The baseball card market continues to surge in popularity, especially with the rise of new stars and record-breaking performances each season. As we head into 2023, there are several rookie cards, star players, and unique inserts that collectors should keep an eye out for. While it’s impossible to predict the exact cards that will gain the most value long-term, here are some of the top baseball cards to consider chasing and holding onto for the upcoming year and beyond.

2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball: This is always one of the most anticipated releases each year as it kicks off the flagship Topps set. Look for rookie cards of potential first-year stars like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green. Top rookies from this set in recent years like Wander Franco and Julio Rodriguez have exploded in value. Veteran stars like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto will also have base rookie cards to chase.

2023 Topps Chrome Baseball: As a parallel product to the base Topps set, Topps Chrome cards feature photo variations with a shiny refracted design. They are considered some of the premier baseball cards on the market. Top rookies and stars will have their first Chrome cards released here. Past Chrome rookie hits of Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are now worth thousands.

2023 Bowman Baseball: The Bowman brand is synonymous with elite prospects and future stars. This set features the first cards of draft picks and international signings. Look for the debut of top prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green. Past Bowman 1st edition rookies of players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. have skyrocketed over time.

2023 Topps Heritage Baseball: As a retro-styled set, Topps Heritage pays homage to the classic designs of the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to base cards of current players, parallel and insert sets like High Number, Mini, and Fabrics feature unique photo and design variations. Past Heritage rookie hits like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Wander Franco are coveted by collectors.

2023 Topps Transcendent Baseball: Introduced in 2022, Topps Transcendent takes the high-end card market to new levels with its intricate hand-crafted design. Only 10 copies of each card are produced. Past rookie releases of Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman have already eclipsed $10,000 valuations. Future releases will feature stars like Druw Jones and Termarr Johnson.

2023 Topps Finest Baseball: As one of the premier “hit” products, Topps Finest offers exquisite photography and parallel variations like Refractors, Negative Refractors, and Ultra Rares. Top rookies and stars in the base set are joined by exclusive parallels in hobby boxes. Past Finest rookie hits of Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. are highly sought after.

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball: A true “hit or miss” product, A&G features unique retro designs and fun mini-posters or autographed memorabilia cards. Baseball cards are mixed in with other sports and non-sports subjects. Past A&G rookie cards of stars like Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, and Fernando Tatis Jr. have gained cult followings.

2023 Topps Archives Baseball: As a retro-style set similar to Heritage, Archives recreates classic designs from the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Parallels include Gold Foil, Negative, and Fabrics. Rarest inserts like Autographs and Memorabilia Cards of top players are true collector’s items. Past rookie cards of stars Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr. have steadily increased in value.

2023 Topps Tribute Baseball: Paying homage to retired legends, Tribute features retro-style cards of all-time greats alongside current stars. Parallels include Gold Foil, Negative, and Rainbow Foil. Popular inserts spotlight career highlights and accomplishments through vintage photography. Cards of legends paired with young stars create interesting dual collections.

2023 Topps Sterling Baseball: As one of the most visually striking modern sets, Sterling offers exquisite embossed foil cards in both base and parallel forms. Popular short prints, autographs, and memorabilia cards showcase unique designs. Rarest parallels like Gold, Silver, and Rainbow are true high-end hits. Base cards of emerging stars gain popularity over time.

Of course, beyond Topps and mainstream products, keep an eye out for exclusive releases from brands like Leaf, Panini, Upper Deck, and Stadium Club which feature unique photography, parallels, and rare memorabilia or autograph cards. And don’t forget vintage offerings which can yield unexpected gems from the past. While it’s impossible to predict future values, focusing on top rookies, stars, and insert cards from premium modern and retro sets offers the best chances of finding baseball cards that appreciate over the long run. The market remains hot, so happy hunting in 2023!