The Nick Kurtz 2025 Topps Chrome Update MLB Debut Patch rookie card has sold for a remarkable $516,000, making it the second highest sale for a card in this unique insert set. The auction took place early on January 9, 2026, through Fanatics Collect, surpassing expectations and previous records in the collectibles market.
This latest sale significantly outstrips the previous second-place card, which belonged to Jackson Holliday and sold for $198,000. Kurtz’s card now stands only behind Paul Skenes, whose card fetched an impressive $1.11 million last year from Dick’s Sporting Goods in Pittsburgh, where it is currently on display.
Impact of the MLB Debut Patch Cards
The MLB Debut Patch cards were introduced in 2023, allowing players to wear a special patch on their jersey during their first Major League Baseball game. Following the game, the patch is removed, authenticated, and transformed into a one-of-a-kind card, which is then signed by the player and included in a Topps release. This process has created a new niche in the sports memorabilia market, attracting high bids from collectors.
Kurtz’s sale marks a significant increase from his previous highest sale of $86,620 in December 2025, when his 2025 Topps Chrome Superfractor one-of-one autographed card was sold via Goldin. The enthusiasm surrounding Kurtz is palpable, as he jokingly estimated the value of his debut card at “a couple hundred bucks” when he initially signed it.
Other notable sales on the same day included the MLB Debut Patch cards for Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox, which sold for $54,000, and Luisangel Acuña, who recently transferred from the New York Mets to the Chicago White Sox, selling for $30,000.
Card Sales and Market Trends
The success of Kurtz’s card sale illustrates a growing trend in the sports collectible market, where rookie cards are fetching unprecedented prices. The popularity of the MLB Debut Patch cards continues to rise as collectors seek unique pieces that commemorate players’ first appearances in the league.
According to data from the online card sales database Card Ladder, the top ten sales of Topps MLB Debut Patch cards reflect a booming market that is continuously evolving. As the interest in collectibles grows, players like Kurtz are becoming central figures in this lucrative domain.
This sale not only highlights the value placed on rookie cards but also signifies the potential for future sales in this category. With the auction landscape shifting rapidly, it remains to be seen how high prices for these unique items will climb as more players make their debuts.
