2025 Topps Chrome Black Review

Rookie Variations and Misses

One of my favorite short prints in this set is the rookie design variation with a giant Topps RC logo in the background. They come out roughly 1:25 packs so about one per case. There are 30 names on the checklist and plenty of parallels of each to collect.

The only downside to this product is it releases so early in the release calendar that you miss out on a lot of big name rookies. There was no Paul Skenes, Wyatt Langford or any of the three Jacksons as they didn’t debut until well after the set was printed. They also can’t retroactively roll them over to 2025 because they are part of the 2024 class and do not want to confuse collectors.

Don’t Sleep on the Inserts

One of the coolest card designs in the past few years was last year’s Depth of Darkness inserts that were layered cards with a shadowbox look which made them really pop. This year they are back with a different feel but still have the large feel. These fall about one in every four cases

Other short print inserts that can be pulled at an easier rate are Hit the Lights (1:73 packs) which gives the look of superstars shining brightly through stadium lights and Nocturnal (1:49 packs) which gives almost an Alien vs Predator vibe. We’ll see how these are received by the community overall.

Black is Back

I opened a pair of hobby boxes from my local shop was overall pleased with the product. I may even go back for more after they restock.

The card stock is very sturdy and even the base design is appealing. Luck wasn’t on my side this time, but did land a Jordan Lawler base auto as well as an Aaron Judge blue parallel #/150. Anytime you can acquire a numbered version of the AL home run king, it’s a good time.