The 2023 baseball season is winding down and the trading card market is starting to look ahead to next year. While rookies and stars from this season will still hold value, collectors are beginning to assess which young players and veterans could see their cardboard skyrocket in 2023. There are always surprises, but here are some early predictions for players whose cards may appreciate significantly in the new year.
One of the most exciting rookies of 2023 was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. Although he only played in 49 games and hit .231, the 21-year-old showed tantalizing speed and defensive skills. His prospect pedigree and potential for a full breakout season make him one to watch. Many predict Edwards will hit .280+ next year and establish himself as the Rays’ long-term solution at short. If he does, his prizm and chrome rookie cards, which are still relatively affordable now in the $10-20 range, could multiply in value several times over.
Another young player who opened some eyes in his brief debut was Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez. In just 46 games, Melendez blasted 10 home runs with an .890 OPS to announce his arrival. He likely starts next season as the Royals’ everyday catcher and cleanup hitter. Melendez has 40-home run upside with the bat and if he delivers on that power potential next year, collectors will take notice. Look for his flagship rookie cards like Topps Chrome to climb above $50-75 and perhaps reach $100+ if he becomes a star.
On the pitching side, Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer had a solid first season and will enter 2023 with great expectations. The former first-round pick made 14 starts with a 3.50 ERA and 1.179 WHIP, showing three quality pitches. At 24, Meyer is on the cusp of breaking out as a mid-rotation starter and if he does, his Topps Chrome rookie card around the $30 mark will surge. Another hurler to watch is Tigers prospect Jackson Jobe, who made his debut late in 2022. Still just 20, Jobe has ace potential and if he secures a rotation spot, his cards under $10 now will rise sharply.
In the veteran category, Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt continues to prove he can still rake in his mid-30s. After hitting .317 with 35 home runs and 115 RBI in 2022, Goldschmidt is likely to garner down-ballot MVP votes. He remains one of the most consistent sluggers in baseball and if he turns in another stellar season, his older base cards from the 2009-2013 era in the $5-15 range could reach $20-30 per card or more. On the pitching side, Mariners ace Luis Castillo is poised for a monster contract year. If he matches or exceeds his 2022 ERA of 2.99 over 30+ starts, his 2018-2019 Topps Chrome rookie cards around $40-50 a pop could rise above $100.
A few other veterans who could have breakout seasons include Brewers outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who hit 29 home runs in 2022 in his walk year. If Renfroe signs a new long-term deal and keeps mashing, his older Topps cards in the $3-10 range could appreciate. Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts is also entering a contract year at age 30. As the leader of the Red Sox, Bogaerts could put forth a monster offensive campaign, boosting his older base cards in the $5-15 range. Finally, White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu has quietly put up Hall of Fame caliber numbers in his career but remains underrated. If he posts another 35-home run season at age 36, his older flagship cards in the $3-10 range could gain in demand.
Of course, there are always players who unexpectedly break out as well. Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan had a phenomenal rookie season, hitting .298 while playing stellar defense. But few predicted he would be such an impact player in his first year. If Kwan maintains his production and emerges as a legitimate star, his Topps Chrome rookie cards around $50-75 now would escalate significantly. Similarly, Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez announced his arrival in style with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. His prizm rookie cards have already exploded above $500 but could reach $1,000+ if he becomes a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.
While stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. will always hold immense value, savvy collectors look to identify emerging young talent as well as veterans primed for career years. The players highlighted here such as Xavier Edwards, MJ Melendez, Max Meyer and Hunter Renfroe offer upside if they deliver, while Goldschmidt, Bogaerts and Abreu present proven production. Following breakouts from Kwan and Julio Rodriguez this year, the 2023 season could unveil the next wave of rising cardboard prices. For collectors, doing research on prospects and scouting potential bounce-back campaigns can yield handsome returns down the line.
