The 2023 baseball season is upon us and that means new baseball card releases from the major hobby brands like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. With so many products coming out each year, it can be tough to know which specific cards may hold value long term. Here are some of the top rookie cards, parallels, and inserts from the upcoming 2023 releases that collectors will want to keep an eye out for.
One of the biggest names to watch for in 2023 is Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani. As the reigning AL MVP and one of the most unique two-way talents in baseball history, Ohtani’s rookie cards from previous years have skyrocketed in value. Look for his base rookie cards and parallels from Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Series 1 & 2 to continue to appreciate. His 2023 cards will likely be some of the most sought after modern rookie cards. Keep an eye out for short prints, autographs, and 1/1 parallels that could end up being true gems.
Another highly anticipated rookie class features Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. All three had stellar debut campaigns in 2022 and their rookie cards boomed as a result. Rodriguez in particular had one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time and could challenge Ohtani as the face of MLB for years to come. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookies will be must-haves, as will Rutschman and Pena’s base rookies and color parallels. Autographs and memorabilia cards of these three could end up being long term blue chip investments.
Staying in the rookie realm, keep an eye out for the debut cards of Atlanta Braves catcher Shea Langeliers, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe, Kansas City Royals pitcher Frank Mozzicato, and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene. All four were top prospects who saw MLB action in 2022 and will have their true rookie cards in 2023 releases. While they may not reach the heights of some others, their cards could appreciate well if they develop into stars. Parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards from their rookie years will be worth seeking out.
Veteran stars still raking it in on the field will also have cards worth pursuing. Look for New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, who smashed an AL record 62 home runs in 2022. His flagship cards from Topps, Bowman, and Topps Chrome could rise significantly if he has another monster season. The same goes for Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. as he looks to return to MVP form following knee surgery. His 2018 Topps Update rookie remains a modern classic and his 2023 cards could explode with a big year.
Mike Trout collectors never have to look far, as even his base cards hold tremendous value due to his otherworldly consistency. But parallels like Topps Chrome color variations, 1/1 printing plates, and autographed memorabilia cards will command top dollar for the superstar Angels outfielder and three-time AL MVP. Fellow veteran superstars like Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Juan Soto will also have cards that gain value with strong 2023 seasons.
Manufactured patches and autographs will be hotly pursued inserts as always. Topps Chrome, Bowman, and Topps Inception usually deliver some of the best memorabilia cards. Serialized patches and autographs numbered to specific print runs (like /10, /25, /50 etc.) will be the most sought after. Dual memorabilia cards featuring two big stars are true holy grails. Topps Finest also tends to include some of the most exquisite autographs in the hobby.
For the vintage crowd, high grade vintage rookie cards from the 1950s-1980s remain a smart long term investment. Stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Tom Seaver never lose their luster. Look for pristine examples graded Gem Mint 10 to bring top dollar. Rarer oddball vintage issues can also gain value as collectors seek out more obscure vintage content.
In the end, focusing on star players, elite prospects, short prints, autographs and memorabilia will guide you towards the 2023 baseball cards most likely to retain and increase value in the long run. Following the hype around rookies and top veterans each season will lead you to the cards savvy collectors are seeking. With patience, even modest holdings can grow into valuable collections over the years.
