The 2013 baseball card season featured some of the top rookies and stars in the game gracing the cardboard. While every year sees new and exciting players join the ranks, 2013 stood out as a memorable year for the hobby. From rookies who would go on to immediate stardom to veteran greats chasing milestones, here are some of the best and most valuable baseball cards released in 2013 sets.
Mike Trout 2012 Topps Update Series RC (Bowman Chrome RC in 2011)
Even a year after his true rookie card debut, Mike Trout was still one of the hottest names in baseball cards. Coming off a record-setting rookie campaign in 2012 that saw him win the AL Rookie of the Year and finish second in MVP voting, Trout was poised to become the new face of the league. His 2012 Topps Update Series rookie card remained highly sought after, with the base card selling in the $50-100 range at the time and parallels and autographs commanding far more. Trout would go on to win the AL MVP in 2013 and cement his status as a true superstar, making his rookie cards some of the best long-term holdings from the year.
Bryce Harper 2012 Topps Update Series RC
Like Trout the year before, Bryce Harper’s rookie season in 2012 was so impressive that his true rookie card was still a big hit over a year later in packs. Fresh off finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting and helping lead the Nationals to the postseason, Harper was already establishing himself as a budding star. His base 2012 Topps Update Series RC sold for around $30-50, with parallels and autographs reaching the triple-digit price range. Harper went on to have another excellent season in 2013, making his rookie card from the year a strong early investment.
Manny Machado Bowman Chrome RC
The Orioles’ Manny Machado had a breakout season in 2012 after being called up midway through, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His rookie cards from 2012 sets were hot, but collectors were eager to get their hands on his true first-year card from 2013 Bowman and Bowman Chrome. The base Bowman Chrome RC sold in the $50-100 range, with colored parallels and autographs reaching much higher prices. Machado established himself as a budding superstar third baseman in 2013, making his rookie cards some of the strongest long-term holdings from packs that year.
Yu Darvish 2012 Topps Finest Refractor RC
One of the most visually striking rookie cards released in 2013 sets was Yu Darvish’s refractor from 2012 Topps Finest. As one of the most hyped international signings in baseball history, Darvish’s rookie cards were in high demand in his first true MLB season of 2012. While his base rookies sold for $10-20, the Finest refractors reached the $100-200 range due to their rarity, colorful design, and Darvish’s early success establishing himself as an ace. He continued pitching like an elite starter in 2013, making his 2012 rookie cards some of the smartest specs from packs that year.
Matt Harvey Bowman Chrome RC
After making his debut in 2012 and showcasing dominant stuff right away, Mets flamethrower Matt Harvey was one of the most hyped young pitchers entering 2013. Collectors were eager to grab his true rookie card from 2013 Bowman and Bowman Chrome, with the base Chrome selling in the $50-100 range initially. Harvey seemed poised for stardom and didn’t disappoint in 2013, making his rookie cards some of the strongest long-term holds. While injuries would later derail his career, for a time Harvey looked like he could develop into an ace for years.
Wil Myers 2012 Bowman Chrome RC
Though he didn’t make his MLB debut until 2013, Wil Myers’ prospect pedigree and stats in the minors made his 2012 Bowman Chrome rookie one of the most coveted rookie cards entering 2013. As he was traded from the Royals to the Rays and prepared for his first full season, the hype around Myers was sky high. His base Bowman Chrome RC sold for $50-100 initially, with colored parallels reaching much higher prices. Myers went on to win 2013 AL Rookie of the Year, making his rookie card an excellent early investment and one of the top cards to grab from packs that year.
Mike Trout 2013 Topps Update RC Variation
While Trout collectors had chased his true rookie cards for years at this point, 2013 saw Topps release a popular variation of his standard rookie card. The “baseball bat” variation pictured Trout swinging instead of standing at the plate as on the base card. Available as an insert in 2013 Topps Update Series hobby boxes, the card captured collectors’ attention. Priced around $50-100 initially for the base version, it became a popular parallel and insert to chase that year. Any new Trout card was a hit with collectors.
Miguel Cabrera 2012 Topps Finest Refractor
As Miguel Cabrera closed in on a potentially historic Triple Crown season in 2012, collectors were after any shiny parallels or inserts featuring the Tigers’ superstar slugger. One of the most visually striking from 2013 releases was Cabrera’s refractor from 2012 Topps Finest, with its colorful design. With Cabrera fresh off winning back-to-back MVPs and in pursuit of a third, these were hot cards at the time, priced around $50-100 for the base refractor. He would go on to complete the Triple Crown, making any 2012 Cabrera cards great long-term investments.
Andrew McCutchen 2012 Topps Finest Refractor
Along with Cabrera, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was another MVP contender generating lots of hobby attention in 2013. Known for his flashy plays and big offensive numbers, “Cutch” was a highlight on 2012 Topps Finest refractors. With his breakout season fresh in collectors’ minds, these colorful parallel RCs sold for $50-100 initially. McCutchen would finish third in 2012 NL MVP voting and was one of baseball’s brightest young stars on the rise. His rookie cards remained hot investments throughout 2013 pack releases and beyond.
This covers some of the most noteworthy and valuable rookie cards, parallels, and stars from 2013 baseball card releases. With rookies like Trout, Harper, and Machado already emerging as superstars while young talents like Harvey, Myers and Darvish broke out, 2013 had no shortage of future hobby legends on the cardboard. For savvy collectors, grabbing these players’ rookie cards and top parallels during their release year proved to be wise long-term investments. The 2013 season truly had some of the best cards for building baseball collections.
