The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner, which means a new crop of talented rookies will be making their MLB debuts. These prospects have been highly touted in the minor leagues and are poised to potentially become stars at the highest level of professional baseball. Their rookie cards will be some of the most sought after on the trading card market in the coming years. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards to watch for from the 2023 baseball season.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: As the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and consensus #1 prospect in all of baseball, Rutschman’s rookie cards are already highly valuable. He made his MLB debut in 2022 but is still eligible for rookie status in 2023. Rutschman had a strong finish to last season and will be the Orioles’ everyday catcher and leader of the team’s rebuild. His cards are primed to become the most valuable of any player from the 2023 rookie class.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals: The #2 overall pick from 2019 had a fantastic rookie campaign in 2022, hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases while playing stellar defense at shortstop. Witt Jr. quickly established himself as a franchise cornerstone and budding superstar. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Chrome, Topps Series 1/2, and Bowman Chrome are already selling for hundreds of dollars and will likely continue appreciating in value.

Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Detroit Tigers: After struggling initially in his MLB debut in 2022, Torkelson started to find his groove at the plate down the stretch. The #1 overall pick from 2020 has huge raw power potential and will be looking to build on his late-season success. If he breaks out in 2023, his rookie cards from Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Series 1/2 could skyrocket in demand.

Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: J-Rod had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He’s already a bonafide star at age 21 and will be among the favorites for AL MVP in 2023. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies are some of the most valuable modern cards on the resale market, selling for thousands.

Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: Cruz made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately wowed scouts with his immense power and speed for a 6’7″ shortstop. He has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1/2 and Bowman Chrome should be strong long-term holds, especially if he puts it all together in 2023.

Brennen Davis, OF, Chicago Cubs: Injuries have slowed Davis’ ascension, but he remains one of the highest ceiling prospects in baseball when healthy. The lefty slugger has 70-grade power potential and could be a franchise cornerstone if he stays on the field. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1/2 and Bowman Chrome could pay off big if he breaks out next season.

Gunnar Henderson, 3B, Baltimore Orioles: Henderson rocketed through the minors in 2022 and was arguably the best overall minor league player. He made his MLB debut late in the season and will compete for ROY in 2023 playing either third base or shortstop. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies are affordable now but could explode if he becomes a star.

Jordan Walker, 3B, St. Louis Cardinals: Walker turned heads by slugging 36 home runs between High-A and Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. He has elite raw power and could move quickly through the Cardinals system. If Walker debuts in 2023, his rookie cards from 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome would be solid speculative buys.

Eury Perez, OF, Cincinnati Reds: Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, Perez had a breakout season in 2022 by hitting .308 with 13 homers in Low-A at age 19. He has five-tool upside and could rocket up prospect lists. His 2022 Bowman Chrome rookie card would be an intriguing long-term sleeper pick.

Emmanuel Rodriguez, SS, Philadelphia Phillies: Rodriguez was one of the breakout international prospects from the 2022 J2 signing class. He received one of the largest bonuses ever for a shortstop from the Dominican Republic. His 2022 Bowman Paper rookie card could gain traction if he starts well in the low minors in 2023.

Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Colorado Rockies: Still just 20, Tovar hit .325 between High-A and Double-A in 2022 while showing off an advanced approach at the plate. He could debut in Colorado’s infield as early as 2023. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies are solid targets for Rockies fans and prospect hounds.

Druw Jones, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: As the #2 overall pick in 2022, Jones signed for well over slot value due to his five-tool potential. He has impressive bloodlines as the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. His 2022 Bowman Chrome rookie card would be a strong long-term prospecting play.

Elijah Green, OF, Milwaukee Brewers: Green went #17 overall to the Brewers in 2022 and received a $4 million signing bonus, one of the largest for a high school bat. He has huge raw power that could translate quickly. His 2022 Bowman Chrome RC is an intriguing lottery ticket.

Brooks Lee, 3B, San Diego Padres: The 2021 1st rounder had a strong pro debut in 2022 by hitting .326 with 13 homers between Low-A and High-A. Lee has advanced hitting skills and could debut in 2023. His 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards are solid mid-round prospects.

Jackson Chourio, OF, Milwaukee Brewers: Chourio received the largest signing bonus ever for an international position player when he inked with the Brewers for $4.6 million in 2021. He showed five-tool promise in his pro debut stateside in 2022. His 2022 Bowman Paper RC could pay off.

Termarr Johnson, 2B, Atlanta Braves: Johnson received one of the largest bonuses ever for a second baseman when he signed with the Braves for $5 million in 2021. He has elite speed and hit tools that could play up as he develops. His 2022 Bowman Paper rookie is a long-term upside play.

The 2023 rookie class is headlined by superstars like Rutschman, Witt Jr., and Rodriguez who have already debuted, but there are also numerous high-ceiling prospects like Torkelson, Cruz, Henderson, and Jones who could emerge as future stars. Their rookie cards provide an opportunity to acquire future Hall of Fame talent at affordable prices before they break out on baseball’s biggest stage. The rookies profiled here offer intriguing risk/reward speculation for both collectors and investors heading into the 2023 season.