The 2023 baseball season will mark another year for the historic Chicago Cubs franchise. As the Cubs look to build on their progress from 2022 and continue working to develop their young core of position players, many fans will be collecting the new Cubs baseball cards to commemorate the upcoming season. Here is an in-depth look at some of the key Cubs players who could feature prominently in the 2023 baseball card sets.
Perhaps the most anticipated Cubs rookie card for 2023 will be shortstop Ed Howard. The 21-year old was selected 16th overall by Chicago in the 2020 MLB Draft and has quickly risen up the Cubs prospect rankings with his combination of defensive skills, hitting ability, and athleticism. In 2022, Howard hit .265 with 13 home runs and an .820 OPS between High-A and Double-A, showcasing why many analysts view him as a future All-Star. His rookie cards from sets like Topps, Bowman, and Panini are likely to be hot commodities for collectors.
Another Cubs rookie generating plenty of buzz is outfielder Brennen Davis. After making his MLB debut in 2022 and hitting .235 in 46 games, Davis will look to lock down a regular role with Chicago in 2023. The 23-year old has plus power potential and was one of the organization’s top prospects for several years. His rookie cards from last season sold for substantial prices and interest in Davis will remain high heading into his first full big league campaign. Both Davis and Howard could end up featuring prominently in special Cubs rookie card inserts.
On the pitching side, Cubs fans will be keeping a close eye on 24-year old right-hander Caleb Kilian. Acquired from the Giants at the 2021 trade deadline, Kilian made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed why he has one of the best repertoires in the Cubs system with a mid-90s fastball and hard slider. The young starter will compete for a spot in Chicago’s rotation in 2023. As a recent top prospect making his way to the majors, Kilian’s rookie cards could gain value with a strong sophomore season.
Of course, collectors will also be seeking cards of established Cubs stars like Willson Contreras and Ian Happ. As Contreras hits free agency following the 2023 season in what could be his last year on the Cubs, cards from his final season with the team may take on added significance. The two-time All-Star catcher has been a fan favorite and staple of the Cubs lineup for years. Meanwhile, Happ has emerged as one of baseball’s most consistent offensive threats from the left side. After hitting .271 with 16 home runs and 57 RBI in 2022, the 28-year old will look to build on a career year and cement his place in the Cubs long-term plans.
Rookies and young prospects aren’t the only Cubs generating interest, however. Veterans like Wade Miley, Marcus Stroman, and David Robertson were all key additions for Chicago on the mound in 2022 and 2023 cards of these players could rise in value with another solid campaign. Stroman in particular has developed a large collector base after a stellar career pitching for the Mets and Blue Jays. At 31, he remains an innings-eating stalwart at the front of the Cubs rotation.
Of course, no discussion of Cubs cards would be complete without mentioning superstar Japanese slugger Seiya Suzuki. In his rookie season of 2022, Suzuki proved why he was one of the most sought-after international free agents by hitting .262 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI in just 88 games before an injury ended his season prematurely. Now fully healthy, the 28-year old outfielder will look to build on a promising debut campaign and further cement his place among the game’s brightest young stars. His rookie cards from 2022 sold for high prices and interest in Suzuki is unlikely to wane.
While the Cubs continue their rebuild, there remains plenty for collectors to track both in the present and future. From established veterans to rising prospects, the 2023 Cubs card class is primed to feature many players who could have breakout campaigns or take their place as fixtures in the organization for years to come. For Cubs fans both on and off the field, keeping an eye on the development of these athletes through the hobby of card collecting makes for an exciting way to follow the upcoming season. With a blend of proven talent and emerging stars, Cubs cards in 2023 offer collectors investment opportunities as well as chances to commemorate the franchise’s rich history.
