The 2023 baseball season will see another exciting crop of rookie talent make their debuts in Major League Baseball. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty which rookies will emerge as future stars, here are some of the top prospects who could make an immediate impact and whose rookie cards collectors should be on the lookout for in the upcoming year.
Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles) – Widely considered the top prospect in baseball heading into 2023, Henderson had a phenomenal debut late in the 2022 season and looks poised to take over as the Orioles’ third baseman of the future. The 21-year-old has 80-grade power potential and elite bat-to-ball skills that could make him an annual All-Star. His rookie cards will likely be some of the most sought after on the market next season.
Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) – After a strong showing in his first full MLB season in 2022, Rutschman looks to cement his status as one of the game’s best young catchers. The 24-year-old switch hitter displayed impressive plate discipline and power for a catcher in his debut campaign. As the top overall pick in 2019 and a future cornerstone player, Rutschman’s rookies could retain value long-term.
Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – Witt made a seamless transition to the big leagues in 2022, showcasing five-tool talent as a 21-year-old shortstop. He hit 20 home runs and stole 15 bases while playing stellar defense. Witt will likely continue improving and could push for all-star and rookie of the year honors in 2023. His flagship Topps rookie card from 2022 remains a hot commodity.
Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers) – After a disappointing debut in 2022 where he struggled against MLB pitching, Torkelson will look to rebound as he continues adjusting to life as a corner infielder. The 22-year-old has huge raw power and was the top pick in 2020 for good reason – he has the skills to be a perennial 30-homer hitter. If he can put it all together next season, Torkelson’s rookies could surge in value.
Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) – Cruz made a splash in his debut late in 2022 with his mammoth home runs and elite speed and defense at shortstop. At 6-foot-7, the 23-year-old is a true physical marvel who still has room to grow into his enormous talents. He will be one of the most exciting players to watch in 2023. Cruz’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie from 2022 is a must-own for collectors.
Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals) – As the Cardinals’ top prospect, Walker has a chance to debut in 2023 and make an immediate impact with his prodigious raw power. The 21-year-old third baseman has drawn comparisons to Aaron Judge and has 80-grade power potential. He had an outstanding 2022 minor league campaign and his prospect cards could explode in value with a strong MLB debut.
Eury Pérez (Miami Marlins) – An electric center fielder with five-tool abilities, Pérez has the skills to become a perennial Gold Glove and batting title contender. The 21-year-old hit .312 with 17 home runs and 45 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022. He may not debut until mid-2023 but could be an instant star if called up. His prospect cards are flying under the radar.
Ezequiel Tovar (Colorado Rockies) – Still just 20 years old, Tovar has the defensive skills and hit tool to stick at shortstop long-term in Colorado. He hit .317 with 27 home runs and 40 stolen bases between High-A and Double-A last season. With a strong showing in spring training, Tovar could break camp as the Rockies’ starting shortstop in 2023. His prospect cards are a bargain.
Emerson Hancock (Seattle Mariners) – The Mariners’ top pitching prospect, the 23-year-old Hancock has ace-level stuff with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider. He returned from Tommy John surgery in 2022 to dominate the minors and looks ready to debut in 2023. As a former first-round pick with frontline potential, Hancock’s prospect cards are poised to appreciate significantly with a successful MLB debut.
Druw Jones (Arizona Diamondbacks) – As the second overall pick in 2022 out of high school, Jones immediately became one of the most sought-after prospects in baseball. He has five-tool potential like his father Andruw and could move quickly through the minors. While Jones may not debut until 2024, his prospect cards could explode in value as he develops his raw talents in the D-Backs system.
Brooks Lee (San Diego Padres) – The 2021 first-rounder had a breakout season between High-A and Double-A in 2022 by hitting .314 with 13 home runs and 24 stolen bases. Lee has the defensive skills and hit tool to stick at shortstop and could push for the Padres’ job as soon as 2023. The 22-year-old’s prospect cards are poised for gains with a strong MLB showing.
Cade Cavalli (Washington Nationals) – As the Nationals’ top pitching prospect, the 24-year-old Cavalli has the arsenal to succeed as a frontline starter with a 100 mph fastball and plus slider and curve. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and will compete for a rotation spot in 2023. Cavalli has ace upside and his prospect cards could surge if he grabs the fifth starter role.
Jackson Chourio (Milwaukee Brewers) – The 18-year-old outfielder was one of the biggest international signing bonuses in 2021 and immediately became one of baseball’s top prospects. Chourio has five-tool potential and hit .302 with 5 home runs in his pro debut season in the Florida Complex League in 2022. He may need some seasoning in the minors but has superstar upside that makes his cards an intriguing long-term hold.
While performance ultimately determines which rookies emerge as future stars, this group headlined by Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr. appear poised to make an immediate impact in 2023. Their rookie cards, as well as the prospects of Spencer Torkelson, Oneil Cruz and others, are some of the smartest investments collectors can make heading into the new season.
