The release of Topps Series 1 baseball cards marks the beginning of the new baseball season each year. The 2023 Topps Series 1 set was released on February 8th, 2023 and contains a variety of rookie cards, veteran stars, and unique parallels that collectors look forward to chasing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable cards from the base set and highlight cards that could become long-term valuable investments for collectors.
One of the biggest storylines heading into the 2023 season is Shohei Ohtani continuing his reign as the best two-way player in baseball. As the reigning AL MVP and a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer one day, Ohtani’s base card is always one to watch. While it may not appreciate exponentially in the short-term, his rookie season cards from 2018 still sell for hundreds of dollars and his base cards hold value very well. The 2023 Topps Series 1 #12 Shohei Ohtani card will be a staple in collections for years to come.
Another popular veteran to target is superstar Mike Trout. As arguably the greatest player of this generation, Trout cards have proven to be a safe haven for collectors. Even factory set common Trout cards sell for $10-20 raw which is impressive for a base card in the modern era. His iconic swing is featured on the #45 card in the set. Trout will continue producing at an elite level for several more seasons, so this card is a no-brainer to hold long-term.
Rookie cards are always the biggest chase for collectors looking to land the next superstar. The headliner rookie in Series 1 is Cardinals catcher/outfielder Jordan Walker, who had a monstrous pro debut in 2022. As the #2 overall prospect in baseball and someone who could be an MVP candidate for St. Louis in the coming years, the #74 Jordan Walker rookie is extremely desirable. If he becomes the player many scouts think he will be, this card could eventually rival the prices of other top prospect rookies like Wander Franco.
Another highly sought-after rookie is Druw Jones, son of retired MLB star Andruw Jones. Drafted 2nd overall by the Diamondbacks in 2022, Druw has all the tools to be a perennial all-star. His athleticism and bloodlines make him one to watch, so the #249 Druw Jones rookie will be a hot ticket. Rookies like him with a famous baseball lineage tend to capture collector attention.
Switching gears to some unique parallels, one of the most visually striking inserts is the Topps Chrome Green Refractor parallel. Limited to only /99 copies, these refractors feature a vibrant green color that really pops on card. Some notable Chrome Green cards include #12 Shohei Ohtani, #45 Mike Trout, #74 Jordan Walker, and #249 Druw Jones. These parallel rookies could gain serious value if those players turn into stars.
Another parallel to target is the Topps Gold Label, which uses a textured gold foil treatment on the front. These are serially numbered to /150 and pull collectors looking for a more premium version of the base card. Gold Labels of big names like Ohtani and Trout will hold long-term value as a rarer parallel. Top prospect rookies on Gold Label like Walker and Jones also become much more intriguing investment pieces.
When it comes to autograph and memorabilia cards, the biggest chase is the Topps Transcendent Collection parallel. Featuring rare game-used memorabilia paired with ultra-short prints of only /10 copies, these Transcendent cards capture the true high-end market. Some notable Transcendent cards that could become holy grails include a Jordan Walker autograph with a piece of his first MLB bat or a Druw Jones autograph paired with a swatch from his debut jersey. Prices for these will be astronomical if those players become stars.
The 2023 Topps Series 1 release offers something for every type of collector – from budget-friendly base cards of current stars to high-end investment pieces of the next generation of talent. Rookie cards of potential future MVPs like Jordan Walker and Druw Jones are at the top of many want lists. Veteran superstars Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout provide a safe haven, while short-printed parallels like Chrome Green and Gold Label add visual pop. And the ultra-rare Transcendent Collection pushes the high-end ceiling. This fun and highly anticipated set is a must-have to start the new baseball year.
