2023 Baseball Cards Release Dates: What to Expect
Baseball card collectors eagerly await the arrival of new baseball card releases each year. 2023 promises to be another exciting year with new rookie cards, parallels, autographs and more hitting the market. While release schedules are always subject to change, here’s a look at some of the major baseball card releases expected in 2023 based on past years.
January/February:
Topps Series 1 (January): Topps is usually the first major brand to release its flagship baseball set each year. Look for Series 1 to arrive in hobby shops and online retailers in early January 2023. Topps has been including fewer base cards in recent years but more parallels and inserts. Rookie cards of top prospects will be the chase.
Topps Chrome (February): Topps’ popular Chrome parallel set is next to arrive, featuring the same designs as Series 1 but with shiny refractors instead of paper. Chrome has become one of the most sought-after modern issues due to its parallels, autographs and short prints.
Topps Heritage (February/March): Topps Heritage pays homage to classic designs of the past. The 2023 release will likely mimic a set from the 1960s or 1970s. Heritage offers a throwback collecting experience with traditional designs and fewer inserts compared to modern issues.
March/April:
Bowman Draft (March): The first major prospect release of the year, Bowman Draft features the draft class from the previous summer. Top picks get autograph and memorabilia cards along with their base rookie cards. Colorful parallels and inserts add to the chase.
Topps Series 2 (April): Topps’ second installment will include players who missed the cut for Series 1 as well as any stars who debuted or were traded since January. New rookie cards are also possible for players called up late in the season.
Topps Opening Day (April): Opening Day celebrates the start of the new MLB season with player photos from spring training. Inserts highlight each team and new star rookies can also debut.
May/June:
Bowman (May): Topps’ Bowman brand focuses solely on prospects and future stars. The flagship Bowman set in May features prospects, international signings and rookie cards of up-and-coming young players. Autographs and parallels are prevalent.
Topps Series 2 (Late May/Early June): Topps’ third series wraps up the flagship Topps Chrome set with any remaining base cards and more inserts. Short prints and parallels remain highly sought after.
Stadium Club (June): Stadium Club is one of the most visually appealing modern issues with high-end photography. Autographs, memorabilia cards and parallels are inserted throughout the set at lower print runs than other brands for a true premium product.
July/August:
Topps Allen & Ginter (July): A&G takes a fun, non-sport approach with oddball parallels and inserts featuring personalities from all walks of life alongside current MLB stars. Rarities like autographs, memorabilia and 1/1 prints add to the excitement.
Topps Update Series (Late August/Early September): Update Series rounds out Topps’ flagship offering for the year, highlighting any players who debuted after Series 2 or changed teams. New rookie cards are the big draw.
September/October/November:
Bowman Draft Picks (September): A lower-key version of Bowman Draft focused on players selected in the later rounds and undrafted free agents. Provides an early look at future prospects.
Topps Transcendent Collection (October/November): Topps’ ultra-high-end offering features rare 1/1 cards with encased memorabilia, autographs and unique serial numbering for true collectors. Prices reflect the exclusivity.
Topps Finest (October/November): Topps Finest parallels Topps Chrome with even more inserts like autographs and memorabilia cards. Short prints and serially numbered refractors add to the prestige.
Topps Holiday (November/December): Holiday serves as a year-end retrospective with inserts celebrating the season and hits from the entire Topps product line. Makes a great gift or final chase of the year.
This overview showcases just some of the major baseball card releases planned for 2023. Additional sets from brands like Panini, Leaf and others are sure to emerge as well. With the continued boom in popularity, 2023 looks to be an exciting year of new baseball cards to collect. Stay tuned for the latest updates and release announcements straight from the manufacturers.
