The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the iconic card manufacturer. While Donruss produces cards for all major sports, their baseball offerings are arguably the most popular. Within each new Donruss baseball set are always cards that stand out and hold value, making them worth targeting for collectors.
Some key rookies and parallels from the 2023 Donruss baseball set are already gaining attention and have potential to be quite valuable long term. One of the most sought after rookie cards is likely to be Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had a tremendous rookie season in 2022 that saw him finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. He displayed five tool talent and is seen as a future superstar. His base rookie card from 2023 Donruss is sure to be in high demand.
Another top rookie to watch is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. Witt had a solid debut campaign in 2022 and showed why he was a former number two overall pick. He brings exciting tools to the table as a potential star player. Witt’s base rookie is a must own for collectors. Additional rookies that could gain value include Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles), Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves), and Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates). All had breakouts in 2022 and their careers are trending up.
When it comes to parallels and inserts from 2023 Donruss, the prized cards will be the short printed, serial numbered versions of the top rookies. Parallel sets like Black, Gold, Silver Pack, and Xfractor are always popular with collectors. Low serial numbered pulls of stars like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., and other top prospects could gain a premium. Additional inserts like Superfractor, Diamond Kings, and High Tek tend to capture collector interest as well. Rare 1/1 parallels are truly treasures that can skyrocket in value with playing success.
Veteran stars and budding young talents also have cards that hold long term potential worth targeting. Cards of two way phenom Shohei Ohtani are always in demand given his unique abilities. Aaron Judge also remains a collector favorite after his historic 2022 AL MVP season with the New York Yankees that saw him break the AL single season home run record. Short printed parallels and serial numbered cards of these established superstars could gain value as their careers progress.
Additional veteran stars to watch include Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels), Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers), Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta Braves), and Juan Soto (San Diego Padres). All are perennial All-Stars in their primes still with many productive seasons ahead. Rarer inserts and parallels featuring these players from 2023 Donruss have a great shot at appreciating over the long haul. Younger standouts like Wander Franco (Tampa Bay Rays), Gavin Lux (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Shane McClanahan (Tampa Bay Rays) also have breakout potential.
When it comes to specific 2023 Donruss baseball cards to target, the top rookie cards of Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Rutschman, Strider, and Cruz are sure to be in high demand. Short printed parallels like Gold /50, Silver /199, and Xfractor /99 of these rookies as well as stars like Ohtani, Judge, Trout, Betts, Acuna Jr., and Soto would be very desirable holds. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top talents also carry premiums. Numbered parallels like Superfractor /10 and Diamond Kings /5 of major stars could gain substantial value over time.
In terms of long term investing, the highest upside 2023 Donruss cards will be the lowest serial numbered rookie cards and parallels of players who go on to have Hall of Fame caliber careers. Examples would be an ultra rare 1/1 parallel of a player who becomes a perennial All-Star and MVP winner. Such a card could gain a true fortune for a lucky collector down the road. While results can never be predicted, targeting cards of the most talented young players with the highest ceilings is a savvy strategy.
Condition is also critical to consider, as mint graded examples will always hold the greatest value potential. It’s also important to take a long term view and be patient, as cards can really start to appreciate significantly years after the fact as careers progress. The 2023 Donruss set is sure to produce future valuable gems worth holding onto. By focusing on the top rookies, stars, and short printed parallels, collectors have an excellent chance to uncover cards poised for growth. With some luck, the set may produce true iconic treasures of the hobby over the next decade plus.
The 2023 Donruss baseball release will offer collectors opportunities to acquire cards of burgeoning young talents and established stars that have strong chances to gain value as careers progress and rarity is realized. Focusing on the top rookies like Rodriguez and Witt Jr. as well as superstars including Ohtani, Judge, Trout and others sets collectors up well. Low serial numbered parallels offer the highest upside. With patience, the set may produce true blue chip investments and pieces of cardboard history over the long haul.
