The 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball set is set for release in late February and as always, there are several highly sought after rookie cards and veteran stars that collectors will be hunting. The 2023 Topps Series 1 set marks the 66th year of Topps’ flagship baseball release and contains base cards, parallels, autographs, and more. While the full checklist won’t be revealed until closer to release date, here are some of the top young players and veterans collectors should keep an eye out for.
One of the biggest rookies to watch for is Dodgers shortstop and 2020 #2 overall draft pick Jordan Lawlar. Lawlar had a breakout season in High-A and Double-A in 2022, slashing .299/.403/.579 with 21 home runs and 20 stolen bases over 100 games. He is considered one of the top prospects in baseball and his rookie cards are sure to be in high demand. Another highly touted rookie is Twins outfielder and #3 overall pick in 2021, Jordan Walker. Walker showed off impressive power in High-A last season with 10 home runs in 55 games. His prospect status and association with baseball’s #1 overall franchise in Minnesota will give Walker’s rookie cards strong long term potential.
Royals catcher MJ Melendez had a breakout 2022 season, slashing .239/.323/.422 with 19 home runs for Kansas City. Melendez made his MLB debut last season and should see an increased role in 2023. His prospect pedigree and early MLB success make Melendez one to watch. Reds pitcher Hunter Greene had a solid rookie season in 2022, showing off his triple-digit fastball across 12 starts. Greene struck out 86 batters in 56 innings and will be an exciting young arm to track. For the National League, Cardinals outfielder and 2020 #13 overall pick Jordan Walker could emerge as a star. Walker hit .308 with 10 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022.
On the veteran side, Mike Trout remains one of the most coveted names in the hobby. Even after a decade in the majors, Trout cards hold tremendous value. Any Trout parallels, autographs or memorabilia cards from Series 1 will be big hits. Fellow superstar Mookie Betts also has strong fanfare after winning the 2018 World Series MVP and 2020 AL MVP. The Angels made a splash signing Aaron Judge to a megadeal in free agency, so any Judge Series 1 cards will gain traction. Rafael Devers of the Red Sox had an MVP caliber season in 2022 and his star continues to rise. Devers cards may see increased interest after his 38 home run, 115 RBI performance.
Some other established veterans to target include Mariners outfielder and 2021 AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez, Cardinals first baseman and 23-year-old Paul Goldschmidt, Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich and Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez. On the pitching side, Series 1 cards of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw and Padres fireballer Joe Musgrove will attract collectors. Rookies and veterans alike, parallels remain some of the most sought after chase cards in Series 1. Topps typically includes several parallel sets like Gold, Silver, Rainbow Foil and Black Border parallels that exponentially increase rarities and values.
Autograph cards are always a big draw in Series 1 as well. While the checklist won’t be known until release, some names that could surface include Lawlar, Walker, Greene and other top prospects. Past autographs from Series 1 of stars like Trout, Betts and Judge before they reached superstardom are some of the most valuable modern baseball cards. Memorabilia cards are another area to watch. Topps usually includes several uniform and bat card variations that mix in swatches and pieces of jerseys and bats. Landing memorabilia cards of the games biggest names is a huge hit.
Topps has also included popular short print variations in recent years like Photo Variations, Negative Photographs and Negative Photoshop Variations. These altered image cards of stars increase the fun of the chase. Additionally, Topps usually includes a retail exclusive parallel like Walmart Green Parallels or Target Red Parallels that drive traffic to particular sellers. The 2023 Topps Series 1 release is primed to continue delivering the hobby’s most sought after rookie cards, parallels and autographs. Savvy collectors will be on the hunt for the top young players and biggest stars across the set’s base cards, hits and more when Series 1 arrives later this winter.
