Baseball Rookie Cards to Watch in 2023
The 2022 baseball season saw the emergence of several new stars, and their rookie cards became highly sought after by collectors. As we head into the 2023 season, a new crop of rookies will look to make their mark on the MLB. Here are some of the top rookie cards to keep an eye on in the upcoming year.
Bobby Witt Jr. – 3B, Kansas City Royals
The number one overall pick from the 2019 draft, Bobby Witt Jr. had a very impressive debut season in 2022. He hit 20 home runs and stole 30 bases while playing excellent defense at third base. Witt Jr. looks like a future perennial all-star and the cornerstone of the Royals rebuild. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Draft Chrome are already selling for hundreds of dollars and will likely continue gaining value as his career progresses. Any Witt Jr. cards from 2023 will be hot commodities.
Adley Rutschman – C, Baltimore Orioles
Many considered Adley Rutschman the top prospect in all of baseball heading into 2022. He finally got his first extended look in the majors and did not disappoint, hitting .254 with 7 home runs in 50 games. Rutschman is already among the elite defensive catchers in MLB and should be a mainstay in the Baltimore lineup for years to come. His rookie cards popped off after his call up and any Rutschman rookies from 2023 releases will be must-haves for collectors.
Julio Rodriguez – OF, Seattle Mariners
Julio Rodriguez had one of the best rookie seasons of any player in 2022. The 21-year-old outfielder slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He instantly became a fan favorite in Seattle and looks like a future superstar. Rodriguez’s 2022 Bowman Chrome Draft rookie refractor parallel /99 recently sold for over $3,000. Any 2023 cards will be highly sought after by collectors looking to get in early on what could be a true star.
Oneil Cruz – SS, Pittsburgh Pirates
At 6-foot-7, Oneil Cruz is a towering presence at shortstop with incredible raw power potential. He got his first extended look in the majors in 2022 and showed why he’s such an intriguing prospect, hitting .233 with 4 home runs in 57 games. Cruz has all the tools to be an impact player if he can refine his approach and consistency. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1 are still affordable but that will likely change if he breaks out more in 2023.
Spencer Steer – 3B, Cincinnati Reds
A third round pick in 2019, Spencer Steer had a breakout 2022 campaign that saw him hit .272 with 19 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. The Reds called him up in September and he continued to impress. Steer has the look of a future starting third baseman and his rookie cards could take off if he secures an everyday role in Cincinnati in 2023. Look for Steer rookies from 2022 Bowman Draft and Topps Series 2 to gain value.
Jack Leiter – SP, Texas Rangers
The second overall pick in 2021, Jack Leiter made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed why he was such a coveted prospect. In 11 starts he posted a 2.88 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched. Leiter has ace-level stuff with a mid-90s fastball and biting slider. His rookie cards from 2022 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome are already popular holds. Any Leiter rookies from 2023 releases will be hot commodities.
George Kirby – SP, Seattle Mariners
Another impressive rookie hurler from 2022 was Mariners’ righty George Kirby. The former first rounder went 7-3 with a 3.39 ERA in 20 starts and looks like he’ll be a mainstay in Seattle’s rotation for years. Kirby’s pinpoint control and three above average pitches make him a very promising young arm. His 2022 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards are solid investments, and 2023 Kirby rookies will also attract attention.
Brennen Davis – OF, Chicago Cubs
Once considered a top-25 overall prospect, Brennen Davis’ development hit a speed bump in 2021 due to injuries. But he rebounded with a strong 2022 campaign and earned a September call up with the Cubs. Davis has huge raw power potential and could be a force if he stays healthy. His rookie cards from 2021 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome are still affordable and worth holding in hopes of a breakout in 2023.
Eury Perez – SS, Cincinnati Reds
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, shortstop Eury Perez is starting to generate buzz in Cincinnati’s system. He slashed .279/.355/.485 with 21 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2022 at just 21 years old. Perez has all the tools to stick at shortstop with developing power. His rookie cards from 2022 Bowman Draft and Topps Series 2 releases are worth stashing in hopes he continues rising up prospect lists in 2023.
This covers some of the top rookie cards from both the 2022 and 2021 seasons that could take off in value if these players have strong 2023 campaigns. With so much young talent emerging every year, it’s always wise for collectors to do research on prospects coming up through the minors who may be future stars.
