The 2023 baseball season will see the release of numerous baseball card sets from the major card companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. With a new year comes new designs, rookie cards, and parallels to collect. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the most notable releases collectors can expect to see hit store shelves and online retailers in the coming months.
Topps Series 1 is usually the first major release of the year, dropping in late January or early February. The 2023 edition will feature rookie cards of the top prospects called up in 2022 like Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and Julio Rodriguez. Parallels like Gold, Silver, and Rainbow Foil are always fan favorites to chase. Topps Update then follows in late summer/early fall with any midseason call-ups and additional rookie cards. Both sets will feature the standard base cards along with various parallels and short prints to keep collectors hunting.
Panini Prizm is one of the hottest modern brands and their 2023 release is highly anticipated. Prizm has become known for its flashy refractors and color parallels. The rookie class will be the main focus, but stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto can also be found. Panini usually does two waves of Prizm with the second release adding more parallels and 1/1 rarities. Expect Prizm to be one of the most valuable modern sets on the secondary market next year.
After taking 2021 off, Leaf is returning to the baseball card scene in 2023. Their flagship set is called Leaf Metal and features a clean design with sharp photography on a textured cardstock. Metal will surely have one of the best presentations of any release. Rated Rookie and Autograph parallels are sure to make some noise. Leaf is also planning a high-end release called Leaf Trinity that will push the limits with innovative parallels and 1/1 patches and autographs.
Donruss is a classic brand that is owned by Panini. Their 2023 offering will be Donruss Optic which focuses on refractors, color bursts, and parallels like the popular Rainbow Foil. Optic is usually a mid-priced modern set that offers some of the flashier cards at a more affordable price-point compared to higher-end brands. Veterans, rookies, and parallels galore can be found in Optic packs and boxes.
Bowman is the premier brand for baseball prospects and their 2023 release will be one to watch. As always, Bowman will feature the first cards of that year’s draft class along with international signings. Parallels, autographs, and 1/1 cards of prospects like Druw Jones will make Bowman a hotly anticipated release. Keep an eye out for short prints, prospects with flashy uniforms/poses, and autographs of top draft picks that could become very valuable if those players pan out in the pros.
Allen & Ginter is a fun, retro-style set that is a hobby staple each summer. A&G features unique designs, various parallels like Gold/Silver Signatures, and oddball mini cards. The 2023 edition will likely have a retro design with players photographed in old-timey uniforms. A&G is a low-risk set to collect for the fun factor but short prints and stars could become quite valuable long-term.
Stadium Club and Triple Threads from Topps are high-end releases that photography and patch/auto parallel lovers look forward to each year. Stadium Club will have its sharp images while Triple Threads focuses on intricate patch cards and serial-numbered autographs. These sets push the limits of on-card relics and autographs with some true 1/1 masterpieces that can sell for thousands. For those wanting the best cards money can buy, Stadium Club and Triple Threads will surely deliver.
While the above brands will likely be the major releases, keep an eye out for smaller sets too. Heritage from Topps is a retro-styled set perfect for vintage design fans. GQ is a flashy brand from Panini focused on color and parallels. Archives from Topps revisits past designs. Plus, brands like Leaf, Panini, and Topps usually have various insert sets throughout the year focusing on specific players or themes.
2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for baseball cards between the star rookies, veteran players, flashy parallels, and innovative designs. With the continued growth of the hobby, next season’s releases are poised to be some of the most anticipated in recent memory. Savvy collectors will want to mark their calendars for the key dates and be ready to chase their favorite players across the various sets hitting stores in the new year.
