The 2023 baseball card season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. With big rookie classes, star players chasing milestones, and premium products delivering amazing memorabilia cards, there will be no shortage of chase cards for collectors. Here’s a look at some of the top baseball cards to hunt for from the 2023 set and product releases:
Shohei Ohtani Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman) – Ohtani continues to cement his status as the face of MLB with another incredible two-way season in 2022. His rookie cards from Topps Chrome and Bowman remain some of the hottest commodities in the hobby. The 2018 Topps Chrome Ohtani rookie auto fetched over $500,000 at auction this year. Look for his base rookies to remain highly coveted by collectors.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Autograph Cards – After missing almost all of the 2022 season due to injury, Acuña will look to return to MVP form in 2023 as he enters his prime. Autograph cards of the Braves star, especially from high-end products like National Treasures, will be must-haves for collectors given his talent and marketability.
Julio Rodríguez Rookie Cards – The Mariners phenom had a monster rookie campaign and looks poised for superstardom. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie autographs will be the crown jewels among the loaded 2023 rookie class. Even base rookies could gain significant value as Rodríguez’s career progresses.
Two-Sport Stars Dual Autograph Cards – Products like Topps Triple Threads and Leaf Trinity often feature dual-signed memorabilia cards with football and baseball stars like Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Mike Trout. These ultra-rare memorabilia cards command big money on the secondary market.
Mike Trout Autograph Cards – The consensus best player of his generation, Trout’s autographs remain highly sought after. His low-printed autographs from high-end releases like National Treasures and Immaculate Collection are must-owns for Trout PC collectors.
Aaron Judge Home Run Milestone Cards – After smashing the AL home run record in 2022 with 62 dingers, Judge is poised to reach other career milestones that could be memorialized on special cards. Milestone cards for reaching 250, 300, or 400 career home runs would be instant classics.
Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie Card – One of the most iconic rookie cards in any sport, Griffey’s Upper Deck rookie from 1989 remains the undisputed king of baseball cards. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples now sell for over $400,000. Even lower-graded versions command big money.
Albert Pujols Milestone Cards – Pujols is chasing major career milestones in 2023 like 700 home runs and 3,000 hits. Special cards from Topps, Panini, or Leaf commemorating these milestones would be instant blockbusters.
Yordan Alvarez Rookie Cards – After a breakout 2022 season that saw him finish third in AL MVP voting, interest in Alvarez’s rookie cards will surge. His Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie autos could gain significant value if he keeps performing at this level.
Wander Franco Rookie Patch Cards – The Rays phenom had a stellar sophomore season and looks like a future superstar. Patch cards featuring swatches of his autographed rookie jersey patches from 2021 products will be must-owns.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Autograph Cards – After powering his way to his first All-Star appearance in 2022, Vladdy Jr. is cementing his status as the new face of baseball in Canada. His autographs, especially from high-end releases, will be in high demand.
Rookie Autograph Patch Cards – Multi-relic rookie cards featuring autographs paired with jersey or bat swatches are the holy grails for PC collectors. Look for big cards featuring the likes of Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and other top prospects.
Mike Trout 1/1 Cards – The rarest Trout cards, like impossibly rare 1/1 printing plates or autographs, could sell for over $100,000 when they pop up. Even common Trout 1/1 variations hold value due to his star power.
This covers some of the most coveted baseball cards likely to emerge over the 2023 season. With an exciting new crop of young stars and veterans chasing history, there will be no shortage of cards that could become instant classics. The hunt is on for collectors!
