The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner, which means new baseball cards are starting to hit the shelves. Each new season brings with it a fresh crop of rookie cards, parallel inserts, and autographs for collectors to chase. With so many options available, it can be tough to know which 2023 baseball cards hold the most value and excitement. Here are some of the top cards collectors will want to keep an eye out for in the upcoming year.
One of the most anticipated rookie cards every year is the base rookie card of the number one overall draft pick. In 2023, that honor belongs to shortstop Jackson Holliday who the Baltimore Orioles selected first overall from Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Holliday is considered a true five-tool talent with impressive power, speed, and defense for a middle infielder. His autographed and memorabilia cards from brands like Topps, Bowman, and Panini are sure to be hot commodities. Keep an eye out for parallels and short prints of his base rookie as well which could gain value as his career progresses.
Another highly coveted rookie for 2023 will be catcher Druw Jones from the Atlanta Braves. As the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw came into the 2022 draft with lofty expectations as the number two overall pick. He has all the tools to be a perennial all-star in his own right with elite defense, speed, and hitting ability. Jones’ autographed and memorabilia cards will be at the top of many collectors’ want lists. His base Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallel could become extremely valuable if he develops into the superstar many scouts project.
2023 may see the rookie cards of shortstop Jackson Holliday and catcher Druw Jones battle it out as the most sought-after, but don’t overlook outfielder Elijah Green who the Kansas City Royals selected fifth overall out of IMG Academy. Green has five-tool potential and impressive raw power that could translate to 30+ home run seasons if he reaches his ceiling. As one of the highest drafted high school bats, collectors would be wise to snatch up Green’s autograph and memorabilia cards that could appreciate greatly with a breakout season.
While rookies usually drive the most excitement, veteran star cards remain staples for any collection. One of the biggest names on the move this offseason was outfielder Aaron Judge rejecting the Yankees’ contract offer and signing with the San Francisco Giants. Naturally, Judge’s first Giants cards will be a hot commodity as collectors look to commemorate his new chapter. Parallel and autograph versions of his flagship Topps Giants card could become long term keepers.
Another star changing scenery who collectors will want cards of is shortstop Xander Bogaerts leaving the Red Sox for the Padres. Bogaerts has long been one of the most consistent offensive producers in baseball and his first cards in a Padres uniform are sure to attract attention. In particular, parallel color versions and autographs from Topps, Bowman, and Panini featuring Bogaerts in his new digs could hold great value in the coming years.
While stars on the move create demand, budding young talents taking the leap to superstardom often drive card appreciation the most. One such player is third baseman Austin Riley who is coming off back-to-back All-Star seasons with the Braves. 2023 looks primed to be his true breakout campaign as he enters his prime. Parallel and autograph versions of his base Topps and Bowman cards could explode in value with a monster season. Collectors would be smart to stock up on any of Riley’s parallels and autographed inserts before he potentially cements himself as a perennial MVP candidate.
In addition to individual player cards, parallel and short print team sets are always a draw for serious collectors. Topps Chrome and Bowman Sterling in particular are known for housing some of the rarest and most valuable parallel team sets. The 2023 versions of these products are sure to include some extremely low numbered parallel team sets of contenders like the Dodgers, Astros, Yankees and more. Securing a complete team set numbered to 10 copies or less could yield a true long term blue chip holding.
Lastly, high end products like Topps Finest, Bowman Sterling and Panini Prizm always deliver some of the most coveted autograph and memorabilia rookie cards each year. While the base rookies in these sets will be hot, collectors would be wise to target short prints, color variations, and serial numbered patches if their budget allows. Securing a 1/1 parallel patch auto of a future star could set a collection apart for years to come.
With so much excitement and uncertainty around each new rookie class, veteran stars changes of scenery, and young breakouts, 2023 has all the makings of an incredible year for the baseball card hobby. By focusing on the players, parallels, and products outlined here, collectors stand the best chance of securing cards that will hold and potentially increase in value for years to come. The 2023 season can’t come soon enough.
