2023 is shaping up to be another exciting year for baseball card collectors. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez continuing to break out and stars like Shohei Ohtani reaching new heights, there will be no shortage of coveted cardboard on the market. Here are some of the best baseball cards to keep an eye out for as the 2023 season approaches.
Julio Rodriguez Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor Auto – One of the biggest rookie sensations of 2022 was Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. The 21-year-old slugger smashed 28 home runs in his first full MLB season and looks poised for stardom. His Topps Chrome rookie refractors and autographs from 2022 are already highly sought after, with PSA 10 examples fetching thousands. Look for his 2023 Topps Chrome rookie cards to be hugely popular as well, especially any autographed parallels. Rodriguez’s talent and marketability make him a favorite for Rookie of the Year, which would further boost the value of his rookie cards next season.
Shohei Ohtani Topps Flagship Base Rookie – Ohtani had one of the greatest individual seasons in baseball history in 2022, winning the AL MVP award while pitching and hitting at an elite level. His 2018 Topps Flagship rookie card is already a holy grail for collectors, with PSA 10s selling for well over $10,000. While Ohtani’s rookie cards will likely never be affordable for most collectors, his 2023 Topps base cards are sure to be hot commodities. Any parallels or special inserts featuring the two-way superstar will command big money on the secondary market as collectors seek to add an Ohtani card from what could be another historic season.
Bobby Witt Jr. Topps Chrome Rookie Auto Parallels – Royals star third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. had a strong debut campaign in 2022 and looks ready to cement his status as a franchise cornerstone. His 2022 rookie cards, especially autographed parallels from Topps Chrome, are already in high demand. Witt’s talent and marketability in Kansas City make him another strong candidate for top rookie honors in 2023. Any autographed parallels from his sophomore Topps Chrome cards will be must-owns for collectors seeking to get in early on a potential superstar’s career.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Topps Flagship Refractor – After missing most of the 2022 and 2021 seasons to injury, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. looks poised for a full, healthy campaign in 2023 as he looks to recapture his MVP-caliber form. Still just 25, Acuña has superstar potential and is beloved by Atlanta fans. His 2018 Topps Flagship refractors remain highly sought after by collectors. Acuña’s 2023 Topps base cards, especially any refractors showing him at full strength, are primed to be some of the most coveted on the market next season.
Spencer Strider Topps Chrome Rookie Auto – Braves ace Spencer Strider had a breakout rookie campaign in 2022, showcasing electric stuff while making 31 starts. The flame-throwing righty looks like a future staff ace and could be in line for more wins and strikeouts in 2023 now that Atlanta’s rotation is thinner. Strider’s rookie cards from 2022 Topps Chrome, especially any autographed parallels, are already gaining value quickly. His sophomore Topps Chrome rookie cards will be hotly pursued by collectors bullish on his future stardom.
Two-Way Stars Parallels – Topps’ “Two-Way Stars” inserts from 2022 highlighting Ohtani, Michael Lorenzen, and Brendan McKay were a huge hit with collectors. Look for Topps to continue the concept in 2023, potentially adding stars like Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz who saw time on the mound and in the field in 2022. Any parallels or autographed versions featuring established two-way threats like Ohtani will be big ticket items for collectors excited about the resurgence of two-way players in MLB.
Wander Franco Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil – Rays star shortstop Wander Franco looks poised for a monster 2023 campaign after playing through injuries as a 21-year-old in 2022. Franco’s rookie cards, especially high-end parallels from Topps Chrome, are already selling for thousands. His 2023 Topps Chrome cards, especially the ultra-rare rainbow foil parallels, are sure to be white whales for collectors betting on Franco’s ascension among the game’s true elite players. Any Franco cards showing continued improvement could explode in value with a big season.
Top Rookie Autos – While players like Rodriguez, Witt and Strider will be among the top rookie cards to target, keep a wide scope on the always unpredictable rookie class. Breakout stars are hard to predict, so try to snag affordable autographed rookie cards from all the top prospects to ensure exposure to the next star. Cards like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Miller, Emerson Hancock and more could explode in value with strong MLB debuts in 2023.
Vintage Star Throwbacks – Topps is sure to continue cranking out fun vintage-style throwback cards of the game’s biggest stars in 2023. Parallels featuring stars like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge or Yordan Alvarez styled after their heroes will be hot commodities. These unique cards marrying new stars to vintage designs are popular with collectors seeking creative cards beyond the basic base issues.
In summary, 2023 looks to be another exciting year of top prospects, established stars and unique parallels on the baseball card market. Staying on top of the hottest rookies while also tracking superstar seasons and unique insert sets from Topps and others will help serious collectors track down the most coveted cardboard. With talent like Ohtani, Acuña and Franco primed for big campaigns, and rookies like Rodriguez and Witt on the rise, there will be no shortage of cards that could become future classics.
