Topps Sterling Baseball is back for 2025, and as always, it’s bringing the heat for collectors. Dropping June 4, this year’s release maintains the premium feel fans expect. Each hobby box delivers two autographed relic cards, all numbered to 25 or fewer, featuring a stacked lineup of today’s biggest stars, legendary greats, and rising talent.

New additions to the checklist include a nod to Shohei Ohtani’s incredible 50/50 season with the “Club Charter Member Autograph” set, as well as “Legendary Cut Signature Jumbo Patch” cards that pair iconic Hall of Famers with eye-catching memorabilia. With one-of-one gems like bat knobs, nameplates, and jersey letter patches also in the mix, 2025 Sterling is shaping up to be one of the most exciting high-end releases of the year.

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Here are the top 5 cards to chase in this year’s set and why each one deserves a spot on your radar.

1. Shohei Ohtani – Game-Used Kanji Bat Relic with Kanji Autograph

This card is nothing short of a masterpiece. Featuring a game-used bat inscribed with Japanese Kanji alongside a matching Kanji autograph from Shohei Ohtani, it captures the full scope of his cultural and on-field impact. It’s an ultra-rare piece that feels more like a museum artifact than a trading card. With Ohtani coming off a record-setting 50/50 season and continuing to reshape the sport, this is easily one of the most coveted cards in the entire 2025 hobby landscape.

2. Willie Mays & John F. Kennedy – Dual Cut Autograph (“A Moment in Time” Insert)

This card defines historic. Part of the new “A Moment in Time” checklist, this dual cut auto pairs two American icons, Willie Mays and President John F. Kennedy, on a single card. It commemorates their legendary meeting at the White House in 1962, blending sports and politics in a way few collectibles ever have. With Mays’ recent passing and JFK’s eternal legacy, this card feels like a snapshot of a golden era frozen in cardboard. It’s exceptionally rare and will undeniably be one of the most significant pulls in 2025 Topps Sterling.

3. Aaron Judge – Nameplate Game-Used Bat Autograph

When it comes to modern-day sluggers, few names carry more weight than Aaron Judge, and this card does his legacy justice. Featuring a game-used bat nameplate paired with Judge’s on-card autograph, it’s a powerhouse piece that feels as bold as his presence in the batter’s box. The oversized bat letter relic adds a raw, physical element that collectors love, especially when it’s tied to one of the most feared hitters of the era. With the Yankees chasing another deep postseason run, this card hits all the right notes: star power, game-used material, and a clean, hard-signed auto.

4. Mookie Betts – Game-Used Bat Knob Auto 1/1

Bat knob cards have always held a special place in high-end products, and this Mookie Betts 1-of-1 is no exception. Showcasing the end cap of a game-used bat, this card captures a piece of history from the Dodgers’ World Series-winning season. From MVP seasons to clutch postseason moments, Mookie continues to cement his place among the game’s elite. The sheer rarity of a bat knob card and Mookie Betts Topps autographs, combined with his continued dominance at the plate and in the field, makes this an instant centerpiece for any serious collection.

5. Shohei Ohtani – Charter Member 50/50 Club Autograph

Capping off our list is another jaw-dropper from Ohtani, this time celebrating his historic entrance into the exclusive 50/50 Club as its founding member. This insert, new to the 2025 Sterling lineup, honors his unprecedented feat of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. The card features a sleek, modern design with a bold on-card autograph, cementing Ohtani’s place in baseball lore. It’s not just a tribute—it’s a time capsule marking a season that redefined what’s possible on a diamond.

2025 Topps Sterling Baseball is shaping up to be one of the most exciting releases of the year. Whether you’re chasing legends, marveling at Ohtani’s greatness, or just in it for the thrill of the rip, there’s something in this set for every collector. And when you hit something big, or just want to show off your latest pickups, be sure to post it on Mantel. Mantel is the go-to app for collectors to connect, share, and celebrate the hobby.

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