The release of Topps Baseball’s flagship Series 1 product is one of the most anticipated releases in the hobby each year. The 2023 Series 1 set features current stars, rookie sensations, and nostalgic throwbacks that collectors scramble to pull. While most base cards in the set hold little monetary value, there are always a select few rookie cards, parallel versions of stars, and short printed inserts that emerge as the most coveted and valuable cards.
One of the top rookies in the 2023 Series 1 set is Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. As the top overall pick in the 2019 draft and widely considered the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Rutschman made his MLB debut in 2022 and quickly established himself as an elite offensive catcher. His base rookie card can be found for $15-20, but the prized parallel versions have already started commanding big prices. The Rutschman Negative Refractor parallel (/499 print run) has sold for over $300, while ultra-short printed parallels like Gold (/50) and Red (/5) could fetch thousands if they surface in the coming months.
Another rookie generating huge buzz is Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. An unexpected breakout star in 2022 who hit .298 in his rookie campaign, Kwan’s base rookie card also goes for $15-20. His Negative Refractor parallel has sold in the $75 range while the Gold parallel could be a true gem card worth over $1000 raw if one surfaces. Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, and Dodgers catcher Diego Cartaya are other rookies from the class of 2022 that could see their short printed parallels from Series 1 become extremely valuable down the road.
Veteran superstars still carry huge pull for collectors as well. One of the most coveted veteran cards is always a Mike Trout insert or parallel. The Trout Negative Refractor has changed hands for over $500 already. The prized Trout Gold parallel would undoubtedly shatter records as one of the set’s biggest hits. Fellow superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto also have parallel versions that can fetch hundreds due to their star power. Even veterans past their primes like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera hold nostalgic value, with their best parallels worth $50-100 each.
Nostalgic throwback cards are also a big draw. The ’93 Finest Refractor parallel insert set pays homage to the iconic ’93 Finest set. Pulling a star player like Ken Griffey Jr. from that parallel set in a short printed Refractor version could net a collector thousands. Other popular throwbacks like the ’87 Topps design parallel set also feature short printed parallels of stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Mark McGwire that could become valuable future PC gems.
Of course, the true big hit cards remain the lowest of the low printed parallels, which are almost impossible to pull straight from packs. The ultra-rare Gold parallels with prints of /50 or less for star players may not surface for months, keeping collectors on edge. But if one does pop up online, be prepared to pay big bucks. Gold parallels of young stars like Rutschman or Rodriguez could conceivably fetch $5,000 raw or more due to their rarity. The lowest of the low printed Red parallels, which are usually /5 or less, have the potential to shatter records as six-figure cards when the right names surface.
While base cards and most common inserts from 2023 Topps Series 1 will likely hold steady prices in the $5-20 range long term, it’s the short printed parallels and key rookie cards that offer collectors the biggest returns. For those willing to gamble on the ultra-rare hits, Series 1 once again presents the opportunity for true gem cards that could become collection cornerstones or lucrative long-term investments. The thrill of the chase is part of what makes the flagship set one of the most popular releases each year.
