The 2023 baseball season will see another exciting year for collectors with the release of numerous highly anticipated card sets from the major manufacturers. With players changing teams, rookies making their debuts, and stars continuing to shine, there will be no shortage of collecting opportunities both on and off the field. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top baseball card releases collectors can expect to see in the new year.
Topps Series 1 is always one of the first major releases each season, giving fans their baseball card fix after a long offseason. The 2023 version is set to arrive in late February/early March and will feature a fresh crop of rookies as well as stars from the previous season. Expect parallels, short prints, autographs, and more in this iconic flagship set. Series 1 is a staple for any collector and a great way to kick off the year of collecting.
Not long after Series 1, Topps will release its Allen & Ginter set in March/April. Loaded with unique parallels, inserts, and oddball designs, A&G is a fan favorite known for its creative non-sports cards. Baseball lovers will find plenty to enjoy though, with players showcased in artistic renderings alongside the set’s eclectic checklist. Serial numbered parallels and autographs make Allen & Ginter a highly sought-after modern release.
Topps Chrome is slated for a May release and brings the shine with its glossy refractors and parallels. Featuring the same base card designs as the standard paper set, Chrome separates itself with its eye-catching foil elements that make cards really pop in a collection. Serial numbered parallels and autographs can be found throughout packs as collectors search for their favorite players in the high-end refractor format.
Also in May, fans will be treated to the annual Bowman Draft set highlighting the previous year’s top amateur talent. Loaded with prospects and future stars, Bowman Draft provides a first card for many players at the start of their pro careers. Autographs, parallels, and short prints add to the excitement as collectors look to potentially get in early on the next big things. Bonus vintage-style paper stock versions are also found throughout packs.
In June, Topps’ flagship product Series 2 will be released, continuing coverage of the current MLB season. More rookie cards, stars, and inserts can be expected alongside the usual parallels and autographs that make each Topps set a must-have. Series 2 helps fill in any missing pieces collectors may have from Series 1 while providing a steady stream of new content.
Topps Tier One is scheduled for July and provides one of the high-end options of the year. With a smaller checklist of 100 cards that includes only the game’s biggest names, Tier One packs highly sought-after parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards of superstar players. Serial numbered to ultra-low quantities, finding a Tier One parallel or hit can be a true treasure for any collector.
August will see Bowman’s Paper release, continuing coverage of that year’s draft class alongside prospects already in the minors. Like its Bowman Draft counterpart released earlier in the year, Paper provides access to future stars at an early stage. Autographs, parallels, and short prints are found throughout alongside the classic paper stock design collectors love from Bowman sets.
In September, Topps Archives returns with its retro-styled cards paying tribute to designs of the past. Featuring current players in vintage-inspired formats, Archives is a fun nostalgic set for collectors. Parallel and autographed versions add to the appeal. Also look for Topps Finest in September/October with its high-gloss refractors and parallels highlighting top performers from the season.
Topps Update arrives in late October/early November to wrap up the regular MLB campaign. Featuring players who were traded or had a breakout season after the initial Series 1 and 2 releases, Update is essential for completing team and player collections. Autographs, parallels, and inserts can be found throughout. Update offers a final chance to get any missing pieces before the postseason begins.
Finally for the winter months, Topps Heritage returns in December with its retro styling highlighting the design aesthetics of the 1950s-1970s era. Featuring today’s stars in a classic cardboard format, Heritage is a fan-favorite that also includes autographed and parallel versions. The set provides a fun historical throwback to close out another great year of collecting.
This overview barely scratches the surface, as there will undoubtedly be additional inserts, variations, retail exclusives, and specialty sets released throughout 2023. With so much great cardboard on the horizon from the major manufacturers, it’s sure to be another exciting year for baseball card collectors. Whether chasing rookies, stars, hits, or specific sets, 2023 offers something for everyone to enjoy.
