When the 2025 Topps Tier One Baseball release dropped in September, there were lots of cool things available for collectors to chase, including premium hits and low print runs. With just four cards per hobby pack and one pack per hobby box, this isn’t your average product. It’s built for the thrill of the chase, and the secondary market is already heating up with some impressive sales.
According to Sports Cards Pro data, the early returns on 2025 Tier One are looking strong. Let’s check out some of the ungraded cards that have already sold.
Editor’s Note: Looking to Sell Sports Cards? Here’s How to Do It Quickly & Easily
Top 5 Ungraded Sales from 2025 Topps Tier One
Here’s what collectors have paid for some of the hottest cards from this year’s Tier One release:
Aaron Judge [Holo Platinum Blue Foil] #25 /1: $599.99
Freddie Freeman [Pink Foil] #38 /5: $425.00
Shohei Ohtani [Pink Foil] #23 /5: $405.00
Tarik Skubal [Holo Platinum Blue Foil] #45 /1: $350.00
Rafael Devers [Holo Platinum Blue Foil] #60 /1: $249.99
Tarik Skubal: The Cy Young Winner With Endless Trade Rumors
That Tarik Skubal 1/1 at $350 deserves its own conversation. The southpaw has won back-to-back American League Cy Young Awards in 2024 and 2025, cementing himself as one of baseball’s elite arms. He’s accumulated 12.9 bWAR over the past two seasons, which has also included a 31-10 record, 2.30 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 469 strikeouts in 387.1 innings.
Outside of the obvious, this card is also interesting from a collecting standpoint because of Skubal’s current contract situation. The 2026 campaign will be his final year of arbitration before potentially becoming a free agent. You’d think the Detroit Tigers would like to lock up their ace, but extension negotiations haven’t been going great.
The Scott Boras client is reportedly looking for more than $400 million, and as of October, there was a $200-plus million gap between Skubal’s camp and the Tigers. Spotrac has pegged his current market value at eight years for $300 million. The status of these negotiations has led to trade rumors, with big-market teams reportedly circling.
This uncertainty creates both risk and opportunity for collectors. A Skubal trade to a big-market team could send his card prices soaring even higher. However, staying in Detroit with a long-term extension would solidify the 29-year-old’s status as a franchise cornerstone. Either way, landing his 1/1 for $350 feels like smart money right now.
Here’s What Makes 2025 Tier One Special
This year’s Topps Tier One release officially hit shelves on September 10, maintaining the same hits-heavy approach that’s made it a fixture in the premium market.
Every hobby box guarantees two on-card autographs, one jumbo relic card, and one base or parallel card, according to Topps Ripped. Some boxes even deliver bonus hits beyond the standard four-card count. That structure eliminates the filler you’ll find in other products.
The base set is divided into three tiers: Legends (numbered to 99), Active Stars (numbered to 125), and Rookies (numbered to 199). Each tier features parallel variations ranging from Bronze and Holo Gold up to ultra-rare Pink (/5) and 1/1 Holo Platinum Blue foils. Unsurprisingly, the parallels are producing the top sales we’re seeing right now.
Chase Cards and What to Watch For
Beyond the base parallels, 2025 Tier One introduced several new autograph sets. City Connect Signatures feature players in their team’s special edition uniforms with color-matched designs. Clearly Perfect Autos use multi-layer acetate construction. Top Shelf Signatures pay homage to the 2011 Top Shelf Relics design with horizontal layouts.
The memorabilia game is equally strong. Bat Knobs remain the ultimate 1/1 grails, featuring actual bat ends from game-used lumber. Limited Lumber cards showcase branded bat pieces, which include handles and manufacturer markings.
New for this year are MLB Bat Knob Sticker Autographs. These are custom stickers applied to bats during games, now paired with on-card signatures from players like Bobby Witt Jr., Jackson Merrill, Colton Cowser, and Junior Caminero.
Whether you’re chasing Judge, Skubal, or the next big rookie auto, Tier One continues delivering the premium hits the hobby demands.
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