In a move that is sure to make collectors across the globe chomp at the bit, Topps has officially crowned its latest insert sensation, the “All Kings,” for the upcoming 2025 Topps Baseball Series 2. Set your collections and card sleeves a-twinkle, ladies and gentlemen, as some of the most revered sluggers in the game are stepping up to the royal plate. With a precedent like the “All Aces” insert from Series 1—an homage to the game’s pitching phenoms—the allure was considerable, and the execution was top-notch. Series 2 seeks to up the ante by zeroing in on the game’s most formidable hitters, past and present.
Imagine, if you will, a lineup card where modern-day thunder meets historical heart. At the top of that card are Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, two electric players currently captivating fans and stat lovers with their achievements in the batter’s box. They don’t merely fit the bill of King; in many eyes, they exemplify it. But wait—there’s more! This pack carries more power than a dugout pep talk during playoffs.
The new All Kings roster is no informal gathering; it’s a soiree of sabermetric splendor, with 25 chosen few ready to swing their way into the hearts of collectors. Alongside Judge and Ohtani, you’ll find the likes of Juan Soto, Elly De La Cruz, Bryce Harper, and Bobby Witt Jr., all of whom are not just making noise in 2025 but crafting legacies one hit at a time. In current box score parlance, one could say this ensemble represents a baseball bill of rights to bragging rights.
Welcomingly, James Wood takes up the singular rookie spot in the All Kings gala. He’s a nascent star who’s already plagued scoreboards and pitchers alike—boasting an impressive stat line that places him 8th in home runs with 25 RBIs. For those who relish rookie pulls, his card is akin to a short print sunset over the hobby horizon. With whispers of possible serial-numbered or autographed versions floating about, the hunt for Wood could prove more exhilarating than a nine-inning nail-biter.
Lest we forget, a truly noble lineup transcends generational divides. Topps takes reverence to another level by incorporating some of the most venerated batsmen in baseball’s storied history. Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, Derek Jeter, and Ken Griffey Jr. lend themselves to this royal flush of talent. Their inclusion interweaves nostalgia with the vigor of today’s game, ensuring an allure that spans ages and stages of collecting life.
Now, casting an eye on the value chase, one might wonder if All Kings can stand shoulder to shoulder, and cash envelope to cash envelope, with the All Aces’ cult status. If recent history provides any insight, one could bet so. The market has already shown cordial warmth to All Aces, with events like Shohei Ohtani’s /10 autograph snagging over $6,500 at auction and his PSA 10 base insert soaring to $1,775. Even Paul Skenes, an upcoming pitching luminary, struck gold with cardboard having his PSA 10 go for $1,800.
Given the hobby’s preference—at times almost a swoon—for position players, the All Kings insert could feasibly claim the throne of Series 2’s most-wanted. Fancy adding some regal swagger to your collection? Whether it’s sculpting a narrative around rookies, basking in the mystique of legends, or amplifying your Judge and Ohtani opus, there’s a sparkling trove awaiting in this release.
Let’s applaud Topps, who continues its streak of seamlessly marrying craftsmanship with themes that resonate. The All Aces insert debut was well-received, but All Kings arrives with a promise—it’s poised to not just continue the legacy, but possibly outshine it. This insert shifts the spotlight from the mound to the plate, inviting fans to indulge in diamond grandeur.
So, let the collecting games begin—bold packs, bolder players, and perhaps, the boldest insert yet. If adrenaline were encapsulated in cardboard form, this release might just have nailed it. For those who live for the crack of the bat and the fleeting arc of baseball’s greatest hits, All Kings is the royal invitation to the party of the year.