The 2023 Topps Chrome baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated card sets each year. Topps Chrome features stunning refractors and parallels of the biggest stars in the game. While every card in the set holds value for collectors, some stand out more than others as truly prized “hits” to pull. Here are some of the best 2023 Topps Chrome baseball cards collectors will be chasing:
Shohei Ohtani Refractor (#TBA) – As one of the most electrifying talents in the game today, Shohei Ohtani cards are always in high demand. His refractors in particular hold immense value. The 2021 Topps Chrome Ohtani refractor recently sold for over $1,000, so collectors will no doubt pay top dollar for his 2023 refractor as well. Ohtani’s dual talents as a pitcher and hitter make him must-own for any collection.
Mike Trout Refractor (#TBA) – Simply put, Mike Trout is the best baseball player of his generation. His Topps Chrome refractors are consistently some of the most valuable modern cards on the market. Trout’s 2021 refractor sold for over $2,000, so collectors can expect similar prices for his 2023 refractor. At just 31 years old, Trout is still in his prime and producing at an elite level, ensuring strong demand for his cards.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Refractor (#TBA) – Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2021, Ronald Acuña Jr. was establishing himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars. Now fully healthy again, collectors are excited to see what he can do in 2023. His Topps Chrome refractors always carry a premium, and his 2021 refractor recently sold for over $800. Acuña has superstar potential and will be a top chase card in the set.
Juan Soto Refractor (#TBA) – Still just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already cemented himself among the game’s elite hitters. After a monster 2021 season, Soto turned in another All-Star campaign in 2022. His Topps Chrome refractors are always hot commodities, with his 2021 refractor selling for over $600 recently. Soto is a perennial MVP candidate who should continue producing at an elite level for years to come.
Wander Franco Refractor (#TBA) – As one of the top prospects-turned-stars, Wander Franco’s cards saw immense hype leading up to his MLB debut in 2021. The hype hasn’t slowed, as Franco put together an impressive first full season in 2022 at just 21 years old. His Topps Chrome refractors are already valuable, with his 2021 selling for over $500. Franco is poised for superstardom and will be a top young star chase in 2023 Topps Chrome.
Albert Pujols Refractor (#TBA) – At the tail end of an incredible career, Albert Pujols’ cards remain popular with collectors seeking to commemorate his legendary accomplishments. Pujols’ chase for 700 career home runs generated plenty of buzz in 2022. His Topps Chrome refractors from past few years have sold for $300-500 each. Even in his final season, Pujols’ name still carries weight, and collectors will want his 2023 refractor as a milestone card.
Aaron Judge Refractor (#TBA) – After smashing an AL record 62 home runs in 2022 and winning AL MVP, Aaron Judge has cemented himself as one of the game’s biggest stars. Judge turned down a contract extension from the Yankees, so his long-term future is uncertain entering 2023. This makes his Topps Chrome cards even more desirable for collectors wanting to commemorate his career year. Judge’s 2023 refractor will surely carry a hefty price tag.
Yordan Alvarez Refractor (#TBA) – In just a few short seasons, Yordan Alvarez has established himself as one of MLB’s most feared sluggers. The left-handed hitting monster smashed 37 home runs in 2022 and finished third in AL MVP voting. Alvarez’s Topps Chrome refractors have already gained value, with his 2021 selling for around $250 recently. As one of the game’s rising young stars, Alvarez’s 2023 refractor will be a hot ticket.
Two of the league’s brightest young stars, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Julio Rodriguez, also figure to have highly sought after refractors in the set. Vladdy Jr. has put up All-Star caliber numbers since debuting in 2019, while Julio Rodriguez burst onto the scene in 2022 and captured AL Rookie of the Year honors. Their on-field production and future potential make them prized long-term collection pieces.
Of course, beyond the individual star cards, collectors will also be chasing 1/1 parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards that could feature game-used jersey or bat pieces. Topps Chrome never disappoints with its stunning refractors and parallels of the game’s biggest names. With another exciting season of MLB on deck in 2023, the release of Topps Chrome is sure to generate plenty of buzz and lucrative card pulls for savvy collectors. Whether chasing stars of the present or future, Topps Chrome 2023 offers exciting chase cards for all.
