The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates baseball card season is one that fans are looking forward to after an active offseason of roster changes. While the team is still in rebuilding mode, general manager Ben Cherington has been active in free agency and trades to bring in new faces to PNC Park. Several of these additions are likely to feature prominently on baseball cards in the upcoming year.
After finishing with a 62-100 record in 2022, the lowest in Major League Baseball, the Pirates front office was aggressive in attempting to improve the big league roster. One of their biggest signings was first baseman/outfielder Carlos Santana on a one-year, $6.7 million deal. Santana, who turns 37 in April, continues to be a steady veteran presence and will provide leadership in the clubhouse. Card collectors can expect Santana to be one of the most recognizable Pirates on 2023 cards after inking what is believed to be the largest free agent contract in franchise history.
Another notable free agent addition was pitcher José Quintana, who agreed to a two-year, $26 million pact. The veteran lefty has experience pitching in big games for contenders like the Cubs and Giants and should slide into the Pirates rotation. Quintana’s cards from his time with other clubs always held value due to his consistency, and collectors are hopeful his Pirate issues can continue that trend. The team also brought back pitcher Tyler Beede on a two-year deal after he showed promise in a brief Pirates debut late last season following Tommy John surgery.
On the trade market, the Pirates acquired infielder Tucupita Marcano, catcher/outfielder Endy Rodriguez, and pitcher Johan Oviedo from the Padres for catcher Roberto Pérez. Marcano, only 22, was San Diego’s top-ranked prospect and could develop into a future star up the middle. His rookie cards in 2023 will be ones to watch closely. Rodriguez, 21, has a power/speed combo that intrigues scouts and Oviedo, 24, was once a highly-touted Red Sox pitching prospect who the Pirates hope can rebound in a new environment. All three have potential to make impacts in Pittsburgh.
Of course, the Pirates will also feature many of their own homegrown talents on next year’s cards. Second baseman Rodolfo Castro broke out with promise of more power to come in his first full season. Shortstop Oneil Cruz continued to tantalize with his immense tools in a 50-game debut. Outfielder Jack Suwinski had a breakout campaign with 19 home runs as a rookie. Pitchers Roansy Contreras and Luis Ortiz showed they may be part of the next great Pirates staff. And prospects like catcher/outfielder Henry Davis, the first pick in the 2021 draft, infielder Nick Gonzales, and pitcher Quinn Priester continue progressing and could debut in 2023.
On the veteran side, center fielder Bryan Reynolds remains the brightest star after another All-Star campaign in 2022. His cards have steadily risen in value as one of the game’s most complete hitters. First baseman Michael Chavis also re-signed on a one-year deal looking to build on 15 home runs in his first season in Pittsburgh. And relievers David Bednar and Wil Crowe, who both emerged as shutdown arms out of the bullpen last year, will look to continue anchoring the bullpen.
While the Pirates still have a long road ahead, collectors are eager to see how some of these new faces and further development of young talents plays out on the field in 2023. If players like Castro, Cruz, Davis, and Contreras take steps forward, their rookie cards could become some of the most sought after issues of the year among Pittsburgh fans. And veterans Santana, Quintana, Reynolds and others provide proven production collectors can rely on. With an active offseason leading to refreshed optimism, the 2023 Pirates card season offers intrigue as the rebuilding project progresses.
