The 2023 baseball season is fast approaching which means new baseball cards will be hitting the shelves. While every year brings excitement for the latest rookie cards and star players, 2023 looks to be an especially memorable year for collectors. With several highly anticipated rookies making their MLB debuts and veterans continuing to shine, here are some of the top baseball cards to keep an eye out for in the new year.
Juan Soto – The young superstar was traded from the Nationals to the Padres in a blockbuster deal during the 2022 season. Soto immediately made an impact in San Diego and will be looking to lead them deep into the playoffs. As one of the game’s brightest stars at just 24 years old, any Soto cards from 2023 releases will be hugely popular with collectors. Keep an eye out for prizm, optic, and topps chrome variations of the lefty slugger in particular.
Shohei Ohtani – There may never be another two-way player in the majors quite like Ohtani. The reigning AL MVP continues to amaze on the mound and at the plate. His rare dual-threat ability makes any Ohtani card a wise investment. Topps, Bowman, and Panini are sure to include some eye-catching parallels and short prints of the Angels superstar that will gain value over time.
Aaron Judge – After smashing an AL record 62 home runs in 2022, Judge is poised to have one of the most lucrative free agent contracts in MLB history. Wherever he signs, his cards from 2023 will be hot commodities. Autographs, memorabilia cards, and 1/1 variations will command top dollar from eager collectors.
Julio Rodriguez – The AL Rookie of the Year had a breakout season for the Mariners in 2022. At just 21 years old, Rodriguez has superstar potential and will be one to watch for years to come. His rookie cards, especially prizm and optic parallels, will hold value and could appreciate substantially.
Michael Harris II – As a 21-year-old rookie, Harris made an immediate impact for the World Series champion Braves. The speedy outfielder hit .297 with 19 homers and has all the makings of a perennial all-star. His rookie cards, especially autographed and memorabilia versions, could be among the strongest long term investments from 2023 releases.
Oneil Cruz – At 6-foot-7, the Pirates young shortstop is a physical marvel who wowed with his power and speed late last season. Still just 23, Cruz has all the tools to be a franchise cornerstone. His rookie cards will be hotly pursued, so parallels and autographs could pay big dividends down the road.
Adley Rutschman – After a strong debut late in 2022 following his call up, big things will be expected of Rutschman and the Orioles in 2023. The switch hitting catcher was the top prospect in all of baseball and has drawn comparisons to Buster Posey. His rookie cards, especially topps chrome and bowman autos, hold great potential.
Bobby Witt Jr. – As a rookie, the touted prospect lived up to the hype for Kansas City. At just 22 years old, Witt Jr. hit 20 home runs and showcased elite defense at shortstop. His cards were among the most popular rookie releases last year and that momentum should carry into 2023.
Spencer Strider – The Braves flame throwing rookie starter made a huge impact down the stretch in helping them win the World Series. With a blazing fastball that touches 100mph regularly, Strider has the makings of a future ace. His rookie cards, especially any autographed parallels, are primed to gain value quickly.
Griffin Jax – An intriguing rookie pitcher for the Twins, Jax made his MLB debut last season at 27 years old. With a deceptive delivery and three solid pitches, he could emerge as a key member of their rotation. His rookie cards may not get as much attention as others, but savvy collectors could find a bargain.
In addition to these players, keep an eye out in 2023 for any cards featuring Ronald Acuna Jr. as he continues his comeback from injury, rookies like Gunnar Henderson and Oneil Cruz if they make an early impact, veterans like Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Yordan Alvarez, and of course any rare 1/1 parallels, autographs, or memorabilia cards featuring star players. With exciting rookies debuting and veterans primed to continue producing, 2023 looks to be a strong year for the baseball card market. For collectors, doing research on players and selectively pursuing strategic cards offers the potential for long term appreciation and profit.
