The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps always delivers some highly sought after rookie cards and veterans. This year’s set contained several young stars and veterans that collectors scrambled to pull. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best 2023 Topps Baseball cards collectors were hunting.
One of the top rookies and cards from 2023 Topps was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and American League Rookie of the Year favorite, Jonathan Aranda. Aranda had a breakout season in 2022 where he slashed .261/.337/.443 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI in just 88 games. He established himself as the Rays starting shortstop for years to come. His base rookie card became a hot commodity due to his early success and future star potential. Graded gem mint 10 examples of his card were selling for over $100 due to high demand.
Another rookie generating big buzz was Houston Astros sensation and likely American League Rookie of the Year, Jeremy Pena. Pena took over as the Astros starting shortstop and hit .253 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI while playing stellar defense to help lead Houston to another AL pennant. His base rookie card was also highly sought after and graded versions were selling for $75-100 due to his immediate impact and future all-star trajectory.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was considered the top prospect in baseball coming into 2022 and he lived up to the hype. Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI and also stole 25 bases. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and is poised for superstardom. His Topps base rookie card was one of the most popular pulls of the set and carried a strong premium with graded versions selling for $150 or more due to his five-tool talent and unlimited upside.
Another rookie that generated buzz was Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider. Strider dominated as a rookie, going 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings pitched. He established himself as a future ace and was a big part of Atlanta’s success. His base rookie card was highly sought after and graded versions were selling for $75-100 due to his electric stuff and frontline starter potential long-term.
On the veterans side, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts continued to produce at an elite level. In 2022, Betts hit .273 with 35 home runs and 82 RBI while also stealing 18 bases. He established himself as one of the game’s best all-around players and the face of the Dodgers franchise. His base Topps card carried a strong premium due to his superstar status and the Dodgers wide fanbase. Pristine mint 9 examples were selling for over $50.
Another perennial superstar, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, had one of the best individual seasons in baseball history. Judge smashed an AL record 62 home runs in 2022 to capture the Triple Crown. He established himself as not just the face of the Yankees, but one of the faces of MLB. Not surprisingly, his base Topps card was one of the most sought after veteran cards. Near-mint 8 versions were selling for $40-50 due to the historic season and star power.
Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani continued to do things never seen before on a baseball field. In 2022, Ohtani hit .273 with 34 home runs and 95 RBI while also going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts as a pitcher. He is the best player in baseball and a true unicorn. His Topps base card carried a strong premium with a PSA 10 example selling for $80 due to his unique two-way talents and status as the best player in the game.
Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper also had a monster season in 2022. Harper hit .286 with 35 home runs and 84 RBI to power the Phillies offense and make a run to the World Series. He established himself as a true superstar and face of that franchise. His base Topps card was highly sought after and a BGS 9.5 black label version sold for $50 due to his star power and Phillies popularity.
Those were just some of the best rookies and veterans featured in the 2023 Topps Baseball set. As always, Topps delivered the key stars of the game through their photography and design. The combination of top prospects, young stars, and veterans made this set one of the most exciting in recent memory. For collectors, it provided opportunities to acquire cards of the future faces of the game, as well as current superstars during huge individual seasons. The 2023 Topps set established itself as one of the best in years.
