The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner, which means the baseball card hobby is buzzing with anticipation over what rookies and stars may emerge this season and which of their rookie cards could become highly valuable investments. While it’s impossible to predict the future, here are some of the top baseball cards to keep an eye on in 2023 based on players’ talents and potential impacts on their teams.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC)
Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball just a year ago, Rutschman made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately showed why the hype was justified. The switch-hitting catcher batted .254 with 5 home runs and 21 RBI in just 45 games, flashing promising defense behind the plate as well. Now entrenched as the Orioles’ everyday catcher, big things are expected in 2023 as Baltimore continues its rebuild. Rutschman’s prospect pedigree and early MLB success make his rookie cards strong holds. Look for continued increases in value if he establishes himself as the franchise cornerstone and possible future MVP and All-Star that scouts have dreamed of.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC)
Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in 2022, batting .284 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI in just 119 games as a 21-year-old. He provided a huge spark to the Mariners’ surprising playoff run and looks primed to be a perennial All-Star. Among rookies last year, only Kyle Schwarber had more homers than J-Rod. As one of the faces of baseball’s youth movement, Rodriguez is selling tons of jerseys and driving interest in his already scarce rookie cards. Expect massive jumps in value over the next year if he continues building on his enormous rookie success and delivers Seattle its first playoff series win in over 20 years.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Topps Chrome Update RC)
After just over half a season in the majors in 2022, Witt looks like a future superstar in the making as the new face of the Royals. He batted .254 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI and 30 stolen bases in his rookie campaign, showing explosiveness at the plate and elite defensive skills at shortstop and third base. The #2 overall pick from 2019, Witt has all the tools to be a perennial batting title and Gold Glove contender for years to come in Kansas City. His already valuable rookie cards could reach true icon status if he earns All-Star and MVP honors as the Royals continue improving.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Auto RC)
Like Witt, Torkelson struggled in his first extended MLB look in 2022 but still has all the makings of a top offensive producer. The #1 overall pick from 2020, Tork showcased his sweet lefty swing at Triple-A before batting .197 in 89 games for Detroit. But his advanced approach and plus power make him a prime breakout candidate in 2023. If Torkelson emerges as the middle-of-the-order thumper the Tigers were hoping for, his rookie cards could surge in a big way from their currently low asking prices. With stars like Javier Baez and Austin Meadows joining the lineup, Torkelson has support and opportunity to unlock his enormous potential.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC)
While rookie pitchers are always riskier bets than position players, Leiter has ace-caliber stuff that could make him worth the gamble. The second overall pick in 2021, Leiter unleashed a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and biting curveball on minor league hitters last season before making his MLB debut. Sent back to Triple-A to start 2023 for workload management, Leiter will likely join the Rangers’ rotation by mid-season. If he finds success against big league lineups, this son of former big leaguer Al Leiter could rapidly rise from a prospect to a true frontline starter.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (2019 Bowman Paper RC)
Cruz made his MLB debut in 2022 and flashed why his prospect hype has grown to remarkable heights. At an incredible 6-foot-7 with staggering raw power, Cruz’s 21 home runs in just 70 games across Triple-A and Pittsburgh set a torrid pace. Now assured everyday playing time in Pittsburgh, Cruz has 50-homer potential if he taps into his massive talent. As a former international signee, his older paper rookie cards remain surprisingly inexpensive. Cruz’s upside is enormous, so his ’19 rookies could become true long term blue chip investments with an All-Star caliber ’23 season.
Jeremy Pena, Houston Astros (2021 Topps Chrome RC)
Following a stellar rookie campaign that culminated in World Series MVP honors, Pena seems poised for stardom as Houston’s new shortstop. He batted .253 with 13 home runs, 49 RBI in 132 games in 2022 before delivering clutch homers in the Fall Classic. Now entrenched as the Astros’ starting shortstop for years ahead, Pena is in position to earn career-high stats and perhaps even some MVP votes in 2023 while playing for a perennial contender. His rookie cards from 2021 stay affordable for now but could multiply in value if he confirms himself as one of baseball’s top young two-way shortstops.
Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins (2021 Topps Chrome Auto RC)
A third round pick just a few years ago, Jax emerged as one of the Twins’ biggest 2022 surprises by posting a 3.47 ERA across 15 starts. With a four-pitch mix headlined by a heavy sinker and sweeping slider, the 6-foot-6 righty showed all the makings of a potential frontline starter. Now with a rotation spot ensured to begin 2023, Jax is poised to rack up valuable innings if he maintains his control and misses bats. As one of the few well-known hurlers in this class with starting experience, Jax’s rookie cards present a chance at a breakout payoff.
Brennan Davis, Chicago Cubs (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto RC)
After several injury-plagued seasons stalled his prospect hype, Davis broke out with 27 home runs across Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 at just 22 years old. Now on the Cubs’ 40-man roster, Davis seems primed for a 2023 callup if he picks up where he left off. Standing 6-foot-4 with plus raw power and speed, Davis has true five-tool star potential that could shine through if given regular reps in Wrigley Field. His under-the-radar 2019 rookie cards remain a virtual steal compared to what they might gain from a strong MLB introduction.
Oneil Cruz, Roansy Contreras, and Brennan Davis present particularly interesting values given their older paper/chrome rookie cards remain very affordable relative to their massive breakthrough potential in 2023. While risk always exists for prospects, these three in particular offer astronomical reward if they blossom into the impact talents they’ve long shown possibilities for.
Of course, unpredictable injuries or slumps could sidetrack any of these players. But for collectors bullish on an individual’s tools and organizational support system, snatching up these relatively low-priced rookie investments ahead of potential make-or-break seasons could bring handsome long term dividends. With so much young talent ready to impact pennant races across MLB in 2023, this class has all the makings of future Hall of Famers and all-time greats. Stay tuned for the fireworks on and off the field next season.
