The release of 2023 Topps Baseball Series 2 is highly anticipated by collectors each year. While Series 1 usually features the biggest stars and rookies, Series 2 often has some hidden gems and parallels that make certain cards very valuable. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards to chase from the upcoming Series 2 release.
One of the most sought after rookie cards is likely to be Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. As the top prospect in baseball who had a strong debut season in 2022, his base rookie card is sure to be popular. Collectors will really want any parallels or short printed variations of his card that could gain significant value over time. Things like a negative, sepia, gold foil, or 1/1 printing plate auto would be huge hits. Even numbered parallels under /50 could appreciate well for the future superstar.
Another rookie generating lots of buzz is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards. While not as high profile as Rutschman, Edwards had a breakout season in the minors in 2022 by hitting .299 with 45 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A. His speed and contact ability have drawn comparisons to former greats like Ichiro. The base rookie card will be popular, but low numbered parallels could be the big money cards in the long run. Things like a /5 blue refractor would be an incredible pull.
For veteran star power, any card of Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani would be at the top of many wish lists. As the current AL MVP and one of the most unique two-way talents ever, his cards always demand a premium. While his base card will be plentiful, parallel and autograph versions have a chance to really appreciate in value over the coming years. Numbered parallels under /10 like golds or reds could be true long term gems. Autograph cards, especially on-card versions, would be massive hits.
Another Angels star who could have some valuable cards is superstar Mike Trout. Even though he’s had cards in every Topps set for over a decade, his parallels and autographs still hold strong value. With another injury-shortened season in 2022, this may be one of the last few years collectors have to add Trout rookies and stars to their collections. Cracking a low numbered parallel like a /5 purple refractor or on-card auto would be an incredible way to bolster any collection.
Two young stars who broke out in 2022 and could have rising parallel value are Seattle Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez and Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Both look primed to be cornerstones for their franchises for years to come. While their base rookies will be plentiful, any color or numbered parallels under /10 like golds, reds, or blues could appreciate strongly. On-card autographs would be the true big hits though. Staying in the NL East, any parallel or auto of 2022 NL MVP winner Paul Goldschmidt of the St. Louis Cardinals would also hold value.
Veteran stars still producing at a high level like Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, and Trea Turner will also have cards that hold premium value. While their base rookies and stars are abundant in most sets at this point, low numbered color parallels and on-card autographs still demand top dollar. Judge especially after his record-breaking 62 home run 2022 season. Cracking a /5 purple parallel or on-card auto of any of these superstars would be an incredible addition to any collection.
Rookies who had strong debuts but may break out even more in 2023 like Boston’s Marcelo Mayer, Detroit’s Riley Greene, and Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz could have cards start to gain steam as well. Their base rookies will be plentiful now, but any low numbered parallels, especially autographed versions, could appreciate nicely with a breakout sophomore campaign. The same goes for young stars like Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr, San Diego’s Fernando Tatis Jr. (if he can stay healthy), and Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. Low numbered hits of them have potential.
Veteran stars playing well past their primes can also have valuable parallel cards. Hall of Famers closing in on retirement like Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Yadier Molina fall into this category. While their base cards are abundant, any rare parallels, especially autographed ones, hold collector value. The same could be said for stars in their late 30s still raking like Nelson Cruz, Justin Verlander, and Zack Greinke. Their parallel cards offer a chance at a piece of history.
While base cards, parallels, and autographs of the above players will be the big chase cards, collectors should also keep an eye out for any rare printing plates, 1/1 cards, or oddball parallel color variations that could really gain long term value. Examples may include unique parallel colors like gold, sepia, negative, or color blast variations numbered to extremely low quantities. Ones featuring the games biggest stars clearly have the most potential.
In conclusion, 2023 Topps Series 2 is primed to have several standout rookie and star cards that could appreciate strongly for collectors. Staying on the hunt for low numbered parallels and autographs of players like Rutschman, Ohtani, Judge, Acuna and more offers the chance at long term gems. But collectors would also be wise to keep a wider scope on the set, as there may be some unexpected parallels or variations that could become true hidden treasures in the years to come. With the never ending rise of the sports card market, Series 2 looks to continue delivering cards that hold great value.
