The 2013 baseball card season featured rookies that would go on to have stellar MLB careers as well as star players entering the prime of their careers. While most 2013 cards hold little monetary value a handful have appreciated nicely due to the notoriety of the players featured. Let’s take an in depth look at some of the key 2013 baseball cards that are worth money for collectors today.
One of the top rookie cards from 2013 is Mike Trout’s Bowman Chrome Prospect card. Widely considered one of the best prospects in baseball history, Trout had a phenomenal debut season in 2012 that had collectors excited for his rookie cards in 2013. His Bowman Chrome Prospect refractor parallel /99 sold for around $800-1000 in the years after its release but has steadily gained value and now commonly fetches $2,000-3,000 in PSA 10 condition. Trout has cemented himself as a generational superstar and the best player in baseball so his prized rookie parallel maintains a strong high end price.
Another Mike Trout rookie that continues to gain is his Topps Update Blue Refractor /150. Initially a $200-300 card, it now sells for $800-1000 graded gem mint. Several parallels and serial numbered Trout rookies from 2013 Bowman, Bowman Chrome, Topps Series 1 & 2 and Topps Update hold value but the Flagship Blue Refractor stands out for its rarity and beauty. With Trout still in his prime at age 28, his rookies retain a strong long term outlook.
Bryce Harper had a breakout rookie season in 2012 which generated huge hype for his sophomore year cards in 2013. While most Harper base rookies are inexpensive, several parallels stand out. His Bowman Chrome Prospect Green Refractor /99 sold for $300-500 upon release but has since gained to the $800-1000 range in top grade. The Bowman Sterling Silver Pack Fresh Parallel /50 holds steady around $400-600 while higher end parallels like the Gold ($1000-1500) and Red ($1500-2000) maintain strong collector demand. At just 26 years old producing MVP caliber seasons, Harper parallels retain long term potential.
Yu Darvish arrived in MLB in 2012 to great fanfare and his 2013 cards remained hot property. The flagstone of collection is his Topps Finest Auto Refractor /5 which has steadily climbed from a $3000 release price to a $6000-8000 price today. Other key Darvish’s include 2013 Topps Finest Auto ($1000-1500), Topps Series 2 Mini Auto (/99,$400-600) and Bowman Chrome Mini Auto (/299,$200-300). As one of the premier aces in baseball, the 28 year old Darvish cards hold value thanks to his performing up to the hype.
Clayton Kershaw captured his 2nd Cy Young award in 2013, cementing his place as the best pitcher in baseball. While most Kershaw cards are fairly common, select parallels stand out. His 2013 Topps Finest Auto Refractor /5 is on par with the Darvish at $6000-8000. The Topps Finest Negative Refractor /50 holds around $1500-2000. For a more affordable parallel, the 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 trades hands for $400-600. As a future Hall of Famer still in his prime, top Kershaw parallels retain long term blue chip status.
Outfielder Yoenis Cespedes had a breakout 2012 campaign after defecting from Cuba. The hype surrounding his sophomore season in 2013 created buzz around his cards. While the base 2013 cards are inexpensive, the parallel market offers opportunities. His Topps Finest Negative Auto Refractor /50 steadily rose from a $600 release tag to a $1000-1500 valuation today. The Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 holds its ~$300 price well too. Now 32, Cespedes remains a productive power hitter so his prized autographed inserts hold collector interest.
Starling Marte emerged in 2013 with an electric rookie season for Pittsburgh. The cream of the crop parallel is his 2013 Topps Finest Negative Auto Refractor /50 which has risen from a $400-500 early price to a $1000-1500 current appraisal. Another strong parallel is his 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 at $300-500. Hitting his prime at 30, if Marte continues producing all-star caliber seasons his top rookies could appreciate further.
Catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud was among the most desired rookie cards in 2013. Injuries slowed his career initially but a breakout 2019 has collectors revisiting his cardboard. The prized parallel remains his 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 at $300-500. Other solid options include the Base Auto Refractor /299 ($150-250) and Refractor /50 ($200-300). Now 30, d’Arnaud has cemented himself as a capable offensive catcher so his renowned prospect status parallels hold longer term worth.
Relief pitcher Greg Holland was in the midst of back to back elite seasons as Kansas City’s closer in 2013, generating demand. His 2013 Topps Finest Negative Auto /50 rose from $300-400 upon release to a $600-800 valuation now. Another standout is his 2013 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 around $200-300. At 34, Holland remains a viable MLB arm so his top 2013 prospect parallels maintain value thanks to his enduring quality career.
Outfielder Wil Myers was a consensus top 5 prospect heading into 2013 after a standout return. The jewels of his 2013 collection are the Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /150 priced $300-500 and Refractor /50 holding $400-600. Now 28 in his prime, if Myers maximizes his ability these parallels have room to rise farther. Similarly, pitcher Sonny Gray enjoyed hype in the leadup to 2013 centered around his Bowman Chrome Refractor /50 ($300-450) and Auto Refractor /150 ($200-300) parallels. A strong career so far bodes well for them.
Despite a relatively down performance in their debut MLB seasons, third basemen Nolan Arenado and Manny Machado have more than lived up to expectations since. Their 2013 Bowman Chrome Refractor parallels represent strong long term holdings. Arenado’s /50 commands $400-600 while Machado’s sits at $300-500. Both superstars are just entering their primes, suggesting their famous prospect cardboard could continue appreciating. 2013 Topps Update Blue Refractor parallels for Wil Myers ($300-450), Aroldis Chapman ($250-400), and Michael Wacha ($200-300) also hold blue chip long term sleeper potential.
While most 2013 baseball cards hold little value, sought after parallels for players like Trout, Harper, Kershaw, and others have appreciated nicely. Savvy collectors who purchased rare autographed or serial numbered versions of their cards for $200-1000 upon release now enjoy valuations up to 3-5x as much. With so many of these players in the prime or early stages of outstanding careers, their top 2013 cardboard retains strong long term outlooks. continued performance upholding early hype bodes very well for future appreciation.
