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The 5 Most Valuable Cody Bellinger Topps Rookie Cards And Why His 2025 Yankees Move Just Spiked Their Value

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Cody Bellinger’s 2017 Topps rookie cards have always been a cornerstone for modern baseball card collectors, yet their value has experienced a rollercoaster ride mirroring his up-and-down MLB career. As of today, December 25, 2025, the market is experiencing a significant surge of interest and price volatility following his blockbuster move to the New York Yankees for the 2025 season, making now the perfect time to identify the most crucial cards for investment and collection.

The true "rookie card" status is split across a few key 2017 Topps releases, with the 2017 Topps Update #US50 and the 2017 Topps Chrome Update #HMT10 being the primary targets. This in-depth guide breaks down the most valuable variations, the impact of his recent high-profile team change, and the specific Short Print (SSP) and parallel cards every serious collector must hunt for to capitalize on the "Yankees bump" in his card market.

Cody Bellinger: Biography and Career Highlights

Cody Bellinger, nicknamed "Belli," has one of the most decorated early careers in modern baseball history, making his rookie cards a perennial favorite for collectors seeking high-ceiling investments.

  • Born: July 13, 1995, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
  • Draft: Selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 4th Round (124th overall) of the 2013 MLB Draft.
  • MLB Debut: April 25, 2017, with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Positions: Outfielder and First Baseman.
  • Key Career Milestones:
    • 2017 National League Rookie of the Year (NL ROY).
    • 2019 National League Most Valuable Player (NL MVP).
    • 2020 World Series Champion (Los Angeles Dodgers).
    • 2x MLB All-Star (2017, 2019).
    • 2019 Gold Glove Award.
    • 2019 Silver Slugger Award.
  • Current Team (2025): New York Yankees (following a high-profile trade/signing).

The Holy Trinity of Cody Bellinger Topps Rookie Cards

When discussing Bellinger's Topps rookie cards, three specific sets from 2017 are paramount. While he had early prospect cards in Bowman, his true, official rookie cards (designated with the "RC" logo) are found here. The most valuable cards are almost exclusively high-grade (PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 Gem Mint) examples of these variations.

1. 2017 Topps Update #US50 Short Print (SSP) Photo Variations

The 2017 Topps Update Series is the undisputed home of Bellinger’s most sought-after flagship rookie cards. The base card (#US50) is plentiful, but the rare Short Print (SSP) photo variations carry immense value and are the primary investment targets.

  • The "Swinging Black" Variation (SSP): This is arguably the most recognizable and valuable of the Topps Update SSPs. It features Bellinger in a black jersey, mid-swing. This card commands a significant premium over the base card and other variations due to its rarity and iconic image.
  • The "Staring Up" Variation (SSP): Another highly valuable SSP, this card shows Bellinger looking upward, often associated with a moment of celebration or watching a fly ball. Its scarcity places it firmly in the high-tier investment category.
  • The "Pointing" Variation (SSP): This variation shows Bellinger pointing, often in a gray jersey. While slightly less valuable than the "Swinging Black," it is still an extremely rare card that collectors actively seek out.

Investment Insight: The value of these SSPs is directly tied to their scarcity and the difficulty of finding them in perfect condition. A PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of any of these variations is a five-figure card, and the recent Yankees move will only drive these prices higher as new collectors enter the market.

2. 2017 Topps Chrome Update #HMT10 Refractors and Autographs

The Chrome version of Bellinger's rookie card is beloved for its glossy finish, vibrant Refractor technology, and inclusion of on-card autographs. The 2017 Topps Chrome Update set, often sold in Mega Boxes, features his #HMT10 card.

The real value lies in the parallel "rainbow" of Refractors, which are numbered (serial-numbered) to small print runs. These cards are the backbone of any serious modern card collection and are highly liquid in the market.

  • Base Refractor: Numbered to /250. This is the entry point for serial-numbered Chrome rookie cards and a solid investment.
  • Gold Refractor: Numbered to /50. A major jump in scarcity and value. The Gold Refractor is a key card for any high-end collector.
  • Red Refractor: Numbered to /5. Extremely rare and valuable.
  • SuperFractor: The ultimate prize, a one-of-one (1/1) card. This card is often the most valuable Bellinger card in the world, fetching auction prices in the tens of thousands of dollars, regardless of his current performance.

The Rookie Autograph Refractors from this set follow the same parallel structure and are even more desirable, as they combine the scarcity of the Refractor with a sought-after signature.

3. 2017 Topps Heritage Action Variation #678

The 2017 Topps Heritage set, modeled after the classic 1968 design, is known for its subtle but highly valuable Short Print variations. Bellinger's card (#678) has a rare Action Variation, which is a true Short Print (SP). This card is much harder to find than the base card and offers a nostalgic aesthetic that appeals to vintage collectors while retaining modern investment appeal.

The Impact of the 2025 Yankees Move on Card Values

The recent news confirming Cody Bellinger as a New York Yankees outfielder for the 2025 season has sent shockwaves through the sports card market, creating a phenomenon known as the "Yankees Premium."

The "Yankees Premium" Effect

The card market historically applies a significant value premium to players who wear the iconic Pinstripes. Baseball cards of a player who moves to the Yankees often see an immediate and sustained increase in value for several key reasons:

  • Massive Collector Base: The Yankees have the largest and most passionate collector base in baseball, creating instant, high-volume demand for a player's cards.
  • Media Exposure: Playing in New York guarantees maximum national media coverage, keeping the player's name and performance at the forefront of the hobby.
  • Championship Contention: A move to a perennial contender like the Yankees raises the possibility of another World Series title, which instantly adds a permanent historical value spike to a player’s cards.

Current Market Trend: While Bellinger’s performance with the Chicago Cubs in 2023 and 2024 helped stabilize his card prices, the move to the Yankees is a catalyst for a new, higher baseline. Collectors are aggressively buying up his key 2017 Topps rookie cards—especially the serial-numbered Chrome Refractors and the flagship SSPs—in anticipation of a massive performance boost in a new uniform.

Investment Strategy: What to Buy Now

For collectors and investors looking to capitalize on the current market dynamics, focus on these specific entities and card types:

  • The High-Risk/High-Reward Play: Hunt for the 2017 Topps Update SSP variations (Swinging Black, Staring Up) in PSA 9 or BGS 9.5 condition. These cards have the highest ceiling for price appreciation if Bellinger has an MVP-caliber year in New York.
  • The Stable, Long-Term Hold: Focus on the 2017 Topps Chrome Update Refractors. Specifically, the Gold Refractor (/50) and the Red Refractor (/5) offer a perfect blend of high scarcity and universal appeal. These cards hold their value well regardless of short-term performance fluctuations.
  • The Budget-Conscious Entry: Acquire the 2017 Topps Update #US50 Base Rookie Card in a PSA 10 Gem Mint slab. While not a Short Print, the Gem Mint population is still limited, and it provides an affordable way to own his most recognized rookie card with the highest possible grade.

The 2017 rookie class, which also includes Aaron Judge, is one of the most significant in recent memory. Bellinger's move to the Yankees puts him back in the spotlight, ensuring that his Topps rookie card legacy will be one of the most discussed and collected for the foreseeable future.

cody bellinger rookie card topps
cody bellinger rookie card topps

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