The Atlanta Braves are coming off a very successful 2022 season that saw them win their fifth World Series title in franchise history. As the team looks ahead to the 2023 season, baseball card collectors have much to be excited about in regards to new Braves cards hitting the market. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top Braves players who should have highly sought after rookie cards and autograph cards in 2023 sets.
One of the biggest rookie cards to watch for is shortstop Vaughn Grissom. The 21-year old had a breakout season after being called up in August, batting .302 with 5 home runs in 53 games. His defensive skills also shone through as he committed just 3 errors at shortstop. Grissom looks poised to be the Braves everyday shortstop for years to come, making his rookie cards extremely valuable long term holdings. Look for Grissom’s autograph and base rookie cards to be hot commodities in sets like Topps, Bowman, and Panini. Prices could range from $50-$100 for autographed rookie cards and $20-50 for basic rookie cards.
Another rookie who had a memorable debut in 2022 is outfielder Michael Harris II. The 21-year old batted .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI in just 111 games and provided stellar defense in center field. Harris looks like a future star and his rookie cards should be just as sought after as Grissom’s. Like Grissom, Harris autographed rookie cards could fetch $50-$100 while basic rookies may sell in the $20-50 range. Both players have the potential to become the new faces of the Braves franchise for years to come.
On the pitching side, the Braves have a budding young ace in Spencer Strider. The 23-year old right hander broke out in 2022 with an 11-5 record, 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings pitched. His overpowering fastball and improving secondary pitches have him looking like a future Cy Young contender. Strider’s rookie cards will be hot commodities and his autographed cards could sell for $75-$150 given his ace potential. Look for Strider to continue developing and become the Braves new #1 starter for the next decade.
While those three players will have the most sought after rookie cards, keep an eye out also for catcher Shea Langeliers. Acquired from Oakland at the trade deadline, Langeliers batted .283 in 25 games for Atlanta and looks ready to take over the everyday catching duties. His prospect pedigree and defensive skills make his rookie cards solid long term holds at $15-30 for basic cards and $40-75 for autographed cards.
On the veteran side, All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. remains one of the most exciting players in baseball when healthy. After missing most of 2022 due to injury, Acuña will look to reestablish himself in 2023. His autographed cards from recent years have sold for $100-300 and that price could rise if he returns to MVP form next season. Fellow outfielder Marcell Ozuna also has the potential for a bounce back campaign after legal issues limited him in 2022. His autographed cards have sold for $50-150 in the past and could rise with a strong season.
The Braves pitching staff is led by ace Max Fried, who continues to establish himself as one of baseball’s best lefties. Fried’s autographed cards from the past few years have ranged from $75-250 depending on parallel and autograph style. Fellow starters Kyle Wright, Ian Anderson and Charlie Morton also have respectable autographed card values in the $30-100 range when performing well. Closer Kenley Jansen remains a force at the back of the bullpen as well and his autographed cards sell for around $50-150.
The Atlanta Braves have one of the deepest collections of talent in all of baseball. With young stars continuing to emerge and veterans looking to rebound, their cards should be a hot commodity in 2023 sets from Topps, Bowman, Panini and more. Rookies like Grissom, Harris and Strider have the potential to become huge stars and their rookie cards could appreciate significantly over the long run. Veteran standouts like Acuña, Fried and Jansen also give collectors proven commodities to chase autographs of. 2023 looks to be a banner year for Atlanta Braves baseball cards across all levels.
