Baseball Card Release Dates in 2023
With the 2023 baseball season right around the corner, collectors are already looking ahead to the exciting new card releases that will be coming out throughout the year from the major sports card manufacturers. Whether you collect modern cards, vintage cards, or a mix of both, 2023 promises to deliver another great year of new baseball cards to add to collections. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest and most anticipated baseball card releases scheduled for 2023.
Topps – As the longest running and most iconic brand in the baseball card industry, Topps is always one of the most eagerly awaited releases each year. In 2023, Topps is scheduled to release Series 1 in late February/early March. This will be the flagship set that kicks off the new season and features current stars, rookies, and key moments from the 2022 season. Series 2 is then planned for a late April/early May release date. Following the traditional cadence, Series 2 will include players who did not make the cut for Series 1 as well as continuing storylines from the early season. Topps Update is tentatively scheduled for late August/early September to capture any midseason call-ups, award winners, or other notable performances. The highly anticipated Topps Transcendent collection focusing on premium parallels and memorabilia cards will likely release again in November after the conclusion of the World Series.
Topps Chrome – As one of the most popular insert sets each year, Topps Chrome is a must-have for collectors chasing the shiny refractors and parallels. In 2023, the flagship Topps Chrome baseball release is slated for late June/early July to coincide with the heart of the regular season. Topps Chrome Update will follow in late September/early October to recap the second half of the season and postseason in chrome form. Both releases provide some of the most sought after rookie cards and parallels of the year in the popular chrome paper stock.
Panini Contenders – Panini has emerged as one of the biggest challengers to Topps over the past decade with their popular licensed sports card releases. In 2023, look for Panini Contenders baseball to drop in late February/early March. As with previous years, Contenders will feature exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards of top rookies and stars in a sleek modern design. Panini Contenders Draft Picks is tentatively scheduled for a late June release to highlight the top prospects selected in the MLB Draft. Finally, Contenders Football x Baseball, mixing stars from both sports, is planned for late September/early October.
Bowman – As the official MLB licensed rookie card brand, Bowman releases are a vital part of following the next generation of stars. In 2023, expect Bowman Baseball to arrive in late March/early April. This flagship set will provide the coveted first cards of draft eligible players and international signings. Bowman Draft is penciled in for late June following the MLB Draft. Bowman Chrome and Bowman Sterling, focusing on refractors and higher end parallels/hits, will likely release in July/August. Finally, Bowman Platinum, featuring autographs and memorabilia of top prospects, is scheduled for an October release date after the minor league seasons conclude.
Panini Prizm – While not an official MLB license holder, Panini Prizm has become one of the most popular modern basketball brands thanks to their vibrant designs and coveted refractors. In 2023, look for Panini Prizm Baseball to drop in late April/early May. Like Topps Chrome, Prizm provides a fun alternative to the traditional cardboard with their unique prismatic parallels and designs sure to attract collectors. A Prizm Update release is tentatively planned for late August/early September.
Other Notable Releases – Several other manufacturers will also be releasing new baseball card products throughout 2023. Some other major releases to keep an eye out for include: Leaf Baseball (March), Stadium Club (April), Allen & Ginter (June), Topps Archives (August), Topps Heritage (September), Triple Threads (October), and Finest (November). Numerous smaller brands like Donruss, Panini Instant, and Revolution will have new baseball offerings hitting the market at various points. And collector-focused releases from brands like Topps, Panini, and Leaf focusing on memorabilia, autographs, and 1/1 cards will ensure there is no shortage of high-end baseball cards to chase.
While exact dates are always subject to change, this overview provides collectors with a general roadmap of some of the biggest and most anticipated new baseball card releases scheduled for 2023. With new products launching almost continuously from February through November, it will be another exciting year to build collections with the next wave of rookie stars and relive memorable 2022 season moments. No matter your favorite players, teams, or brands – 2023 is primed to deliver outstanding new cardboard for any baseball card collector.
