The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from Panini America. While not as large in scope as some other mainstream brands, Donruss offers affordable wax boxes, blasters, and hangers along with memorable retro designs that invoke nostalgia for the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at what to expect from the 2023 Donruss baseball cards checklist.
The base set will feature 250 cards as usual, covering all 30 MLB teams from the 2022 season. Rookies and prospects to watch for include Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Torkelson, C.J. Abrams, and Riley Greene who all had impressive debut campaigns in 2022 and could see their rookie cards gain value. Also be on the lookout for 2023 breakout candidates like Oneil Cruz, Adley Rutschman, and George Kirby.
Veteran superstars highlighted in the base set will include Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and Mike Trout. Parallels and short prints are always a fun aspect of Donruss sets too, with expect variations like Black, Green, Gold, Silver, and Red parallels available throughout the base checklist.
When it comes to inserts, Donruss always delivers memorable retro-style cards that pay homage to the original late 80s/early 90s Donruss designs. In 2023, look for “Then and Now” inserts comparing current players to their rookie or early career looks. Other popular inserts returning include “Diamond Kings”, “League Leaders”, and “Rookie Ticket” highlighting top first year players.
New for 2023, Donruss will feature a “League Greats” insert set spotlighting all-time MLB stars from each franchise throughout history. This offers a cool new vintage-style card that baseball card collectors will enjoy. Numbered parallels can be found throughout the inserts as well to chase.
Autograph and memorabilia cards are where Donruss really differentiates their product from the competition by offering affordable hit odds. The base “Diamond Kings” autographs will include 1:6 packs containing swatches or signatures of current stars. Premium “Diamond Kings Signature Series” hits can be found at 1:24 packs.
For the first time, Donruss will feature dual autographed cards as part of their premium “Diamond Kings Duals” hits available at extremely low 1:144 packs. This provides a truly unique dual auto relic card that will excite collectors. Numbered parallels also exist for all Diamond Kings inserts, further adding to the chase.
Additional memorabilia cards to be on the lookout for include “League Threads” jersey cards at 1:12 packs. For collectors seeking a true one-of-one treasure, extremely low odds “Diamond Kings Trifecta” triple autographed cards can be pulled at 1:288 packs or less. With such attainable hit odds, Donruss products are always a fun gamble for the chance at history.
While not confirmed yet, past Donruss releases have also included special retail-exclusive parallels available through select retailers. Walmart Blues, Target Reds, Meijer Greens and more have been inserted in special packs sold at those locations. These parallel cards command a premium due to their limited print runs.
In terms of inserts outside of the base checklist, hobby boxes are expected to contain around 12 total inserts on average. Blaster boxes should carry around 3-5 inserts depending on pack counts. Hangers will include 1-2 inserts. As for autographs and memorabilia cards, hobby boxes are projected to have 2 Diamond Kings hits per box.
The 2023 Donruss baseball release shapes up to be another affordable yet memorable release for collectors of all levels. With its classic designs, abundance of parallels, and attainable autograph odds – Donruss continues to provide a fun vintage feel that remains popular in the hobby. Be sure to check with your local card shop or retailer for release info on when 2023 Donruss baseball cards go on sale starting in late February/early March 2023.
