The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases each year due to its flashy refractors and parallels found inside hobby boxes. While the base cards hold little value, it’s the short printed parallels and rookie cards that command the highest prices on the secondary market. With the release of Series 1 and Series 2 in late 2022/early 2023, let’s take a look at some of the cards that could be worth a fortune in the years to come.
One of the most sought after rookie cards is Julio Rodriguez. The AL Rookie of the Year had a phenomenal debut season with the Seattle Mariners and is considered a future superstar. His base Topps Chrome rookie sells for around $30-50 graded, but it’s the colored parallels that bring in big money. The prized 1-of-1 Superfractor parallel could fetch over $10,000 if it surfaces. But even the standard refractor parallel is selling for $500-1000 raw already due to his hype. With continued success, this card’s price will only rise higher in the long run.
Another AL ROY contender is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. As the starting shortstop on a World Series winning team in just his first season, he had one of the greatest rookie campaigns of all time. While his base rookie sells for $20-30 graded, it’s the refractors and parallels that hold true value. The standard refractor sells for around $150-250 raw already. But the limited parallels like Gold /50 and Rainbow Foil /5 could each sell for $1,000+ if they appear. With how rare these parallels are pulled, they could become true long term gems in collector’s portfolios.
Rookies aren’t the only ones that can yield big money cards though. Reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt had an incredible season slashing .317/.404/.578 with 35 home runs for the Cardinals. His base Topps Chrome sells for around $10-15 graded, but it’s the short printed refractors and parallels that hold value. The standard refractor sells for $50-75 raw already due to his MVP season. But parallels like Gold /50 or Rainbow Foil /5 could each sell for $300-500+ if pulled since they are so scarce. For superstar veterans, the parallels are what make their cards truly valuable long term investments.
Mike Trout is considered by many to be the greatest player of this generation, and his cards reflect that status. Even a base Topps Chrome sells for around $20-30 graded due to his star power alone. But it’s the refractors and parallels where the real money is at. The standard refractor sells for $100-150 already. Rare parallels like Gold /50 or Rainbow Foil /5 command $500-1000+ prices raw since they are so limited. But the true holy grail is the elusive 1-of-1 Superfractor parallel, which if it ever appears could sell for $10,000+. No player commands more respect from collectors than Trout, making any rare parallel an instant long term collection piece.
Rookies and stars aren’t the only ones that can yield valuable cards though. Short printed veterans can surprise collectors too. For example, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had another MVP caliber season. While his base sells for around $15 graded, any refractors or parallels hold true value. The standard refractor sells for $75-100 already due to his popularity. But limited parallels like Gold /50 or Rainbow Foil /5 could each sell for $300-500+ raw. For a superstar veteran on a historic contract, any rare parallel becomes an instant long term keep.
While the aforementioned cards will likely yield the biggest returns, there are other short prints that hold sneaky value too. For example, Cardinals rookie Jordan Walker had a strong debut and could be a future star. While his base sells for around $10 graded, any refractors or parallels hold promise. The same goes for rookie Oneil Cruz of the Pirates, who wowed with his elite power. Even veterans like Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman have parallels that command $100-300 prices since they are so scarce. With so many stars and prospects in the set each year, there is money to be made on several different cards with the right parallel.
While the base Topps Chrome cards hold little value, it’s the refractors and short printed parallels that become long term valuable gems. Rookies like Rodriguez and Pena offer huge upside, while stars like Trout and veterans like Judge command respect. But surprises can also come from prospects or teammates of champions. With only a handful of each parallel produced, they become instant collector’s items. So when ripping wax in search of the next big card, it’s the colorful short prints that could pay dividends for years down the road. The 2023 Topps Chrome release offers opportunities for astute collectors to uncover the set’s most prized gems.
