The 2023 baseball season will mark the start of a new year and new baseball card releases from the major brands like Topps, Panini and Bowman. This year, collectors have a lot to look forward to with rookies making their MLB debut and stars changing teams. Here is a preview of some of the most highly anticipated baseball card products releasing in 2023.
Topps Series 1 is always one of the biggest card releases of the year and 2023 will be no exception. This flagship set will feature all the players from the upcoming season along with top rookie cards. Some rookies expected to have cards in Series 1 include Druw Jones (Braves), Termarr Johnson (Red Sox) and Elijah Green (Royals). Topps has also announced several special parallels and inserts including “Call to the Hall” cards featuring HOF inductees and a “Topps Now” insert set to chronicle events from the early season. Series 1 will hit stores in late February or early March.
Another set collectors have their eyes on is 2023 Topps Heritage. This set pays tribute to the design styles of baseball cards from the 1960s and 1970s. In addition to the retro look, Heritage will include several short printed parallels and autographs that drive collector demand. Top rookies expected in Heritage include Jackson Jobe (Tigers), Brock Porter (Rangers) and Chase Petty (MLB). Heritage is scheduled for an April release.
Bowman is the brand that collectors turn to for the best MLB rookie cards each year. In 2023, Bowman Baseball will feature the top prospects draft eligible for the 2022 draft like Jackson Holliday and Druw Jones. It will also include papers of players currently in the minors ahead of their MLB debuts. Autographs and memorabilia cards of high-value prospects make Bowman a popular product. The set is slated for an August release but hobby boxes will certainly sell out fast once available online or at local card shops.
Panini Prizm is considered one of the “hipper” sports card brands and their 2023 MLB release is a must-have for collectors. Prizm features vibrant refractors and parallels along with autographed “Fluorescence” and memorabilia inserts. Rookies to watch for include Termarr Johnson, Elijah Green and Anthony Solometo. Panini Prizm will be out in late May or early June providing an alternative to the traditional releases from Topps and Bowman.
For collectors looking to get cards of their favorite players on their new 2023 teams, Topps Opening Day will be required picking. This reasonably priced retail release in late February hits shelves right around start of the regular season. It will include uniforms updates and team switches. Some notable players changing teams include Aaron Judge (Signed with Giants), Trea Turner (Signed with Phillies) and Xander Bogaerts (Signed with Padres).
In terms of high-end products, Leaf’s 2023 Trinity Football/Baseball dual sport release in October is always a splurge item for well-heeled collectors. Insert sets blend puzzles and autographs with Serial Number parallels offering low print runs. Elite Extra Edition from Topps in November is another premium limited release often including 1/1 printing plates.
Throughout 2023, additional baseball card products are sure to be released to keep the hobby exciting. Update Series and Stadium Club from Topps along with more releases from Panini, Leaf and Fanatics Authentic are all possibilities. With a new crop of rookie stars and tales player movement, collectors have lots to get excited about chasing in the upcoming season through trading card products. It should be another great year for baseball cards!
