18 Comments
User's avatar
Jason A. Schwartz's avatar

I don't like the cutaway for the team abbreviation. In my book, the team logo already checks off the team box, so all the abbreviation does is take away from the photo while offering nothing of value.

Sooz's avatar

There be a reason they have to have the team name and logo, but not both. I knew the rules once. I don't remember anymore.

H. W. Taylor's avatar

My criteria for card design is: Team logo, team colors incorporated in the design, position, an element of the game incorporated into the design (sock stitching this year), and no needless junk.

I don't love the stitching, but it's better than last year's design. I also like it when the photo is big and it can pop out of the frame, both things are true of this design. So I'm in, but like you said, I need to see it in my hand.

Sooz's avatar

I like big images too. Don't want a design to take over and rather let the hero be the image.

Throwback Steve's avatar

Looks great. Who do we think is Card #1? I have it narrowed to 3 players: Judge, Ohtani, Skenes

Sooz's avatar

Probably Ohtani

Throwback Steve's avatar

Odds on favorite but Skenes is my dark horse pick

Sooz's avatar

It's Judge. they just released the checklist.

Dan Good's avatar

Too busy. But the team abbreviation in the top left is the biggest problem.

Sooz's avatar

I see that as the biggest drawback from people.

weavahVBC's avatar

This is 100% my opinion.

Too much with the stitching, the fabric, and the intense drop shadows.

I don't necessarily dislike the inclusion of the team abbreviation, but its placement is poor: it looks like it was added just to fill in space, so it's irrelevant, but also to keep it off the edge (in case of miscuts) it's aligned too close to the "player shape". Maybe if it looked like it was on the same level as the player it would be different, but the gradient on it (I assume it's the shadow from the player shape) makes it look set back, adding to the irrelevance.

And just I know the RC logo & Topps logos are going to placed inconsistently & that will drive me crazy like every other year. lol

Kelly's avatar

I do like it at first glance, but we’ll see once I have one in my hand.

Sooz's avatar

Always have to see it in hand.

Trevor Williams's avatar

Like last year, with a few tweaks thia design could have been a classic. 2025 and 2026 feel like a second draft instead of a finished design.

Sooz's avatar

I think it's tough to tell without seeing in hand too. I'll look forward to checking them out once I get it.

Rich Klein's avatar

Frankly at this point of my life, I care more about being to read the names on the front and the card number on the back. Look at 2021 Topps Flagship Baseball as an example of what NOT to do with a card design

Sooz's avatar

I like taking a chance and trying. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.