Market outlook
Rising Outlook 7/10
The trend is rising due to Nick Kurtz's successful Spring Training and early 2026 season performances, including two home runs. The extreme scarcity of the Black Foil parallel and increasing demand for graded high-end copies (graded 10, graded 10 Black) are driving prices upward[1][2][3][5].
Next months. Next 3-6 months: Expect continued price growth as Nick Kurtz's 2026 season progresses. High-grade copies (graded 10, graded 10 Black) may see further appreciation, especially if he maintains power hitting performance[2].
Long term. 1-3 years: If Nick Kurtz becomes a consistent MLB power hitter, his rookie cards and rare parallels (Black Foil) could see significant long-term gains, similar to other top rookies. The scarcity of the Black Foil will likely sustain its value over time[1][3][5].
History
Nick Kurtz is a professional baseball outfielder for the Oakland Athletics. He made his Spring Training debut in 2026, where he hit his first of spring with a home run on March 10, 2026, and recorded his first official season home run on April 12, 2026. He is a rising rookie prospect generating significant interest in the 2026 card market[3][5].
Nick Kurtz's primary rookie card, #97, was first released in the 2026 Topps Series 1 Baseball set. A notable parallel/serial variant, [Black Foil] #ATT-2, was pulled from the 2026 Series 1 box in early 2026, indicating its release corresponds to the Series 1 launch[1][2].
- Nick Kurtz hit his first Spring Training home run on March 10, 2026, cutting the Athletics' deficit to 6-5 in the 4th inning[3].
- He recorded his first official season home run on April 12, 2026, a solo shot to right field that gave the A's a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning[5].
- His 2026 Topps All-Topps Team Black Foil card [ATT-2] has extremely rare odds: 1 in 72,169 for jumbo hobby boxes and 1 in 297,508 for regular hobby boxes[1].
- A 2025 Topps Update card (US201) with Aqua Rainbow Foil was one of his biggest 7-day price movers prior to 2026[4].
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Secret Rare
- Print run
- Very High
- First printed in
- 2026 Topps Series 1
- Demand
- High
- Supply
- Scarce
- The Black Foil [ATT-2] parallel has odds of 1 in 72,169 for jumbo hobby boxes, making it extremely scarce[1].
- Regular hobby boxes have even lower odds of 1 in 297,508, further limiting available supply[1].
- High-grade copies (graded 10 Black, graded 10) command significantly higher prices, indicating rarity in top condition[2].
- Nick Kurtz is a rookie prospect, and rookie cards typically appreciate as the player's career progresses[3][5].
Collector notes
Condition. Key things to check for this card include centering, especially for the Black Foil variant which may have alignment issues; surface gloss and holo integrity; and edge wear. Common flaws include foil peeling or scratching on parallel cards, and slight corner dings on ungraded copies. Graded copies (graded 9/10) show significant price jumps, so look for sharp corners and unblemished surfaces[2].
Storage. Best practices include storing in a rigid snap-top holder or magnetic one-touch case to prevent bending. For high-value graded copies (graded 10 Black, graded 10), use a UV-protected display case. Keep in a climate-controlled environment (65-70°F, 40-50% humidity) to avoid foil warping or moisture damage[2].
Authenticity. To spot fakes, verify the specific serial number odds (1 in 72,169) and the 'Black Foil' texture which should be distinct from standard parallels. Reprints often lack the correct holographic depth or have blurred text. Authentication via graded, graded, or graded is recommended for high-value copies; check the label serial number and hologram on the case[1][2].
Sources: reddit.com, sportscardspro.com, mlb.com, sportscardinvestor.com, youtube.com