The 2023 MLB season will see baseball card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and others release new trading card products featuring the biggest stars and top rookies from this year. As with every season, collectors are eager to get their hands on the newest releases to add to their collections or potentially find valuable rookie cards of future Hall of Famers. While full checklists and release dates have not yet been officially announced, here is a look at some of the key players we can expect to see featured prominently in the upcoming year of baseball cards based on what is known so far:

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels) – There may not be a more sought-after card in 2023 than another Shohei Ohtani rookie card after his historic 2021 AL MVP season. While he no longer qualifies as a true rookie, Ohtani will certainly be one of the faces of many new sets. Look for parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards of the two-way star.

Juan Soto (San Diego Padres) – Traded from the Nationals at the deadline, Soto remains one of the game’s brightest young stars at just 24. His cards jumped in value after the move and collectors will be hunting his Padres rookie cards in ’23 sets.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) – Back from a torn ACL that cost him most of 2022, Acuña is still just 25 and has superstar potential if he can stay healthy. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card remains a Holy Grail for many.

Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays) – Franco made a huge splash as a rookie in 2021 and at just 21, has many monster seasons still ahead. His autographed and memorabilia cards will be in high demand.

Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) – Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign and seems destined for stardom. Look for his rookie cards, especially autographs, to gain value over the next year.

Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – As one of the most hyped prospects of recent years, Witt delivered in his first MLB season. His rookie cards, especially numbered parallels, will be hot commodities.

Riley Greene (Detroit Tigers) – Greene showed flashes as a rookie and will be one of the building blocks for the Tigers going forward. His Bowman Chrome Prospect card looks primed to gain value.

Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) – After a strong debut late in 2022, Rutschman looks like the franchise catcher the O’s have been waiting for. Watch his Bowman cards and rookie cards gain steam.

Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) – With his incredible power and speed for a big man, Cruz made a name for himself in a brief stint last season. He’ll be one to watch develop further.

Gavin Lux (Los Angeles Dodgers) – Lux has struggled to stick so far but still has potential as a former top prospect. His cards could rebound with a breakout year.

Nico Hoerner (Chicago Cubs) – Hoerner is one of the few established players on a rebuilding Cubs roster and his star could rise as a result.

In addition to starring rookies and young talent, perennial stars will continue to see their cards in demand as well, including Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr. (when healthy), Bryce Harper and more. Veterans chasing milestones like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera will also get card recognition.

Topps, as the longest-tenured baseball card maker, will almost certainly release flagship products like Series 1, 2, Update and High Tek. They may also bring back retro sets tied to classic designs from the 80s, 90s and 2000s.

Panini is sure to build on the success of Donruss and Contenders with more inserts and parallels focusing on hits. And Bowman, their prospect brand, remains the best place to find the next generation of stars.

Leaf and other smaller companies will aim for niche releases with autograph or memorabilia focuses to stand out. Digital platforms like Topps BUNT are also gaining steam for collecting virtually.

While specific release dates and checklist details are still to be finalized, 2023 is primed to be another huge year of baseball card collecting and speculation as the next wave of young stars emerges. With a fresh crop of rookies and continued production from perennial MVP candidates, there will be no shortage of exciting cards to chase.