The release of 2023 Topps Baseball Series 2 is highly anticipated by collectors hoping to pull valuable rookie cards and parallels of star players. While Series 1 featured many rookies, including Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr., Series 2 has its own share of exciting young talent and short printed chase cards.

One of the most sought after rookie cards in Series 2 is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and number 1 overall draft pick in 2022, Jordan Lawlar. Lawlar had a strong debut season in the minors and is considered one of the top prospects in baseball. His base rookie card can be found in most Series 2 packs, but the parallel and autograph versions have already started demanding premium prices. The Lawlar Orange Refractor parallel (#/199) and Rainbow Foil parallel (#/75) are both extremely scarce pulls that could sell for thousands of dollars to the right collectors. His autograph card is also rare, making Lawlar one of the early favorites to have one of the most valuable rookie cards from the set.

Another hyped rookie is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. After making his MLB debut late in 2022, Greene looks primed for a full season in Detroit and could become the new face of their franchise. Like Lawlar, Greene’s base rookie is accessible but the parallels hold significant value. The Green Refractor parallel (#/99) is tracking to be one of the most sought after short prints. Greene also has an autograph card that is sure to excite Tigers fans and collectors. His cards may not reach Lawlar prices right away but have strong long term potential.

Veteran superstars still drive a lot of interest as well. Mike Trout remains one of the most collectible players in the game and his cards rarely lose value over time. The Trout Rainbow Foil parallel (#/75) and Gold parallel (#/70) are always hot commodities. Fellow Angel and three-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani also has parallels like the Gold (#/70) that create a buzz. Over in New York, Aaron Judge’s incredible 2022 season has renewed collector enthusiasm for his cards as well. The Judge Orange Refractor (#/199) will be a popular parallel card hunt.

Short prints like the above mentioned parallels hold premium value because they are printed in extremely limited quantities, creating rarity and desirability. Another type of short print card collectors look for are the negative numbered parallels. These cards are printed with a dash instead of a positive number, meaning there could only be a handful or less produced. Some early favorites for negative numbered cards in Series 2 include Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, and Juan Soto. Pulling one of these ultra-rare parallels could yield a card worth thousands due to their scarcity.

Autograph cards also generate a lot of buzz as they guarantee a swatch of a player’s jersey or memorabilia. Top young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez could have some of the most valuable autographs from Series 2. Veterans like Trout, Ohtani, and Judge will always be in high demand from collectors as well. Rarer autograph parallels like Golds, Refractors, and Rainbow Foils hold the most value. Low serial numbered autographs of 1/1 also create a frenzy.

While base rookie cards and stars provide the foundation, collectors live for the chase of elusive short prints and one-of-one parallel cards. The 2023 Topps Series 2 release is full of opportunities for valuable pulls. Rookies like Lawlar and Greene have the potential for long term gains. Superstars like Trout and Ohtani remain must-owns. And the hunt is on for negative numbered parallels and 1/1 autographs that could define collections. Series 2 is primed to deliver cards that will excite the hobby for years to come. The release is just around the corner, so collectors will soon find out which young players and parallels emerge as the new most valuable cards.