The 2023 baseball season is fast approaching which means new baseball card releases are on the horizon. While no one can predict the future, here are 20 baseball cards from upcoming 2023 sets that collectors should target based on the players’ established talent and future potential. Having these cards in a collection could yield strong returns as these athletes’ careers progress and ascend to new heights.

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps, Panini, etc.) – There may never be another two-way player as talented as Shohei Ohtani who is a true unicorn as a dominant pitcher and power hitter. Entering his age-29 season, Ohtani is still improving and achieving new milestones. His rare skillset makes his cards a must-have for any collection.

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and is a generational talent. Moving to San Diego is a big storyline and playing for a new team could propel Soto to even greater heights. His cards will remain highly sought after.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps, Panini, etc.) – When healthy, Acuña is one of the most electrifying players in baseball with 5-tool talent. He’s still just 25 and returning from an ACL tear. If he can stay on the field, Acuña has superstar potential and his cards could skyrocket in value again with a big season.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 21 years old, Franco has already established himself as a franchise cornerstone after a stellar rookie campaign. He possesses incredible contact skills and hit tools that could make him a perennial all-star and batting champion. Franco’s star will only continue to rise.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a breakout 2021 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Guerrero is still getting better at only 23 years old. Playing for a contender in Toronto, Guerrero could put up huge numbers and cement his status as a true superstar, making his cards a wise investment.

Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season that was cut short by injury but showed why he’s considered a future star. At only 22 years old, Rodriguez has five-tool talent and could take another step forward in 2023 while playing for a contender. His cards remain quite affordable now.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The number one pick from 2019 had a solid debut campaign and looks like a future cornerstone for KC. Witt plays a premium position at shortstop and should only get better in his second season at age 23. His cards are quite reasonably priced for his upside.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a disappointing rookie year, expectations are high for Torkelson to turn it around in 2023 playing every day for Detroit. The number one pick from 2020 has huge power potential and could bust out with a strong sophomore season at age 23 to boost his cards.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The top prospect finally made his debut in 2022 and showed why he’s such a special talent. As the future cornerstone catcher for the O’s rebuild at age 25, Rutschman is primed for stardom. His cards are very affordable for a player who may someday win MVP awards.

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins (Topps, Panini, etc.) – In his first full MLB season at age 26, Ryan established himself as the ace of the Twins’ staff. With excellent command and stuff, Ryan looks poised for continued success and could become an all-star caliber starter for years. His cards are underpriced for his upside.

Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a solid debut in 2022, more is expected from Gorman in 2023 playing every day at a premium position for St. Louis. The power-hitting lefty has all-star potential at age 23 and plays for a perennial contender, setting him up well long-term.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw tools, Cruz was one of the most exciting rookies in baseball in 2022 after his debut at age 23. He’ll have every opportunity to play regularly and could blossom into an all-star caliber shortstop, making his affordable cards a bargain.

Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Rodriguez suffered an injury in 2022 but is still considered Baltimore’s ace of the future at age 23. With a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Rodriguez has true #1 starter upside that could make him a future Cy Young candidate.

Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Miller made his MLB debut in 2022 at age 23 and showed why he was such a highly touted prospect. Pitching for the Dodgers, Miller has the makings of a future frontline starter and his cards remain quite affordable compared to other top pitching prospects.

Drew Waters, Kansas City Royals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – Now with a fresh start in KC, Waters will have every opportunity to play regularly in 2023 at age 23. The former top 100 prospect has five-tool talent and could break out as an all-star caliber player, making his cards a bargain for the potential upside.

C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After a solid debut with the Padres, Abrams now moves to Washington where he’ll have the opportunity to play shortstop every day at age 22. His five-tool skillset and premium defensive position give Abrams superstar potential.

Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The former first round pick has ace-level stuff and could debut in 2023 at age 24 after returning from injury. Pitching in Seattle, Hancock has the raw talent to develop into a frontline starter, making his prospect cards a savvy long-term investment.

Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (Topps, Panini, etc.) – After injuries slowed his progress, Davis will look to break out in 2023 at age 23 playing every day for Chicago. His combination of power and speed gives Davis all-star caliber potential that makes his affordable cards very intriguing.

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (Topps, Panini, etc.) – At only 21 years old, Henderson quickly rose through the minors and may debut in 2023 after his stellar 2022 campaign. The future is incredibly bright for this budding superstar who could become a perennial all-star and face of Baltimore’s rebuild.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Topps, Panini, etc.) – The former Vanderbilt star and number two overall pick debuted in 2022 and will look to settle into the Rangers’ rotation in 2023. At only 22 years old with high-end stuff, Leiter was considered a future ace and top-of-the-rotation starter who is still realizing his vast potential.

While it’s impossible to predict the future, having cards from any of these up-and-coming young stars in your collection sets you up well to potentially profit as their careers progress and abilities are fully realized. Their established talent, premium positions, team situations, and upside leave plenty of room for growth on and off the field in 2023 and beyond.