The 2023 Panini Prizm Baseball set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for baseball card collectors and investors. Panini Prizm has become the premier modern baseball card brand known for its flashy refractors and parallels that can yield major long-term value. While it’s still early and the market is developing, here’s a look at some of the 2023 Prizm Baseball cards that already show promise to become extremely valuable based on player pedigree and parallels.
Shohei Ohtani – Without question, Shohei Ohtani prizm cards will be at the top of want lists for any serious collector. As one of the game’s true unicorns and best players, his rookies from previous years have exploded in value. Even his base prizm rookies from 2018 trade for hundreds now. Look for 1/1 parallels of his 2023 prizm card to fetch tens of thousands, if not more, down the road. Refractors and lower numbered parallels like /10, /25, etc will also hold tremendous long term appreciation.
Julio Rodriguez – As the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year and budding superstar, Julio Rodriguez is poised for a true breakout in 2023. His rookie cards last year skyrocketed and prizm parallels will be in high demand. Like Ohtani, expect monster prices for 1/1s and low serial numbered refractors over time. Even base prizms could trade north of $100 a piece a few years from now.
Ronald Acuna Jr – After missing 2021 due to injury, Acuna reminded everyone in 2022 why he’s one of the game’s brightest young talents. As long as he stays healthy, his cards will retain value. With prizm being the top modern brand, parallel pulls like /10, /25, and refractors of his 2023 card profile could net five figures or more long term.
Juan Soto – Soto is still just 24 years old and already a perennial MVP candidate. As one of the true elite young bats, any prizm parallels from his age 24 season will be highly sought after. Even base prizms could trade for $500+ years down the road. Refractors and low serial numbered pulls will be true long term blue chip holdings.
Wander Franco – Franco made a huge splash as a 20-year-old in 2021 and further established himself in 2022. He’s considered a true “franchise player” for the Rays going forward. With his star power and potential, parallels like refractors and serial numbered cards below /50 could really pay off as long term investments.
Two-Way Players – Beyond Ohtani, the 2023 prizm set features some other intriguing two-way talents that could become valuable depending on their progress and roles. Forrest Whitley saw time as both a pitcher and hitter for the Astros in 2022 in his comeback attempt. Druw Jones, the #2 overall pick in 2022 and son of Andruw Jones, has played both ways in the minors. Refractors and low serial numbered cards of these types of unique multi-positional talents could hold collector interest.
Rookies of Note – While it’s impossible to predict the next big star, keep an eye out for parallels of top 2023 rookie class players like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, Elijah Green, and Jackson Holliday. One could explode onto the scene and their prizm cards would soar in value as a result. Even base prizms of future stars could trade for $50-100 down the road.
Autographs and Memorabilia Cards – As always, special 2023 prizm cards that feature autographs or memorabilia relics of top players will be hugely desirable. Full on-card 1/1 autographs of stars like Ohtani, Soto, Acuna, etc could fetch tens of thousands depending on the market. Lower numbered autographs under /10 as well as dual relic cards will hold immense long term collector value.
In Closing – The 2023 Panini Prizm Baseball release is set to include another exciting assortment of young stars, prospects, and parallels. While it’s impossible to predict the future, cards like refractors and low serial numbered versions of Ohtani, Rodriguez, Soto, Franco and other elite talents profile to really appreciate over the long haul. Keeping an eye out for stars and parallels of two-way players and top rookies could also yield rewards. As the flagship modern brand, prizm will continue to drive the high-end baseball card market for years to come.
