The 2023 Topps Series 1 Baseball set is set to release in late January 2023, kicking off another year of the flagship Topps baseball card product. As with every year, the Series 1 set contains a wide variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that collectors will be eager to find. With its massive checklist of over 350 cards, there are plenty of exciting cards to chase after. Here are some of the top cards collectors will want to keep an eye out for as they rip packs of the new Series 1 release.
One of the biggest draws of any Series 1 set are the rookie cards of the top prospects making their MLB debuts. 2023 looks to have an excellent class headlined by Druw Jones, the #2 overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks who many consider the best prospect in all of baseball. As the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, Druw’s rookie card will be a hot commodity. Other top rookie cards to watch for include Jackson Holliday (Rockies), Elijah Green (Royals), Termarr Johnson (Braves), and Brooks Lee (Twins). Autographs and parallels of these rookies will be highly sought after.
On the veteran side, perennial MVP candidates like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Aaron Judge always have cards that hold value. Trout’s base card is a staple of the set each year while Ohtani and Judge tend to have some of the most popular parallels. 2023 also marks the final Topps cards for legends like Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Verlander before they retire, making their cards potential keepsakes. Rookies aren’t the only ones who can have big years – breakout stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman could see their values rise with another strong season.
When it comes to parallels, the most valuable tend to be the short printed, serial numbered versions. Top parallel cards to watch for include the Gold #/2021, Rainbow Foil #/150, and Black #/50. Autograph cards signed by the games’ elite will always be in high demand. Topps usually includes at least one autograph per box on average, with serial numbered versions /25 or lower holding premier value. Also keep an eye out for 1/1 printing plates, which are the literal printing plate used to create the card and are one-of-a-kind collectibles.
Baseball cards are as much about the player photography and designs as they are the players themselves. Topps consistently delivers creative and compelling card designs that collectors enjoy adding to their collections. Some standouts for 2023 Series 1 based on initial design previews include a cool action shot of Ohtani on the Angels’ card, a fun “play ball” themed Trout card, and a stylish portrait of rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez in a Mariners uniform. Parallels like the Gold cards tend to feature alternative photography that makes them unique from the base versions as well.
Of course, no card is guaranteed to hold value or increase over time. Injuries, trades, or disappointing seasons can negatively impact even the biggest stars. By focusing on rookies with the most hype and proven veterans at the top of their game, collectors maximize their chances of finding cards that will retain longterm appeal. Autographs, parallels and 1/1s from the biggest names offer the most safety when it comes to resale potential down the road. The 2023 Topps Series 1 release shapes up to have an exciting mix of prospects and vets to keep the hobby buzzing throughout the coming baseball season.
When Series 1 arrives at the end of January, collectors will be eager to rip packs and add these prized rookies, stars and parallels to their collections. While the odds of landing a true gem are slim, the thrill of the hunt is what keeps the baseball card hobby exciting year after year. Whether collecting for enjoyment or investment, Topps Series 1 is a must-have for any baseball card fan. Be sure to check with your local card shops and hobby retailers to find packs of the new 2023 release hitting shelves in late January. With rookies like Druw Jones and veterans like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani leading the way, this Series 1 looks to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
