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The 2024 Topps Update Series Baseball set has brought collectors a few unexpected delights, most notably the addition of Aaron Judge in a fun crossover with the animated universe of Paw Patrol. While surprises and variations in the Topps flagship line have become less frequent in recent years, the latest update set proves there are still a few exciting "Easter Eggs" to discover.
One of the most talked-about inclusions in the 2024 Topps Update Series Baseball is Aaron Judge’s appearance in the Paw Patrol spin-off, Rubble & Crew. In an episode that aired in late August, the New York Yankees slugger found himself in the animated world of Builder Cove, where he teamed up with talking dogs to build a stadium after getting stuck in the magical town. Judge’s fans—and now young Paw Patrol viewers—were treated to his animated cameo as part of the popular kids’ series.
Topps decided to immortalize this playful crossover with two Aaron Judge Paw Patrol trading cards, numbered PP-1 and PP-2. These cards showcase the animated version of the 2022 American League MVP, offering collectors something truly unique. As part of this unexpected inclusion, these cards are quickly becoming highly sought-after in the 2024 Topps Update Series.
Another key surprise in the 2024 set is a short-print (SSP) variation featuring Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was traded to the New York Yankees from the Miami Marlins in late July. While Chisholm didn't make it into the main base set due to the timing of the trade, collectors can find him on a variation card numbered #US1. This is Chisholm's first flagship Yankees card, adding significance for both Yankees fans and card enthusiasts.
The variation doesn’t follow Topps' usual approach of including a CMP code on the back to confirm the short-print, leaving collectors to identify the SSP visually. The odds of pulling Chisholm’s variation, like the Aaron Judge Paw Patrol cards, remain unknown.
This year’s Topps Update Series introduces the Golden Image Variations, which offer alternate photos for all 350 base cards. While the number of unannounced short prints (SSPs) has decreased, collectors can still enjoy these different looks across the checklist.
There is, however, a minor mistake with the set’s Black parallels. Traditionally numbered to 73—consistent with 2024 Series 1 and Series 2—the Black parallels in this set have been misnumbered, going up to 74. While the mistake isn’t particularly significant, it’s a curious error for those paying attention to Topps’ usual numbering standards.
With the inclusion of the Aaron Judge Paw Patrol cards and the Jazz Chisholm variation, the 2024 Topps Update Series has surprised many collectors, and there may still be more variations yet to be discovered as the set continues to circulate. For now, these standout cards are generating buzz in the hobby, adding an element of fun and intrigue to this year’s release.
As collectors rip into hobby boxes, these surprises serve as a reminder that the thrill of the unexpected still lives on in Topps’ baseball line, even in an era where unannounced SSPs have become rarer. Whether it's Aaron Judge teaming up with animated dogs or Jazz Chisholm making his Yankees debut, the 2024 Topps Update Series offers something special for every collector.
