The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps continues to drive interest with innovative designs and chase cards featuring star players. While it’s still early, here’s a look at some of the top rookie cards, parallels and serial-numbered cards from the 2023 Topps series 1 release that are expected to hold strong long-term value.

One of the biggest storylines out of the 2023 Topps set involves Seattle Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez. Considered a future superstar, Rodriguez’s base rookie card is already in high demand. Limited print runs and the allure of his star power make this a blue-chip card to hold. Parallels like the rainbow foil, sepia and paper will carry premiums but the base is a safe long-term investment at around $50-75 in graded form.

Another rookie generating buzz is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. While not the biggest name, Edwards possesses elite contact skills that could make him a perennial batting title threat. His base rookie sells in the $15-25 range but parallels like the gold foil (#/2021) and sepia parallel (#/50) offer more upside at $50-100 currently. As Edwards develops, these limited parallels could multiply in value significantly.

For Yankees fans, 2023 may be the year slugging outfielder Jasson Dominguez reaches the majors. One of the most hyped international prospects ever, Dominguez’s rookie card is sure to be a hot commodity. While still in A-ball, his base sells around $30-40 already. Parallels like the gold (#/2021), sepia (#/50) and even rarer numbered variations hold value more in line with top prospects. This is one to watch long-term as Dominguez’s talent is legit.

Moving to established stars, any parallel or serial numbered card of two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is worth attention. The 2021 AL MVP continues to do things no one else can on the baseball field. Low numbered parallels and 1/1 variations of his base card command huge prices. But even higher end parallels like the gold (#/2021) and sepia (#/50) can be had for under $100 now and offer room for growth as Ohtani’s legend builds.

For Dodger fans, shortstop Trea Turner had a monster season and seems poised to continue producing at an elite level. His base sells around $15-25 but parallels hold more long-term promise. The gold foil (#/2021) and sepia (#/50) parallel offer a relatively affordable way to invest in one of baseball’s best all-around players at $30-50 each currently. As Turner’s career progresses, these parallels should steadily appreciate in value.

Switching gears to veterans on contending teams, cards of Astros ace Justin Verlander and Mets slugger Pete Alonso also stand out. Both are proven stars and leaders of playoff caliber lineups. While their base cards don’t carry huge premiums now, parallel and serial numbered variations offer opportunities. The gold foil (#/2021) and sepia (#/50) parallels of Verlander and Alonso can be found in the $30-50 range, offering solid long-term upside at those prices.

For collectors seeking ultra high-end cards, several 1/1 parallels from 2023 Topps series 1 hold monster potential. Cards like the 1/1 rainbow foil of Cardinals superstar Paul Goldschmidt or a 1/1 sepia of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole could appreciate exponentially over time. While carrying 6-figure price tags currently, such truly one-of-a-kind cards featuring franchise cornerstones are worthy of consideration by advanced collectors.

While still early in the card’s release cycle, several 2023 Topps rookies, stars and parallels appear poised to retain and grow in value long-term. Focusing on the biggest names, most scarce parallels and lowest serial numbered variations from the set offers the best chance of holding cards that appreciate substantially in the coming years. With Topps’ massive distribution and iconic brand, 2023 products are a proven way to build a baseball collection with an eye on future returns.