Set to hit the shelves on June 12, the 2024 Topps Series 2 is set to amaze baseball card enthusiasts and collectors with an additional 350 base cards following the initial 350 from Series 1. This expansion broadens the collection to include more players, rookies, and even notable names missing from the previous series, such as Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Staying true to the established formula of parallels, short prints, and super short prints from Series 1, the new series also introduces fresh inserts that continue to build on earlier successes. Among these new features is a short-printed set celebrating Ronald Acuna’s exceptional 40/70 season from the previous year and special All-Star cards inspired by the 1989 Topps Set, marking the 35th anniversary of the 1980s’ final release by Topps.
The cover star for Series 2 is the talented Juan Soto, gracing two types of Hobby boxes: traditional boxes housing 20 packs of 12 cards each, and Jumbo boxes containing ten packs of 40 cards each. Both box variants include a guaranteed autograph or relic card, in addition to silver bonus packs featuring chrome cards, numbered autographs, and parallels.
The 350-card base set in Series 2 offers a diverse array of content, featuring veterans, rookies, Future Stars, League Leaders, and Team Cards, all embellished with various types of parallels. Exclusive to Jumbo packs is the Gold Foil Parallel, inserted at a rate of 1:2 packs. The Rainbow Foil Parallel is inserted 1:10 packs, while the Gold Parallel is numbered to 2024. The Blue Holofoil Board Parallel is numbered to 999, with additional parallels like Purple Holofoil, Green Crackle Foil, and rarer variations including the Vintage Stock Parallel, Independence Day Parallel, and Black Parallel exclusive to Hobby/Jumbo packs.
New and returning inserts play a significant role in Series 2, introducing six new insert themes such as the 40/70 insert celebrating Ronald Acuna’s MVP season, exclusive to Hobby boxes and short-printed. Other new inserts like City to City, Around the Horn, and Covering the Field come with multiple parallels from Blue to Platinum, including Autograph Parallels for selected subjects. The popular 1989 Topps Baseball design makes a return, this time with new All-Star inserts showcasing the game’s top players and paying tribute to the 1989 release.
Among the notable insert sets returning from Series 1 are Heavy Lumber, Social Media Follow Back redemption cards, Homefield Advantage, and hand-drawn Sketch cards exclusive to Hobby products. A new highly coveted insert, Platinum Performers, is introduced as a super short print.
Relic cards and autographs remain a highlight of the collection, with offerings like Baseball Stars Autographs and the new 1989 Topps Baseball Autograph Cards, featuring dual and triple autographs alongside one-of-one Platinum Parallels. The relic section includes Game-used swatches from City Connect jerseys and Major League Material cards, with parallels extending to Platinum.
In conclusion, the 2024 Topps Series 2 elevates the baseball card collecting experience by retaining beloved elements from Series 1 while introducing new and rare inserts, autographs, and relic cards that cater to both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts.
