The 2023 baseball season saw an exciting new crop of rookies make their big league debuts. While it’s still early, some have already shown star potential. As collectors and investors, it’s important to identify the rookies who could become the game’s next superstars. Their rookie cards stand to gain tremendous value if they live up to expectations on the field. With the 2023 season now in the books, here are some of the top rookie cards to watch out for from this year’s class.
One of the most hyped rookies of 2023 was Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had a phenomenal debut campaign, slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs, 75 RBI, and 25 stolen bases. He was named an All-Star, finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting, and helped lead the Mariners back to the postseason. Rodriguez’s prized rookie card is his Topps Series 2 base card. PSA 10 examples of this card have already eclipsed $1,000 in value, showing how Rodriguez has lived up to the hype. As he continues developing into a perennial All-Star, his Topps Series 2 card stands to gain substantially.
Another 2023 rookie standout was Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. Pena had huge shoes to fill replacing Carlos Correa, but he proved more than capable. The 25-year old hit .253 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI en route to winning AL Rookie of the Year honors and playing a key role on the World Series champion Astros. Pena’s flagship rookie card is his Topps Series 2 base card, with PSA 10 copies already pushing $500. His performance in just his first season has vaulted him into the Astros long term plans, suggesting his cards could appreciate well if he continues progressing.
Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby also made a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year with his stellar pitching numbers. Kirby went 8-5 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.171 WHIP across 25 starts and 112.1 innings. He showed poise beyond his years and looks to be a key part of the Mariners’ young rotation core. Kirby’s top rookie card is his Topps Series 2 base issue. With demand strong for the Mariners’ top prospects, this card looks primed to rise in value if Kirby solidifies his place as a frontline starter going forward.
The Atlanta Braves saw right fielder Michael Harris II emerge as one of baseball’s best rookies in 2023. Harris batted .297 with 19 home runs, 64 RBI and 20 stolen bases while playing stellar defense. He finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting and looks to be a core piece of the Braves’ future. Harris’ flagship rookie card is his Topps Series 2 base issue, with a PSA 10 copy recently selling for over $600. As one of the top young outfielders in baseball, Harris has All-Star potential that could drive his cards higher.
One of the most exciting rookies of 2023 was catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. Long considered the top prospect in baseball, Rutschman finally made his MLB debut and showed why with a .254 average, 10 home runs and 45 RBI in 92 games. He has all the tools to be an offensive force from the catcher position for years to come. Rutschman’s prized rookie card is his Topps Series 2 base issue, with a PSA 10 recently selling for over $1,000. As the future face of the Orioles, Rutschman’s cards have a high ceiling if he becomes the superstar many expect.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic endured a disappointing 2022 season but bounced back strong in 2023. Kelenic slashed .237/.308/.411 with 19 home runs and 70 RBI in his first full season, showcasing his tantalizing power/speed combo. Now just 23, Kelenic could develop into an All-Star caliber player. His Topps Series 2 base card looks like a bargain for such a talented young player. If Kelenic takes another step forward in 2024, this card’s price could multiply.
One of the most exciting pitching prospects to debut in 2023 was Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer. The No. 3 overall pick from 2020 battled injuries in the minors but looked dominant in the majors, posting a 3.45 ERA and 1.173 WHIP with 29 strikeouts in 30.1 innings. Meyer’s electric four-pitch mix gives him true ace potential. His Topps Series 2 base card looks to be one of the top pitching prospects cards from the 2023 class. Meyer’s future is very bright if he stays healthy.
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Vargas had a strong rookie showing in 2022 with a .304 average, 5 home runs and 26 RBI in just 48 games. The 22-year old has an advanced approach that should allow his power to develop further. Playing everyday for the Dodgers in 2023, Vargas hit .273 with 8 homers and 51 RBI while seeing time at multiple positions. His versatility and offensive skills could make him a mainstay for the Dodgers. Vargas’ Topps Series 2 card is a solid long term hold.
One of the most impressive rookie pitchers of 2023 was Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane Baz. After missing 2021 recovering from Tommy John surgery, Baz emerged as a potential future ace with a 2.99 ERA and 1.129 WHIP across 14 starts. The 23-year old possesses a mid-90s fastball with a wipeout slider, giving him true ace upside. Baz’s Topps Series 2 card looks like a bargain for such a high-upside arm still early in his career comeback. He has the talent to be a frontline starter for years.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryson Stott made the jump from shortstop look seamless in 2023. Stott hit .234 with 14 home runs and 58 RBI while playing solid defense at multiple positions. The 24-year old has an advanced approach and should grow into more power as he matures. With his versatility and offensive skills, Stott looks like a core piece for the Phillies going forward. His Topps Series 2 card is a solid long term investment piece.
Cincinnati Reds starter Hunter Greene made major strides in 2023, going 8-10 with a 4.66 ERA and 1.333 WHIP across 31 starts and 158 innings. The power-armed 23-year old flashed dominance at times with 159 strikeouts, holding his velocity deep into games. Greene has the raw stuff to develop into an ace if he refines his command. His Topps Series 2 base card is a high-upside gamble that could pay off big.
The 2023 rookie class featured several young stars who look primed to be core players for their franchises for years to come. Rookies like Rodriguez, Pena, Harris, Rutschman and Baz appear to be future All-Stars and their rookie cards could appreciate substantially if they continue progressing. Meanwhile, high-upside arms like Kirby, Meyer and Greene offer risk but immense reward potential. For collectors and investors, the 2023 rookie class provides several opportunities to buy into top young talent who may develop into the game’s next superstars.
