The Top 25 Topps Series 1 Baseball Rookie Cards of All Time

The Captain, The Judge, and More

For all of 2026, we’re celebrating 75 years of Topps Baseball. Today we’re taking a look back at some of the best Topps Series 1 Baseball rookie cards of all-time.

The distinction here is important. The first official Series 1 product released by Topps came in 1993 (and fittingly, perhaps the best Series 1 RC of all-time comes from that debut release). The rest of this list focuses squarely on Series 1 releases since then. From the Captain to the Judge, to an array of intriguing young players, let’s take a look at 25 of the best!

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The Greatest Topps Series 1 Baseball Rookie Cards Ever

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1993 Topps Series 1 Baseball #98 Derek Jeter RC

For so many fans and collectors, Derek Jeter flat-out defines an era of baseball. 20 years as the star shortstop for the New York Yankees. 3,465 hits, 1923 runs, a .310 career average. 1996 AL Rookie of the Year. 14-time All-Star. And, of course, a five-time World Series Champion. The captain of one of baseball’s greatest modern dynasties, his status in The Hobby and in the Big Apple remains unquestioned.

As with so many Hobby legends, Jeter’s chase cards are deservedly plentiful, but this 1993 Topps Series 1 rookie card is special. Emblazoned with ‘1992 Draft Pick’ across the top — Jeter was selected sixth overall that year — the image shows a young Jeter in a pose that would come to define him, hurling a ball across the diamond from short. The design of the player set against the diamond helps Jeter himself pop out of the hand.

A Topps Gold version of the card has sold for as much as $25,000.

2017 Topps Series 1 Baseball #287 Aaron Judge RC

Not only is Aaron Judge one of the two best players in baseball today, he’s one of the leading lights of the modern Hobby. Judge is an absolute monster at the plate and on cardboard. Every year, his cards remain incredibly sought-after, as he continues to carve out a legendary career with the New York Yankees.

Multiple six-figure card sales include a January 31, 2026 sale of his 2025 Topps Chrome Update Gold Logoman Dual Auto Relic with Shohei Ohtani that went for $164,700. His 2013 Bowman Chrome Superfractor last sold in 2022 for over $300,000 and is considered one of the most valuable cards in The Hobby today.

While Judge’s early Bowman cards are of course some of the most valuable among his prolific catalog, his Topps RC came in 2017 Series 1 Baseball. The brilliant action shot is a wonderful player image to begin Judge’s Topps journey, giving collectors a full view of Judge in pinstripes, and a sense of his larger-than-life size. This base card remains one of the most important Judge cards. Variation cards from Series 1 are also huge Judge RC’s, including the famous ‘Leaning on Railing’ SP card.

1992 Topps Series 1 Baseball #156 Manny Ramirez RC 

One of the greatest right-handed hitters in MLB history, Manny Ramirez hit 555 Home Runs to go along with 1,831 RBI in a career that included 12 All-Star selections (11 straight) and two World Series titles. He was one of Boston’s breakers of The Curse, winning World Series MVP as the Red Sox won in 2004 for the first time in 86 years.

This Topps Series 1 card from 1992 is his Topps RC and a Draft Pick card. A rookie auto Topps Gold version of the card sold for $552 in June 2025 and is considered one of the most important Manny Ramirez cards of all-time.

2011 Topps Series 1 Baseball #145 Freddie Freeman RC

Considered to be a lock for the Hall of Fame (and likely first-ballot inductee), Freeman’s legacy continues to be built as his Dodgers dynasty continues to rack up the titles. Now a three-time World Series Champion, the nine-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, and 2020 NL MVP is nothing short of a superstar, and a major player in the modern Hobby.

His legend reached new heights while winning the 2024 World Series MVP. Despite still nursing an ankle injury, Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam in Game 1 of the October Classic against the Yankees. He then followed that up by hitting home runs in Games 2, 3, and 4. All told, he hit a homer in six straight World Series games.

His Topps Series 1 RC was released in 2011, and a Black Border version of the card numbered to 60 sold for $1,500 in December 2025.

2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball #92 Tarik Skubal RC

Today, there is simply no better pitcher than Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. The ace became the first back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner since Pedro Martinez in 1999 and 2000. In the last two seasons, he’s taken the CY, gotten an All-Star nod, and led the league in ERA. In 2024, he earned the pitching Triple Crown.

At the top of his game, Skubal posted a ridiculous WHIP of only 0.891 last season. His starts have become nothing short of appointment viewing.

Skubal’s Series 1 RC was released in 2021, with a 70th Anniversary stamp. The 70th Anniversary 1-of-1 sold for $1,250 before Skubal’s historic two-year run even began. More recently, a highly coveted MLB Gold Logoman Dual Auto Patch Card featuring Skubal and NL Cy Young winner Chris Sale sold for almost $22,000 in September 2025.

2013 Topps Series 1 Baseball #270 Manny Machado RC

A seven-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger, and two-time Gold Glove winner, Manny Machado has been one of the most respected sluggers in baseball for over a decade. Seven seasons of at least 30 home runs have helped Machado to 369 career homers by the end of the 2025 season.

Machado, who has 2,069 hits and 1,144 RBI, has finished top-five in MVP voting on four separate occasions and will more than likely end up in Cooperstown. His RC can be found in 2013 Topps Series 1 Baseball. An Orange color match Series 1 RC limited to 230 sold for over $600 in April 2024.

2010 Topps Series 1 Baseball #2 Buster Posey RC

With Buster Posey, we’re not just talking about a perennial All-Star, a three-time champion, Rookie of the Year, NL MVP, and five-time Silver Slugger. This is a first-ballot Hall of Famer (eligible in 2027). Posey continues in MLB today, serving as President of Baseball Operations for his San Francisco Giants. A lifetime .302 hitter, Posey was essential to San Francisco’s incredible five-year run that saw the team win three titles.

Posey’s biggest card sale ever came recently, when a 2008 Bowman Superfractor Auto went for over $250,000 in January 2026. Posey more than delivered throughout his career, exceeding the extremely high expectations that he faced when considered an elite prospect. He got the #2 card in 2010 Topps Series 1 Baseball. In December 2025, a Red Border RC numbered to /299 sold for over $2,000.

Posey’s place in The Hobby has increased as he gets closer to Cooperstown. At writing, Card Ladder listed his Rate of Growth at +58.43% over the last year.

2011 Topps Series 1 Baseball #65 Chris Sale RC

One of the best pitchers of the 21st century, Chris Sale has finished in the top five of Cy Young voting on seven separate occasions, winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2024. With 2,579 regular season strikeouts, nine All-Star appearances, and a 2018 World Series Championship, Sale has done it all in the game.

Speaking of anniversaries, 2011 Topps releases featured the Hope Diamond Anniversary cards, limited to 60 copies, celebrating Topps’ 60th. These beloved parallels are special offerings that were made available in Update Series but covered players from Series 1 and 2 as well. A Sale PSA 10 version of the card sold for over $1,000 in 2024.

2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball #141 Elly De La Cruz RC

Elly De La Cruz is flat out one of the most exciting baseball players in the world. A highlight reel waiting to happen, his combination of speed, skill, and strength tantalizes fans and collectors alike. An All-Star in both of his first two seasons, he led MLB in stolen bases in 2024 with 67.

One of the most important young players in The Hobby, Elly’s 2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball RC is an important foundational card of this potential superstar.

2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball #277 Cal Raleigh RC 

Perhaps no athlete in recent history has risen this high in The Hobby at this juncture in their career. Cal Raleigh’s 60-home-run season in 2025 felt legendary in real time. A new record for a catcher, a new record for a switch-hitter (yes, move over Mickey Mantle), his numbers, his nickname, and his personality created a perfect storm as the 28-year old morphed into a superstar over one brilliant summer.

His RC can be found in 2022 Topps Series 1, and moved a ton during Raleigh’s 2025 campaign. A Vintage Stock version numbered to 99 sold for $500 on October 13, 2025.

2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball #250 Adley Rutschman RC

This switch-hitting catcher was the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and has two All-Star selections in his first four seasons, to go along with being 2022 AL ROY runner-up. A 2023 Silver Slugger, Rutschman looks to rebound and once again form a star duo with fellow 2019 MLB draftee Gunnar Henderson.

Rutschman’s color match Series 1 RC Orange Auto numbered to /25 sold for $1,400 in 2023. His Series 1 RC includes the Topps Rookie All-Star Cup.

2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball #206 Gunnar Henderson RC

In his first two seasons at the MLB level, Henderson looked like a superstar in the making. It started with a 2023 AL Rookie of the Year, which he followed up with an All-Star 2024 and finished fourth in AL MVP voting in his age-23 season. While Henderson and the Orioles had a rough 2025, the pieces remain for this talented shortstop and talented team to ascend back into contention.

A Black SSP version of his Series 1 RC sold for almost $2,000 in January 2025.

2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball #66 Kyle Schwarber RC

A career year in 2025 saw Schwarber finish runner-up for NL MVP. Officially one of the sport’s most feared power hitters, Schwarber put up 56 Home Runs and 132 RBI over a full 162-game run. At 32 years old, he’s already hit 340 career homers and has led MLB in dingers twice and RBI once. He hit four home runs in one game on August 28, 2025.

Schwarber’s place in The Hobby continues to rise, with his three biggest sales coming in 2025. In addition to his individual accomplishments, he has had some huge postseason moments, including launching five home runs in a nine-game span in his first MLB season in 2015, putting up an OPS of 1.308.

Famously, his Game 4 NLCS homer hit the top of the scoreboard at Wrigley. Schwarber’s 2016 Topps Series 1 RC also includes the Topps Rookie All-Star Cup

1994 Topps Series 1 Baseball #209 Billy Wagner RC

A 2025 inductee to the Baseball Hall of Fame, Billy Wagner is one of the best closers in modern baseball history. His 422 saves with a career ERA of 2.31 and seven All-Star appearances highlight a fantastic resume. His 11.9 K/9 ranks second for pitchers with at least 900 IP.

Beyond the stats, Wagner was a fierce competitor who could hit triple-digits on the radar gun. An inscribed auto version of his Series 1 RC (inscribed 7xAS) sold in March of 2025 for $500.

2024 Topps Series 1 Baseball #60 Jasson Dominguez RC

Jasson Dominguez, nicknamed The Martian, faced the highest of expectations from a young age. He signed for a franchise record $5.1 million signing bonus when he was still a teenager. The legend began for real when he made his MLB debut in September 2023. He became the youngest Yankee to hit a home run in his first game and the fifth-youngest player in MLB history to do so in their first plate appearance.

Despite the start, Dominguez has yet to find consistency, though flashes of potential continue to shine through. In May 2025, he became the youngest New York Yankee to hit three homers in a single game. It’s important to remember, he’s still only 22 years old. His 1st Bowman cards are among the most sought-after of the decade. A clear acetate version of his Series 1 Baseball RC numbered to /10 sold for over $1,000 in June 2024.

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball #316 Max Fried RC

The hard-throwing lefty has handled the bright lights of New York City with aplomb after signing a huge deal with the Yankees before the 2025 season. A three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove Winner, and one-time World Series Champion, Fried will have a chance to build a considerable legacy over the next years with one of baseball’s true flagship franchises.

Fried’s Series 1 RC was released in 2018, with a class that includes Rafael Devers and Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies, with whom Fried won the World Series in 2021. Fried helped the Braves close out the series with six scoreless innings.

2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball #85 Corey Seager RC

Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson. These are three of only four MLB players to win multiple World Series MVP Awards. The fourth? Corey Seager, who took home the MVP in both 2020 and 2023. For good measure, he also won the 2020 NLCS MVP Award.

A five-time All-Star with a knack for the clutch, he also won NL Rookie of the Year in 2016. His RC is found in 2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball, which featured a solid class including Trea Turner and Ketel Marte.

2010 Topps Series 1 Baseball #105 Madison Bumgarner RC

Bumgarner is, simply put, one of the greatest postseason pitchers in the history of baseball. When it comes to the October Classic, his resume is up there with anybody. A three-time champion, Bumgarner made five appearances (including four starts) in the World Series — staggering 0.25 ERA over 36 IP to go along with 31 strikeouts.

In 2014, Bumgarner etched his name into history, winning the World Series MVP — the culmination of one of the greatest postseason runs ever, which ended when he pitched five shutout innings in relief to win Game 7 against Kansas City. A true legend, his RC appears in 2010 Topps Series 1 Baseball.

2019 Topps Series 1 Baseball #60 Kyle Tucker RC

The latest superstar to join MLB juggernaut Los Angeles, Kyle Tucker’s step into the Hollywood spotlight can only increase his already sizable profile. Tucker has been an All-Star in the last four seasons, and led the AL in RBI in 2023.

Tucker already has a ring, winning it all with Houston in 2022. A two-time Silver Slugger, he’s entering a prime location as he continues his prime years.

2016 Topps Series 1 Baseball #103 Trea Turner RC

Finishing fifth in NL MVP voting in 2025, the three-time All-Star and 2019 World Series Champion remains one of the most exciting and electric players in baseball.

Turner’s highlights have endeared him to plenty of fans and collectors. Twice leading the NL in steals, Trae Turner has also hit for the cycle three times.

2020 Topps Series 1 Baseball #276 Yordan Alvarez RC

Only 28 years old, Alvarez is already a three-time All-Star, and has emerged as a huge piece in the Astros Hobby. The 2019 AL Rookie of the Year (thanks to an incredible 27 home runs and 78 RBI in only 87 games played) also took home the 2022 Silver Slugger Award for a campaign that led to him finishing third in MVP voting.

Despite an injury-filled 2025 campaign, Alvarez remains one of the biggest power threats in the game and seriously elevates the Houston lineup. As with a few others on this list, his Series 1 RC also features the prestigious Topps All-Star Rookie Cup.

2018 Topps Series 1 Baseball #18 Rafael Devers

A bonafide hitting prodigy, Devers became a fan favorite in Boston right away, with 10 home runs and 30 RBI in a 58-game stint when he was only 20 years old. In the postseason that year, Devers hit two homers in four games. The next year, he helped Boston to a World Series title. Now, Devers plies his trade in San Francisco, and remains on pace for some spectacular career numbers. Still only 29, he sits on 747 RBI and 235 Home Runs.

Devers’ RC came out in 2018 Series 1 and includes the prestigious Topps All-Star Rookie Cup. A color-matched Red version numbered to 10 sold for $2,000 in 2023.

2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball #181 James Wood RC

An All-Star at only 22 years of age, James Wood is a slugger who backed up his place as one of the chase rookies in 2025 with a 31 home run, 94 RBI season. Throwing in 15 stolen bases for good measure, this brilliant hitter and elite athlete is only just getting started.

Wood’s Series 1 RC is a foundational piece for a player just getting started in The Hobby. His early cards including 2024 1st Bowmans and 2025 Topps cards give collectors plenty of options, and this Flagship offering helps to lay the groundwork for a James Wood collection.

2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball #314 Jacob Wilson RC

Wilson had one of the greatest starts to an MLB career that we’ve seen in a while, peaking with 106 at-bats in May, in which he posted a .368 average to go along with a .437 OBP and .975 OPS.

In many seasons, he would have taken home the Rookie of the Year, but he instead finished runner-up. That may just be a blessing in disguise, however. The winner of the award was his teammate Nick Kurtz, and together the duo represent a new dawn for the Athletics. Playing with an exciting young core, a potential superstar like Kurtz, and occupying a premium position, this shortstop’s Flagship RC is a great start to what could be a great career.

2025 Topps Series 1 Baseball #74 Dylan Crews

Rounding out the entries from 2025 is Dylan Crews. Arguably the top chase rookie out of the gates last year, he played only 85 games. However, his potential remains appealing to the rebuilding Washington Nationals and to plenty in The Hobby.

Still projected to play a prominent role next season, Crews could well be a franchise cornerstone in the nation’s capital. Manager Blake Butera recently said, “I think the world of Dylan. I’m so excited to get him in here. What we saw last year was not the Dylan Crews we know. He’s such an explosive player, and he’s had success his entire life.”

2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball Collector FAQs

• What is a Topps Series 1 rookie card?
  • These are rookie cards from Topps’ Flagship Series 1 set, typically one of the first widely collected “base” Topps cards for a player’s rookie season.
• Why are Series 1 rookie cards so popular?
  • They’re the most recognizable, mass-collected Flagship rookies, easy to find in many formats, and often become The Hobby’s default reference card for that player.
• What’s the difference between a base RC and a variation (SP/SSP)?
  • Base rookies are common; SP/SSP variations are short-printed image variations and are usually harder to pull.
• Which parallels should collectors look for?
  • Numbered and premium parallels (examples: Gold, Black, Vintage Stock, special anniversary stamps, and other low-numbered color) tend to garner stronger excitement among collectors.

Key Facts

• What it is: Topps’ Flagship Series 1 release that kicks off each collecting season.
• Why rookies matter: Series 1 rookie cards often become a highly-collected Flagship RC.
• Best long-term targets: Superstar rookies, award winners, and players with lasting legacy (MVP/Cy Young/HOF trajectory).
• Collector tip: For key names, compare base RC vs. SP/SSP variations vs. numbered parallels to find your lane.

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