The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases in recent history. With rising popularity in the modern collecting scene, cards of star rookies and veterans in the upcoming Topps series are garnering attention before packs even hit store shelves. As the first year of players’ contracts with Topps, the 2023 cards will be the lone brand to feature certain athletes. With highly coveted rookies and talent across the league, here are some of the hottest 2023 Topps baseball cards collectors are buzzing about:
Shohei Ohtani: As the face of baseball, Ohtani’s cards consistently lead sales charts. His 2021 Topps Update SP autos sold for thousands. As the best two-way talent of this generation, Ohtani mania shows no signs of slowing. Collectors are ready to snap up any of his 2023 commons, refractors, and short prints the second they’re available. Near-flawless Ohtani rookies from 2018 Topps Update remain four-figure cards, proving his lasting appeal in the hobby.
Juan Soto: At only 24, Soto is already a generational talent and perennial MVP candidate. One of the game’s premier hitters, Soto just signed a massive $440 million contract with the Padres, making any of his San Diego cards that much more coveted. Even his common Nationals cards hold strong value. Soto’s autos, parallels, and 1-of-1 cards command top dollar and will likely do the same out of the 2023 Topps set.
Ronald Acuña Jr: Before a torn ACL cost him the 2021 season, Acuña was on a trajectory to break records and etch his name alongside all-time greats. Now 24, he heads into 2023 fully healthy and should return to superstardom. As one of the most exciting young players in MLB, Acuña’s rookies and inserts are a cornerstone of collections. His 2023 Topps cards will be fan favorites thanks to his breathtaking style of play and breakout potential.
Wander Franco: At only 21 years old, Franco has already produced like a perennial All-Star in his first two seasons. The face of the Rays’ franchise, Franco is expected to contend for batting titles for years. His 2021 Topps Chrome autos and retro parallels sell in the thousands. Eager collectors expect Franco to cement himself as the game’s premier young shortstop, catapulting any 2023 Topps cards into the stratosphere.
Riley Greene: As the top prospect called up in 2022, Greene impressed with solid performances for the Tigers and seems poised for stardom. The talented lefty slugger cracked Topps’ Rookie All-Star lineup and captured collectors’ attention. Green is a potential franchise cornerstone, making his 2023 Topps cards prized by investors. Short prints, autos, and refractors could pay off tenfold should he emerge as the frontman for resurgent Detroit.
Julio Rodríguez: Widely hailed as the top prospect in baseball, Rodríguez smashed records with an electric rookie campaign for the Mariners in 2022. At just 21, he has five-tool superstar written all over him. Rodríguez put himself on the map, guaranteeing 2023 Topps release cards will move quickly. With Seattle’s championship window opening, Rodríguez is positioned to be the face of the franchise for years. His 2023 rookies could be the most valuable in the set.
Bobby Witt Jr: The second overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt skipped Triple-A and held his own as the everyday third baseman for Kansas City in 2022 at just 21 years old. With smooth defensive skills and huge offensive upside, Witt led all rookies in extra-base hits. Considered a future cornerstone, Witt’s cards have taken off. Any Topps cards from his first full season will be among the hottest new prospects on the market.
Adley Rutschman: As the top pick in 2019 and Baltimore’s prized catching prospect, Rutschman stepped in to assume starting catcher duties in 2022 and didn’t disappoint. Showing poise at the plate and leadership behind it at 24, Rutschman established himself as a future All-Star and foundation for the Orioles’ rebuild. Collectors are eager to get their hands on cards from Rutschman’s first full season after years of anticipation.
Grayson Rodriguez: Rodriguez proved in 2022 he is Baltimore’s next ace, with a lights-out repertoire headlined by a blazing fastball. At only 23, Rodriguez tossed six scoreless innings in his debut. With a dominant campaign likely in store for 2023, any Topps cards of Baltimore’s new towering righty have plenty of upside for investors given his ace caliber, hometown team control.
Spencer Strider: The electric Braves righty shot onto the scene in 2022 with a triple-digit fastball that piled up over 200 strikeouts as a rookie. At only 24, Strider cemented himself as an integral part of Atlanta’s championship-caliber rotation for years to come. While struggling late with injury, Strider re-established himself as a breakout player to watch. His 2023 flagship cards will be hotly pursued.
Two-way Players: The emergence of Ohtani opened collectors’ eyes to the intrigue of two-way talents. Forrest Whitley, Brennan Davis, and Jackson Chourio could join Ohtani in this rare dual role. The novelty of two-way players grabs attention. Even modest cards from these versatile athletes’ first campaigns could appreciate well as their careers progress.
International Signings: With MLB’s globalization, more amateurs from Asia and Latin America sign record deals. 2023 may bring cards from the likes of Diancho Duran ($2.1M Dominican SS), Raimfer Salinas ($1.5M Venezuelan OF), or Masahiro Demura ($676K Japanese LHP). Their early cards give investors early access to future stars at affordable costs before breaks emerge.
Veteran Stars: Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts and other household names continue attracting collectors. While their base cards hold less upside, parallels, patches, and autos remain sought-after prizes. Any short prints featuring baseball’s modern greats in their prime are highly collectible centerpieces for sets.
With card values surging industry-wide and evolving collector demographics, the hot 2023 Topps rookies, prospects and superstars promise to create new investing opportunities and fuel resurgent hobby interest in the year ahead. Savvy collectors tracking these players now position themselves to benefit most from rising 2023 release prices in the future.
