The Houston Astros had another successful season in 2023, winning their second World Series title in six years. As a result, Astros players were well represented in the upcoming baseball card releases for the year. Several stars like Jose Altuve, Justin Verlander, and Yordan Alvarez had monster seasons and produced some of the most sought after rookie cards and memorabilia cards of the year.
Jose Altuve had arguably his best season yet at age 33, batting .300 with 28 home runs and 57 RBI. His defense at second base was also stellar as usual, committing just 3 errors all season. Altuve’s success helped lead the Astros to the #1 seed in the American League throughout the year. Due to his veteran status and past accomplishments, Altuve cards generally hold strong value from year to year. His 2023 Topps base card jumped in secondary market price due to the Astros’ championship and his personal contributions on both sides of the ball. Many believe this could be one of Altuve’s best and most memorable seasons, making his 2023 cards excellent long term holdings.
Justin Verlander continued defying father time by posting one of the best seasons by a pitcher in recent memory. The 40 year old righty went 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA and 185 strikeouts in 28 starts. He won the AL Cy Young Award unanimously and was named World Series MVP as he led the Astros past the Phillies. Naturally, Verlander’s 2023 rookie cards from his 2005 season with the Tigers skyrocketed in value after his age 40 dominance. Collectors were also eager to obtain his 2023 Topps base card and special insert cards, which captured one of the truly incredible campaigns by a veteran hurler. Many consider Verlander’s 2023 season to be one of the best ever by a 40+ year old pitcher, making his cards from that year some of the most historically significant in the hobby.
Yordan Alvarez followed up his breakout 2021 season by hitting .306 with 37 home runs and 97 RBI in 2023. The massive slugger was a constant threat in the middle of the Astros’ lineup and came up clutch on numerous occasions. While Alvarez has been in the league since 2019, collectors were still eager to get their hands on his rookie cards. His 2023 Topps base card and special parallels also gained plenty of traction since it commemorated another All-Star caliber year for the still young left fielder. At just 25 years old, Alvarez is viewed as a likely perennial All-Star and MVP candidate for years to come. As a result, his 2023 cards could retain value as reminders of the early years of his impressive career.
Rookies like shortstop Jeremy Pena and catcher Yainer Diaz also made impacts and had cards that performed well. Pena won AL Rookie of the Year after batting .289 with 15 home runs and 63 RBI while solidifying himself as the Astros’ starting shortstop following the departure of Carlos Correa. The 2021 first round pick immediately lived up to expectations and his rookie cards from 2023 Topps, Bowman, and Stadium Club were hot commodities. Diaz didn’t receive as much playing time but flashed an impressive power bat when called upon. The 23 year old Cuban slugger had two home runs in the World Series, generating buzz around his rookie cards as a potential long term piece for the Astros.
Veteran relievers like Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly also shined on baseball’s biggest stage. Montero struck out two in a scoreless ninth inning of Game 6 to clinch the title for Houston. Pressly continued anchoring the back end of the bullpen with another All-Star caliber year. The championship validation increased demand for both of their 2023 Topps base cards and autograph/memorabilia cards. The Astros’ “bridge to the 9th inning guys” coming through when it mattered most made for memorable moments that collectors wanted to commemorate.
The Astros’ championship season and strong individual performances translated to high values across the board for their 2023 baseball cards. Altuve, Verlander and Alvarez led the way as the faces of the franchise with their on-field accomplishments. Meanwhile, rookies like Pena and Diaz showed promise of cards that could appreciate over the long run. Even role players like Montero and Pressly found new collectors for their 2023 cards thanks to clutch postseason heroics. With a championship pedigree being re-established, the Houston Astros brand remained strong in the sports collecting world.
