As the 2023 baseball season gets underway, collectors are always keeping an eye out for the rookie cards of star players that could become extremely valuable in the future. While it’s impossible to predict with 100% certainty which players will live up to expectations and have Hall of Fame caliber careers, there are always a few rookies each year that generate a buzz and have cards that hold strong long term value.
In 2023, one of the most hyped rookies is catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. As the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and considered a true “five-tool player”, Rutschman is viewed as a franchise cornerstone for the O’s. His rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, and other brands are already selling for premium prices on the secondary market. Collectors are betting that if Rutschman develops into the superstar many scouts predicted, his rookie cards could potentially fetch thousands of dollars down the road. Some compare him to players like Buster Posey and Joe Mauer who had Hall of Fame caliber careers as catcher.
Another rookie generating a lot of buzz is shortstop Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a towering physical presence and has tantalizing power potential. He made his MLB debut in 2021 but is still technically a rookie in 2023 since he didn’t exceed rookie limits last season. Cruz’s autograph rookie cards from 2021 Topps Chrome and Bowman Platinum are already selling in the $100-200 range and could rise significantly if he breaks out offensively. Some scouts view him as a future 30 home run threat who may be the future face of the Pirates.
Over in Seattle, outfielder Julio Rodriguez had a strong rookie campaign in 2022 and looks primed for stardom. While his rookie cards from last year have already risen substantially, collectors are still high on Rodriguez long term and chasing his 2023 cards. As the Mariners’ centerpiece, Rodriguez has superstar potential and his cards could be blue chip holdings for years to come if he continues developing. Even veterans like Ken Griffey Jr. and Ichiro Suzuki remain in high demand, showing how Seattle stars hold their value.
One of the most intriguing rookie prospects is pitcher Dustin Harris of the Cincinnati Reds. Harris has triple digit velocity on his fastball and a devastating slider that generated huge buzz in his brief MLB debut late last season. As the Reds look to rebuild, Harris may be handed a prominent role in the rotation right away. If he develops into an ace-caliber arm, his scarce rookie cards from 2021 and 2023 could explode in value. Ace pitchers like Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson remain two of the most expensive vintage cards in the hobby.
Beyond the rookies, collectors are also keeping a close eye on star veterans who could be changing teams or entering new chapters in their careers. For example, superstar outfielder Aaron Judge rejected a contract extension from the New York Yankees and will become a free agent after 2022. While Judge mania has driven up the prices of his Yankees cards in recent years, collectors speculate that his first cards in a new uniform could potentially become even more valuable long term. A similar scenario played out with Mookie Betts cards after being traded from Boston to Los Angeles.
Another veteran switch-hitter to watch is Trea Turner, who turned down a qualifying offer from the Dodgers. As one of the top free agents available, Turner’s first cards with a new team could hold strong value depending on where he signs. Star shortstops continue to be a hot commodity position in the hobby. Even aging veterans like Derek Jeter, Cal Ripken Jr. and Ozzie Smith command high prices decades after retirement just due to their iconic playing careers and status at the six hole.
When evaluating what 2023 baseball cards may appreciate significantly over the long run, focusing on star rookies with huge breakout potential like Rutschman, Cruz and others is usually a safe bet. But collectors would also be wise to track veterans who may be entering new chapters with new teams, as those “firsts” in a new uniform often capture premium dollars down the road. It’s always difficult to predict the future in any hobby or investment, but by understanding baseball history and scouting talent, savvy collectors can better identify 2023 cards that have a strong chance of bringing big returns in the years ahead. With another exciting MLB season underway, the baseball card market will surely continue to produce valuable vintage gems.
