The highly anticipated Topps Baseball Cards 2023 Series 1 is set to be released in late January 2023. As with every new series release, collectors and fans alike are eager to find out who and what will be included on the checklist. Series 1 is typically the flagship set of each new season and features the biggest rookie classes and storylines entering the year. Let’s take an in-depth look at what we might expect to see on the 2023 Series 1 checklist based on previous year trends and the state of Major League Baseball heading into the new season.
Rookie Class – The strongest rookie class we’ve seen in years will surely be featured prominently. Catcher Adley Rutschman, starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez, and outfielder Julio Rodriguez headline a star-studded group of debut talents. Bobby Witt Jr, Spencer Torkelson, and Riley Greene from the 2022 class should also receive plenty of cards after brief initial season appearances. Look for parallels and autographs of the top rookie stars to be in high demand.
Superstars – Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and other elite talents will lead the checklist asalways. With Judge fresh off hitting an AL record 62 home runs, look for special parallels and memorabilia cards featuring his historic 2022 season. Players like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuna Jr. who have battled injuries will attempt bounce back campaigns in 2023.
New Faces – Several players changed teams last offseason, paving the way for debut cards in new uniforms. Carlos Correa, Kodai Senga and Kris Bryant are among those who will receive cards for the first time with their new clubs. Top prospects joining MLB rosters full-time like Oneil Cruz and Bobby Miller will add to rookie excitement.
Veteran Standouts – Players like Albert Pujols chasing milestones, Clayton Kershaw possibly in his final season or Yadier Molina’s potential retirement could garner special parallel recognition by Topps. Others like Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke producing at high levels deep into their 30’s is a testament to longevity that often earns card tributes.
Moments and Milestones – Topps typically highlights historic moments and statistical achievements from the previous season. Judge’s home run chase is a lock, but others like Paul Goldschmidt and Evan Longoria reaching career milestones or playoff performances could earn spotlight cards as well. New accomplishments in 2023 like league leaders, All-Star games and postseason heroes will also populate Series 1.
Base Card Design – Modern simple designs are the norm but always with subtle new touches and tribute elements added in each season. Popular parallels over the past few years like Gold Foil, Rainbow Foil, Polarized and Sapphire seem likely to return. Topps usually unveils a stunning new Memorabilia or Autograph card design as the true high-end chase card of Series 1 packs as well.
Variations and Short Prints – No traditional Topps checklist is complete without including the allusive and hard-to-find short printed parallels and variations that keep collectors on their toes. Insert sets highlighting positional players, team franchise greats and special autograph/relic parallels of the games top attractions are sure to be included. With technology advancing, expect new types of inserts and parallel concepts as well.
Overall, Series 1 figures to be a star-studded celebration of the games elite talent and top storylines entering the 2023 season. With such a deep rookie class joining established superstars and veterans still performing at the highest level, the checklist has all the ingredients for another highly coveted and collectible flagship set release from Topps. Stay tuned as release date approaches for the full official checklist unveiling and begin your hunt for the always in-demand rookie sensations as well as short printed treasures sure to emerge from 2023 Topps Baseball Series 1 packs.
