The 2023 baseball season is underway and collectors are already scouring packs of the newest baseball cards looking for stars of today and tomorrow. As with any new release, the question on many collectors’ minds is which 2023 baseball cards hold the most value now and which ones are worth holding onto long term in the hope that they appreciate significantly. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookies and veterans from the 2023 baseball card class and analyze their potential future values.
One of the most highly anticipated rookies of the 2023 set is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. After a breakout rookie campaign that saw him win World Series MVP honors, Peña’s star has risen significantly. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie cards from 2022 have already eclipsed $100 in value and his paper rookies are in the $20-30 range. For the 2023 season, Peña’s autograph and memorabilia cards will be hot commodities out of the gate. Look for parallels and numbered versions of his base rookie card to settle in the $10-20 range initially with upside of $50+ if he continues progressing. Long term, a consistent All-Star caliber career could see his rookie card climb above $100.
Another rookie generating buzz is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards. Though he struggled in his MLB debut season, Edwards was one of the minors’ top prospects in recent years and has a skillset that could translate to batting title contention if he puts it together at the highest level. His 2022 Topps rookie cards check in around $5 currently. Edwards’ 2023 cards may not demand huge prices initially but savvy collectors would be wise to stock up on parallels and autographs for $10-20 with the hope he breaks out in the next year or two. A successful Rays career track could yield $50+ for his rookie down the road.
On the pitching side, Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer is a name to watch. The third overall pick from 2020 made his MLB debut late last season and will look to secure a rotation spot in 2023. Meyer’s 2022 Topps Update rookie parallel cards have already climbed to $15-20 and his autographs fetch $50-75. As one of the top pitching prospects to debut, Meyer’s 2023 Topps base rookie card should settle in the $10-15 range out of the gate with his autographs and memorabilia cards pushing $50-100 based on pre-season hype. With ace potential, a Meyer rookie card could net $100+ if he emerges as a frontline starter.
Veteran cards also hold value in the 2023 series, headlined by superstar Aaron Judge. After smashing an AL record 62 home runs, Judge enters free agency as one of the most coveted players on the market. His 2022 Topps Update base rookie card has skyrocketed above $1000 with refractor and autograph parallels selling for over $5000. Judge’s 2023 Topps Update base card should settle in the $50-75 range initially with parallel and autograph premiums. A long-term Yankees deal could see continued appreciation but free agency creates uncertainty. Either way, any Judge card from his record-setting ’22 campaign will hold value.
Another vet with rising stocks is Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Earning NL Rookie of the Year honors last season, the 22-year old established himself as a future star. His 2022 Topps Update rookie card has climbed to $30-40 with premium parallels above $100. Harris’ 2023 Topps cards may not demand huge out-of-gate prices but savvy collectors would be wise to stock up on parallels and autographs in the $10-20 range. With perennial All-Star potential, his rookie card could appreciate above $100 long term.
On the pitching side, Miami Marlins righty Sandy Alcantara had a breakout campaign in 2022 and entered the Cy Young discussion. The 27-year old Dominican is entering his prime and could challenge for ERA titles for years to come. Alcantara’s 2022 Topps Update base card has settled around $15 with parallel and autographed versions above $50. His 2023 Topps cards may not demand oversized prices out of the gate but collectors would be wise to acquire parallels and autographs for $10-20 with the assumption he continues emerging as an ace. All-Star and award-winning seasons could see his cards rise above $50 long term.
Two veterans on new teams that could see card values spike with success are Xander Bogaerts and Carlos Correa. After signing big free agent deals, shortstops Bogaerts and Correa will look to lead Philadelphia and Minnesota respectively. Bogaerts’ and Correa’s 2022 Topps Update base cards hold values around $10-15 with higher end parallels above $30. Their 2023 Topps cards may not demand huge initial sums but parallels and autographs could be had for $10-20. MVP-caliber seasons on new squads could appreciably raise those prices in the future.
The 2023 Topps baseball card class is headlined by rookie phenoms like Peña, Edwards and Meyer along with established young stars Harris and Alcantara. Veterans Aaron Judge, Bogaerts and Correa also hold intrigue as they switch uniforms or teams. While initial values may not be sky high across the board, savvy collectors would be wise to stock autographs and parallels of these players for the long term. Patience and an eye toward impending breakthrough campaigns could yield strong returns in future years. The 2023 season promises new stars and storylines to make for an exciting year of collecting.
