The 2023 baseball season is fast approaching which means new baseball card releases are on the horizon. While every year brings exciting rookie cards and star players to chase, 2023 looks to have some particularly notable rookie classes and anniversary sets to target. Here are some of the top 2023 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for:

Adley Rutschman Rookie Card – Rutschman had a breakout season for the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 in his first full year in the majors. As the top prospect in baseball for several years, Rutschman rookie cards from 2019 Bowman Chrome and 2020 Topps Chrome are already highly sought after and will continue climbing in value with his MLB success. His flagship Topps rookie card from 2023 Series 1 will certainly be one of the biggest rookie cards of the year.

Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Card – The number 2 pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had a stellar rookie campaign for the Kansas City Royals in 2022. Like Rutschman, Witt rookie cards from 2019 Bowman Chrome and 2020 Topps Chrome are already pricey but his 2023 Topps flagship rookie will be hugely popular. Witt has superstar potential and his cards could rival even Mike Trout rookies in value long term.

Julio Rodriguez Rookie Card – Rodriguez was the AL Rookie of the Year in 2022 for the Seattle Mariners after an electric season. His 2019 Bowman Chrome and 2020 Topps Chrome rookies are already out of reach for most collectors price-wise. But like Rutschman and Witt, Rodriguez’ 2023 Topps flagship rookie card will be a must-have for any collection. He’s poised for stardom and this card could appreciate dramatically.

Oneil Cruz Rookie Card – Cruz had a breakout season for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 showcasing plus power and elite speed. At 6’7″, he’s a true physical marvel that draws comparisons to Roberto Clemente. His 2019 Bowman Chrome and 2020 Topps Chrome rookies are still affordable but his 2023 Topps flagship rookie will be hard to find. Cruz has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star.

Michael Harris II Rookie Card – Harris was a surprise call up for the Atlanta Braves in 2022 and immediately became a star, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award. His 2019 Bowman Chrome and 2020 Topps Chrome rookies are still reasonably priced but his 2023 Topps flagship will be highly sought after. Harris looks like a budding superstar and his rookie cards could appreciate significantly with continued success.

Spencer Strider Rookie Card – Strider broke out as one of the top rookie pitchers for the World Champion Atlanta Braves in 2022. While he doesn’t have Bowman Chrome or Topps Chrome rookie cards yet, his first flagship Topps card in 2023 Series 1 will be a must-have for Braves PC collectors and investors. Strider has electric stuff and could be a perennial Cy Young contender going forward.

Jack Leiter Rookie Card – The number 2 pick in the 2021 draft, Leiter had a strong rookie campaign in the minors and is expected to debut with the Texas Rangers in 2023. As the son of former MLB pitcher Al Leiter, Jack comes with pedigree and talent. His 2021 Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome rookies are still affordable but his first Topps flagship card will be highly sought after by Rangers collectors.

Brooks Lee Rookie Card – Lee was the 8th overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Minnesota Twins and is considered one of the top prospects from the draft class. While his first Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome rookies from 2022 won’t be out until next year, collectors would be wise to target his 2023 Topps flagship rookie card which will gain value quickly if he performs well in the minors. Lee has all the tools to be a future star.

2023 Topps Update Series – Every year, Topps Update Series is one of the most anticipated releases as it features rookie cards of players who debuted after the regular season flagship series. 2023 Update is sure to include the likes of Strider, Cruz, Witt, and any other top prospects who get called up through the end of 2022. These rookie cards are always hot commodities and gain value rapidly.

2023 Topps Heritage – The annual Topps Heritage set pays tribute to the design of baseball cards from the 1950s-60s. It features today’s stars on retro-styled cardboard. The 2023 release will be the 65th anniversary edition, making parallels and short prints especially collectible. Heritage cards also typically hold their value very well long term.

2023 Topps Tribute – Topps Tribute honors iconic players and performances from the past. The 2023 edition will likely spotlight historic milestones and anniversaries from the 2023 season. Parallels and autographed or memorabilia cards from this set are always highly sought after by collectors.

2023 Topps Archives – Topps Archives recreates the look of cards from the 1980s and 90s. The retro design is a fan favorite and the 2023 release will be the 30th anniversary edition. Short prints, parallels, and autographed cards from this set are prized by collectors.

2023 Topps Chrome – As the premier modern refractor set, Topps Chrome is always a collector favorite. The 2023 release will feature the hottest rookie classes on retro-styled refractors and parallels. Autographs, memorabilia cards, and 1/1 variations are hugely valuable.

2023 Topps Fire – Topps Fire is known for its flashy foil cards and spectacular parallels like gold, silver, and red refractors. The 2023 release will feature the best rookies and stars on these ultra-premium looking cards that collectors love to showcase.

2023 Topps Transcendent Baseball – Topps’ high-end offering, Transcendent features 1/1 cards with rare memorabilia, autographs, and serial numbering on exquisite designs. The 2023 release will spotlight the biggest names and moments from the season and sets collectors back significantly but hold immense long term value.

In conclusion, 2023 looks to have an exciting array of baseball cards to chase from the hottest rookie classes to anniversary sets. While Flagship Topps cards of stars like Rutschman, Witt, and Rodriguez will be at the top of most want lists, savvy collectors would be wise to also target parallels and short prints which can gain exponentially in many premium sets. With a new crop of young stars emerging and classic designs returning, 2023 promises to be a great year for the hobby.