The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As the flagship product in the baseball card world, Topps sets the standard that other companies try to live up to. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s known so far about the 2023 Topps cards from tracking release details on the website Trading Card Database (TCDB).
As with past years, the 2023 Topps Baseball cards will be released in Series 1, Series 2 and Update sets throughout the season. Series 1 is expected to hit shelves in late February or early March 2023. This first series will include rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts in 2022 as well as base cards showing the current season’s uniforms and team photos. TCDB estimates Series 1 will feature approximately 330 cards as has been typical in recent years.
Series 2 is scheduled to be released in late May or early June. In addition to more base cards, this series usually provides the first Topps cards for top prospects who received call-ups to the big leagues in the first few months of the season. TCDB predicts Series 2 will check in at around 330 cards again.
The Topps Update series hits the market in late August or September. As a mid-season product, Update cards showcase statistical and roster changes that occurred since the previous Series 1 and 2. Rated rookie cards are also included in Update for rookies who did not receive one in the first two series. TCDB estimates the 2023 Topps Update set will contain approximately 150 cards.
All three 2023 Topps Baseball series are expected to retail for around $95-100 per hobby box, containing 12 packs with 5 cards each. Jumbo boxes that hold 24 packs can be found for roughly $200. Hobby cases (12 hobby boxes) and jumbo cases (6 jumbo boxes) will provide cost-effective per box pricing. Retail blaster boxes holding 8-10 packs and value packs containing 2-4 packs will allow for more affordable entry points as well.
In terms of chase cards, Topps likes to include popular parallels and short printed hits that drive excitement. TCDB predicts the 2023 Topps offerings will feature parallels like Gold Foil (#/2022), Rainbow Foil (1/1), Refractor, Negative Refractor, Atomic Refractor, Superfractor and more. Autograph and memorabilia cards can be pulled randomly in packs or guaranteed as case hits. Top rookie cards will also see low numbered parallel versions.
Topps Update has historically provided the best rookie cards due to increased stats and exposure. Past rookies like Wander Franco, Vlad Guerrero Jr. and Juan Soto all received their true rookie cards in Update rather than Series 1 or 2. Some top prospects expected to debut in 2023 and receive rookie cards include Gunnar Henderson, Emerson Hancock and Druw Jones. Their Update rookies could become highly coveted chase cards.
In terms of design, TCDB reports the 2023 Topps base cards are expected to continue the clean, modern style first introduced in 2022. Team-colored borders and logos with large centered player photos have been well received. Parallel designs may incorporate additional colors and textures. As for product exclusives, Walmart and Target typically carry their own retail-exclusive parallel sets worth seeking out.
When it comes to secondary market prices, flagship Topps rookies from recent years show strong potential to gain value as careers progress. Top RCs from the 2023 Topps series could realistically sell for $50-100 raw within a few years if those players pan out. Top rookies in PSA 10 or BGS 9.5+ could fetch $500-1000 based on current similar rookie prices. Key parallels and short prints may also appreciate significantly over time.
All in all, the 2023 Topps Baseball card release schedule on TCDB provides collectors much to look forward to. As the original and leading brand in the hobby, Topps sets the bar that others try to reach. Strong rookie classes, fun parallels and sought-after short prints make each year’s Topps products must-haves. With the 2023 season approaching, stay tuned for full release details and check with your local card shops for pre-order availability of Series 1 boxes coming soon.
