2023 Donruss Baseball Cards: Picks for the Top RCs, Parallels, and More
The 2023 Donruss baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues of the year. After a hugely popular 2021 release, Donruss is building on that momentum with another exciting set featuring today’s top stars, top rookies, and plenty of parallel and insert card variations for collectors to hunt. With so many great cards to choose from, we’ve selected some of the top 2023 Donruss picks that collectors will want to keep an eye out for.
Top Rookie Cards
As always, the rookie class is one of the biggest draws of any new Donruss release. This year’s crop of rookies includes several future superstars, headlined by Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and 2021 #1 overall pick, Carlos Cortez. His paper base rookie card will likely be one of the most sought-after cards in the set. Other top rookie picks include:
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles 3B – Considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Henderson’s star is rising quickly and his Donruss RC will be hot.
Druw Jones, Arizona Diamondbacks OF – As the #2 overall pick in 2022, Jones has huge upside and his cards could explode in value with a strong pro debut season.
Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners P – A first round arm with ace potential, Hancock has all the tools to be the top pitching prospect in the class.
Elijah Green, Kansas City Royals OF – Green has five-tool talent and was taken #3 overall, making him a prime rookie to watch in 2023 and beyond.
Top Parallels to Chase
Collectors love the wide array of parallels and short-printed variations that Donruss packs into each release. Here are some of the most coveted parallel cards to hunt in 2023:
Green /99 – The lowest numbered parallel, green parallels are always in high demand. Pulling a star player’s green card fresh will be a big hit.
Gold /50 – A step up from the base parallel but still quite limited, gold parallels hold great value.
Black /10 – About as rare as it gets for a numbered parallel. Black parallels of top rookies will command a hefty premium.
Atomic Refractors – These refractors have a hypnotizing animated look. Pulling an atomic RC is a true chase card.
Red /25 – A classic Donruss parallel color, reds are always popular with collectors.
Purple /5 – Extremely rare parallel available only via hits or lucky pack pulls. True 1/1 potential.
Top Insert Cards
Donruss inserts add another layer of excitement to the chase. Here are some of the inserts expected to be big draws:
Donruss Origins – Iconic photos of stars’ early career moments, like MLB debuts. Big for PC builders.
Diamond Kings – High-gloss parallels featuring players in striking on-field poses. Popular high-end insert.
Superfractor – The ultimate 1/1 parallel insert. Pulling a superfractor of a star player is a true collector’s dream card.
Canvas Cards – Unique textured stock gives these inserts an authentic fine art feel. Fun chase cards.
Credentials – On-card autographs of top prospects as they sign their first pro contracts. Huge for autograph collectors.
Clubhouse Collection – Relic cards featuring game-worn memorabilia paired with sharp action shots.
Top Vets and Stars
While the rookies and parallels are exciting, veteran superstars are always collector favorites. Some top veteran picks for the 2023 Donruss set include:
Shohei Ohtani, Angels – The two-way phenom is the face of the league and any Ohtani pull will be a centerpiece card.
Mike Trout, Angels – Still the best player in baseball. A Trout parallel or insert is an instant collection highlight.
Aaron Judge, Yankees – Coming off his record-setting 62 home run season. Judge mania is at an all-time high.
Juan Soto, Padres – Traded to a new team but still one of the most exciting young stars in the game.
Mookie Betts, Dodgers – Perennial MVP candidate and five-tool star always seems to be in the lineup.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves – Returning from injury looking to pick up where he left off as one of baseball’s brightest talents.
With so many incredible cards and storylines to follow, the 2023 Donruss baseball release is sure to be a monumental hit. Collectors can look forward to finding their favorite new stars, chasing down coveted parallels and inserts, and building their PC’s with iconic veterans. The set is primed to produce many valuable and memorable cards for years to come.
