The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is the latest retro-style release from Topps that pays homage to classic designs from the 1950s through 1980s. As with past Heritage sets, the 2023 edition contains several young stars and veterans who could have big seasons that increase the value of their rookie cards or base cards. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2023 Topps Heritage baseball cards to watch that have the potential to become quite valuable in the years to come.
One of the most coveted rookie cards in the set is Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Still just 23 years old, Harris had a breakout season in 2022 that saw him hit .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI in only 111 games. He also provided stellar defense in center field. Harris is considered a future star and his rookie card in the 2023 Topps Heritage set could appreciate significantly if he continues developing into a perennial All-Star. Another rookie to watch is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jonathan Aranda. The 25-year-old didn’t debut until late in 2022 but showed impressive power with 3 home runs in just 27 at-bats. Aranda will have every opportunity to seize the starting shortstop job in 2023 and his rookie card offers speculation value.
Two other young stars who could have big seasons and make their base cards from the set very valuable are Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Rodriguez, just 21, had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2022 that saw him hit .284 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and is poised for superstardom. His 2023 Topps Heritage base card will likely become a key piece in any high-end collection. Rutschman, meanwhile, had a solid debut in 2022 after being the top prospect in all of baseball. The 24-year-old catcher hit .254 with 7 home runs and 26 RBI in just 92 games as he continues adjusting to the major leagues. Rutschman is a future cornerstone player and his base card carries considerable long-term upside.
A couple veterans who could make their 2023 Topps Heritage base cards very valuable with big walk years are New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom and Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper. DeGrom, 34, missed most of the 2022 season but when healthy is arguably the best pitcher in baseball. He will be a free agent after the 2023 season and looking to cash in one last time. A return to dominant form could make his base card from this retro set quite collectible long-term. Meanwhile, Harper will also be a free agent after 2023 and looking to prove he’s worth a massive long-term deal at age 30. The former MVP still has offensive star power and another huge season could make his 2023 Topps Heritage base card a strong investment, especially if he re-signs in Philadelphia.
Rookies and young stars aren’t the only players who can see their 2023 Topps Heritage cards appreciate in value over the long run. Veterans still producing at an elite level deep into their careers often develop into valued chase cards for collectors. A few veterans who fit this mold are Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, and Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. Freeman will be 34 in 2023 but is as consistent an offensive force as they come at the position. Judge just had an historic 62-home run season at age 30 and remains a perennial MVP candidate. Meanwhile, Acuña is still just 25 and returning from a torn ACL that cost him most of 2022. When healthy, he is a true five-tool talent. All three superstars have the talent and name recognition to see strong, long-term demand for their base cards from this retro-style release.
Of course, one of the biggest storylines entering the 2023 season involves Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. The 27-year-old Japanese star is the first true two-way player of the modern era and continues doing something never before seen in baseball as a top pitcher and hitter. Ohtani just finished second in AL MVP voting for the second straight season and his ceiling seems limitless. His 2023 Topps Heritage base card will likely be one of the set’s most sought-after long-term by collectors hoping to land a card featuring one of the game’s greatest unicorns. If Ohtani can stay healthy and put together another dominant year at the plate and on the mound, his card’s value could skyrocket to new heights.
While rookie cards tend to offer the most speculation value in new releases, the 2023 Topps Heritage set contains several established stars and young talents who could see their base cards appreciate substantially with MVP-caliber seasons. From emerging talents like Harris and Rodriguez to veterans like Freeman, Judge and Acuña still performing at an elite level, this retro-styled release from Topps provides investment opportunities across the board. However, Shohei Ohtani’s two-way talents and continued dominance make his base card one of the set’s surest long-term bets to gain value. Collectors would be wise to watch the performances of these players closely in 2023 and consider adding their cards to holdings.
