The release of 2023 Topps Series 2 Baseball is one of the most anticipated yearly releases in the hobby. While Series 1 typically features rookie cards of the top prospects and debut year cards of established veterans, Series 2 often contains the chase cards that become long term investments. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 2023 Topps Series 2 release that have the potential to greatly increase in value over time.

One of the headlining rookie cards in this year’s Series 2 is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. As the fifth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greene had a breakout season in 2022 where he slashed .250/.326/.390 with 8 home runs and 32 RBI in 98 games as a 21-year-old. He showed off elite bat speed and solid defense in center field. Greene is considered a future star and his rookie cards have been hotly sought after. His base rookie card can currently be found for around $30-40 raw, but this price is likely to rise significantly as Greene develops into a perennial All-Star. His autograph and memorabilia cards fetch prices well over $100 already.

Another young star whose cards hold tremendous long term value potential is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. At just 21-years-old, Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2022 where he slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and wowed fans with highlight reel catches and throws in the outfield. Rodriguez’s base rookie card from Series 1 can currently be found for around $50-75, but his autographed and memorabilia cards have already eclipsed the $1000 price point. As Rodriguez continues developing into a true five-tool superstar, his cards stand to gain exponentially in value over the coming years.

While rookies often command the highest prices, Series 2 also features valuable cards showcasing baseball’s biggest stars. One of the most coveted veteran cards is likely to be Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s base card. After winning the World Series in 2021 with the Atlanta Braves, Freeman signed a big free agent deal with the Dodgers in 2022. As a career .295 hitter and five-time All-Star, Freeman is one of the premier hitters of his generation. His 2023 Topps Series 2 base card will be his first in a Dodgers uniform and could settle in the $50-75 range once the dust settles. Freeman is still in his prime at 33-years-old and should continue producing at an elite level for years to come, making his Dodger cards a sound investment.

Another Dodgers star who could have a valuable Series 2 card is outfielder Mookie Betts. After helping lead LA to the 2020 World Series title, Betts has established himself as one of the faces of the franchise. The 2018 AL MVP is a career .301 hitter who is still in the early 30s. Betts’ base card from Series 2 will likely carry an initial price tag around $50-75 as well. What makes Betts’ card especially intriguing is his potential for autographed and memorabilia cards. As one of the most popular players in the game today, Betts’ signed cards often sell in the $500-1000 range and could appreciate substantially given his continued production and star power.

While rookies and established stars usually command top dollar, Series 2 also frequently features valuable short print and parallel card variations that become highly sought after chase cards. One parallel with breakout potential this year is the Topps ’86 Design parallel. Featuring a retro design harkening back to 1986 Topps, these parallel cards are inserted at extremely low rates across all Series 2 blaster and hobby boxes. Players like Greene, Rodriguez, Freeman, Betts and more could see their ’86 Design parallels fetch prices well over $100 each as the set gains popularity. Another potential chase parallel is the Topps Chrome Refractor variation. Printed on a foil substrate with vivid colors, Refractors of top rookies and stars often settle in the $200-500 range depending on the player.

In addition to base cards and parallels, autograph and memorabilia cards tend to hold the greatest long term value potential. Series 2 is expected to feature prized rookie autographs of Greene, Rodriguez and more. Autographs of established veterans like Freeman and Betts will also be in high demand. While initial prices may range from $100-1000+, these autographed cards stand to gain exponentially with each passing year as the players’ careers progress. Memorabilia cards featuring game-used or worn materials are also highly coveted. Rookie patch cards of Greene, Rodriguez and others could settle in the $500-1000 range initially. Multi-relic cards with autographs are true blue chip investments that may fetch $1000+ right out of the gate.

In summary, 2023 Topps Series 2 Baseball is primed to feature many valuable cards at the rookie and veteran levels that have breakout potential. While initial prices will fluctuate based on player performance and hype, top cards like Greene, Rodriguez, Freeman and Betts are sound long term investments. Scarce parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards provide additional opportunities for cards to appreciate substantially in the years to come. For collectors and investors, Topps Series 2 always delivers prized chase cards that can grow into valuable assets. The release is one of the most anticipated yearly events in the hobby for good reason.