If you walked into a hobby shop last year and asked for a Paul Skenes rookie card, you probably got a confusing look or a lecture on "Topps Now" print runs. Things moved fast. One minute he’s striking out everyone in the College World Series, and the next, he's the face of the Pittsburgh Pirates. For most fans, the entry point into the Skenes hype isn't a thousand-dollar autograph. It's the Topps Stars of MLB Paul Skenes insert.
Honestly? These cards are basically the "gateway drug" of the 2024 and 2025 collecting seasons. They look high-end with that holofoil shine, but they won't cost you a car payment. But there is a massive amount of confusion regarding which Skenes "Stars of MLB" card is the one to actually own, especially since he appeared in both the 2024 and 2025 sets.
The SMLB-64 Mystery: 2024 Topps Update
The first time we saw the Topps Stars of MLB Paul Skenes was in the 2024 Topps Update Series. This is card number SMLB-64.
Because Skenes didn't make his debut until May 2024, he missed the cutoff for Series 1 and Series 2 base sets. Topps had to scramble. They slapped the "RC" logo on this insert in the Update series, and the hobby went nuts. You've probably seen these at Target or Walmart in those retail-exclusive "fat packs."
- Design: It’s got that classic "Stars of MLB" futuristic, curved-line background.
- The Foil Factor: It’s a retail-exclusive insert. You won't find the base version in Hobby boxes (only the Chrome versions).
- Rarity: Not rare at all. Topps prints millions of these.
- Price Point: You can snag a raw (ungraded) SMLB-64 for about $1.50 to $3.00 on eBay right now.
If you’re paying $20 for a base SMLB-64, you’re getting fleeced. Seriously. Even a PSA 10 version of the 2024 card has settled down into the $30-$45 range as the supply has finally caught up with the demand.
2025 Topps Series 1: The SMLB-27 Upgrade
Fast forward to the start of the 2026 season—which is where we are now—and the 2025 Topps Series 1 set has completely shifted the market. Skenes is no longer just a "prospect" or a "rookie to watch." He's a Cy Young contender and an All-Star.
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In the 2025 set, Skenes appears as SMLB-27.
This card is arguably better looking than the 2024 version. It captures him in that high-leg-kick delivery that has become his trademark. Unlike the 2024 version, which was a "rookie debut" era card, the 2025 version features the Topps All-Star Rookie Cup (that little gold trophy icon). For a lot of "old school" collectors, the Rookie Cup is actually more iconic than the RC logo.
Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025
- 2024 SMLB-64: The "True" Rookie Year insert. Most people want this for the historical significance.
- 2025 SMLB-27: The "Rookie Cup" year. Often has better photography and reflects his status as a dominant ace.
Why Do These Cards Even Matter?
I get it. They aren't 1-of-1 Superfractor autographs. They aren't even "short prints." But the Topps Stars of MLB Paul Skenes cards are the most accessible way for a kid or a casual fan to own a piece of the Skenes era.
Think about it. Not everyone can drop $1.1 million on a Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch card (like the one found in 2024 Topps Update that made national headlines). Most of us just want a cool-looking card for a binder.
Expert Tip: If you're looking for value, skip the base paper inserts. Look for the Chrome versions. Topps produces a Chrome version of the Stars of MLB set that is much rarer and holds a "refractor" shine that is significantly more attractive to long-term investors.
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The Parallels: Where the Real Money Is
While the base cards are cheap, the parallels are a different story. For the 2025 SMLB-27 card, Topps introduced several "Foilboard" versions that are actually quite tough to pull.
- Red Foilboard: Numbered to just 5. One of these recently sold for over $240.
- Black Foilboard: Numbered to 10.
- Orange Foilboard: Numbered to 25.
- Gold Foilboard: Numbered to 50.
If you pull one of these out of a $12 hanger box from a gas station, you’ve essentially hit a mini-jackpot. The "Skenes Effect" is real. Even non-numbered "Silver Patterned Foilboard" versions can fetch $15 to $20 because everyone wants a Skenes card that looks a little different from the millions of base copies out there.
Is the Hype Sustainable?
Skenes is a unicorn. He's a guy throwing 102 mph with a "splinker" (that weird sinker-splitter hybrid) and dating a world-famous gymnast. He’s the first pitcher since Hideo Nomo to really transcend the sport and become a pop-culture figure.
But baseball cards are volatile.
Pitchers are risky. One "pop" in the elbow and a $50 card becomes a $5 card overnight. That’s why the Topps Stars of MLB Paul Skenes is such a smart play. You get the excitement of owning a card of the best young pitcher in a generation without the financial ruin if he eventually needs Tommy John surgery.
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How to Handle Your Skenes Inserts
If you’ve just pulled one, don’t just toss it in a shoe box. The edges on these holofoil cards are notorious for "chipping." The dark borders on the 2024 set and the intricate foil on the 2025 set show every little speck of white.
- Sleeve it immediately: Use a soft penny sleeve.
- Top-load it: Especially if it’s a Chrome or a Foilboard parallel.
- Grade it? Honestly, only grade a base Stars of MLB card if it looks absolutely perfect. A PSA 9 of this card is often worth less than the cost of the grading fee itself. You want a 10 or nothing.
The Topps Stars of MLB Paul Skenes cards represent a specific moment in baseball history where a rookie pitcher became the biggest star in the world. Whether it's the 2024 SMLB-64 or the 2025 SMLB-27, these are the cards that will define this era of "The Hobby" for the average collector.
If you're looking to expand your Skenes collection, keep an eye on the 2025 Topps Series 2 release coming later this year. There are rumors of a "Stars of MLB" subset focusing on his record-breaking strikeout performances. For now, stick to the Chrome parallels of his 2025 SMLB-27 if you want a card that actually has a chance of appreciating in value over the next decade.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
Check the back of your 2024 Skenes cards. If you see the code ending in #SMLB-64, you have the "Update" rookie insert. Compare the surface of your card under a bright light for "refractor lines" or scratches before deciding to send it to PSA. If the surface is clean, a 2025 SMLB-27 Chrome is a strong candidate for a "bulk" grading submission.