The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory due to the abundance of star rookies that are expected to debut in Major League Baseball this season. While rookies have the potential to bust, baseball history tells us that some of these prospects will become perennial All-Stars and even make runs at the Hall of Fame. As collectors eagerly await the release of Series 1 in late February or early March 2023, here’s an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards to pursue from the upcoming Topps flagship set.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: Many consider Rutschman the top prospect in all of baseball and he lived up to the hype by batting .254 with 5 home runs in 50 games after his August call-up. The switch-hitting catcher has elite plate discipline and should be an anchor for the O’s for years to come. His Topps rookie card will undoubtedly be one of the most coveted and valuable from 2023.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals: Witt wasted no time making an impact by hitting .256 with 20 home runs as a 21-year-old in his rookie campaign. He showed five-tool potential and is a centerpiece as the Royals look to contend again. Witt’s electric play could make him a perennial MVP candidate and his Topps RC will be a cornerstone in many collections.
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: J-Rod electrified fans by batting .284 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases as a 21-year-old rookie. He was a catalyst for Seattle’s playoff run and has superstar potential. Rodriguez’s impressive debut makes his Topps rookie one of the safest long-term investments from the class.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Detroit Tigers: After a slow start, Torkelson finished strong by hitting .267 with 5 home runs over his final 30 games. The left-handed slugger has the makings of a perennial 30-homer threat and should be a fixture in the Tigers’ lineup for years. His Topps RC will be a hot commodity.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: Cruz turned heads with his mammoth home runs but also struck out 129 times in just 92 games. At 6-foot-7, he’s a unique physical specimen with intriguing raw power. If Cruz can make more consistent contact, he has superstar upside. His Topps rookie will be a boom-or-bust speculation card.
Hunter Greene, P, Cincinnati Reds: Greene struggled with his command but still showed why he was such a coveted prospect by averaging 98 mph on his fastball. As the Reds’ future ace, Greene’s Topps rookie card will be a strong long-term hold if he can sharpen his secondary pitches and control.
Cade Cavalli, P, Washington Nationals: Cavalli made his MLB debut in September and showed why he was the Nationals’ top pitching prospect by averaging 96 mph with his fastball. He has the arsenal to be a frontline starter if he can harness his command. Cavalli’s Topps rookie will be a solid pitching prospect to track.
Jack Leiter, P, Texas Rangers: As the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, Leiter made his MLB debut in September and will compete for a rotation spot in 2023. His four-pitch mix could make him the Rangers’ ace in short order. Leiter’s Topps rookie card will be popular with pitching enthusiasts.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Houston Astros: Peña had a storybook rookie season by batting .281 with 22 extra-base hits en route to World Series MVP honors. He’s entrenched as Houston’s shortstop and should be a steady producer for years. His Topps rookie card value rose immensely after his championship heroics.
Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: Suzuki showed why he was a star in Nippon Professional Baseball by batting .262 with 17 home runs in his first MLB season. The left-handed hitter has an advanced approach and should be a core piece as the Cubs look to contend again. Suzuki’s Topps rookie is a solid long-term prospect.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves: Harris made a surprise impact by batting .297 with 19 home runs as a 21-year-old rookie. He immediately stepped into a starting role and could develop into a perennial Gold Glove-caliber player. Harris’ Topps rookie card value skyrocketed after his breakout season.
Joe Ryan, P, Minnesota Twins: Ryan made the All-Star team in his first full season by going 12-8 with a 3.70 ERA and 147 strikeouts. The righty has ace potential and should be a workhorse for the Twins for many seasons. His Topps rookie card is a great pitching prospect to track.
Brendan Donovan, UTIL, St. Louis Cardinals: Donovan was a sparkplug by batting .281 in his first season while playing all over the field. His versatility and production make him a core piece for the Cardinals going forward. His Topps rookie card value could rise if he continues developing into an everyday player.
José Miranda, 1B, Minnesota Twins: Miranda showed why he was such a highly-regarded prospect by batting .268 with 13 home runs in his rookie campaign. He should be Minnesota’s everyday first baseman for years to come. Miranda’s Topps rookie card is a solid long-term hold.
Eury Pérez, OF, Washington Nationals: Pérez turned heads in the Arizona Fall League by showing five-tool ability. He has the potential to be an impact player if he can refine his approach at the plate. Pérez’s Topps rookie card is an intriguing lottery ticket.
Gavin Stone, P, Colorado Rockies: Stone dominated in Double-A with a 1.68 ERA and could debut in 2023. The righty has frontline stuff and the potential to be Colorado’s ace down the road. His Topps rookie card will be one to watch, especially if he finds success in the majors.
The 2023 Topps baseball release features one of the strongest rookie classes in recent memory. While prospects carry risk, history tells us that stars like Rutschman, Witt, Rodriguez and others will emerge from this budding group of talent. Their Topps rookie cards are primed to become highly valuable long-term keepsakes. For collectors, targeting cards from this class offers an opportunity to acquire future Hall of Famers at affordable prices.
