The 2023 MLB season will see another exciting crop of rookie talent make their debuts in the major leagues. While it’s still early and injuries or demotions could impact playing time, here are some of the top rookie baseball cards to look for from the 2023 rookie class based on players’ pedigree, prospect rankings, and potential early playing time:
Druw Jones (OF, Atlanta Braves) – As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jones is arguably the highest-profile rookie in the class. The son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw has five-tool potential and plus defensive skills in center field. He has the chance to start in Atlanta’s outfield in 2023. Jones’ rookie cards will be hot commodities.
Jackson Holliday (SS, Baltimore Orioles) – The No. 1 overall pick from the 2022 draft, Holliday has impressive bat-to-ball skills and the pedigree of being the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. He likely starts his pro career in A-ball but could debut in Baltimore by late 2023 if his development goes smoothly. Holliday’s first cards will be valued.
Emerson Hancock (SP, Seattle Mariners) – The former first-round pick has battled injuries but has ace potential when healthy. After missing most of 2022, he could compete for a rotation spot in spring training. If he grabs one of Seattle’s open spots, Hancock’s rookie cards stand to gain value quickly.
Eury Pérez (SS, Cincinnati Reds) – Signed for $5 million as an international free agent in 2021, Pérez has the glove, speed, and hitting ability to be a future all-star. He could debut in Cincinnati by late 2023 if he continues developing as expected. Pérez’s first cards are worth watching.
Ezequiel Tovar (SS, Colorado Rockies) – Tovar established himself as one of baseball’s top prospects in 2022 by hitting .317 with 19 homers between Double-A and Triple-A. With his all-around skills and the Rockies’ need for a long-term shortstop, Tovar could be in Colorado by mid-2023. His rookie cards could see early value.
Gavin Cross (OF, Cleveland Guardians) – The No. 9 overall pick from the 2022 draft, Cross has five-tool potential and should move quickly through Cleveland’s system. He could debut in late 2023 and give Guardians fans an early glimpse of their future. Cross’ first cards are worth following.
Cade Horton (SP, Chicago Cubs) – Chicago’s first-rounder from 2022, Horton has the fastball and slider to dominate as a starter. He may need some minor league seasoning but could debut in the second half of 2023. As a high draft pick for a big market team, Horton’s rookie cards are ones to watch.
Brooks Lee (3B, Los Angeles Angels) – The 2021 first-rounder had a breakout 2022 season, hitting .322 with 13 homers between High-A and Double-A. With Anthony Rendon’s injuries, Lee could push for the Angels’ job at the hot corner in spring training. His cards could rise if he starts in 2023.
Bryson Stott (SS, Philadelphia Phillies) – Stott got his first MLB exposure in 2022 but may need more seasoning in Triple-A. With Didi Gregorius gone, Stott could claim Philadelphia’s starting shortstop role in 2023 if he has a strong spring. His cards would gain value if he wins the job.
Eury Pérez (OF, Cincinnati Reds) – Signed for $5 million as an international free agent in 2021, Pérez has tantalizing raw tools and could debut in Cincinnati by late 2023 if his development stays on track. His first cards are ones to watch as his career progresses.
Michael Massey (2B/SS, Washington Nationals) – Massey had a breakout 2022 season, hitting .312 with 13 homers between High-A and Double-A. With Luis García struggling, Massey could push for Washington’s starting second base job in spring training. His cards are worth monitoring.
Spencer Steer (3B, Oakland Athletics) – Steer got his first MLB taste in 2022 and hit .299 between Triple-A and the majors. With Oakland beginning a rebuild, Steer could claim the A’s starting third base job in 2023. His cards could gain value if he secures an everyday role.
Blake Walston (SP, San Diego Padres) – The 2021 first-rounder has ace potential with a mid-90s fastball and swing-and-miss slider. He may need more minor league development but could debut in San Diego by late 2023. Walston’s first cards are ones to watch long-term.
Zac Veen (OF, Colorado Rockies) – The 2020 first-rounder hit .286 with 15 homers between High-A and Double-A in 2022. Colorado will want to develop him more but an injury could give Veen his first MLB exposure in 2023. His cards are worth following as his career progresses.
Jake Bennett (SP, Boston Red Sox) – Boston’s fourth-round pick from 2021, Bennett has the pitching repertoire and command to move quickly. He could push for the Red Sox’s rotation in 2023 if he continues progressing well. Bennett’s first cards present an opportunity.
Chase Petty (SP, Minnesota Twins) – The 2021 first-rounder has elite stuff but struggled with control issues in 2022. If he shows improved command in the minors, Petty could debut in Minnesota’s rotation in the second half of 2023. His cards are worth watching.
Of course, injuries, demotions, and other unforeseen circumstances could impact playing time for this year’s rookie class. But for collectors looking to find future stars from the very beginning, these 2023 rookie cards present some of the best opportunities to get cards from top prospects who could make their MLB debuts next season. Following their development closely in 2023 will be key.
