2017 Triple Threads

When most people think about Topps Triple Threads, they think of all the relics and autographs. Those are nice, but there's a base set with parallels that usually gets tossed aside and forgotten. Well, the parallels usually get a little more love because of the scarcity, but this release is all about the hits in most collectors' eyes.

What a lot of people don't realize is that there is a beautiful one hundred card base set just hiding in plain sight. Sure, the design is a little gaudy, but that's exactly what gives the cards their personality. It's almost expected by the level of price point that the cards will be a bit deco, a bit gaudy and a little royal looking. There is little love for the base set here, but Topps takes care with the base anyway.

The one hundred cards run the gamut of stars (both currently ascended and retired) and a tiny smattering of hot rookies. While there are a few cards of players who have played for the White Sox, only one player is pictured and listed as being on the White Sox.

80 - Frank Thomas

A lot of the focus is on the relics and autographs, but if you look past that, there is a really nice base set here. Most of the base set can be picked up for a song on the secondary market. If you are into big hits, try buying the packs themselves. There are some nice guarantees and you might get really lucky with the hits.

If you are just looking for the base cards and parallels, a seven card pack that breaks the bank is a little hard to swallow. Stick to the secondary market where you can usually find most base cards for a couple dollars each. Most higher numbered parallels can be had for a few dollars more.