The 2023 baseball season is in full swing which means it’s a great time to start collecting some of the best new baseball cards on the market. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez continuing to break out and stars like Shohei Ohtani doing things never seen before, there are plenty of exciting cards to chase. Here are some of the top 2023 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for over the coming months:
Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards: The Mariners rookie sensation had an incredible debut season in 2022 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. Rodriguez possesses five-tool talent and has already established himself as a franchise cornerstone in Seattle. His rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, Panini, and others are some of the most sought after on the market right now. The Topps Chrome Julio RC Auto /499 in particular is highly coveted and will be a centerpiece for any collection.
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards: It’s hard to put into words just how unique and talented Shohei Ohtani is as a two-way player. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie cards were hot commodities when he first broke out and they have only grown more valuable since. While expensive, an Ohtani rookie auto would be a true crown jewel in any collection. Even his base rookies from Topps, Bowman, and Stadium Club are must-owns for Angels fans and collectors alike.
Spencer Strider Rookie Cards: The Braves flamethrowing rookie had a breakout 2022 campaign that saw him emerge as the staff ace down the stretch. Strider possesses some of the nastiest stuff in the game and looks poised for stardom. His rookie cards, particularly autographed parallels, are flying off shelves as collectors scramble to get in early. Strider rookies from Topps, Bowman, and Panini Prizm hold great long term value and upside.
Oneil Cruz Rookie Cards: At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw power and athleticism, Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is one of the most physically gifted players in the game. He made his debut in 2022 and immediately began turning heads. Cruz’s rookie cards are hot right now and his autographed parallels could pay off big if he reaches his full potential. Topps Chrome, Bowman, and Prizm rookies are all worth adding to collections.
Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards: The Royals young phenom had a strong debut season that saw him named AL Rookie of the Month multiple times. Witt possesses five-tool skills and looks like a future perennial all-star. His rookie cards, particularly Topps Chrome and Bowman autos, were in high demand in 2022 and have held steady value. Witt is sure to be a centerpiece for KC moving forward making his rookies solid long term holds.
Rookie Patch Card Variations: In addition to base rookies, collectors should keep an eye out for valuable patch card variations of top young stars. Patch cards featuring swatches of game worn jersey material add another layer of authenticity and tend to hold premium value. Top rookies to watch for include Rodriguez, Strider, Witt, Cruz, and others from brands like Topps, Bowman, Leaf, and Panini. Numbered parallels under 10 are the most sought after.
Sandy Alcantara Autograph Cards: The NL Cy Young winner had a phenomenal season for the Marlins and emerged as one of the best pitchers in baseball. Alcantara’s autographed cards from 2022 Topps, Bowman, and Panini releases are hot commodities right now. Numbered parallels under 100 of his autos make for impressive additions to any PC. Alcantara looks primed to cement his status as an ace for years to come.
Two-Sport Star Cards: Athletes who find success in multiple sports hold a special allure for collectors. Cards featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani (baseball/pitching), Deion Sanders (football/baseball), and Bo Jackson (football/baseball) command top dollar. On the watch list for 2023 are cards of UCLA football/baseball phenom Gabriel Hughes if he has success as a two-way player professionally. Dual-sport stars capture imaginations like no others.
Top Rookie Autograph Cards: While base rookies are always desirable, the true big ticket items are the ultra-rare autographed rookie cards inserted at incredibly low odds in packs. Top rookies to target include Rodriguez, Strider, Witt, Cruz and any others who break out. Numbered parallels under 10 of their Topps Chrome, Bowman, or Prizm rookie autos could yield huge returns if the player blossoms into a star. Patience and deep pockets are required to land these unicorns.
Vintage Star Cards: For collectors looking to splash out, vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s featuring all-time greats are some of the most prized possessions in the hobby. A Mickey Mantle rookie from 1952 Topps in gem mint condition would be the crown jewel of any collection but fetch well over $1 million at auction. More reasonably priced vintage stars to target include Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, and others from the 1960s-1970s. Condition is absolutely critical for vintage.
Top Prospect Autographs: In addition to current rookie stars, collectors should monitor the top MLB prospects coming up through the minors. Names like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Termarr Johnson are generating buzz. Their autographed cards from Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome sell for high prices on the secondary market already. Landing a Jones or Holliday auto from their first pro sets could yield a major return if they blossom as expected.
Rookie Jersey Card Variations: As with patches, rookie jersey cards that feature swatches of game worn uniforms hold a special allure. Top names to target include Witt, Rodriguez, Strider, Cruz and any other breakouts. Numbered parallels under 25 of their Topps, Bowman or Panini jersey cards are the most coveted pieces. Condition is especially important for memorabilia cards long term.
This covers some of the most sought after 2023 baseball cards for collectors to pursue over the coming year. With young stars continuing to emerge and veterans keeping up elite production, there are plenty of investment opportunities in the hobby. For the best odds of landing cards with long term upside, focus on the game’s brightest young talents in their rookie seasons through brands like Topps, Bowman and Panini. Condition remains key, especially for vintage pieces. Happy hunting!
