The 2023 baseball season is underway and that means it’s time to start collecting the newest baseball cards. With so many options out there, it can be tough to decide which cards are worth purchasing. To help you get started, here are some of the top baseball cards to look out for from the 2023 season:
Shohei Ohtani Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome) – Shohei Ohtani has quickly become one of the most exciting players in baseball and his rookie cards are highly sought after. While his true rookie cards from 2017 Topps Series 1 and Bowman are out of most people’s price range, his Chrome rookie refractor parallels from those same years are still attainable and hold great value. Any Ohtani rookie card is a solid investment but the Chrome versions have extra appeal to collectors.
Julio Rodriguez Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome) – Much like Ohtani a few years ago, Julio Rodriguez had a breakout rookie season in 2022 that has turned him into a budding superstar. His base rookie cards are plentiful in regular Topps and Bowman sets but the Chrome parallels have a nicer look and added value. Rodriguez is poised for continued success and his rookie cards should only climb in price over the coming years.
Spencer Strider Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome) – One of the biggest rookie pitching surprises of 2022 was Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves. The flame throwing right hander had a dominant season out of the bullpen and looks to have a bright future. His base rookie cards are affordable for now but the Chrome versions are a better long term hold. Strider has ace potential and his cards could explode if he puts it all together as a starter.
Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome) – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Bobby Witt Jr. came into the 2022 season with huge expectations and he delivered by winning Rookie of the Year honors. While his base rookie cards are somewhat plentiful, the Chrome parallels have extra appeal. Witt looks like a perennial all-star and his cards could be a bargain now compared to where they may be in a few years.
Adley Rutschman Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome) – After being the top prospect in baseball for several years, Adley Rutschman finally made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2022. While injuries slowed him a bit, his talent is undeniable and he should be a cornerstone player for Baltimore for a long time. His rookie cards are still relatively affordable and the Chrome versions are always a safer bet compared to regular paper cards.
Oneil Cruz Base Rookie Card (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome) – One of the most physically imposing players in baseball, Oneil Cruz had a breakout season as one of the key prospects for the Pirates. At 6’7 with incredible raw power, Cruz has all the tools to be a star. His base rookie cards can be found for under $10 but the Chrome parallels have the best chance to really appreciate over the coming years as he develops.
Rookie Cards of Top 2023 Draft Picks – While they don’t have MLB stats yet, the top picks from the 2023 draft like Dustin Harris Jr. are always worth watching. Their true rookie cards will be in 2024 Topps products but their draft cards hold value and can be picked up very cheap. Taking a flier on a few of the highest drafted players is a low risk way to potentially hit on a future star.
Mike Trout / Shohei Ohtani Autograph Cards – While their base cards are out of reach for most collectors, authenticated autograph cards of Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani can still be found for under $100 if you’re patient. As two of the biggest stars in the sport, their autographed memorabilia has great potential to appreciate over the long run. Even common parallels hold value due to the continued success and popularity of Trout and Ohtani.
Rookie Jerseys and Autographs of Top Prospects – Guys like Gunnar Henderson, Emerson Hancock and Druw Jones didn’t debut in 2023 but are among the best prospects in baseball. Their rookie memorabilia cards signed or with jersey swatches can be acquired for relatively low prices. Taking a chance on a few of these future stars provides great upside if they pan out as expected.
Topps Update & Topps Chrome Rookies – The September release of Topps Update and Topps Chrome always feature the rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts after the regular Topps Series 1-2. Sleeper rookies can emerge and their cards from these sets hold great long term value. Prospects like Henderson, Hancock and others may get their true first card in these releases.
Topps Finest / Topps Fire / Topps Sterling Rookies – The high end parallels from Topps Finest, Fire and Sterling have wonderful aesthetics that collectors love. While more expensive than base cards, the top rookies from these sets have proven to hold strong long term value. Targeting parallels of Ohtani, Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and others provides a nicer card for any collection.
Vintage Stars from the 1980s/90s – Legends like Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn and others are always in demand from collectors. While their true rookie cards are out of reach, high grade copies of their early 1990s Upper Deck, Score and Fleer cards can still be found for under $50. These vintage pieces will only continue appreciating with time.
This covers some of the top baseball cards to consider adding to your collection from 2023 products and beyond. Focusing on star players, top rookies and prospects as well as vintage legends provides a solid foundation. Be sure to only purchase from reputable sellers and always inspect cards closely before finalizing big purchases. With patience and research, you can build an investment portfolio of cards that holds and increases in value for years to come. Happy hunting!
