The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is the latest retro-style release from Topps that pays homage to the design aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s. As with previous years, some of the standout rookie cards and star players featured in the Heritage set have already started to gain value on the secondary market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 2023 Topps Heritage cards that could be worth money down the road.
One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2023 Heritage set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. As one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Franco had a breakout season in 2021 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His card carries a lot of hype and is one collectors are targeting. While most Franco rookies can still be found for under $10, his price tag is sure to rise significantly if he continues developing into the superstar many project. In a few years, this could very well be a $100+ card.
Another rookie to watch is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Like Franco, Rodriguez is considered a true five-tool talent and was among the top prospects heading into the 2023 season. He had a strong debut campaign in 2022 and will be a fixture in the Mariners lineup for years to come. His Heritage rookie card isn’t as expensive as Franco’s yet, but it has serious long-term upside if Rodriguez lives up to the hype. This is a card that makes sense to hold onto.
For established star players, one of the 2023 Heritage cards already gaining value is that of Los Angeles Angels pitcher/outfielder Shohei Ohtani. As arguably the best two-way player in baseball today, there is huge demand for Ohtani cards. While his rookie cards from previous years carry high prices already, his latest Heritage issue could appreciate significantly with another MVP-caliber season. Ohtani is still reaching new heights in his career, making his cards a worthwhile investment.
Another top Angels player who could see his Heritage card rise is superstar outfielder Mike Trout. As perhaps the greatest active player, Trout cards have held value extremely well over the years. His latest retro-style issue looks sharp and will be a popular card for collectors. Trout still has several high-production years left, ensuring any new cards featuring the future Hall of Famer have long-term potential. Even at $10-15 currently, his 2023 Heritage card is underpriced.
Continuing with West Coast superstars, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts also has a Heritage card that could pay off for savvy collectors. Like Trout, Betts is a perennial MVP candidate who leads his team to championships. He’s still early in a huge contract with the Dodgers, guaranteeing plenty more on-field success ahead. Any new Betts issues are worth hanging onto long-term. His retro design card profile is appealing and could net $50+ down the road.
Shifting to the American League East, New York Yankees stars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton each have 2023 Heritage cards that deserve attention. After smashing an AL-record 62 home runs in 2022, Judge is the biggest name in baseball and will command huge card prices if he can back up that dominant season. His latest issue looks sharp and could net $100+ with another huge year. Stanton is also a prolific slugger who leads the Yankees annually, making his Heritage card a solid long-term hold as well.
A couple of other AL East stars to watch out for are Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts. As budding franchise cornerstones, both have produced at elite levels already in their young careers. Any new Guerrero Jr. and Bogaerts issues have potential given their all-star caliber play. Their Heritage designs are classic looking and a nice addition for collectors bullish on these talented players. Prices under $10 currently make both cards affordable bets.
Shifting to the National League, one of the most intriguing 2023 Heritage cards features Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. When healthy, Acuña is arguably baseball’s most electrifying all-around player. He’s still just 25 and will likely have a full, Hall of Fame caliber career ahead. His Heritage card looks sharp and has the chance to gain substantially in value if Acuña stays on the field and recaptures his MVP-level form. It’s a card worth hanging onto long-term.
A couple other NL stars that could pay dividends for collectors are St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Goldschmidt has been the model of consistency, producing at an All-Star level for over a decade now. He’s a lock for Cooperstown and any new cards will retain value. Meanwhile, Tatis has all the skills to be the game’s next superstar if he can stay on the field. His Heritage card is a nice buy-low candidate given the talent.
While the 2023 Topps Heritage baseball set just came out, savvy collectors are already targeting several standout rookie and star player cards that show long-term appreciation potential. Names like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuña Jr. feature some of the best young talent and proven veterans in the sport today. Their sharp retro-style Heritage issues look great in any collection and could prove to be worthwhile investments down the road if those players continue ascending to new heights. For collectors with a long-term outlook, several 2023 Heritage cards appear undervalued and poised to gain value in the coming years.
