Topps Big League Baseball is one of the most popular and collectible baseball card releases each year. The 2023 edition features current stars, rookie sensations, and Hall of Fame legends across the modern and vintage sets. With so many cards to collect, it can be hard to determine which ones hold the most value. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top cards to look for in 2023 Topps Big League based on player pedigree, parallels, autographs, and more.
One of the most coveted rookie cards in the set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Still just 21 years old, Franco had a breakout season in 2022 that saw him hit .281 with 16 home runs and 63 RBI. He’s considered a future superstar and his base rookie card is sure to gain value as his career progresses. Another rookie to watch is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. At just 22, Rodriguez hit 28 home runs and drove in 75 runs while stealing 25 bases and winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. His rookie card is poised to become one of the set’s most valuable in the years to come.
On the veteran side, Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout remains one of the faces of the league. At just 31 years old, Trout is already a 3-time AL MVP and surefire Hall of Famer when his career is over. His base card is always a top seller and parallels or serially numbered versions carry premium value. The same goes for cards featuring New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, who is coming off a historic 62 home run season. Judge cards, especially from his rookie year or featuring unique parallels, are must-owns for any collector.
Autograph cards are where some of the biggest money cards can be found. Pulling a rookie auto of Franco or Rodriguez would be an incredible hit. But veteran autos also hold value, especially for stars in the twilight of their careers like Trout, Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Mookie Betts. 1/1 parallel autos, where only one of that specific card was produced, command astronomically high prices. Lower-numbered autos under 10 copies can also fetch four-figure prices depending on the player.
Parallels and serial-numbered inserts are another way for collectors to chase rarer, more valuable versions of base cards. Topps Big League features a wide array of parallels including Gold (/50), Black (/10), Red (/5), and 1/1 Rainbow Foil versions for top players. Serial-numbered cards under 100 copies or featuring unique parallels like Emerald, Atomic Refractor, and Prismatic are always in high demand. The lower the print run, the higher the card’s potential price point.
Vintage cards and legends of the game also hold value in Topps Big League. Base cards of all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more can be found mixed in with modern players. Serial-numbered parallels of vintage stars command big prices. Autograph cards of legends who have since passed away are the holy grails, especially for icons like Ruth, Mays, Mickey Mantle, and others. Even base cards of legends increase in value as their careers and legacies are cemented in Cooperstown.
Lastly, themed and insert sets within Topps Big League can produce big hits. The Flagship Frames and Fabrics of the Game inserts feature unique parallels that attract collectors. Autographs and serial-numbered cards from sets like Top Prospects, Stars of the Game, and Turn Back the Clock are always in high demand. Parallel and auto cards from these specialty inserts command premium dollar amounts.
When collecting Topps Big League Baseball 2023, the best cards to target are rookies of future stars like Franco and Rodriguez, superstar veterans like Trout and Judge, low-numbered parallels and serials, autograph cards across all levels, vintage legends, and hits from premium inserts. With patience and a bit of luck, any of these cards have the potential to gain significant value over time and provide long-term returns for the collector. The thrill of the hunt makes Topps Big League one of the most exciting releases of each new baseball season.
