He didn't arrive with the same deafening thunder as Shohei Ohtani or the massive contract of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but Hyeseong Kim is quietly becoming one of the most intriguing names in the 2026 baseball card market. If you’ve been paying attention to the Los Angeles Dodgers' middle infield lately, you know the vibe. He’s fast. He’s versatile. Honestly, he’s exactly the kind of "glue guy" that MLB teams covet and hobbyists often overlook until the prices have already spiked.
The chase for a hyeseong kim rookie card isn't just about grabbing a piece of a talented player; it’s about timing a transition from South Korean superstardom to American household name. Most people are still confusing him with Ha-Seong Kim (the Padres’ Gold Glover), which is actually great for us. While the "other" Kim is a established star, Hyeseong is the fresh face with a massive ceiling and a whole new set of cardboard to track down.
The Weird World of KBO vs. MLB Rookie Cards
So, what counts as a "true" rookie? This is where it gets kinda messy. If you're a purist, you might look toward his time with the Kiwoom Heroes. In South Korea, cards are produced by SCC (Sports Collectors Card), and these are technically his first professional appearances. For example, a 2018 SCC Hyeseong Kim card from his early days with the Nexen Heroes (before they became Kiwoom) is a tough find in the States.
But let's be real: the MLB hobby revolves around Topps and Bowman.
Because Kim officially joined the Dodgers and made his presence felt in the 2025 season, the "RC" shield started appearing on major releases late last year and into 2026. If you’re looking for the heavy hitters, you’re looking at these three specific areas:
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- 2025 Topps Now #143 & #182: These were the "instant" cards. Card #143 commemorates his first career stolen base, while #182 focuses on his early power surges. These have fixed print runs—like 4,100 for the stolen base card—meaning they aren't printed to infinity.
- 2025 Bowman Chrome: This is the big one. The 2025 Bowman Chrome Hyeseong Kim (Card #2) is where the "1st Bowman" chasers live. If you find the Refractor or the elusive "Rookie Color Run" variation, you’re holding the primary driver of his market value.
- 2025 Topps Chrome #152: The classic flagship rookie. It’s shiny, it’s recognizable, and the parallels (like the Sepia or the RayWave) are the bread and butter of most modern collections.
Why the Market Is Heating Up Right Now
Kim isn't just a bench piece. He’s a four-time KBO Gold Glove winner who brought that defensive wizardry to Los Angeles. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has raved about his "youthful enthusiasm," but collectors care more about the stats. In his final KBO season, he swiped 30 bags and hit over .320. That speed translates.
In the 2026 market, we're seeing a weird phenomenon. His 2025 Bowman Chrome PSA 10 prices are hovering around $25 to $30. That’s cheap. Compare that to a top-tier American prospect who hasn't even seen a Major League curveball yet, and you realize you're getting a proven professional at a "prospect" discount.
The injury bug did bite him in mid-2025 (that shoulder bursitis stint on the IL), which actually cooled his card prices down for a minute. That’s your window. Now that he’s healthy and back in the lineup for the defending World Series champs, the "Dodger Tax" is starting to kick in. Anything in a Dodgers uniform carries a premium, and Kim is no exception.
Spotting the Rare Stuff: Autographs and Parallel Tiers
If you want more than just a $2 base card, you have to look at the "chase" elements. Topps introduced some wild stuff for Kim in 2025 that is still circulating in 2026.
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- The Korean Language SSP: In the Topps Now run, there’s a Super Short Print with text entirely in Korean. It’s visually striking and a massive hit with international collectors.
- The "First Home Run" Inscription: There is a 1-of-1 autograph out there inscribed with "첫 홈런" (First Home Run). If you ever see that at a card show, don't walk—run.
- Mojo Refractors: Found in the Bowman Mega Boxes, these have a tiled, holographic look that really pops with the Dodgers' blue.
Values vary wildly. A standard 2025 Topps Chrome Hyeseong Kim Refractor might only set you back $15, but the "Purple Speckle" autographs are already pushing past the $150 mark in high grades.
What Most People Get Wrong About Kim
The biggest mistake? Thinking he’s just a "slap hitter." While he’s definitely a contact-first guy, Kim’s power actually trended upward right before he left Korea. He set career highs in homers (11) in 2024. In the MLB, he’s showing he can turn on a fastball.
Also, don't sleep on the "Topps Holiday" versions. They’re often mocked for the snowflakes, but the 2025 Topps Holiday Hyeseong Kim #H174 parallels—specifically the "Blue Metallic Glitter"—are surprisingly low-pop. They’re a fun, affordable way to gamble on his long-term success without dropping five figures on a 1-of-1.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you're looking to buy into the Kim hype, don't just spray and pray. You've got to be tactical.
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Start by targeting 2025 Bowman Chrome Base Autos in a PSA 9 or 10. They are the "currency" of the hobby. If you’re on a budget, look for the 2025 Topps Update #US312. It’s often found in the "dollar bins" at local card shops right now because people are still catching up to his 2025 performance.
Keep an eye on the "Dodgers' Team Sets" as well. Often, regional releases or stadium giveaways feature Kim in unique photography that won't appear in the national Topps sets. These "oddball" cards often become the rarest pieces of a player's registry five years down the line.
Monitor his stolen base count. If he hits the 40-SB mark this season, his Topps Now "First Stolen Base" card will likely see a significant bump in demand from Dodgers fans looking for a piece of that milestone. Grab one now while they're still under $20 ungraded.