A rare trading card featuring rookie player Nick Kurtz has sold for an impressive $516,000, making it the second most valuable card in the Topps MLB Debut Patch series. The sale occurred early on January 9, 2026, during the January Premier auction hosted by Fanatics Collect. This particular card, which is a one-of-a-kind autographed version of the 2025 Topps Chrome Update MLB Debut Patch, has surpassed previous sales, solidifying Kurtz’s increasing prominence in the sports memorabilia market.
The sale price for Kurtz’s card significantly eclipses the earlier record for the number two position in this series, previously held by Jackson Holliday, whose card sold for $198,000. Despite this remarkable sale, it still falls short of Paul Skenes, whose card fetched an astounding $1.11 million last year. That card is on display at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the Pittsburgh area, showcasing the remarkable demand for unique sports memorabilia.
When Kurtz first signed the card, he humorously estimated its worth at “a couple hundred bucks.” His recent sale highlights the unpredictable nature of the collectibles market, particularly in sports cards, where values can soar unexpectedly. The MLB Debut Patch, which debuted in 2023, features a patch worn by players during their first Major League Baseball game. After the game, these patches are authenticated and integrated into unique trading cards that players sign.
The latest batch of MLB Debut Patch cards can be found in the 2025 Topps Chrome Update release. Kurtz’s record sale also overshadowed his previous high of $86,620, achieved just weeks earlier with a different card, the 2025 Topps Chrome Superfractor one-of-one autographed card, which sold via Goldin.
Kurtz is not the only player to see significant sales for their debut patches recently. Cards featuring Marcelo Mayer of the Boston Red Sox and Luisangel Acuña, who was traded from the New York Mets to the Chicago White Sox, sold for $54,000 and $30,000, respectively, also highlighting the growing interest in rookie cards.
As the market for trading cards continues to evolve, collectors are keenly watching the sales figures, with the potential for values to change dramatically based on player performance and market demand. The allure of unique trading cards, particularly those linked to significant moments in sports history, remains a driving force for collectors worldwide.
