With the 2023 MLB season coming to an end, collectors and fans alike are eagerly anticipating the release of the 2023 Topps baseball card series. Each new season brings with it a fresh crop of rookie cards, star players in new uniforms, and memorable moments immortalized in cardboard. The 2023 season featured many notable performances, big trades, and historic milestones that are sure to be highlighted in the upcoming series.
Topps has long been the premier brand when it comes to officially licensed Major League Baseball cards. They have been producing sets on an annual basis since the early 1950s. Some of the most iconic cards in the hobby’s history have come from Topps, making their 2023 offering one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. Based on mock-up leaks and insider information, here’s a look at some of the key storylines collectors can expect to see reflected in the upcoming flagship series.
The biggest rookie class in years will be featured, headlined by super prospects like Guardians’ outfielder Steven Kwan and Dodgers pitching phenom Ryan Pepiot. Kwan put himself on the map by batting over .300 as a rookie and making the AL All-Star team. Meanwhile, Pepiot showed electric stuff in his MLB debut for the Dodgers down the stretch. Their rookie cards will be hot commodities. Other rookies like Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., and Oneil Cruz debuted and made impacts in 2023 and will have valuable first-year cards to chase.
The blockbuster trade deadline will translate to many star players appearing in new uniforms for the first time in Topps cards. Legends like Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Nathaniel Lowe found themselves on new teams after big swaps. Even midseason acquisitions like Jurickson Profar, Tyler Mahle, and David Robertson will gain new visuals wearing their newest Jerseys. Traded veterans often see a spike in card values after switching teams.
The chase for milestones achieved in 2023 will be a collector favorite in series one. Albert Pujols broke loose from the 700 home run plateau he’s been clinging to for years. His first card showing the milestone achievement will demand huge collector fervor. Aaron Judge’s then-American League record 62 home runs had hobby heads buzzing. His milestone card reflecting the achievement will captivate the market. Other 2023 milestones like Clayton Kershaw’s 3,000th strikeout deserve recognition as well.
Rookie Pitchers cards will headline the reverse side of the desired rookie talent, led by Julio Rodriguez or Bobby Witt. But don’t underestimate the popularity of breakouts like Shane McClanahan, Alek Manoah, Luiz Arraez or rookie sensation Dustin May if featured on a Topps Rookie Card.
Topps may pay tribute to some of this year’s iconic postseason moments and heroes, as well. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler’s gem that clinched their NL pennant or Astros icon Jose Altuve’s homer to down the Mariners could appear. Rookies like Jeremy Peña after his ALCS MVP showing may get highlighted, too. Postseason standouts frequently spark collector interest.
Baseball’s biggest stars performing at an MVP level should shine bright in the set. Shohei Ohtani continued making history by dominating on the mound and in the box once more. Topps could feature some of his most electric moments. Spots for Aaron Judge’s pursuit of 61 as well as his AL Triple Crown are sure to be collector favorites. Other MVP Candidates like Paul Goldschmidt deserve recognition too.
As for inserts and parallels, Topps is likely to pay homage to baseball icons who left their mark in 2023. Legends like Vin Scully after his passing in August and legendary Dodgers announcer Jaime Jarrín retiring after 64 years deserve commemorative cards. Sets may also celebrate notable career milestones, Hall of Fame inductions, or living legends who played in their final seasons in 2023.Inserts focused on historic stadiums, uniforms, and Topps itself could round out the parallel offerings.
Of course, collectors will want to watch for chase parallels like Topps Chrome, negative refractors, 1/1 printing plates, and rare autographs of the games biggest stars. Pricier parallels usually involve short-prints, serial numbers, patches or on-card autographed rookies but sometimes feature veterans to keep the product fresh. Overall parallels tend to boost interest levels in flagship products.
With so much action and history unfolding in the 2023 MLB season, Topps has their work cut out to properly memorialize it all on baseball cards. From super rookies to blockbuster trades to home run records, the season provided no shortage of storylines. Collectors will undoubtedly comb through the upcoming flagship series closely, hoping to find the cards capturing all those iconic on-field moments and new player debuts or uniforms to add to their collections. The release promises to excite both casual fans and die-hard collectors alike with its retrospective look back at an unforgettable year in Major League Baseball.
