The 2023 MLB season is shaping up to feature another exciting class of rookie talent. While it’s still early, several top prospects are primed to make their MLB debuts and begin what could be legendary careers. Their rookie cards from the upcoming season have the potential to become extremely valuable long-term investments. Let’s take a look at some of the most coveted rookie cards to watch out for in 2023.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles – Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Rutschman made his MLB debut in 2022 after being selected 1st overall in the 2019 draft. He immediately showed why scouts have raved about his elite skills both at the plate and behind it. As the future cornerstone of the Orioles, Rutschman’s rookie cards from 2023 Topps products and Bowman Chrome are sure to be some of the most sought after on the market. His autographed and memorabilia cards will be true gems for any collection.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals – After a phenomenal rookie season that saw him finish second in AL ROY voting, Witt Jr. is poised for superstardom. The #2 pick in 2019, he displayed five-tool talent from day one for the Royals. His cards from 2022 were hot commodities and demand will be even higher for his sophomore offerings. The prized shortstop position along with his franchise cornerstone potential make Witt Jr. a blue chip investment.
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners – J-Rod electrified baseball with an incredible rookie campaign that culminated in AL ROY honors. A toolsy outfielder with power, speed and defense, Rodriguez is a true five-tool talent and the future face of the Mariners franchise. His cards from 2023 will be must-haves as collectors look to add to their holdings of one of the game’s brightest young stars. Numbered parallels and autographs of the budding superstar will carry immense value.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a monster at the plate with prodigious raw power. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately wowed with his offensive fireworks. While he may shift to another position, Cruz’s cards from 2023 as a shortstop will be some of the more unique prospects on the market. As a key building block for the Pirates, his cards have breakout potential if he can put it all together at the highest level.
Geraldo Perdomo, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks – A defensive wizard with the glove, Perdomo also made strides at the plate in 2022 that have him on the cusp of becoming an everyday player. He has the skills and athleticism to be a star if his bat continues developing. As a shortstop for the D-Backs, Perdomo’s rookie cards will be hotly pursued. His autographed parallels in particular hold value as a potential franchise cornerstone.
Eury Perez, OF, Cincinnati Reds – Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Perez is one of the top international prospects. He has five-tool talents and made his MLB debut in 2022 at just 20 years old. As a potential future star and centerpiece for the Reds rebuild, Perez’s cards from 2023 Topps products will be some to watch. His autographed rookie cards could pay major dividends long-term.
Emmanuel Rodriguez, SS, Boston Red Sox – The top-ranked international signing from the 2020 J2 period, Rodriguez is a potential impact bat and defender. He made his MLB debut in 2022 at age 21 and will compete for an everyday role in 2023. As a shortstop in Boston’s system, Rodriguez’s autographed and numbered rookie cards carry strong long-term value.
Gunnar Henderson, 3B, Baltimore Orioles – Considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Henderson had a breakout 2022 campaign that saw him reach the majors at just 21. A switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate, Henderson could be a perennial All-Star and the future anchor of the Orioles lineup. His autographed rookie cards from 2023 will be some of the most sought after on the market.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a monster at the plate with prodigious raw power. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately wowed with his offensive fireworks. While he may shift to another position, Cruz’s cards from 2023 as a shortstop will be some of the more unique prospects on the market. As a key building block for the Pirates, his cards have breakout potential if he can put it all together at the highest level.
This covers some of the most exciting rookie cards to watch out for from the 2023 MLB season. With so much young talent emerging, this class has potential to feature some true superstars of the future. Their rookie cards being issued next year will likely become highly valuable long-term holdings. For collectors and investors, paying close attention to these prospects’ development and acquiring their autographed and numbered rookie cards could yield major returns down the road. The 2023 MLB season can’t come soon enough!
