The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is a throwback to some of the most iconic baseball card designs of the past. As with previous Heritage releases, the 2023 version pays homage to the classic design styles from the late 1960s through the 1980s. Some of the most coveted cards in the set are sure to be popular with collectors both old and new. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards collectors will want to chase.
One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards in the set is that of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. As one of the game’s brightest young stars, Franco had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2021 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His prospect pedigree and early MLB success make his 2023 Topps Heritage rookie card a must-have for collectors. With his 5-tool skillset and potential superstardom, Franco’s rookie could end up being one of the most valuable cards from the set in coming years.
Another exciting rookie to watch is Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts. The Aruban star had a breakout season in 2023 that saw him named an All-Star and Silver Slugger winner while helping lead Boston to the AL East title. Bogaerts possesses elite contact skills and just signed a long-term contract extension to remain in Boston, giving his rookie card staying power. His popularity in New England and track record of success make his Heritage RC one collectors will be hunting.
For Dodgers fans, a card that will certainly gain traction is that of budding superstar outfielder Mookie Betts. Now in the midst of his second season in Dodger Blue after being acquired via trade from the Red Sox, Betts is coming off a dominant 2022 campaign where he was named NL MVP while powering L.A. to a 111-win season and World Series title. As one of the game’s premier five-tool talents and the face of the Dodgers franchise, Betts’ Heritage design is a must-have for L.A. and baseball card collectors alike.
No card is likely to be more visually stunning or have greater long-term appeal than a Mike Trout rookie. While Trout’s true rookie card came in 2009 Topps, his 2023 Topps Heritage design pays tribute to the style of the late 1960s. As perhaps the greatest player of this generation and still in his prime at just 30 years old, Trout has put together a resume that may end up as the best ever. His iconic smiling face in a classic design is sure to be a centerpiece card for collections.
For fans of legendary players from days gone by, the 2023 Topps Heritage set offers retro-style cards of all-time greats like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more. These vintage-inspired designs allow collectors to own pieces featuring baseball’s pioneers and pioneers in styles similar to what they may have seen in stores as kids. Cards like these that honor the history and nostalgia of the game will remain popular with collectors for generations.
The 2023 Topps Heritage set also features a wide array of exciting young talents like Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves, Juan Soto of the Padres, and Shohei Ohtani of the Angels. With Acuña coming off an injury-plagued 2022 and looking to rebound, Soto entering his first full season in San Diego after his blockbuster trade, and Ohtani continuing to put together one of the most unique careers ever, these three cover athletes are must-owns.
Topps also always includes a subset paying homage to a past design, and 2023 is no exception. This year’s ‘Turn Back The Clock’ retro subset features players photographed in vintage uniforms with a design inspired by 1967 Topps. Superstars like Aaron Judge, Bryce Harper, and Yordan Alvarez adorn these throwback cards, adding highly sought after parallel versions to chase.
The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set offers a mix of established stars, exciting rookies, and retro designs that will appeal to collectors both casual and intense. With its eye-catching vintage aesthetics and roster of the game’s present and past greats, this year’s Heritage is poised to be a truly memorable and collecting experience for all fans of the hobby. The classic designs paired with today’s top talents make for a release sure to stand the test of time.
