The 2023 baseball season is in full swing which means it’s time for collectors to start scouting out the top rookie cards and prospects to target for their collections. With another exciting rookie class headlined by prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson and Jackson Holliday, there will be plenty of buzz around the rookie cards found in 2023 sets. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the most desirable baseball cards to buy from the upcoming year to hold long term or flip for profit once the players establish themselves.
Topping many experts’ lists for the #1 card to buy from 2023 is Druw Jones from the Atlanta Braves. As the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw came into the 2022 draft with immense hype and lived up to it by hitting .349 with 15 home runs in his pro debut season split between High-A and Double-A. As the highest drafted high school player in 2022, Jones is poised to move quickly through the minors and reach the majors by 2025 at the latest. His rookie cards from sets like Topps, Bowman and Panini will be hot commodities upon release with the potential to become extremely valuable long term.
Another no-brainer top card is Termarr Johnson of the Atlanta Braves. As the 4th overall pick in 2022 out of Mays High School in Georgia, Johnson showcased impressive power and speed in his debut by slugging 9 home runs in just 47 games. He has the kind of five-tool potential that makes scouts drool and could be a perennial All-Star if his development goes according to plan. Like Jones, Johnson’s rookie cards will be in high demand from collectors upon their 2023 release.
Staying in the Atlanta system, another exciting rookie to track is Justyn-Henry Malloy. The Braves supplemental 1st rounder in 2022 out of Georgia prep powerhouse Grayson HS wowed with his advanced approach and feel to hit. Malloy hit .345 with an .849 OPS between rookie ball levels and could rocket up prospect lists with a full healthy season. His cards may not have the same initial hype as Jones or Johnson but could pay off long term if Malloy fulfills his potential.
The Detroit Tigers system is loaded with future stars headlined by 2021 #1 overall pick Jackson Jobe. While Jobe had an up and down debut season, striking out over a batter per inning, his elite stuff and athletic 6’3 frame give him a very high ceiling. Jobe’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallel from 2022 has already gained significant value and his 2023 cards will be hot commodities. Another Tiger to watch is 2022 top pick Jackson Holliday. The son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday hit .407 in his pro debut and has the kind of advanced approach and hitting ability to move quickly. Holliday’s cards will be in high demand.
Two other first round talents from 2022 that could pay off big are Elijah Green from the Rangers and Brooks Lee from the Twins. Green, drafted third overall, has five-tool potential and showcased impressive power in his debut. Lee, the eighth overall pick, put on an impressive power display after signing and could blossom into a perennial All-Star third baseman. Their rookie cards will be must-owns for collectors willing to hold long term.
Beyond the 2022 draftees, keep an eye on cards of top prospects like Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), Jordan Walker (Cardinals), Emmanuel Rodriguez (Phillies), and Drew Waters (Braves). All had breakout seasons in 2022 and could reach the majors soon to further increase interest and values in their rookie cards. Henderson in particular has drawn comparisons to a young Manny Machado and could be an MVP candidate if he continues developing.
When it comes to buying cards of established major leaguers, focus on stars still early in their careers like Ronald Acuna Jr, Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. All have superstar potential and their cards hold great long term value as they rack up accolades and milestones. Rookies from the class of 2021 like Spencer Torkelson, CJ Abrams and Jeremy Pena are also buys as they get their careers going strong.
When scouting the best baseball cards to buy from 2023 releases, focus first on the elite rookie talents from the 2022 draft headlined by Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson and Jackson Holliday. Also target prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Walker and Drew Waters who are on the cusp of the majors. Don’t forget emerging young stars in the big leagues like Acuna, Rodriguez, Witt and rookies from 2021. With patience and luck, any of these cards could grow exponentially in value over the next 5-10 years.
