Baseball Card Release Dates in 2023
Each new year brings with it anticipation for the upcoming baseball season and the release of new baseball card sets highlighting the previous year’s action. 2023 will be no different, as several major card companies have already announced their plans to release new high-profile sets celebrating the 2022 MLB season. While specific release dates may change as the year progresses, here’s a general overview of some of the biggest and most anticipated baseball card releases expected in 2023.
Topps – As the longest-running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps annually kicks off the new year of baseball cards. In 2023, they are expected to release their flagship Topps Series 1 set in late January or early February. This set will feature rookie cards and base cards highlighting the 2022 MLB season. Topps Update is then projected for release in late summer/early fall, adding any new rookies or players that emerged after Series 1 was finalized. Topps Chrome, featuring refractors and parallels, will likely release in spring. Topps Heritage, celebrating vintage design aesthetics from the 1950s-80s, is planned for an April/May release window.
Panini – As one of the leading competitors to Topps in recent years, Panini has established themselves as a must-have brand. Their 2023 Prizm set, featuring refractors and “hit” parallels, is anticipated for release in February or March. Panini’s 2023 Donruss set will offer base cards and rookies from 2022 and is projected for April/May. Panini also annually produces exclusive NBA-licensed sets that incorporate baseball players, such as Donruss Optic (March/April) and Prizm Draft Picks (May/June).
Bowman – The Bowman brand is synonymous with prospecting and rookie cards. In 2023, look for Bowman Draft in April showcasing the top prospects from the 2022 MLB Draft. Bowman’s Platinum set is planned for a June release, while Bowman Chrome and Bowman 1st Edition are projected for July-September windows to feature the best prospects and recent draftees. Bowman Sterling, an ultra-high end release, is tentatively scheduled for fall 2023.
Other Notable Releases – Additional major releases on the 2023 calendar include Allen & Ginter (June/July) from Topps, featuring unique mini cards and inserts. Stadium Club from Topps is planned for a May release. Leaf is projecting Metal Universe for April and Valiant for June. The premium brands also have 2023 releases planned – Leaf Trinity and Flawless in spring/summer, while Spectra and Impeccable are aiming for fall/winter releases.
Retail & Hobby Availability – Most mainstream releases will be readily available through major retailers like Target, Walmart, and hobby shops. More premium/limited sets usually require pre-orders through online card shops. As the COVID card boom continues to impact availability and demand, it will be important for collectors to be proactive in securing pre-orders or checking for restocks around anticipated release dates. Secondary market prices also remain elevated across most modern releases.
2023 shapes up to be another monumental year for baseball cards, with the usual suspects releasing new flagship sets and exclusive parallels/refractors to celebrate the past MLB season and showcase top prospects. With the continued growth of the hobby, competition between brands is fierce – so collectors can expect innovative new insert sets and memorabilia cards alongside traditional base cards. Staying up-to-date on official announcements and release calendars will help fans of the card collecting hobby best prepare and plan for the exciting wave of new releases coming in 2023.
