The 2024 Topps Update Series Baseball set has caused quite a stir among collectors, with unexpected surprises and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of the biggest shocks comes in the form of Aaron Judge’s foray into the Paw Patrol universe. In a special episode of Rubble & Crew that aired in August, Judge finds himself in Builder Cove, a whimsical town where dogs converse and construction projects come to life. Instead of participating in a home run derby, Judge joins forces with his furry companions to construct a stadium from scratch.
To commemorate this whimsical moment, Topps has released two special Aaron Judge Paw Patrol trading cards in the update set, labeled PP-1 and PP-2. Featuring an animated rendition of the renowned Yankees’ powerhouse, these cards have rapidly become highly sought-after collectibles due to Judge’s status in baseball and the unexpected crossover with Paw Patrol—a pairing that has piqued the interest of enthusiasts far and wide.
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 Topps Update Series is a Jazz Chisholm Jr. short-print (SSP) variation. Traded from the Miami Marlins to the New York Yankees just before the trade deadline, Chisholm’s inclusion in the set on card #US1 marks his premier flagship Yankees card. Notably, this variation deviates from the norm by omitting a CMP code on the back, complicating the identification process and injecting an element of challenge into the hunt for this card.
Moreover, the Golden Image Variations featured in this series present an array of alternate photos for all 350 base cards, refreshing the perspectives on players and introducing an element of surprise with each pack opened. While these variations have captivated collectors, a minor anomaly has been discovered in the numbering of Black parallels. Unlike previous releases wherein Black parallels are numbered to 73, mirroring the pattern of 2024 Series 1 and Series 2, the Black parallels in this collection are erroneously numbered up to 74. Though this numbering error does not detract from the overall allure of the set, it serves as a peculiar footnote for those meticulous about continuity in Topps’ offerings.
As collectors delve further into the 2024 Topps Update Series, the discoveries of Aaron Judge’s animated Paw Patrol cards and Jazz Chisholm’s Yankees SSP variation underscore the continued ability of Topps to surprise and delight enthusiasts with their flagship baseball sets. While more unannounced variations and Easter eggs may be awaiting detection, the current roster of unexpected inclusions is generating fervor and reaffirming Topps’ capability to infuse excitement and mystery into their releases. Whether you’re on the hunt for Judge’s animated alter ego or Chisholm’s Yankees debut, this year’s update series provides myriad reasons to keep tearing into those packs in anticipation of what’s next.
