The 2023 LSU Tigers baseball season is highly anticipated after the team’s success last year which included winning the Southeastern Conference championship and advancing to the College World Series. With many talented returning players and new recruits joining the fold, collectors are eagerly awaiting the release of new LSU baseball cards featuring the upcoming roster.
Some of the biggest names that will surely have prized rookie cards include sophomore pitcher Blake Money and junior outfielder/first baseman Brayden Jobert. Money emerged as the Tigers’ ace last season with a 7-1 record and 2.57 ERA over 16 appearances including 15 starts. He struck out 103 batters over 86 innings and was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft but opted to return to Baton Rouge for another year. Jobert was an All-SEC selection in 2022 after batting .298 with 16 home runs and 58 RBI. He has power potential that could translate well to the next level.
Another highly sought-after rookie card will be of freshman pitcher Walker Howard. The right-hander was one of the top pitching recruits in the entire country out of St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, Louisiana. He has a mid-90s fastball and knee-buckling curveball that could allow him to make an immediate impact on the Tigers staff as a freshman. His status as a local star from Louisiana will also add to the popularity and demand for his rookie cards.
Veteran players like senior outfielder Gavin Dugas and junior shortstop Jordan Thompson should see an increase in the value of their cards after strong 2022 seasons. Dugas led LSU with 18 home runs and 56 RBI while batting .300. Thompson was named to the All-SEC Defensive Team at shortstop and hit .279 with 7 home runs and 44 RBI in a productive all-around campaign. Breakout seasons by either of these stalwarts could make their established cards very collectible.
On the pitching side, junior righty Eric Reyzelman figures to be a key member of the staff once again in 2023. He was 5-1 with a 3.38 ERA and 73 strikeouts over 71.1 innings pitched in a mostly relief role last season. His experience and track record of success could translate to his baseball cards gaining in demand, especially if he takes on a bigger starting role next spring. Another returning arm to watch is senior righty Paul Gervase, who was 4-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 2022. He has been a steady presence in the Tigers’ bullpen for three years now.
While the above players will likely be the biggest names on 2023 LSU baseball cards, there are always hidden gems that emerge each season. A breakout campaign by a lesser known player could suddenly make their cards highly collectible. The Tigers also have several impactful transfers joining the roster that may produce some new exciting rookie cards to the market. Former Texas A&M outfielder Dylan Rock adds power potential, while ex-Florida State pitcher Brandon Kaminer could crack the weekend rotation. Keep an eye as well on freshman catcher Hayden Travinski, who has impressive all-around skills and may develop into a star.
With the talent and expectations surrounding the 2023 LSU Tigers, their baseball cards should be a hot commodity. Collectors will be eager to snap up the rookie cards of potential first round draft picks like Blake Money and Walker Howard. Established veterans like Gavin Dugas and Jordan Thompson could see their values rise with big senior seasons as well. And as always, there may be a few unknown players who break out and produce some surprisingly valuable rookie cards. With the program’s winning tradition and rabid fanbase, 2023 LSU cards are primed to be very popular with collectors nationwide.
