Topps Heritage is one of the most popular and valuable baseball card sets released each year by Topps. The 2023 Topps Heritage set pays homage to classic baseball designs from the late 1960s. While the set just came out in late 2022, some of the rookie cards and star players are already gaining value as collectors seek out these retro-style cards. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards from the 2023 Topps Heritage set that are likely to increase in value over time.
One of the most valuable rookie cards in the set is Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had a breakout rookie season in 2022 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. He hit 28 home runs and drove in 75 runs while batting .284. His exciting play and bright future make his rookie card a hot commodity. While most of his base rookie cards can currently be found for around $20-30, graded gem mint copies have already sold for over $100. As Rodriguez continues to develop into a potential superstar, this rookie card could gain significantly in value in the coming years.
Another rookie on the rise is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. Witt had a solid debut season in 2022 where he hit 20 home runs and stole 30 bases. He showed potential to be a five-tool player and the future cornerstone for the Royals. Witt’s rookie card from Heritage is still relatively affordable, with most copies going for $10-15 currently. As he gains more experience, puts up bigger numbers, and leads the Royals back to relevance, this card will become much harder to find for under $50-75. In the long run, a near-gem mint or gem mint Witt rookie could realistically be worth $250-$500 depending on his career progression.
Superstar shortstops tend to have some of the most valuable cards long-term. Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres is one of the faces of baseball and remains one of the most exciting players in the game when on the field. Unfortunately, injuries and a PED suspension limited him to just 35 games in 2022. But when at full strength, he is a perennial MVP candidate. His Heritage base card can currently be found for around $15-20. A BGS or PSA graded gem mint Tatis rookie would sell for $300-$500 now and has potential to reach $1,000+ if he puts together a few more All-Star caliber seasons.
Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels continues to amaze with his ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level. In 2023, he is a strong favorite to win his second straight AL MVP award. As one of the most unique and talented players of this generation, Ohtani’s cards hold tremendous value. While his base Heritage card goes for around $15-20 currently, a near-mint to gem mint copy could fetch over $100. A BGS/PSA 10 black label perfect grade could sell for $500+ right now and has a very high ceiling as Ohtani’s career progresses. He may end up as one of the most valuable modern cards long-term.
Superstar veterans like Mike Trout also have highly sought after cards in Heritage. As arguably the best player of his generation, Trout has incredible name recognition and fan interest. His base Heritage sells in the $8-12 range currently. But a high-grade rookie or star rookie variant could be worth $300+ for a PSA/BGS 9.5 or 10. And a true perfect black label BGS/PSA 10 grade Trout rookie would command well over $1,000. With continued elite play, a near-flawless Trout rookie could reach $5,000+ down the road.
Rookies and young stars are great long-term investments, but proven veterans can offer more stability. Cards of likely Hall of Famers in their prime like Mookie Betts and Juan Soto are always in demand. A Betts or Soto base Heritage in near-mint to gem mint condition could sell for $50-100 now. And if they continue piling up accolades and championships, those cards could gain exponentially over the next decade. Other established superstars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Yordan Alvarez also have Heritage cards that hold value due to their proven track records of excellence so far.
As with any trading card set, condition and grading make a huge difference in long-term value. Cards that receive high grades of BGS/PSA 9 or 9.5 typically sell for 2-5 times more than raw, ungraded copies. And the elusive BGS/PSA 10 black label “perfect” grades can be 10-50 times rarer and more expensive. For the highest valued cards in the 2023 Topps Heritage set, a true flawless graded 10 could end up being worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars decades from now for the all-time greats.
While prices may fluctuate year to year based on player performance and economic conditions, the 2023 Topps Heritage set features several rookies, stars and Hall of Famers whose cards stand to gain tremendous value if they live up to their potential or cement an incredible career legacy. Savvy collectors who acquire these cards now in top condition could make a great long-term investment. The retro design also gives the set nostalgic appeal that should help sustain collector interest for decades to come.
