The hobby of collecting baseball cards is always evolving as new players emerge and cards from past years appreciate in value. With another season in the books, here are some of the best baseball cards for collectors to target in 2023 based on recent player performances, rookie cards to watch, and vintage cards primed to gain popularity.
Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm RC #162) – There may not be a more captivating player in baseball right now than two-way star Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. After winning the American League MVP award in 2021 and putting together another amazing season in 2022, Ohtani’s rookie cards have skyrocketed in value and will remain some of the most coveted on the market. The 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm rookie card is one of the more high-end parallels available and could appreciate significantly if Ohtani continues dominating on the mound and at the plate for years to come.
Julio Rodriguez (2022 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #88) – The Seattle Mariners rookie outfielder had a phenomenal debut season that was cut short due to injury, but still impactful enough to earn him AL Rookie of the Year honors. Rodriguez possesses five-tool talent and his vibrant personality has made him a fan favorite. With his rookie cards still relatively affordable compared to expectations of his future success, the 2022 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor #88 stands out as one collectors should target, as it has potential to become one of the most valuable modern rookie cards in the coming years.
Spencer Strider (2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor #166) – As a rookie, the Atlanta Braves starting pitcher dominated with his blazing fastball and helped lead his team to another NL East title. Strider has ace-level stuff and his rookie cards jumped in value throughout the 2022 season. The red refractor parallel from Topps Chrome is always a popular parallel for high-end collectors, making the #166 an enticing card that could pay major dividends if Strider’s career continues on an upward trajectory.
Bobby Witt Jr. (2022 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor #87) – The Kansas City Royals young star shortstop had a breakout rookie campaign that saw him named AL Rookie of the Year runner-up. Witt Jr. has all the tools to be a perennial all-star and his cards remain relatively affordable, especially the prized yellow refractor parallel from Topps Chrome. This card looks primed to exponentially increase in value as Witt Jr.’s star continues to rise.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Topps Chrome RC #171) – When fully healthy, Acuña is arguably baseball’s most electrifying player. After missing most of 2022 due to injury, collectors can currently find his stellar rookie cards at reasonable prices compared to their future potential. The 2018 Topps Chrome refractor remains iconic for modern rookie collectors and an Acuña injury bounce-back campaign could shoot this card up near the top of the charts.
Mike Trout (2009 Topps Chrome RC #96) – Widely considered the best player of this generation, Trout continues to dominate at age 30 and remains the face of the Los Angeles Angels franchise. His rookie cards from 2009 are absolute grails for vintage collectors, with the Topps Chrome refractor parallel being the crème de la crème. Even at thousands of dollars a card, Trout rookies still have room for growth given his sustained excellence and iconic player status.
Albert Pujols (2001 Bowman Chrome RC #B-1) – The first year eligible Hall of Famer wrapped up his legendary career in 2022. While expensive, his ultra-rare 2001 Bowman Chrome rookie refractor #B-1 remains a must-have for true vintage collectors. With Pujols now retired, interest in his early career cards could increase even more in the years ahead, making this one of the most historically significant cards on the market.
Mickey Mantle (1952 Topps #311) – The Commerce Comet remains one of the most revered players in baseball history and his classic 1952 Topps rookie card endures as the pinnacle of the entire vintage collecting world. Condition is everything for these cards but mid-grade examples can still run six-figures. With values constantly climbing, any Mantle rookie in a holder has real potential as a long-term investment piece.
Sandy Koufax (1955 Topps #161) – The legendary Dodgers lefty is one of the greatest pitchers ever and his early 1950s rookie cards remain hugely popular with collectors. Condition is still king, but even low-grade Koufax rookies command big money. With his playing career cut short, interest in relics from his record-setting years will stay hot.
Ty Cobb (1909-1911 T206) – The Georgia Peach redefined what it meant to be a five-tool player and any relics or cards from his playing days are absolute grails. Condition is ultra-critical but even low-grade examples of his iconic T206 tobacco card series can sell for well into six figures. Cobb’s on-field dominance ensures steady demand for pieces of his early career.
Honus Wagner (1909-1911 T206) – The rarest and most coveted card in the entire collecting world, even low-grade Wagner T206s have sold for millions. The card’s iconic subject, limited production run over 100 years ago, and unmatched rarity make it the undisputed king for true blue-chip collectors. While out of reach for most, its unparalleled prestige and history guarantee the Wagner will remain the most sought-after vintage card.
Focusing on star players in their early careers like Ohtani, Rodriguez and Witt Jr. who have MVP-caliber potential provides an opportunity to acquire cards with huge upside. Rookies of emerging young stars like Strider are also worth targeting. For the true elite vintage collectors, iconic cards like the Mantle, Cobb and Wagner will never lose relevance despite astronomical prices. Studying the storylines around today’s brightest talents and yesterday’s legends can point collectors toward baseball’s best investments for 2023 and beyond.
