The 2023 MLB season will feature several young players who are primed to break out and see their baseball card values skyrocket. Here are some names to watch who could become the new stars of baseball cards collecting in the upcoming year.
Bobby Witt Jr., 3B, Kansas City Royals (Age 22) – The number one pick in the 2019 draft had a strong rookie season in 2022, slashing .254/.305/.439 with 20 home runs in 150 games. He brings elite power potential to the hot corner and has five-tool talent that could make him a perennial All-Star. His cards surged in value after his debut and another step forward in 2023 could see Witt become the face of the Royals franchise on cards.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (Age 24) – As the top prospect in baseball for several years, expectations were high when Rutschman finally debuted in 2022. He showed why with an .805 OPS in 92 games while displaying strong defense and leadership behind the plate. The switch-hitting catcher has franchise player potential and will be a centerpiece for the Orioles rebuild. If he takes another step offensively in 2023, Rutschman rookie cards could skyrocket in demand.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Detroit Tigers (Age 23) – After a disappointing rookie debut in 2022 where he struggled to hit MLB pitching, Torkelson will look to rebound in 2023 and tap into the power potential that made him the number one pick in 2020. He has a sweet swing and if he can make the necessary adjustments, 20-plus home runs is not out of the question. His cards dipped after last year but a breakout sophomore campaign could see renewed interest.
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners (Age 22) – Rodriguez had a spectacular rookie season in 2022 that saw him finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. The speedy and powerful outfielder flashed five-tools, slugging 28 home runs with 25 stolen bases. He is a budding superstar who will be a centerpiece as the Mariners push for the playoffs. Expect Rodriguez to be one of the most featured young stars on cards in 2023 as collectors chase his rising rookie cards.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates (Age 23) – With his 6’7″ frame and tantalizing raw power, Cruz is one of the most intriguing prospects in baseball. He showed why in his debut last season, mashing seven home runs in just 48 games. There is star potential here if Cruz can make more consistent contact. His huge upside makes him one of the most enticing young players to follow on cards, with a breakout campaign fueling huge demand increases.
J.J. Bleday, OF, Miami Marlins (Age 24) – After tearing up the minors, Bleday had an up-and-down rookie debut with the Marlins in 2022. He displayed impressive power with 11 home runs in just 82 games. The former first round pick will look to lock down an everyday role in 2023 and tap into the potential that made him a top prospect. A breakout season could see Bleday become a rising young star on the Marlins and in the baseball card world.
Brennen Davis, OF, Chicago Cubs (Age 23) – Davis has all the tools to be a five-category fantasy stud – power, speed, defense. Injuries hampered his development path but he made his MLB debut late last season. With the Cubs transitioning to a new era, Davis has a chance to establish himself as a building block of the future outfield. His prospect pedigree and all-around abilities make him a prime breakout candidate on cards if he stays healthy in 2023.
CJ Abrams, SS, San Diego Padres (Age 22) – Acquired from the Padres in the Juan Soto/Josh Bell blockbuster, Abrams now has the chance to lock down shortstop duties in San Diego. He has elite speed and defensive skills with some offensive upside too. Abrams could flourish with regular playing time and become a fan favorite on the Padres. His cards surged after the trade and a full breakout campaign would see even more demand for the young shortstop.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves (Age 22) – In a brief debut late last season, Harris showed why he was such a highly-regarded prospect, hitting .297 with five home runs in 54 games. The Braves will look for him to play a bigger role in 2023 and his five-tools skillset gives him star caliber potential. Harris has the game to become a cornerstone of the Braves future if he continues progressing. His cards are primed for big gains on the heels of a full breakout season.
Jake McCarthy, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Age 25) – Acquired from the Yankees at the 2022 trade deadline, McCarthy provided an immediate spark for the D-Backs with his athleticism and contact skills. He has the potential for a full breakout in 2023 if he can tap more power to go with his speed and defense. McCarthy could become a fan favorite on a young Diamondbacks team, fueling strong demand increases for his cards with a breakout year.
Nick Lodolo, SP, Cincinnati Reds (Age 24) – The seventh overall pick from 2019, Lodolo made his MLB debut late last season and showed why he was such a highly-regarded pitching prospect. With his three above-average offerings including a mid-90s heater, the lefty has ace potential. Lodolo will look to lock down a rotation spot in 2023 and take the next step with his performance, priming him for cards stardom.
George Kirby, SP, Seattle Mariners (Age 24) – Kirby breezed through the minors since being drafted in 2019 and made a strong MLB debut for the Mariners in 2022 after a midseason callup. With four quality pitches including a hard sinker, the young righty has all the tools to develop into a frontline starter. Kirby will look to build on his promising rookie campaign and take the next step performance-wise, fueling demand for his rising rookie cards.
This covers some of the top young position players and pitchers who could be primed for a major breakout in 2023 that thrusts them into the national baseball conversation and the stratosphere of the sport’s hottest trading cards. Players like Witt, Rutschman, Rodriguez and others already have cards in high demand, and a successful sophomore campaign could see their values explode even further.
