The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps cards are sought after by collectors both casual and serious. While it’s still early, here are some of the rookie cards and parallels from the 2023 Topps baseball set that have potential to become extremely valuable in the long run based on the players’ talent and future potential:
One of the top prospects for the 2023 Topps cards has to be Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. As the reigning American League Rookie of the Year and an emerging superstar, any Julio Rodriguez rookie cards, especially serial numbered parallels, could gain tremendous value over time if he continues on his current trajectory. His base Topps rookie card may not reach insane prices, but limited parallels like the /199, /99, and especially the rare 1-of-1 variations could become true collector gems worth thousands or even tens of thousands in the years to come. Rodriguez has proven himself as a budding superstar and if he stays healthy to have a long, productive career, his rookie cards will be some of the most coveted from the 2023 set.
Another top young player whose cards could explode in value is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft and ROY candidate in 2022, Witt Jr. had a breakout season that has collectors high on his potential. His base Topps rookie is likely to rise steadily in secondary market value, but like Rodriguez, the low serial numbered parallels hold the greatest potential. The /99, /50 and especially the 1-of-1 variations of Witt Jr.’s rookie could appreciate massively over the next decade if he becomes the perennial all-star many scouts predicted. He has all the talent to be a true superstar and cornerstone player, making his 2023 Topps cards smart long-term investments.
Rookies Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves had breakout seasons that have collectors excited about their Topps rookie cards as well. Strider in particular had a dominant rookie campaign out of the bullpen with over 200 strikeouts, putting him on the radar of reliever card collectors. His base rookie may not reach the heights of position players, but parallels like the /99, /50 and 1-of-1 hold potential value if he continues establishing himself as an elite late-inning arm. Harris, meanwhile, had a stellar rookie year that showed why he was such a highly-regarded prospect. If he develops into the perennial all-star centerfielder many project, his base rookie and limited parallels could gain steady value in the years ahead. Both players were huge contributors on a World Series winning team, adding to the long-term potential of their rookie cards.
Two other rookies who had impressive debuts and could see their 2023 Topps cards increase substantially over the long run are Oneil Cruz of the Pirates and Adley Rutschman of the Orioles. Cruz wowed with his incredible power and speed for Pittsburgh, establishing himself as a potential franchise cornerstone. At just 23 years old, he has star potential that makes his Topps rookie cards a great long-term speculation. If he continues developing and stays healthy, low serial parallels could be worth thousands someday. Similarly, Rutschman had a strong first full season after being the top prospect in baseball. As the future catcher for the Orioles’ rebuild, if he becomes the perennial all-star backstop many projected, his base rookie and limited parallels from 2023 Topps hold the potential to gain tremendous value in the hobby.
Two veterans who could see dramatic increases in the values of their 2023 Topps cards based on career milestones include Aaron Judge of the Yankees and Mike Trout of the Angels. Judge is coming off a historic 62 home run season that saw renewed collector interest in his earlier Topps cards. If he can stay healthy and put together a few more monster campaigns to cement his legacy, his base cards and parallels from recent years have room to appreciate substantially. Meanwhile, Mike Trout continues closing in on both the 500 home run and 3,000 hit milestones that will truly etch him alongside the all-time greats of the sport. His cards have always held value due to his generational talent, but crossing those thresholds could send even his newer and common Topps cards to new heights in the resale market. For established star power and career milestones, Judge and Trout offer a high floor of value for their 2023 Topps cards.
Of course, as with any collectible, there is inherent risk in speculating on the future values of any one player’s cards. Injuries, slumps, or not meeting expectations could cause cards of even top prospects to lose value over time. For collectors willing to do research, take a long view, and diversify among several young stars and established veterans, investing in limited parallels and serial numbered cards from the 2023 Topps set offers intriguing high-risk, high-reward potential. If even a few of the players profiled live up to their talent level over the next decade, their rarest 2023 Topps cards could end up being true collector treasures worth thousands of dollars or more.
That wraps up an overview of some 2023 Topps baseball cards that have a chance to become extremely valuable long-term investments based on the players’ talents and career trajectories. Of course, there are always unknowns in predicting unreleased cards, but by focusing on top prospects, young breakouts, and established stars, collectors can put themselves in position to potentially discover the next true hobby gems from the always anticipated Topps flagship baseball release. Careful research, patience, and a long-term outlook will be keys to success when speculating on which 2023 rookies or veterans may stand the test of time.
