The Hottest Cards in 2025 Topps Sterling Baseball: Ohtani, Judge, Mays & More

Topps Sterling Baseball is back for 2025, and collectors have plenty to get excited about. Hitting the market on June 4, this year’s release promises the same high-end feel that makes Sterling one of the most anticipated products in the hobby. Each hobby box delivers two autographed relic cards, all numbered to 25 or fewer, featuring a stellar mix of baseball’s biggest stars, legends, and future standouts.

What’s new this year? Fresh additions like Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 season tribute in the “Club Charter Member Autograph” set and “Legendary Cut Signature Jumbo Patch” cards that pair Hall of Famers with eye-catching memorabilia. With unique one-of-one inserts like bat knobs and nameplate relics, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be a must-have for serious collectors.

Here’s a rundown of the top five cards to chase from the new set and what makes each one stand out.

1. Shohei Ohtani – Game-Used Kanji Bat Relic with Kanji Autograph
This card is a true showcase piece. Featuring a piece of Ohtani’s game-used bat with his own Japanese Kanji inscription, plus a matching Kanji autograph, it’s a blend of cultural pride and baseball excellence. Fresh off a record-breaking 50/50 season, Ohtani’s star power continues to rise, and this card is a testament to his impact on the game.

2. Willie Mays & John F. Kennedy – Dual Cut Autograph (“A Moment in Time” Insert)
Pairing two American icons on one card is a rarity in itself. This dual cut signature brings together Willie Mays and President John F. Kennedy, honoring their historic meeting at the White House in 1962. With Mays’ recent passing and JFK’s enduring legacy, this card captures a unique moment in American sports and political history.

3. Aaron Judge – Nameplate Game-Used Bat Autograph
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge gets the royal treatment with this oversized nameplate relic card. Featuring a game-used bat nameplate and Judge’s signature, it’s the perfect blend of power and prestige. The size and design make this one a standout in any collection.

4. Mookie Betts – Game-Used Bat Knob Auto 1/1
Few relics capture the game’s grit like a bat knob. This one-of-one Mookie Betts card features the end cap of his game-used bat, plus his signature. A proven postseason performer and MVP, Betts continues to be one of the most electrifying players in the sport, and this card is a perfect tribute to his achievements.

5. Shohei Ohtani – Charter Member 50/50 Club Autograph
Commemorating Ohtani’s membership in the exclusive 50/50 Club, this card features his autograph and a modern design that highlights his incredible two-way performance. With Ohtani rewriting the record books, this card marks a historic milestone in baseball history.

From bat knobs to presidential signatures, the 2025 Topps Sterling Baseball release is stacked with unique, collectible cards that celebrate both baseball history and today’s biggest stars. If you’re chasing greatness this year, these are the cards you’ll want to keep an eye on.