The 2023 Panini Prizm Baseball set is one of the most anticipated rookie card releases each year. Panini Prizm has become the flagship modern baseball card brand, known for its flashy refractors and prospects that can become superstars. While it’s still early, here’s a look at some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2023 Prizm Baseball set and their potential long-term value.
One of the biggest names to watch is Druw Jones, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scouts have compared Jones’ tools and athleticism to players like Mike Trout and Andrew McCutchen. His Prizm rookie cards are already in high demand. The base Prizm Jones rookie is selling for $30-50 raw currently. His pink Prizm /249 and orange /99 parallels have sold in the $150-300 range. If Jones develops into the all-around star many project, those early Prizm cards could appreciate significantly in the years to come.
Another top prospect generating buzz is Elijah Green, selected 5th overall by the Washington Nationals. Green has plus raw power potential and speed for a big man. His base Prizm rookie card sells for $15-25 right now. His green /199 parallel has sold for around $75. Green will need to prove himself against higher level pitching, but his tools are enticing for collectors long-term.
One of the more established rookies is Emerson Hancock, who made his MLB debut for the Mariners in 2022 after being selected 6th overall in 2020. Hancock’s tools and pitching repertoire could make him a solid mid-rotation starter for years. His base Prizm rookie sells in the $10-15 range currently. His orange /99 and pink /249 parallels have sold in the $50-75 range. Hancock has less long-term upside than Jones or Green but offers less risk as someone who has already debuted in the big leagues.
Beyond the top prospects, collectors will want to target short prints and refractors of other potential impact rookies. Druw Jones’ silver Prizm /75 has sold for over $300 already. Green’s silver /75 went for $150. Other rookies to watch include Termarr Johnson (/99 orange Prizm sold for $80), Elijah Tatis (/99 orange at $60), and Brock Porter (/99 orange at $70). These short prints offer a more exclusive version of top prospects at a slight premium currently.
When it comes to parallels and refractors, the most coveted are always the 1-of-1 Prizm rainbow foil autographs. So far in 2023, only one such card has surfaced publicly – a Druw Jones 1/1 rainbow foil auto that sold for a staggering $3,500. Other ultra-short printed parallels like the gold Prizm (/10) and black Prizm (/5) can also fetch big money for top names. Green’s gold Prizm sold for $325 while Jones’ black Prizm went for $650.
Panini also includes “red” prizms in baseball, which are serial numbered to /249. These offer an attractive refractor look at a higher print run. Jones’ red Prizm has sold in the $150-200 range. Green’s red went for $90-120. Red Prizms become especially collectible for players who break out over time. Past examples of red prizms that exploded in value include Ronald Acuna Jr ($3,000+), Juan Soto ($2,500+), and Fernando Tatis Jr (over $1,000).
While it’s still very early, the long-term potential value of top 2023 Prizm rookies like Druw Jones and Elijah Green looks quite promising based on their tools and prospect pedigree. Even short prints and refractors of other top prospects offer solid upside. For collectors with patience, holding Prizm rookie cards of emerging young stars could yield strong returns in the years ahead as their careers develop. The 2023 Prizm Baseball release shapes up to be one of the most valuable modern card sets yet.
