The release of 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball cards is highly anticipated by collectors looking to find valuable rookie cards and short prints. While it’s impossible to predict exactly which cards will gain significant value long term, here’s an overview of some key rookies and parallels to target that could be worth money based on the current baseball landscape.
One of the most sought-after rookies in Series 2 is expected to be Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop and top prospect Diego Cartaya. Still just 20 years old, Cartaya is considered one of the top catching prospects in baseball and showed impressive power and plate discipline in his debut season split between High-A and Double-A in 2022. With Will Smith entrenched as the Dodgers’ starting catcher, Cartaya likely has a few more years to develop in the minors. But if he continues progressing and eventually takes over as the Dodgers’ everyday catcher, his rookie cards could appreciate nicely as he establishes himself in the big leagues. Look for low serial numbered parallels of his Series 2 rookie card to have the most long term value.
Another rookie catcher generating plenty of buzz is Detroit Tigers prospect Dillon Dingler. A former first round pick, the left-handed hitting Dingler made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed some pop with a .806 OPS in 28 games. While he still needs refinement defensively, Dingler has an intriguing power/patience combo that makes him an interesting long term catching prospect. His Tigers tenure could gain more stability if fellow catcher Eric Haase is traded this offseason as expected. Dingler’s Series 2 rookie card, especially numbered versions, is worth targeting.
On the pitching side, Chicago Cubs righty Javier Assad is one to watch. The Cuban defector had a strong showing after debuting late in 2022, posting a 2.66 ERA over seven starts. With questions around some of Chicago’s rotation, Assad has a shot to break camp in the Cubs’ 2023 starting five. If so, and he continues finding success, his Series 2 card could appreciate in value as collectors start seeing him as a future building block for the Cubs. Low serial numbered color parallels have the most long term upside.
Another pitcher with breakout potential is Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer. The third overall pick from 2020, Meyer made his MLB debut last season but struggled with command issues. His pure stuff is electric and the Marlins remain highly confident in his future. If Meyer puts it together with an improved sophomore campaign in 2023, his Series 2 rookie card could start to gain more traction. Like Assad, low serial numbered color versions have the highest long term value potential.
In addition to rookies, look for short prints and parallel cards of established young stars to carry value as well. For example, Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez cleaned up in Rookie of the Year voting after a monster debut season and is poised to be one of the game’s brightest young stars for years to come. His Series 2 short prints and low serial numbered parallels such as gold, rainbow foil, and 1/1s hold strong long term value potential as Rodriguez continues cementing himself as a franchise cornerstone.
Another young star to target is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. After an injury limited 2022 campaign, Franco will look to rebound and reassert himself as arguably the top young position player in baseball. His short prints and low serial numbered parallels from Series 2 could appreciate nicely if Franco stays healthy and performs closer to his enormous 2021 expectations that saw him finish third in AL ROY voting as a 20-year-old.
Two other emerging young stars to watch are Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic and Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez. Kelenic took a big step forward in 2023 after early struggles and looks poised for stardom. Melendez had a breakout rookie campaign and could be a building block for the Royals. Their Series 2 short prints and low serial numbered parallels hold long term value potential if they continue developing into impact regulars.
Of course, no product is guaranteed and the baseball card market remains unpredictable. Injuries, trades, and unexpected developments can alter a player’s trajectory at any time. But for collectors willing to do their research, take some risks, and hold cards long term, 2023 Topps Series 2 offers some intriguing rookie cards and young star parallels that have solid chances to gain value if those players live up to their potential over the coming years. Patience and luck will both be required to reap the biggest rewards, but this product offers solid options for value seekers if bets are placed wisely.
In summary, 2023 Topps Series 2 rookies like Cartaya, Dingler, Assad and Meyer along with short prints and low serial numbered parallels of stars like Rodriguez, Franco, Kelenic and Melendez look to be the cards to target. Of course, the market could always surprise, but these players seem poised to potentially drive value for collectors if their careers play out favorably over the long run. With release date just around the corner, 2023 Topps Series 2 is primed to be one of the year’s most exciting issues.
