As the 2023 baseball season comes to a close, collectors are already looking ahead to next year’s crop of rookie cards and stars of tomorrow. While it’s still early, here are some predictions for the most valuable baseball cards likely to come out of the 2023 Topps Heritage set based on players’ performances this season and their future potential.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels: There may not be a more captivating player in baseball right now than Shohei Ohtani of the Angels. A true five-tool player who is both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani continues to amaze with his otherworldly talents on both sides of the ball. His rare dual-threat ability makes every Ohtani card highly sought after by collectors. As one of the faces of MLB, expect any Ohtani Heritage parallel or autograph from 2023 to command big money down the road.
Juan Soto, San Diego Padres: After getting traded from the Nationals at the deadline, Juan Soto helped energize his new Padres team on their way to the playoffs. Still just 24, Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s most feared hitters. Any Soto rookie or early career parallels from Heritage could appreciate nicely given his superstar status and young age. Soto autographs will be especially hard to find and pricey.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves: When healthy, Ronald Acuña Jr. is arguably baseball’s most dynamic all-around player. Unfortunately injuries have slowed the 25 year old Braves star the past two seasons. If Acuña can stay on the field in 2023 and rediscover his MVP-caliber form, his Heritage cards may see a boost. Acuña has the potential to be a perennial all-star for years, making his cards a sound long term investment.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners: The AL Rookie of the Year had a monster debut campaign for the up-and-coming Mariners. At just 22, Julio Rodriguez looks primed for stardom as a five-tool talent with no apparent weaknesses. His rookie cards from 2022 exploded in value and any Heritage parallels or autographs from his sophomore season should hold great appeal to collectors. Rodriguez is a cornerstone player who could lead the Mariners back to prominence.
Griffin Canning, Los Angeles Angels: An elbow injury waylaid Griffin Canning’s career the past two years, but the 26 year old Angels starter returned strong in 2023. With elite stuff including a mid-90s fastball and hard slider, Canning has the arsenal to emerge as the Angels’ new ace if he maintains his health. His cards never quite took off due to the injuries. A breakout ’23 campaign could vault Canning cards up collector want lists, making any Heritage issues highly speculative.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: The rookie sensation lived up to the hype by claiming the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2022. At just 22, Bobby Witt Jr. looks to be a cornerstone player for the Royals for years as a potential five-tool shortstop. His cards exploded onto the scene this year and any Witt parallels or autographs from Heritage’s 2023 release should hold strong long term appeal. Witt has superstar potential and could become the new face of the Royals.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: After a few years of waiting, Adley Rutschman arrived in the majors in 2022 and didn’t disappoint. The switch hitting catcher controls the game like a veteran at just 25 years old. Rutschman looks poised for stardom as the centerpiece of Baltimore’s rebuild. His rookie cards surged this year and any 2023 Heritage issues, especially autographed ones, will be hot commodities for Orioles collectors and investors alike.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: After smashing an AL record 62 home runs, Aaron Judge turned down a contract extension from the Yankees and elected free agency. The 30 year old slugger remains one of the game’s most feared power hitters. Any Judge Heritage cards from before he hits the open market could take on added significance. Autographs will be especially sought after given the uncertainty around Judge’s long term plans. He may be playing his final season in pinstripes.
Jacob deGrom, New York Mets: When healthy, the 35 year old deGrom is arguably the most dominant pitcher in baseball. Injuries have slowed him the past two seasons however. If deGrom can log 200 innings while displaying his usual Cy Young caliber stuff in 2023, his Heritage cards may see new life. A return to form could lead to increased demand for deGrom parallels and autographs as collectors bet on at least a few more elite seasons from the veteran ace.
Tim Anderson, Chicago White Sox: The dynamic shortstop was the AL batting champion in 2022 while also providing elite defense up the middle. At 30, Anderson is in his prime and looks to continue leading the White Sox contending ways. Any Heritage autos or parallels from 2023 could hold strong long term appeal as Anderson builds off his career year. He may never have bigger cards than he does right now coming off a batting title.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: As a rookie in 2022, the flame throwing Strider struck out over 200 batters in less than 150 innings while flashing a dominant four pitch mix. At just 24, Strider has ace-level stuff and the makings of a future staff anchor. His rookie cards took off this year and any Heritage issues from 2023, especially autographed ones, will be hot commodities for speculative investors. Strider could be the next big Braves pitching star.
Keep an eye out for 2023 Topps Heritage parallels, autographs, and short prints of emerging stars like Ohtani, Soto, Rodriguez, Witt, Rutschman, Strider and breakout candidates like Canning. Established veteran standouts like Judge, deGrom and Anderson also make for sound long term collecting if they can stay healthy or build on career seasons. Topps Heritage continues to be a premiere vintage-style set that can yield valuable rookie cards and investments for the patient collector.
