contract. Other veteran standouts like Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers, Max Scherzer of the Nationals, and Justin Verlander of the Astros got additional legendary status highlighted on special cards as well recognizing their Hall of Fame worthy careers to date.

The 2020 baseball season has been one of the most unique and challenging years due to the effects of COVID-19. However, Topps managed to still produce an engaging and informative update set for collectors. By including the latest stats and roster moves from the first half of the unusual season, the 2020 Topps update immortalizes a snapshot from this unprecedented year in baseball card form. With parallels, rookies, and stars galore, it’s sure to be a popular and historic set to collect for years to come. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, the 2020 Topps update succeeds in documenting all the on-field action and behind-the-scenes changes from the first part of this remarkable MLB campaign.

TOPPS BASEBALL 2022 UPDATE SERIES MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Baseball Update Series was released in late August/early September and contains plenty of rookie cards, autographs, and parallels of star players that have already seen their collectibility and values rise significantly in the months since its release. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable rookie and star player cards from the set that collectors are keen to get their hands on.

Perhaps the most sought after card from the 2022 Topps Update Series is the Bobby Witt Jr. rookie card. The star Kansas City Royals rookie shortstop had an excellent debut season that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His base rookie card from the set has already reached over $100 in near mint condition and remains one of the hottest rookie cards on the market. Autographs and parallels of his card Command even higher prices. The Witt Jr. autograph can fetch $1000 or more, while rare parallels like the /5 blue refractor parallel have sold for well over $2000. Clearly, Witt Jr.’s star power and production as a 21-year-old have collectors excited about his long term potential and the value of his rookie cards looks set to continue rising.

Another huge rookie draw from the set is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez. Like Witt Jr., Rodríguez had a breakout rookie campaign that saw him finish third in AL ROY voting. His base rookie card also surpassed $100 and his autographed cards trade hands for $500-1000 depending on parallel. The true gems though are the ultra-rare sepia paper /5 parallels, which have sold for upwards of $3000-4000 due to their limited print run. Rodríguez looks like a perennial all-star in the making and his cards could appreciate significantly if he fulfills his enormous potential.

Two other rookies that have seen early value spikes due to impressive debut seasons are Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. Peña was not only the ALCS and World Series MVP but also took home AL ROY honors in 2022. As a result, his base rookie jumped to a $75-100 price range with autographed editions fetching $350-600. Baz also had flashes of dominance in his rookie campaign before an elbow injury cut it short. Nonetheless, his autographed cards have brought in $400-700 and the high-numbered parallels around $100-150. Both players have rookie cards that still have plenty of room for growth if they build on their early success.

Moving beyond rookies, superstar veterans still hold plenty of collecting appeal in the 2022 Update Series. For example, New York Yankees star Aaron Judge had one of the most prolific single season home run performances in history when he clubbed 62 long balls. Not surprisingly, any Judge cards from the set carry a premium. His base card sells between $50-75 while short prints and autographs command $200-350. The true trophies are the rare Judge parallels like the /5 sepia refractor, which already checks in at $1000-1500 raw just months after the set released. With all the hype around Judge’s massive 2022 season, those prices seem poised to rise further still.

Another veteran slugger who rakes in card value thanks to an awe-inspiring 2022 campaign is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. At 35, Goldschmidt had perhaps the best year of his career, leading the NL in batting average, slugging percentage and OPS. As a result, his Update Series cards have shown strong returns. The base gold schmidt runs $30-50 while rare parallels like the green /99 and sepia /5 refractors exceed $150-250. His autographed cards tend to fetch $150-300 based on parallel. With Goldschmidt proving he has plenty left in the tank, his Update Series cards could maintain relevancy if he continues raking in 2023 and beyond.

Moving to the pitching side of things, Cards flamethrower Jordan Montgomery has seen early returns since being acquired from the Yankees at the trade deadline. In St. Louis, Montgomery posted a 2.09 ERA down the stretch and looked like a new pitcher. As a result, his Update Series cards have already started gaining steam. The base Montgomery sells for $15-25 while autographed parallels move for $125-200 with rarer refractors over $250. If Montgomery carries his newfound success into 2023 as the Cards #3 starter, those prices could trend upwards further. His strong finish to 2022 has built excitement around his long term prospects.

Continuing with breaking pitchers, Phillies ace Zack Wheeler has established himself as one of baseball’s most dependable aces over the past few seasons. In 2022, Wheeler tossed 212 innings of 3.07 ERA ball for a playoff team, gaining more national recognition. Accordingly, Update Series cards featuring “Ace” Wheeler command a healthy bump in value. His standard issue sells between $15-25 while harder to find parallels like the gold /50 and sepia /5 refractors hit $75-125. Autographed editions tend to sell in the $150-300 range depending on parallel. Wheeler remains one of the most durable frontline starters in MLB – so his cards retain long term appeal.

Rounding out the top high value veterans, San Diego Padres superstar Manny Machado continues to make his presence felt on the collecting scene. Even after a decade in the Majors, Machado maintains all-star caliber production and his Update Series cards reflect that sustained excellence. The base Machado checks in around $15-25 but rarer autographed andParallel cards gain exponentially from there. Machado autographs run $150-300 while short prints like the /50 and /5 refractors soar to $150-250. Few active players have maintained hobby relevance as long as Machado – so his cards should retain strong valuations as long as he continues raking.

The 2022 Topps Update Series houses a litany of rookie cards, autographs and parallels for stars of both the present and future that have already shown sharp rises in Collectibility and value just months after release. From Witt Jr. and Rodríguez on the rookie side to veterans like Judge, Goldschmidt and Machado, the set offers cards for collectors of every interest level that are poised to gain further in time. For those looking to invest in the present and future of the hobby, cracking packs of 2022 Topps Update remains as sound an option as any on the modern collecting scene today.

2011 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2011 Topps Update baseball card series was released by Topps in late August and early September of 2011 as the third series of cards for that year. Update sets are Topps’ way of issuing players’ current team affiliations and updated stats mid-season since the main Topps series are released before the season begins. The 2011 Topps Update set featured base cards, parallels, autographed relic cards, and renowned retired star “Legends of the Game” inserts.

The base set for 2011 Topps Update numbered 270 cards and featured current major and minor league players from that season. Notable rookies included Craig Kimbrel (Atlanta Braves), Freddie Freeman (Braves), Carlos Santana (Cleveland Indians), and Eric Hosmer (Kansas City Royals). Veterans like Bobby Abreu, Scott Kazmir, and Kevin Millwood also received cards as they changed teams during the year. Topps continued their “Tradition Never Graduates” subsets highlighting classic uniform designs from teams like the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, and Philadelphia Phillies among others.

Parallels and insert sets provided collectors variety beyond the base cards. Refractor parallels were available in standard foil, silver, and gold varieties numbering to 99 or less copies each. “Fabric of the Game” cloth patches featured on-card swatches of game-used jersey material. “Legendary Numbers” showcased retired stars like Roberto Clemente and Jackie Robinson in iconic uniform numbers. “Topps Territory” cards honored specific MLB cities and ballparks.

Cracking packs of 2011 Topps Update also offered chances at autographed memorabilia relic cards. “Certified Authentic” signatures numbered to just 10 copies featured athletes like Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, and Evan Longoria. “ROOKIES & Top Prospects” autographed patches featured rising talents like Jeremy Hellickson and Jeremy Moore. The coveted 1/1 “Hit Parade” autographed bats contained swatches and John scribbles from legends Hank Aaron, Mike Piazza, and Willie Mays.

Major insert sets paid homage to retired greats and highlights from MLB history. “Legends of the Game” remained a showcase for iconic stars past and present with 30 cards covering Ruth, Mantle, Schmidt and more. “Guys & Gals of Summer” revived retro designs from the 50s-70s era. “Walking the Plank” recalled famous ejections and benches-clearing brawls. “Diamond Greats” focused on milestones reached by Chipper Jones, Derek Jeter, and others in 2011.

As with each year’s iteration, 2011 Topps Update maintained the company’s reputation for quality cardboard collecting across demographics. The diverse mix of hit-worthy inserts alongside steady base content meant opportunities for both breakers chasing big autos and set builders alike. After the flagship series dropped earlier in the spring, Update filled cards into the later season and brought clarity to midseason roster moves. Its blends of history, stars present and past, and timely additions to collections solidified the set as a vital annual supplement for baseball card aficionados everywhere.

2023 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Update baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated card releases each year among collectors. As a mid-season update to Topps’ flagship baseball card product, Update cards help collectors stay on top of player transactions and roster changes throughout the MLB season. The 2023 Topps Update set is scheduled for wide release in late August or early September after the regular season concludes.

What makes Update sets unique each year is that they capture any player moves that happened after the initial Topps Series 1 release in the spring. This means Update cards feature new photos of players in their current uniforms after being traded to new teams. Rookies who made their MLB debuts after Series 1 are also included in Update for the first time. Topps scours the minor leagues for prospects who were called up and gives them their first MLB card as well.

Update sets are perfect for collectors looking to stay up-to-date on the latest roster shifts without having to track down multiple inserts throughout the season. They consolidate all the key player moves into one comprehensive release. For fans of specific teams, Update cards make it easy to complete rosters with the latest additions without hunting down scarce trade deadline parallels.

Some key things collectors can expect to find in the 2023 Topps Update checklist include rookie cards of players like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Witt Jr., and other top prospects who made their debuts after Series 1. There will also be plenty of traded player versions showing stars in their new uniforms, such as Juan Soto with the Padres or Luis Castillo with the Mariners. Update is also the only place to find base rookie cards for breakout players who made an impact in the second half.

In addition to the standard base cards, Topps packs in several popular parallels and inserts to chase. Color variations like Gold, Silver, and Rainbow Foil make base cards more valuable. Serialized parallels like Topps Now Moments and Archives ensure every card has multiple levels to collect. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top rookies and veterans round out the inserts. Retired player and throwback uniforms are other fun nostalgic inserts collectors enjoy finding.

When it comes to product, Topps Update will be available in traditional wax packs, blasters, and hobby boxes. Retail blasters provide a fun, low-cost way to rip packs while chasing color parallels and stars. Hobby boxes offer the best odds at hitting big autographed rookie cards or 1/1 parallel prints. For high-end collectors, luxury case breaks let you participate in a group break without buying a full expensive case. Online pre-sales and release day release events make sure Update is widely accessible.

Pricing on the secondary market for 2023 Topps Update cards is still to be determined but usually tracks closely with the performance and hype around rookies throughout their debut seasons. Stars who break out in the playoffs see their Update rookies skyrocket in value as well. Parallels of top prospects like Greene, Arias, and Rutschman from 2018-2020 Updates routinely sell for hundreds due to their early success. Keeping an eye out for rookie phenoms is key to finding long-term valuable cards.

The 2023 Topps Update baseball card set promises to be another highly anticipated mid-season release that collectors won’t want to miss. With all the second half player moves and top prospect debuts consolidated into one checklist, it’s easy to stay up to date on the latest MLB rosters without hunting multiple products. The parallels, inserts, and rookie chase make Update a fun set to collect each and every year.