As baseball card collectors start planning for the upcoming 2023 season, there are several rookies and veterans that could produce valuable and sought-after cards. While it’s impossible to predict exactly which players will break out or have career years, here are some names to watch that have the potential for big things on the field which could translate to big things in the hobby.
One of the top rookies to look out for is Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2022 that saw him named an All-Star, win a Gold Glove, and finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. He hit 28 home runs and drove in 75 runs while batting .284 and stealing 25 bases. Rodriguez possesses five-tool talent and at just 21 years old, has superstar potential. His cards from 2022 Topps products like Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome are already in high demand, and collectors expect his 2023 rookie cards to be some of the most sought-after on the market. Keep an eye out for his first series one cards as well as any parallels, autographs, or memorabilia cards that could carry premium prices down the road.
Another name to watch is Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals. Witt had a solid rookie season in 2022 where he flashed signs of becoming a perennial all-star. He hit 20 home runs, stole 15 bases and showed off excellent defense at third base and shortstop. At just 22 years old, Witt has the talent and work ethic to take his game to an elite level in 2023. His 2022 rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, and Panini are already gaining value and his 2023 cards could explode if he takes that next step. Look for short prints, autographs, and 1/1 parallels to command the highest prices long term.
Two other rookies that had impressive debuts and could break out even more in 2023 are Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles and Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers. Rutschman was one of the most touted catching prospects ever and showed why in 2022 by hitting .254 with 7 home runs in just over half a season. Torkelson struggled at the plate in his first taste of the majors but has the pedigree of a perennial .300 hitter and 30 home run threat. If either player has a monster sophomore campaign, their 2023 cards could be the talk of the hobby.
On the veteran side, one player to watch is two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani is must-see TV every time he takes the mound or steps into the box and seems to get better every year. In 2022 he won the AL MVP and had a season for the ages, batting .273 with 34 home runs and driving in 95 runs while also posting a 2.33 ERA and striking out 219 batters in 166 innings pitched. Ohtani is already one of the most valuable modern players in the hobby and if he somehow manages to top his 2022 performance, his 2023 cards could shatter records. Even base rookies from previous years are gaining value as collectors recognize Ohtani as a true generational talent.
Another veteran with breakout potential is Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. After signing an 11-year, $182 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season, big things were expected of the 21-year old shortstop. While he stayed healthy, Franco’s production dipped from his stellar 2021 rookie campaign that saw him hit .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games. If Franco can get back to that level in 2023 and fulfill his five-tool superstar potential, his cards across all brands could explode in value given his new long-term deal. His 2021 Topps Chrome Update rookie refractor is already a holy grail for many collectors.
A couple of other veterans who could have huge seasons and spike the value of their 2023 cards are Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. Acuna is still just 25 and working his way back from a torn ACL suffered last season. If he stays healthy and returns to being the dynamic five-tool talent he was before the injury, his cards will retain their elite status. Tatis has similar potential but must first prove he can stay on the field, as injuries and a PED suspension limited him to just 86 games combined the last two seasons. Both players have generational talent and their cards could shoot through the roof if they produce at superstar levels in 2023.
Of course, the unpredictability of baseball means there will likely be some surprise breakout players and storylines in 2023 that cause collectors to scramble to obtain the newly valuable rookie cards. But by focusing on these talented rookies and veterans with the highest ceilings, collectors can put themselves in position to potentially profit down the road if any of these players live up to their potential. The 2023 season promises plenty of excitement both on the field and in the hobby.
