A unique Topps MLB Debut Patch card featuring rookie player Nick Kurtz sold for $516,000 during Fanatics Collect’s January Premier auction, making it the second most expensive card from this exclusive insert set. The sale, which took place early on the morning of January 6, 2026, comes just behind the record set by Paul Skenes, whose card sold for $1.11 million last year.
Kurtz, the American League Rookie of the Year, had initially joked about the card’s value, suggesting it would be worth “a couple hundred bucks.” The final auction price far exceeded his lighthearted estimate, as collectors recognized the card’s rarity and significance.
Historic Sale Surpasses Previous Records
This sale not only establishes Kurtz’s card as a standout in the market but also marks a significant increase over the previous No. 2 ranking card, which belonged to Jackson Holliday and sold for $198,000. The MLB Debut Patch cards were first introduced in 2023, with players wearing a patch on their jersey sleeves during their first Major League Baseball game. Once the game concludes, the patch is authenticated and transformed into a one-of-a-kind card, signed by the player, and released by Topps.
The Kurtz sale surpasses his earlier highest sale of $86,620 for a 2025 Topps Chrome Superfractor autographed card, which was sold just a month prior through Goldin. This recent auction result underscores the growing enthusiasm for collectible sports cards, particularly those tied to rookie players.
Notable Sales in the MLB Debut Patch Series
The auction also saw impressive sales for other MLB Debut Patch cards. Cards for Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox and Luisangel Acuña, who was recently traded from the New York Mets to the Chicago White Sox, sold for $54,000 and $30,000 respectively.
These transactions highlight a robust marketplace for rare sports memorabilia, as collectors eagerly compete for significant pieces. In total, the top 10 sales from the Topps MLB Debut Patch series reflect a growing trend in sports card collecting, with prices consistently breaking previous records.
As the demand for unique collectibles rises, it remains to be seen how far the prices for cards like Kurtz’s will climb. With the enthusiasm surrounding rookie players, the sports card industry is poised for continued growth.
