2019 Topps Chrome Update

Chrome Update in 2019 hit at the right time, catching all the September call-ups and deadline trades that the base set missed. You get the usual Chrome refractor tech, which means sharp photography and that prismatic shine that catches light on the shelf. The real draw here is the rookie class. This set has early cards of guys like Pete Alonso and Yordan Alvarez who went on to win Rookie of the Year conversations, plus you'll find Mike Soroka and other young arms that collectors were chasing hard. The design is clean and minimal, which works better than some of Topps' busier templates from that era. What separates Chrome Update from regular Update is the parallel situation. You've got the standard Refractors, but look for Prism Refractors which are rarer and pop the visual appeal even more. Gold Refractors exist in limited quantities and command real money if you hit a star rookie. Autographs are scattered throughout packs at varying price points depending on whether you're buying hobby or retail boxes. The autograph cards of the premium rookies are the ceiling hits, though they're not easy to pull. Keep an eye on the trade deadline adds and September call-ups if you're building a specific player PC. Hobby boxes are the way to go here if you want a shot at autos and the scarcer parallels. Ripping is honestly a coin flip, but if you're patient, buying singles of the refractors you actually want beats chasing packs. The Alonso and Alvarez rookies have legs and will stay relevant. If you missed these guys in the base set and want to build a PC affordably, Chrome Update gives you more options and better shine than standard cardboard. This is solid for rookies first, parallels second.