2025 Topps Baseball: What The Hobby Can Expect As Paul Skenes Enters His 2nd Year

With expectations higher than most, here's my take on how the 2nd Year performance of Paul Skenes could impact his market as his 2025 Topps Baseball cards transition from the iconic "RC" logo to the coveted "Gold Cup" icon signifying Skenes' recognition as an "All-Star Rookie".
Sep 28, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Topps Now: Livvy Dunne & Paul Skenes Are Taking the Hobby By Storm!

As Paul Skenes prepares to enter his second season for the Pittsburgh Pirates, collectors are eagerly awaiting his 2025 Topps Baseball cards. These cards, which will feature the coveted "Gold Cup" icon signifying Skenes' recognition as an "All-Star Rookie," are already poised to be a focal point in the card-collecting community since there are both base versions as well as autographed versions.

Paul Skenes, Livvy Dunne, and the Ghosts of Hobby Past

Skenes’ debut season in 2024 was nothing short of phenomenal. Over 23 games, he posted an 11-3 record with a minuscule 1.96 ERA, quickly establishing himself as one of the premier young pitchers in the league. These stats, combined with his electric pitching style and strong presence on the mound, made his 2024 "RC" (Rookie Card) one of the hottest commodities in the hobby. As his 2025 cards transition from the "RC" icon to the "Gold Cup," there is excitement about what this next chapter means for collectors.

The $20,750 Superfractor: Paul Skenes’ Cards Are the Hobby’s New Gold Standard

The "Gold Cup" icon carries its own significance, signaling to fans and collectors alike that a player has been recognized for excellence in their rookie season. Historically, players with standout second-year performances often see their "Gold Cup" cards retain strong value, if not appreciate further. Skenes' exceptional rookie year creates a high bar for 2025. Collectors will be watching closely to see if he can maintain or even surpass dominance of his rookie season.

Should Skenes experience a slight dip in performance, it’s unlikely to completely derail his card values. Collectors often look at the bigger picture, considering a player’s long-term potential rather than short-term fluctuations. However, a significant downturn or an injury-plagued year could dampen the enthusiasm of collectors, the impact he;s had on the marketplace, and the demand for his cards as a whole.

That said, the allure of Skenes’ 2025 "Gold Cup" cards extends beyond just his on-field performance. For many collectors, second-year cards of star players hold a unique appeal due to their historical importance and their role in cementing a player’s legacy. With the ongoing popularity of modern baseball cards and Skenes’ already impressive resume, his "Gold Cup" cards are poised to remain highly desirable and more affordable than some of his higher-end and highly sought after first year cards.

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners
Aug 16, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) delivers a pitch against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

In conclusion, while anything short of a dominant 2025 season could temper some of the speculative frenzy, Paul Skenes’ "Gold Cup" cards are likely to carry significant value thanks to his talent, the prestige of the "Gold Cup" icon, and the growing interest in young stars in the hobby. Collectors should remain optimistic but discerning, keeping an eye on Skenes’ performance while appreciating the historical weight of his cards in the ever-evolving world of sports collectibles.


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Matt Schilling
MATT SCHILLING

Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com