MLB 23 Baseball Cards – What You Need to Know for the Upcoming Season
With MLB 23 right around the corner, collectors and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the release of the upcoming season’s baseball cards. Each new year brings exciting rookies, star players reaching major career milestones, new uniforms and more – all of which translate to memorable and valuable cards for collectors.
Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the biggest storylines and players to watch for in MLB 23 baseball cards. From prized rookies to historic achievements, this upcoming season is shaping up to offer a wide array of collecting opportunities for all levels of hobbyists.
Exciting Rookie Class
One of the best parts of a new baseball card season is getting to know the fresh faces in this year’s rookie class. MLB 23 looks to continue delivering some highly touted prospects ready to make their mark on the big leagues.
Topping many lists as one of the most anticipated rookies is Reds shortstop Jose Barrero. After a successful stint in the minors and a call-up late last season, Barrero will look to solidify himself as Cincinnati’s everyday shortstop this year. His cards could explode in value with a strong rookie campaign.
Over in Oakland, catcher Shea Langeliers will try to lock down the starting job in what is expected to be a rebuilding year for the A’s. Langeliers boasts big power and defensive skills that could make him an MLB 23 Rookie of the Year contender.
Dodgers fans will be eagerly watching catcher Diego Cartaya, considered by many to be the top catching prospect in baseball. Though he may spend more time in Triple-A to start the year, Cartaya has the potential for huge upside that will attract card collectors.
Those are just a few names to watch in a rookie class deep with future stars like Braves outfielder Michael Harris II, Rangers shortstop Josh Jung and Marlins pitcher Max Meyer. Collectors would be wise to scoop up affordable rookie cards now before inevitable breakouts.
Veteran Milestones on Deck
While rookies get the hype, veteran players reaching historic milestones always make for heavyweight cards in the hobby. MLB 23 looks primed to deliver some huge achievements.
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman enters the season just 21 hits shy of 2,000 for his career. Collectors can expect Freddie Freeman 2000th Hit cards to be extremely hot commodities whenever he reaches the milestone with L.A.
Over in St. Louis, superstar Albert Pujols needs just 21 more home runs to reach 700 for his career. A Pujols 700th Home Run card stands to attract massive attention and demand from collectors worldwide.
Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is within reach of several milestones after his historic 62 home run season. Judge cards will remain in high demand as he closes in on 200 career home runs and looks to build on his incredible year.
On the pitching side, future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander could crack 3,000 strikeouts this season. A Verlander 3,000 Strikeouts card would be an instant classic in collectors’ eyes.
Milestone cards have proven to gain significant value over time as the rarities and histories behind them become more appreciated. MLB 23 shapes up to offer some true heavyweight historic cardboard.
New Players in New Places
When big name free agents change scenery in the offseason, it dramatically impacts the baseball card landscape. Several stars finding new homes this year are primed to produce unique and memorable rookie cards with their new franchises.
Two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom shocked the baseball world by leaving the Mets for a 5-year deal with the Rangers. Collectors will be eager to see what deGrom can do in Texas, making his Rangers rookie cards highly speculative.
One of the biggest MLB deals ever saw Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson leave Atlanta and Oakland respectively to sign with the Phillies and Braves. Their rookie cards with their new clubs hold substantial sleeper appeal.
Hometown hero Carlos Correa left Minnesota after one year to sign with the revamped Giants. Correa collectors on the hunt for a Giants rookie card will find an intriguing target.
These types of major uniform changes always bring excitement and card value plays. MLB 23 delivers plenty of new player-team combinations to drive collectors’ interests.
Uniform and Logo Changes
On the uniform and branding front, several teams ushered in major aesthetic changes entering MLB 23 that carry collecting ramifications.
The Cleveland Guardians completely rebranded from their former “Indians” identity, rolling out a sleek new Guardians logo and uniforms. Any lingering Indians-branded cards increased in appeal as the franchise transitioned.
The Tampa Bay Rays unveiled a new City Connect uniform setup paying homage to Florida. Their wildly popular Devil Rays throwback uniforms also returned on a limited basis. Collectors found plenty to like in the Rays’ refreshed uniforms and styles.
Over in Cincinnati, the Reds slightly tweaked their uniforms with new piping designs and a classic red cap alternate. While more subtle than other rebrands, Reds collectors still pursued the uniform variations.
Even equipment companies switched things up, with Louisville Slugger rolling out its all-new Vapor bat for many star hitters. Cards highlighting players using the new bats are unique talking points.
No hobby is immune to the changing tides of sports franchises and organizations. MLB 23 offered collectors opportunities to acquire some now “retired” looks while welcoming new uniforms and designs into collection folds.
Final Thoughts
With rookies set to debut, veterans chasing milestones, new faces on different teams, and uniform/logo updates across the league, MLB 23 shaped up as yet another hugely collectible year for baseball cards even before the first pitch.
Whether targeting prized rookies, historic parallels, star veterans, new uniforms, or just enjoying the ride of a new season, the upcoming baseball year provides no shortage of fun storylines and cardboard collecting angles from which to choose. This should make for an exciting season both on the field and in the hobby.
Collectors of all levels are encouraged to stay tuned throughout Opening Day and beyond for developing player performances and card pop up that could unlock hidden gems and investment potentials in MLB 23. With so much to look forward to, it’s easy to understand the anticipation building for this upcoming baseball year from both fans and collectors alike.
