As baseball card collectors look ahead to the 2023 season, there are several young stars and rookie cards that could provide strong long-term value. While veteran stars like Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto will always be desirable, focusing on up-and-coming players set to break out can offer substantial returns on investment.
Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – The top overall pick from the 2019 draft had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022. Witt slashed .250/.290/.435 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. He established himself as a budding superstar and the future face of the Royals franchise. Witt’s rookie cards from 2021 Topps products and 2022 Bowman Draft are excellent buys before he potentially wins Rookie of the Year. As he develops into a perennial All-Star, Witt’s rookie card prices will only rise.
Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers) – After a disappointing rookie campaign in 2022 where he batted just .197, expectations remain high for Torkelson that he can turn things around in year two. The number one overall pick from 2020 has plus raw power and should improve greatly as he gains experience. His rookie cards from 2021 Topps products are quite affordable now compared to where they could be in a couple years if Torkelson breaks out. There is high upside potential here.
Brady House (Los Angeles Angels) – As one of the top prospects in the Angels stacked farm system, House had a breakout 2022 season slashing .312/.382/.509 between High-A and Double-A. The 2020 third rounder has the chance to be an impact middle of the order bat and his prospect cards could surge if he continues progressing. House’s 2021 Bowman Draft Purple Refractor #250 is an intriguing flier pick.
Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) – Cruz had a breakout showing in his first extended MLB stint in 2022, showcasing plus power and elite speed for his 6’7″ frame. While strikeouts are a concern, the tools are undeniable. His prospect cards exploded last year and rookie cards from 2021 Topps products will remain hot assets as Cruz establishes himself in Pittsburgh.
Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) – After a strong debut in 2022 where he slashed .254/.362/.430, Rutschman looks to be well on his way to living up to his billing as the top prospect in baseball. The switch hitting catcher has a complete skillset and will be a franchise cornerstone for the Orioles. His rookie cards are still relatively affordable compared to future Hall of Famers. Rutschman is a blue chip investment.
Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) – Rodriguez captured the AL Rookie of the Year award after an electrifying first season where he slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. The tools, production and hype are all there for Rodriguez to become a true superstar. His 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire #65 is a must-own for any collection and will only grow in value as J-Rod’s career progresses.
Brennan Davis (Chicago Cubs) – Davis has all the makings of being the next great Cubs outfielder as he continues developing in their system. The 2018 second rounder made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed off his five-tool ability. Davis’ prospect cards could spike if he secures an everyday role in Chicago’s lineup next season. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire #60 is a solid long term prospecting target.
Jack Leiter (Texas Rangers) – As the number two overall pick from 2021, Leiter dominated in his first full pro season between High-A and Double-A with a combined 2.81 ERA and 155 strikeouts in 111 innings. His prospect cards exploded and will remain hot commodities if he progresses up the Rangers system quickly. Leiter has true ace upside and his 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Auto #71 is a stellar pickup.
George Kirby (Seattle Mariners) – Kirby made impressive strides in his first full MLB campaign, going 7-3 with a 3.39 ERA as a rookie. The 2019 first rounder has the repertoire to be a solid mid-rotation starter for years. His prospect cards from 2021 Topps products are relatively affordable and carry low risk with high upside if Kirby continues establishing himself in Seattle’s rotation.
Eury Perez (Tampa Bay Rays) – As one of the top international prospects signed in July 2022, Perez is already turning heads in his professional debut stateside. The athletic 17-year old outfielder has five-tool potential and could develop into a true star. His 2022 Topps Chrome Sapphire Green Auto #150 is a lottery ticket that could pay big dividends down the road as Perez rises up prospect rankings.
Focusing on emerging young talents like Witt, Torkelson, House, Cruz, Rutschman, Rodriguez, Davis, Leiter, Kirby and Perez offers collectors opportunities to get in early on players who have superstar upside. Their rookie cards and top prospect cards represent strong long-term investments, especially if they blossom into the impact players their raw abilities indicate they can become. Following the development of these rising stars in 2023 and beyond should provide plenty of excitement for baseball card investors.
