The baseball card collecting hobby never ceases to excite collectors as we get closer to the new year. 2023 promises some new rookie stars and vintage legends that are going to captivate the attention of the cardboard community. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest baseball cards that are likely to generate buzz throughout next season.
Perhaps the biggest rookie card chasing will center around Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Still just 21 years old, Franco had a breakout season in 2022 that saw him hit .270 with 5 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games. What makes his rookie cards so desirable is the fact that he signed an 11-year, $182 million contract extension with the Rays in November, cementing him as the future of the franchise. His 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card could be a $1,000+ card next year as he continues to hone his skills in the majors. Also generating buzz will be reprints of his Topps Heritage Minors and Bowman Chrome 1st refractors from 2019 and 2020.
Two other rookies that had impressive debut campaigns and will see their cards heat up include Seattle Mariners left fielder Julio Rodriguez and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. Rodriguez slammed 28 home runs and had a .284 average as the Mariners clinched a playoff spot. His Topps Chrome Blue Refractor rookie from this year could push $500. Pena won ALCS and World Series MVP honors for the Astros and his Topps Chrome update rookie refractor parallels could crack four figures. Keep an eye out also for parallel color variations of their Topps inception, Topps fire, Topps museum collection, and Bowman chrome cards.
For vintage collectors, an icon of the game that is fueling demand is Ted Williams. Widely considered the greatest hitter of all-time, Williams sadly passed away in 2002. Collectors remain captivated with his career and collecting his vintage cards. Two that are appreciating rapidly include his 1956 Topps and 1957 Topps. The ’56 is one of the most storied single cards in the hobby and PSA/BGS 9 examples could trade hands for $200,000 next year. The ultra-rare ’57, regarded by many as the finest baseball card ever made due to its stunning photo, might see a Mint 9 copy eclipse the $500,000 mark.
Vintage rookie cards will also pique collector interest, headlined by the iconic 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8. Still one of the true Holy Grails of the hobby, prices continue an upward trajectory with recent 8’s selling north of $1 million. Also primed to achieve new heights are PSA 8 rookie cards of Sandy Koufax (1955 Topps), Willie Mays (1951 Bowman), and Hank Aaron (1954 Topps). Each are regarded as quintessential pieces in any collection and are appreciating substantially year after year.
Modern star cards won’t be ignored either. Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani has taken the sport by storm the past two seasons and his 2018 Topps Chrome Superfractor rookie is a six-figure card and gaining fast on icons like Griffey and Trout. Fellow AL MVP Aaron Judge will see strong gains on his 2017 Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor as he continues delivering monster seasons for the Yankees. Also, any parallels or auto rookies of Juan Soto are poised to appreciate sharply as the Nationals’ star enters his prime.
Of course, the vintage market holds a ton of promise in 2023 as well. High-grade Goudey rookies of Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Nap Lajoie remain iconic holdings. But lower production vintage like 1933 Goudey Giants team set and T206 non-sport tobacco issues like Ed Walsh could jump huge next year as collectors look to differentiate portfolios. And who doesn’t love a good condition 1933 Goudey George Selkirk for just $3,000? It’s a fun niche card.
The hottest cards of 2023 will continue chasing new stars like Franco, Rodriguez and Pena. Icons led by Mantle, Williams and Aaron will see sustained gains. And the allure of Ohtani, Judge and Soto modern parallels won’t fade. But savvy collectors will also look to the affordable vintage opportunities that hold steady intrinsic value. The cardboard collecting market remains as robust as ever heading into a new year.
