The 2023 New York Mets baseball cards are highly anticipated by collectors around the country as the franchise looks to build on a successful 2022 season that saw them return to the playoffs. Led by new owner Steven Cohen, the Mets made several big splashes in free agency and now have high expectations entering next season.
Top Rookies and Prospects
Some of the most sought after cards from the 2023 Mets set will certainly be the rookie cards for the team’s top prospects. Shortstop Francisco Álvarez is widely considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball and should be a cornerstone for the Mets for years to come. Álvarezdestroyed pitching at both Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and could see significant playing time in New York next season, making his rookie cards extremely valuable.
Another top prospect is outfielder Brett Baty, who also saw time in Triple-A last year after being selected 12th overall in the 2019 draft. Baty hit 20 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A and has terrific power from the left side. His cards will be on the radar of collectors. Right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer is an obvious centerpiece for the Mets, coming off a dominant season where he won the NL Cy Young Award. As a newly signed free agent, his first Mets card is highly sought after.
Star Players and Veterans
In addition to top rookies, collectors will want cards featuring the Mets’ established star players like Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo and star acquisitions like Justin Verlander. Alonso has rapidly become one of the faces of the franchise after winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2019 and smashing a franchise record 53 home runs in 2022. His ever-increasing power makes him a fan favorite and his cards very collectible.
McNeil has emerged as a true all-around star, batting over .300 each of the past three seasons while playing excellent defense all over the infield and outfield. Nimmo, meanwhile, gets on base at an elite clip and provides outstanding defense in center field. Verlander joins Scherzer to form a fearsome top of the rotation and his first Mets card will be a hot commodity.
Catcher Tyler Naquin and speedy infielder Luis Guillorme don’t post huge offensive numbers but are beloved by fans and teammates for their gritty styles of play and cards featuring these role players can gain popularity among completists. Veteran relievers like Adam Ottavino and Seth Lugo stabilize the Mets bullpen and their longtime contributions to the franchise make them recognizable to collectors.
Key Sets and Parallels
The standard base set from Topps is always the most widely available but collectors will be on the hunt for coveted parallels and special editions. Chrome, refractor, and negative Parallel Autographs hold premium value. Topps Sapphire will spotlight the Mets biggest stars in blue bordered style and be limited.
Bowman Chrome are beloved for their refractors of top prospects while Heritage brings retro design. Topps Finest offers elegant finishes and Foilboard parallels really pop on the field. Topps Transcendent singles out a single star super short printed like a Rookie AutoParallel 1/1. Elite memorabilia cards from products like Topps Triple Threads, Revolution, and Elite Extra Edition are true trophies.
Autograph cards of any player skyrocket in demand but Franciso Alvarez, Brett Baty, and Jacob DeGrom are sure to raise the most eyebrows. Game used memorabilia cards that feature authentic on field equipment like jerseys, bats or gloves from stars elevate a collection. Rarer 1/1 printing plates prove ultimate bragging rights.
Fan Interest and Resale Potential
With billionaire owner Steve Cohen’s financial commitment, the Mets have drawn newfound nationwide interest as serious World Series contenders. After hosting the All Star Game this summer, they are poised to reach new fans and increase demand in the trading card market from both collectors and investors. Popular players on a winning team consistently gain value year over year.
As long as the Mets sustain success on the field, interest in their cards looks bright. Key rookie cards of top prospects like Álvarez and Baty have legitimate potential to appreciate drastically in price if they blossom into the perennial All Stars they are projected as. Numbered parallels and low print autographs hold value as scarcity increases demand. Overall this promises to be one of the more compelling baseball card releases of 2023.
