The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory. With a star-studded rookie class headlined by Julio Rodriguez and several young stars primed for breakout seasons, this Topps series is shaping up to have numerous valuable rookie and star cards.
Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 2023 Topps baseball release that collectors should be targeting, both for investing purposes and to add premium pieces to their collections. Many of these rookies and stars could end up defining the hobby for years to come.
Julio Rodriguez – The Mariners’ budding superstar had an incredible rookie campaign in 2022 that was capped off by a postseason debut for the ages. Rodriguez looks poised for stardom and his Topps rookie cards will be in extremely high demand. Look for his base rookie, autograph, and short print variations to be among the set’s most valuable.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Like Rodriguez, Witt had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022 while establishing himself as a cornerstone player for the Royals. His Topps rookie cards exploded in value last year and should continue to appreciate with another strong season. The short prints will be especially hard to acquire.
Adley Rutschman – After years of hype, Rutschman finally made his big league debut in 2022 and did not disappoint. He looks to be a franchise catcher for the Orioles and his Topps rookie cards, including parallels and autographs, will be hot commodities for collectors.
Spencer Strider – The Braves’ breakout starter dominated as a rookie in 2022 and has ace potential. Strider mania is in full force and his Topps rookie cards, especially low-numbered parallels, are primed to gain value rapidly if he takes another step forward.
Oneil Cruz – With his mammoth power and athleticism, Cruz looks like a future superstar for the Pirates. His rookie cards surged after his call-up last year and should continue to appreciate with more playing time and production in 2023.
Tarik Skubal – As one of the Tigers’ few established young arms, Skubal is primed for stardom. His Topps rookie cards from 2021 have already gained value and his 2023 base cards and parallels could pop with a breakout season.
C.J. Abrams – After an up-and-down debut, Abrams will look to lock down the Padres’ shortstop job in 2023. If he does, his Topps rookie cards from 2022 and 2023 will be hot commodities.
Ronald Acuña Jr. – After two injury-plagued seasons, Acuña will look to re-establish himself as a superstar in 2023. His 2018 Topps rookie cards have already gained legendary status and could explode further with a return to MVP-caliber production.
Shohei Ohtani – The two-way phenom just keeps getting better and better. His 2018 Topps Update rookie cards are already among the most valuable in the hobby, and his 2023 Topps base cards and hits could join that elite tier with another historic season.
Juan Soto – After an offseason of drama, Soto will look to prove himself with the Padres in 2023. His Topps rookie cards from 2018 already sell for thousands and should maintain their value as one of the game’s best young hitters.
Wander Franco – Injuries limited Franco in 2022, but he remains one of the top prospects in baseball. If he stays healthy and produces as expected, his 2021 Topps rookie cards and 2023 base cards will be highly sought after.
Rafael Devers – After signing a long-term extension, Devers will be the face of the Red Sox for years to come. His Topps rookie cards from 2017 have steadily gained value and his 2023 cards could explode if he wins an MVP.
Yordan Alvarez – One of the most feared sluggers in the game, Alvarez just keeps getting better. His 2019 Topps rookie cards are already valuable and his 2023 cards could join that tier of investment cards.
Aaron Judge – After his historic 62-home run season, Judge will look to maintain that MVP production in 2023 before hitting free agency. His Topps rookie cards from 2014 and 2023 base cards could gain significant value depending on his performance and future destination.
This covers some of the top young stars and rookies poised to have valuable cards in the 2023 Topps baseball release. Of course, breakout seasons or postseason heroics from unexpected players could also create new gems. For collectors and investors, it will be exciting to see which 2023 Topps rookies and stars emerge as the new faces of the hobby going forward. With such elite talent, this release has a chance to define the baseball card market for years.
