The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the year due to the impressive rookie class that debuted in Major League Baseball during the 2022 season. While rookies like Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., and Julio Rodriguez had impressive debut campaigns in 2022, the 2023 rookie class could rival or even surpass them. Below is an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards to watch for from the 2023 Topps baseball set, including projections on their potential values.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers (1B): The number one overall pick from 2020 had a disappointing debut in 2022, batting just .197 with 5 home runs in 100 games. Scouts still rave about Torkelson’s pure hitting ability and power potential. He should see increased playing time in 2023 as the Tigers look for him to break out. Torkelson’s rookie cards could take off if he has a strong sophomore season. Expect his base rookie card to start around $20-30 with upside from there.
Jordan Walker – St. Louis Cardinals (3B): Walker had a dominant 2022 minor league season, slashing .304/.411/.596 with 33 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A at just 21 years old. The seventh overall pick from 2020 is considered one of the top power prospects in baseball. With Nolan Arenado entrenched at third base in St. Louis, Walker may start 2023 back in the minors but should debut at some point and take over third base duties within a couple years. His rookie cards could be a bargain at around $10-15 with potential for 3-5x returns.
Eury Perez – Cincinnati Reds (OF): Perez signed with the Reds out of the Dominican Republic for $5 million in 2021. He had a strong pro debut in the Florida Complex League in 2022 at just 18 years old, batting .325 with 5 home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a .912 OPS in 42 games. Perez has five-tool upside and is considered a future star if he continues developing. As one of the top international prospects, his rookie cards could start around $15-20 and appreciate significantly with a full-season debut in 2023.
Geraldo Perdomo – Arizona Diamondbacks (SS): Perdomo made his MLB debut in 2022 and quickly established himself as the D-backs’ starting shortstop down the stretch, batting .206 with 13 stolen bases in 78 games at just 22 years old. He has excellent defensive skills with sneaky power potential as he matures. Perdomo should hold down the shortstop job all of 2023, making his rookie cards a solid buy around $10-15 with room for growth if he improves at the plate.
Cade Cavalli – Washington Nationals (SP): Cavalli was one of the top pitching prospects going into 2022 after being selected 22nd overall in 2020. He made his MLB debut with great success, posting a 1.02 ERA in four starts. However, Cavalli suffered a shoulder injury that ended his season. If he can stay healthy in 2023, Cavalli has the upside of a top-of-the-rotation arm. His rookie cards could be a bargain at $15-20 but take off into the $30-50 range with a full, effective season.
Eury Perez – Cincinnati Reds (OF): Perez signed with the Reds out of the Dominican Republic for $5 million in 2021. He had a strong pro debut in the Florida Complex League in 2022 at just 18 years old, batting .325 with 5 home runs, 12 stolen bases, and a .912 OPS in 42 games. Perez has five-tool upside and is considered a future star if he continues developing. As one of the top international prospects, his rookie cards could start around $15-20 and appreciate significantly with a full-season debut in 2023.
Jackson Holliday – Baltimore Orioles (OF): Holliday was the number one overall pick in 2022 out of high school. He signed for an above-slot $8.19 million bonus and is the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. Holliday will likely start his pro career in either the Florida Complex or Low-A leagues in 2023. As the top pick and biggest name from the 2022 draft, his rookie cards will be hot commodities out of the gate around $30-40. Upside is enormous if he performs well in his debut season.
Gunnar Henderson – Baltimore Orioles (3B): Henderson rose quickly through the minors after being drafted in 2019 and reached Triple-A at just 20 years old in 2022. He received a September call-up and showed why he’s considered one of the top prospects in baseball, batting .288 in 13 games. Henderson has a chance to win the Orioles’ starting third base job in 2023. His rookie cards around $15-20 offer risk-reward potential if he breaks out in the majors.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates (SS): Cruz made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately created buzz with his towering home runs and elite speed/power combo at 6’7″, 215 pounds. He batted .233 with 5 homers in 35 games as a 21 year old. Cruz will be given every opportunity to seize the Pirates starting shortstop job in 2023. Even after his debut, his rookie cards around $15-25 still offer growth upside with a full breakout season.
Joey Bart – San Francisco Giants (C): The number two overall pick from 2018, Bart struggled in his first extended MLB action in 2022, batting .194 in 76 games. His elite power was on display with 10 home runs. Bart will head into 2023 as the Giants’ clear starter behind the plate. If he can make adjustments and hit for a better average, his rookie cards priced around $10-15 could multiply in value.
Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs (OF): While not technically a rookie after playing nine seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, Suzuki’s Topps cards from his first MLB season in 2023 will be considered rookie cards. He showed impressive skills in his debut by batting .262 with 17 home runs. Suzuki has established himself as a core piece for the Cubs’ future. His 2023 rookie cards around $15-20 offer an opportunity on a potential future star at a reasonable entry point.
The 2023 Topps baseball rookie class has the potential to be one of the most impactful in recent years. While prospects like Torkelson, Walker, and Cavalli offer risk-reward potential at lower price points, near-sure things like Suzuki, Cruz, and Bart provide a safer investment opportunity. For collectors looking to get in early, paying close attention to the performances of these rookies throughout 2023 will be key to identifying cards that could appreciate significantly in value in the years to come. The Topps flagship set will be released in late 2022 or early 2023, so staying up to date on release details is important for collectors not to miss out.
