Baseball card collecting is getting a royal upgrade. Topps, a name synonymous with the hobby, has announced the release of its highly anticipated “All Kings” insert for the 2025 Topps Baseball Series 2. Just when you thought you had seen the best with the “All Aces” insert—lauding the cream of the pitching crop—Topps goes and changes the game again, sprucing up its offerings by honoring baseball’s most feared and fabled hitters.
The unveiling of “All Kings” serves as more than just a continuation of its predecessor—it’s a full-blown coronation of the hitter’s crown jewels of the sport. At the top of the list, ready to take gambling cuts at breaking balls and mere mortals’ records alike, are none other than Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. These modern-day titans have consistently showcased their prowess at the plate, dazzling fans with their mammoth home runs and game-changing performances. Whether you’re sitting at the ballpark or sifting through a pack of baseball cards, watching these two in action is a spectacle.
Indeed, the “All Kings” checklist is a veritable feast for collectors, featuring 25 names that comprise not just contemporary heavy hitters but also the classic legends who paved the way. Alongside Judge and Ohtani stand revered names like Juan Soto, Elly De La Cruz, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr. These players have not only established themselves as forces on the field during the 2025 season but have secured their status as hobby favorites among card collectors.
Making the “All Kings” lineup even more irresistible to collectors, particularly those with a penchant for rookie cards, is the inclusion of James Wood. This Nationals star rookie might be a freshman in the league, but his performance makes him look like anything but. With 11 home runs and 25 RBIs already under his belt, Wood is proving to be one of the most thrilling prospects to watch. His early success suggests he’s more than just a flash in the pan and gives rookie card hunters a shiny new target to aim for. Should Topps throw in the possibility of autographed or serial-numbered variations, the frenzy will only heighten.
The genius of the “All Kings” insert lies in its dual homage to both modern maestros and historical royalty from baseball’s storied past. Expect appearances by trailblazers like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Derek Jeter, and Ken Griffey Jr. This splendid spectrum of star power ties together different eras of baseball excellence, appealing to longstanding fans who cherish the game’s golden age and newcomers who are discovering it anew.
Market observers are already pegging “All Kings” as a heavyweight contender, rivaling if not surpassing the “All Aces” in potential market value. As “All Aces” cards have shown, the appetite for these premium inserts is ravenous. With remarkable sales including Shohei Ohtani’s All Aces auto/10 fetching over $6,500, and his pristine PSA 10 reaching $1,775, such precedents set the stage for “All Kings” to command similar, if not more attention. Especially when you consider the typical collector’s bias favoring position players, this insert is shaping up to be all the rage in collecting circles.
For those captivated by bold designs paired with family-favorite themes, Topps’ knack for creating sleek products mingling past and present Americana is unmatched. With “All Aces” already a darling in the card collecting community, it’s reasonable to anticipate “All Kings” to emerge as the collectible du jour. It’s a product destined to channel the nostalgia for baseball greats both current and bygone, stapling itself as an essential line in 2025’s hobby release calendar.
For fans of towering home runs, timeless on-field moments, and a collection that has as much flair as it has heart, “All Kings” promises to deliver. As opening day for this insert approaches, collectors and fans alike will undoubtedly be jockeying for position to grab a piece of this glamorous, grand slam edition from Topps. There’s much to celebrate, and even more to collect—if you’re ready, this is the royal treat that’s worth making room for in your card collection pantheon.
