As the 2023 baseball season comes to a close, collectors are already looking ahead to the top rookie cards from this year that are poised to gain significant value in the coming years. While it’s impossible to predict exactly which players will emerge as the biggest stars, there are always a few rookies each season that stand out and capture the attention of both fans and collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after 2023 baseball rookie cards that could end up being extremely valuable long-term investments.
One of the clear frontrunners is Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. While he didn’t start generating mainstream buzz until mid-summer, Kwan quickly established himself as one of the best pure hitters in this year’s rookie class. For the season, he hit .298 with 29 doubles, 5 home runs, and a .783 OPS. Perhaps more impressively, he demonstrated tremendous plate discipline and rarely swung at bad pitches, walking more (39) than he struck out (29). This all-fields approach could serve him very well as he moves forward in his career. From a cardboard perspective, Kwan’s top rookies include his Prizm Silver Pack Fresh RC, Bowman Chrome Autograph RC, and Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor RC, all of which could become six-figure cards if he continues developing into a perennial All-Star.
Another rookie generating huge buzz is Seattle Mariners slugger Julio Rodriguez. While injuries cost him some time late in the season, J-Rod absolutely tore the cover off the ball when healthy, hitting .284 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases in only 131 games played. He showcased five-tool star potential and provided a huge boost to a Mariners team that made their first playoff appearance in over 20 years. From a card perspective, his top cards like Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor RC, Bowman Chrome Autograph Refractor RC, and Topps Chrome Update Black Refractor RC could end up as truly elite modern rookie cards. If Rodriguez lives up to the hype and becomes a true superstar, those ultra-rare parallels could sell for tens or even hundreds of thousands apiece down the road.
Another rookie generating a ton of interest from both fans and collectors is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. After a breakout postseason that saw him win World Series MVP honors, expectations are sky high for Pena moving forward. While his regular season numbers of .253 with 13 home runs don’t jump off the page, he has the defensive acumen and athleticism to be a perennial Gold Glover up the middle. With the Astros always competing for titles, Pena could become a household name. His most desirable rookies like the Topps Chrome Update Superfractor RC #/5 and Topps Finest Negative RC #/25 only serve to fuel speculation about his future superstar potential. If he becomes a Correa-like cornerstone for Houston, those dual logo man parallels could shatter records.
shifting gears to pitchers, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz quickly established himself as one of the most electrifying hurlers in baseball down the stretch. In 11 starts spanning the regular season and playoffs, Baz went 2-3 with a 2.03 ERA and 84 strikeouts over 51 1/3 innings pitched. He touches 100 mph with his fastball and mixes in a nasty curveball and slider. The Rays have a history of developing great pitching, so Baz may have top-of-the-rotation stuff long-term. His best rookie cards like Topps Finest Negative Refractor RC #/25 and Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor RC could explode in value if he becomes an annual Cy Young contender. Even numbered to just 25 copies, those low-serial parallels could eventually demand high 5 or even 6 figure prices.
Two other pitchers that could end up having some of the most valuable 2023 rookie cards are Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer and Kansas City Royals lefty Asa Lacy. Both were top 3 overall picks in their draft classes who made their MLB debuts this season. While Lacy struggled a bit in his cup of coffee, Meyer showed electric stuff with a mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider. He has true ace potential if he refines his command. Their Topps Finest Negative Refractors #/25 would be game-used holy grails for any collection with sustained success. On the flip side, if injuries derail their careers, even numbered parallels could end up virtually worthless. It’s a gamble, but Meyer and Lacy have the raw talent to make their rookie cards extremely worthwhile speculations.
Two dark horse position player candidates that could pay huge dividends with future value are Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell and Cincinnati Reds catcher Elly De La Cruz. Mitchell made his debut late this season and immediately impressed with his plus speed, defense, and ability to spray line drives from gap to gap. De La Cruz only got a September cup of coffee but has ridiculous power potential that was evident in his batting practice displays. While neither youngster produced huge offensive numbers yet, they both have the all-around tools and play for winning franchises who could help maximize their potentials. Their low-numbered parallels like Topps Finest Negatives and Bowman Chrome Autographs represent major lottery tickets if either blooms into full-fledged stars.
While it’s always difficult to predict baseball careers, the 2023 rookie class features many players with the all-around talent needed to become future franchise cornerstones. Cards like Kwan, Rodriguez, Pena, Baz, Meyer, Lacy, Mitchell, and De La Cruz provide an intriguing mix of short-term breakouts and risky long-term boom-or-bust speculations. With sustained success, their rarest parallels could end up as iconic pieces of modern baseball history valued at unthinkable sums. But as always, injuries and unexpected declines are just as possible. Still, serious collector should be scouring the hobby for desirably numbered versions of these top 2023 rookies while prices remain reasonable. Some of these cards could pay dividends for decades to come.
