The 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball card set was released on August 17th, 2022 and contains a variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that have collectors excited. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards to chase from this highly anticipated release.
One of the biggest rookie cards in the set is that of Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez. Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022 that saw him finish third in American League Rookie of the Year voting. His rookie card is one of the most sought after from Series 1, and his base card and parallels from Series 2 are sure to be hot items as well. Collectors will be hunting for the prized Julio Rodríguez rookie to add to their PC’s.
Another highly coveted rookie is Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Harris burst onto the scene in 2022 and proved to be a dynamic young player, earning him NL Rookie of the Year honors. Like Rodríguez, Harris’ base rookie from Series 1 is in high demand, so his Series 2 issue will only add to the excitement around one of baseball’s brightest young stars. The Michael Harris II rookie parallel chase should provide collector fun throughout the year.
On the veteran side, Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout remains one of the most sought after cards in the hobby. The three-time AL MVP had another incredible season in 2022, proving he’s still at the top of his game. Any Trout pull from Series 2, whether a base card or parallel, is a prize for collectors. His on-card autograph would be the true holy grail pull. Star power and talent like Trout’s will always make his cards a priority.
Another perennial superstar who collectors look to pull is New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. In 2022 Judge had a historic season by smashing an AL record 62 home runs. His accomplishments and status as one of the game’s biggest names gives any Judge card from Series 2 instant value. An autograph or rare parallel of the AL single season home run king would bring top dollar on the secondary market.
Rookies and stars aren’t the only cards that can spike collector interest in Series 2 though. Parallels always add to the excitement of the release, and 2023 Topps features some highly sought after parallel variations. The prized 1/1 printing plate autograph parallel is the true white whale for collectors to pursue. But other low numbered parallels like Gold /50, Rainbow Foil /25 and Red /5 also generate lots of buzz and trade speculation if pulled. The parallel chase is a big part of what makes Series 2 collecting so engaging.
Topps also includes a popular “Stars of the Topps” insert set in Series 2 highlighting some of the biggest names in the game. Cards like Trout, Judge, Shohei Ohtani and others in this insert set hold value and are key cards to target when ripping packs. The “Stars of the Topps” parallels multiply that interest level. Autograph and memorabilia cards from this insert set would be true head-turners.
Veteran stars, rookie phenoms, coveted parallels – 2023 Topps Series 2 has it all. But perhaps the biggest allure is the unpredictability of the chase. You never know when you might stumble upon a one-of-a-kind hit. Whether seeking specific players, chasing parallels or hoping for surprise pulls, Series 2 provides the thrill of the hunt that keeps collectors coming back year after year. With rookies like Rodríguez and Harris poised to take the hobby by storm, and stars like Trout and Judge leading the way, 2023 Topps Series 2 looks to be one of the year’s most exciting releases. The card hunt is on!
