The 2023 Topps Baseball release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory due to the star-studded rookie class. While rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Spencer Strider had breakout campaigns in 2022, the 2023 rookie class features future stars like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Jackson Holliday.
With any rookie class, there are always a few rookies that stand above the rest in terms of hype and prospect status. These select few rookies often have the best rookie cards that hold long term value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best rookie cards from the 2023 Topps Baseball release to watch out for.
Druw Jones – #1 Overall MLB Draft Pick
As the #2 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline and #1 pick in the 2022 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Druw Jones is arguably the most hyped rookie in the 2023 class. The son of 5-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, Druw has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star.
His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 is sure to be one of the most coveted and valuable cards long term. With impeccable pedigree and 5-tool potential, Jones has a very high ceiling. Any prizm, paper, or numbered parallel of his base rookie could hold value as a true star-caliber investment piece.
Jackson Holliday – #1 Overall MLB Draft Pick
Like Jones, Jackson Holliday also comes with incredible hype and prospect status as the #1 overall pick in 2022 by the Baltimore Orioles. Holliday is considered by many to be the best pure hitter to come out of the draft in years.
His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 will rival Druw Jones’ card for prestige and long term value. Numbered parallels like the Orange Refractor /150 and Green Refractor /50 could become highly-desired pieces in collectors’ portfolios down the road. Keep an eye out for any of Holliday’s prizm, paper, or numbered rookie cards.
Termarr Johnson – #4 Overall MLB Draft Pick
While not as hyped as the #1 picks, Termarr Johnson still has a very high ceiling as one of the top hitting prospects from the 2022 draft class. Selected 4th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Johnson has the type of five-tool ability that could make him a future All-Star.
His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 is one to watch, as are any low numbered parallels. Johnson may not reach the heights of Jones or Holliday, but he still has star potential and his best rookie cards could carry long term value as a nice speculative investment.
Brooks Lee – Top College Position Player
As the top college position player available in the 2022 draft, Brooks Lee was selected 8th overall by the Minnesota Twins. Lee had an incredible collegiate career at Cal Poly and is considered one of the safest long term bets from this rookie class.
While he may not have the ceiling of the top three picks, Lee is a polished hitter who could move quickly. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 and any low numbered parallels are solid prospects to hold, as Lee seems destined for a long and productive MLB career.
Elijah Green – #3 Overall International Signing
At just 17 years old, Elijah Green signed with the Dodgers for $5.2 million as one of the top international prospects available. Green is an absolute freak athlete with huge raw power potential.
While he is further from the Majors than draft picks, Green has the type of physical talents that could make him a true superstar. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 and any low numbered parallels are high-upside, long term holds given his ceiling. Green may take time, but could have one of the best careers of this entire rookie class.
Daniel Espino – Top Pitching Prospect
As the top pitching prospect from the 2022 draft class, Daniel Espino was selected 24th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Espino features a triple-digit fastball with a nasty slider and has the makings of a future ace.
While pitchers carry more risk, Espino seems to have the highest floor of any arm in this rookie class. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 and any prizm or numbered parallels are solid pitching investments that could pay major dividends down the road. Espino seems destined for big things in Arizona.
Brooks Lee – Underrated Twins Prospect
While not as hyped as the top college position players drafted ahead of him, Brooks Lee is a polished and safe bet to have a long and productive MLB career. Selected 8th overall by the Minnesota Twins, Lee is a career .343 hitter at Cal Poly who makes consistent hard contact.
Lee may not have the ceiling of Jones or Green, but his floor is higher. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /499 and any prizm or numbered parallels should hold steady long term value given his likelihood of becoming an above average everyday player. Lee is a nice “under the radar” investment piece.
In Summary
The 2023 Topps Baseball rookie class is absolutely loaded with future stars like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Termarr Johnson. While cards of the top prospects will always demand the highest prices, there are also underrated gems that could provide value like Daniel Espino and Brooks Lee.
For the savvy collector, focusing on Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RCs and low numbered parallels of the prospects profiled here offers a nice mix of high-upside and safe long term holds. This rookie class looks to feature several future MVPs and Hall of Famers. Their best rookie cards from Topps’ 2023 release will undoubtedly become highly coveted investments with staying power for decades to come.
