The 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball card set was released on August 3rd, 2023 and contains a wide array of rookie cards, star players, and parallels that have already started gaining value on the resale market. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable cards collectors should be on the lookout for from this exciting new Series 2 release.
One of the headliners of the set is the prized Julio Rodríguez rookie card. Still just 21 years old, Julio Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season with the Seattle Mariners in 2022 that saw him win the AL Rookie of the Year award. His accolades and massive fanfare have turned his rookie cards into some of the hottest commodities on the baseball card market right now. The Topps Series 2 base version of his rookie card seems to be settling in at a value of around $50-75 already, with higher graded versions steadily climbing above $100. Parallel and autograph versions of his rookie card could easily fetch hundreds or even thousands given his star status.
Another coveted rookie to watch is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. The number 2 overall pick from 2019 had a strong debut campaign and looks primed for stardom as well. Low numbered parallels and autograph versions of his Series 2 rookie card are commanding upwards of $150-200 already. The base card looks to have found a steady price point around $30-50. Like Rodriguez, Witt Jr.’s sky-high potential means any of his coveted rookie cards could appreciably rise in value over the coming years.
Staying in the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers’ 2023 call up Riley Greene sees strong early demand for his rookie offerings in Series 2 as well. Though he struggled with injuries in 2022, Greene showed flashes of why he’s considered one of baseball’s top prospects. His base rookie card seems to be settling at $15-25 to start, with parallels and auto cards reaching $50-100 based on serial numbers. Greene’s star turn could be coming soon and pumping up values of this card.
Switching to the National League, Dodgers sensation Miguel Vargas made his MLB debut in 2022 and hit .304 in 54 games, opening eyes around baseball. The Series 2 base card for his rookie season is trending around $10-15 out the gate. Autograph and memorabilia cards of his are already north of $75-150 given the hype around his potential and the prestige of playing for Los Angeles. Vargas may not carry the fame of the bigger rookie names yet, but savvy investors are taking note of his early success.
Moving to established superstars, any parallel or serially numbered cards of superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr. or Mookie Betts are always in high demand. Low-numbered parallels and autographs of these franchise cornerstones could easily bring hundreds or thousands given their production and marketability. Soto in particular holds a ton of hype heading into free agency, inflating values of any new cards featuring the Nationals’ star.
On the pitching side, pitchers like Shohei Ohtani, Sandy Alcantara, and Shane McClanahan routinely see strong prices for lower parallel and autographed versions of their newly released Series 2 cards. Alcantara in particular had a dominant season and is causing a Miami renaissance of sorts, giving his cards added cache. Superstar hurlers will almost always demand higher prices than position players.
Of course, no discussion of valuable MLB cards would be complete without at least mentioning the huge proliferation of parallels, inserts, refractors, and autographs that add complexity – and often substantial premiums – to a player’s Series 2 offerings. Top players routinely have dozens of parallel variations between the main red, blue, green, etc. colors plus lower population Purple, Orange, Gold, and Rainbow parallel options. Autographed and memorabilia cards are usually the true blue chip investments that can return thousands if a player blossoms into a superstar. Lower serial numbers are also hugely important for maximum value.
While prices fluctuate daily in the hot trading card market, the above names represent some of the safest bets to appreciate substantially from Topps Series 2 over the long haul. Rookies like Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Greene have all the talent and hype to be future Hall of Famers. Veterans Soto, Ohtani and company will likely always be in high demand. And the sky is the limit for parallels and autographs of top talents. By focusing on these types of cards, collectors can feel confident about building a portfolio positioned for gains down the road. The 2023 Series 2 release offers a tremendous opportunity to get in early on the next wave of stars and seeing significant returns.
