The 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As the flagship set from Topps, Series 1 kicks off the new season with cards featuring every MLB player. While retail value for most base cards is minimal, there are always rookies, stars, and parallels that hold greater value. Let’s take an in-depth look at what collectors can expect from the 2023 Topps Series 1 release and which cards may have the most value long-term.
To start, Topps Series 1 will feature base cards for every player on a MLB opening day roster as well as any notable prospects or veterans in the minors. For the 2023 set, that means over 700 total cards. The vast majority of these base cards can be found for $0.25-0.50 each. While collectors enjoy completing the set, the base rookies, stars, and parallels hold the true long-term value.
Each year, the top rookie cards generate the most buzz. In 2023, the rookies to watch include Druw Jones (ATL), Termarr Johnson (PIT), and Jackson Holliday (BAL). If any of these players emerge as the next big star, their rookie cards could gain significant value in the coming years. Predicting future success is impossible. Other top prospects like Emerson Hancock (SEA) and Gunnar Henderson (BAL) also have rookie cards to watch.
Beyond rookies, the biggest MLB stars always have the most valuable base cards. In the 2023 set, look for cards of superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Mike Trout to hold steady value due to their widespread popularity and production on the field. Top players entering their prime like Wander Franco, Bobby Witt Jr., and Julio Rodriguez also have cards to watch long-term.
When it comes to parallels and short prints, there are always a few that stand out. Topps Series 1 features several parallel sets including Gold (#/2021), Silver Pack (#/70), Rainbow Foil (1/1), and Black Border SPs. The Gold cards for star players regularly sell in the $20-50 range. Rainbow Foil 1/1s can reach into the hundreds, with the best players going for $1000+ if the player breaks out. Short prints tend to settle around $5-15 based on the player but top SPs may fetch over $100.
Autograph and memorabilia cards provide the highest pre-release hype, but predicting which will have lasting value is difficult. Topps typically includes three autograph sets – Topps Autograph, Topps Chrome Autograph, and Topps High Tek Autograph. Rated rookies and star veterans dominate the value, with popular names reaching $100-1000+ based on the parallel. Rare 1/1 autographs of Ohtani or Trout could sell for thousands. Patch and relic cards follow similar trends based on player and parallel, with 1/1 patches being the true big hit cards.
When looking long-term, the cards that age the best are often those attached to career success on the field. Players who become perennial All-Stars and award winners see their rookie cards gain the most value years after the fact. A good example is Juan Soto, who has emerged as a true superstar – his 2018 Topps Series 1 rookie card has skyrocketed from a $20 card to over $1000 PSA 10 today. On the flip side, cards for bust prospects or injury prone players hold very little long term value.
While the 2023 Topps Series 1 set will contain over 700 base cards, it’s the rookies, stars and short prints that have the potential to be worthwhile investments. The best cards to target for long term value are the top rookie cards of Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday and others who pan out, parallels of proven stars like Ohtani and Trout, and any rare 1/1 hits. Completing the base set is very affordable but don’t expect much return. With patience, the right parallels or rookies from this year’s Series 1 could gain thousands in value over the next decade.
