The 2023 MLB season will feature an exciting new crop of rookie talent making their debuts. These young players just starting their careers in the major leagues represent the future stars of baseball. Their rookie cards, the first trading cards issued featuring them in an MLB uniform, will be highly sought after by collectors.
Some of the top rookie prospects to watch for in 2023 who could have valuable rookie cards include Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene, Kansas City Royals pitcher Frank Mozzicato, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. The rookie who ends up having the highest impact on the field in their first MLB season often sees their cards gain the most value long term.
Rutschman is considered one of the best catching prospects of all time and was the #1 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Orioles. He made his MLB debut in 2022 but struggled with injuries, limiting him to just 35 games. If he can stay healthy and perform close to his potential in 2023, Rutschman’s rookie cards could be some of the most sought after. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card from 2022 has already gained value due to the hype around him.
Greene is another former top prospect who debuted in 2022 with the Reds. The #2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Greene has a power arm that reaches over 100 MPH. He showed flashes of dominance in his rookie season but also battled injuries. Greene’s prized Topps Chrome Refractor rookie from 2022 could gain significant value if he puts together a full healthy season in 2023. Prospect hounds will be watching him closely.
Dingler was a second round pick by the Tigers in 2018 who hit his way through the minors and made his MLB debut late in 2022. He is expected to be Detroit’s starting catcher in 2023. If Dingler can hit for average and power at the major league level while providing solid defense behind the plate, his rookie cards like his Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors could take off in value among Tigers collectors.
Mozzicato was a seventh round selection by the Royals in 2021 out of high school in Connecticut. He rose quickly through their system with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider. The lefty is likely to make his MLB debut at some point in 2023, and if he finds success, his rookie cards, especially Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome, will be in high demand.
Bradley is one of the Rays’ best pitching prospects, a fourth round pick in 2018. He made his MLB debut in 2022 with impressive results, showing a power arm with swing and miss stuff. Bradley will likely be in Tampa Bay’s starting rotation in 2023. If he establishes himself as a quality big league starter, his rookie cards like Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome parallels could gain long term value.
Beyond these headliners, there will be numerous other rookies who make their MLB debuts throughout the 2023 season that could emerge. Players who exceed expectations and produce strong performances often see a spike in demand for their rookie cards from collectors. Some other names to watch who may debut in 2023 include Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer, Chicago White Sox outfielder Oscar Colas, San Diego Padres pitcher MacKenzie Gore, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Tiedemann, and Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic among many others.
The top rookie cards to look for will be their flagship Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors as those parallels tend to carry the most cachet with collectors long term. Autograph and memorabilia cards will also hold premium value. Even their base Topps and Bowman rookie cards could gain value over time for players who pan out in the majors. It’s always hard to predict performance, but the rookies who make an immediate impact tend to see their cards recognized and increase in secondary market worth.
For investors and collectors, it’s wise to do research on prospects and track players during their first MLB action. Be selective and focus on the highest upside talents who seem poised for success. Their rookie cards offer an opportunity for potential future gain if bought at reasonable prices early. It’s also important to consider holding rookie cards long term rather than expecting a quick profit. Patience and believing in a player’s abilities can be rewarding strategies in the competitive baseball card market.
The 2023 season represents a new crop of young talent for MLB clubs and a fresh batch of rookie cards for collectors to pursue. Following the debuts of players over the year and how their cards gain or lose value can provide insight into future prospects as well as enjoyment for fans of the card hobby. Some of the names that emerge may become household names in years to come and their early cardboard could prove to be valuable holdings.
