A unique autographed MLB Debut Patch card featuring Nick Kurtz sold for an impressive $516,000 early on Friday, January 6, 2026, securing its place as the second most expensive card in this exclusive insert set. The card, which is part of the 2025 Topps Chrome Update collection, was auctioned through Fanatics Collect and has surpassed the previous record for Kurtz cards by a substantial margin.
This sale eclipsed the previous runner-up, a card of Jackson Holliday, which fetched $198,000. However, it still trails behind the record-holding card of Paul Skenes, which sold for $1.11 million a year earlier. Skenes’ card is currently displayed at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in the Pittsburgh area, highlighting the growing market for high-value sports memorabilia.
The MLB Debut Patch cards were first introduced in 2023. Each player wears a special patch on their jersey during their inaugural game in the league. After the game, the patch is authenticated and incorporated into a unique card, which is then signed by the player. The 2025 Topps Chrome Update features the latest series of these cards.
Kurtz, who was recently named the AL Rookie of the Year, had previously joked that his card would be worth “a couple hundred bucks.” This recent sale certainly exceeded those expectations, showcasing the escalating values in the collectibles market. Just last month, his 2025 Topps Chrome Superfractor one-of-one autographed card sold for $86,620 via Goldin, a record that lasted only a few weeks.
Other notable transactions 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, fetching $30,000.
As the sports card market continues to expand, collectors and investors alike are keenly watching the sales of these unique pieces. The record-setting prices underscore the increasing interest in baseball memorabilia, particularly cards that represent significant moments in players’ careers.
According to data from online card sales database Card Ladder, the following list highlights the top 10 public sales of Topps MLB Debut Patch cards. This growing trend indicates that collectors view these cards not only as memorabilia but also as investments with the potential for substantial returns.
As the market evolves, Kurtz’s impressive sale may inspire other players and collectors to explore the possibilities within this exciting realm of sports memorabilia trading.
