6 Things to Chase in 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball

Depending on where you live, winter might still have its grip on the thermostat and snow could still be blanketing the ground. In other places, the trees are starting to show new life and the year's first flowers are popping out of the ground, eager to mingle with the sunlight.

For baseball card collectors, the real sign of spring isn't pitchers and catchers reporting. It's the release of the year's first flagship Topps Baseball cards.

That time is here again. 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball carries on a lot of traditions and looks to start some new ones. This is a set 75 years in the making.

It's the 75th installment of the flagship set, dating back to 1952 Topps Baseball.

The checklist has a lot going on. Here are some of the things to look for in Series 1.

2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball Checklist Highlights

1952 Forever—For One Year Only

1952 Topps Baseball is a landmark set that has inspired a variety of throwback releases and inserts over the decades. But 2026 Topps Baseball is making a major shift.

Going forward, the classic design will now be connected to each year's flagship set and only with a select group of players.

Base Card 1952 Variations are limited to only top rookies. They'll be showcased with the iconic design. But here's where things get interesting. This will be the only 1952-style card they have for their careers.

The result is a continuity but one that gives these cards added meaning, tying the past to the present each year.

Rare autographed versions are also available. Signed on-card and done on vintage-style stock, these are numbered /10. These have /5 Red (signed in red ink) and 1/1 Black (signed in gold ink) parallels.

Base Card 1952 Variations are planned for all three flagship releases: Series 1, Series 2 and Update Series.

The 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball has 25 Base Card 1952 Variations include Jac Caglianone, Roman Anthony and Jacob Misiorowski.

Legendary Image Variations

Once again, every base card has a rare Golden Image Variation that uses a different photo on the front. However, some card numbers are getting another card entirely, this time with a retired superstar.

From Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb to Mickey Mantle and Roberto Clemente to Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds, the Golden Mirror Legend Variations cover much of MLB's history.

It's also worth noting that this is where collectors will find the first flagship-style Topps Shoeless Joe Jackson card.

The 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball Golden Mirror Legend Variations checklist has 51 total cards.

All-In

All Aces has become one of the most coveted insert sets in 2025 Topps Baseball. With an all-pitcher checklist, playing card-inspired design and tough odds, everything came together for these so it shouldn't be a surprise to discover they're back.

They're not alone this time, though. 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball adds All Kings to expand to offensive standouts.

Both sets use similar designs featuring black backdrops and contrasting foil backgrounds that are nothing short of stunning. The intricate lines make for an overall look that's delicate and memorable.

These are among the short print chase inserts on the Series 1 checklist. All Aces features 10 cards while All Kings has 15.

An Autograph About Nothing

Believe it or not, but Jerry Seinfeld had a LEGO mini-figure before he had a certified autograph card.

A well-known New York Mets fan, Seinfeld is one of the top comedians in the world. For much of the 1990s, his show was not only destination viewing each week but Jerry (the character), George, Elaine and Kramer proved that a show about nothing could actually be about everything. Junior Mints have never been the same since.

Seinfeld follows Larry David, the show's co-creator, who had autographs in 2025.

Ode to 1991

For a large group of collectors, it's going to feel like a bit of a shock when they realize that it has been 35 years since Topps Baseball was celebrating its 40th.

1991 Topps Baseball was the first flagship release to have a commemorative logo throughout its base set. 40 Years of Baseball was prominent on every card, replacing the usual Topps logo.

While it might not be worth a lot today, it stands out as one of the better flagship releases when it comes to photo selection. Need proof? Check out Roger Clemens, Benito Santiago or Carlton Fisk, to name a few.

Keeping with the last several years in commemorating the flagship release from 35 years prior, 2026 Topps Baseball takes it back to 1991.

For starters, there's a retro insert set that switches up the 40 Years logo from the original to 75 Years. Joining the 1991 Topps Baseball inserts are parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards.

Bonus silver packs are back in hobby and hobby jumbo boxes. These have exclusive 1991 Topps Baseball Chrome cards that use the Mojo pattern in the background.

1952 Mantle Piece

An actual throwback to 75 years ago, one collector will pull a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle from 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball. Well, not the actual card because baseball cards were a little bigger in 1952. But there is a special redemption card good for an original Mantle.

Join 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball breaks on Fanatics Live.

‍