Topps released Series 2 of its 2023 baseball card set in late August, continuing its tradition of producing one of the sport’s premiere trading card products each year. Series 2 features a wide array of rookie cards, star players, and insert sets that collectors young and old will enjoy adding to their collections. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors will want to seek out from this exciting new series.
One of the most anticipated rookie cards in Series 2 is that of Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. Considered one of the best prospects in the deep Rays farm system, Edwards hit .299 with 24 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 while showing off impressive contact skills and speed on the basepaths. His rookie card features a clean photo of him in the Rays’ classic uniforms and carries a reasonable print run of just /499 copies, making it attainable for most collectors while still holding value long-term.
Another exciting rookie to watch is Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske. A 27th round draft pick in 2019 who rose quickly through the minors, Brieske made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed promise with a 4.71 ERA over 16 starts for the rebuilding Tigers. His rookie card in Series 2 features an action shot of him on the mound and is limited to /499 prints, positioning it well as a key piece for any Tigers PC. With continued development, Brieske could become a solid mid-rotation starter, making his rookie card an intriguing longshot for upside.
For star power, one of the top pulls in Series 2 is likely to be the base card of superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. One of the brightest young talents in the game when healthy, Tatis missed all of 2022 due to injury and suspension but will be a centerpiece for the Padres whenever he returns. His clean-cut photo and iconic smile make his base card a fan favorite that could appreciate significantly if he gets back to MVP form. Numbered to the still-generous /399 prints, it’s a card any collector would love to open.
Series 2 also features a wide array of popular parallels and inserts sure to entice collectors. The Rainbow Foil parallel offers a brilliant multi-colored shine on cards like Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and Shohei Ohtani numbered to /50 copies apiece. For the low-numbered crowd, Gold parallels of stars like Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and Ronald Acuña Jr. cap out at an ultra-short print run of just /10 each.
On the insert side, Topps Archives recalls signature moments from baseball history with retro-style photos of icons like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Hank Aaron. Topps’ long-running Photo Shoot set also returns with unique posed shots of current players like Bo Bichette, Jose Ramirez, and Tim Anderson. For the high-end collector, the Topps Chrome Refractors parallel features a super-refractory treatment on cards of the above stars and more, limited to minuscule print runs starting at /5 copies.
Beyond the base set, one of the most coveted new insert sets for collectors is Topps’ Retired Numbers parallel. Honoring the legends who had their numbers retired by their franchises, these elegant cards feature photos of stars like Ted Williams with the Red Sox ‘9,’ Cal Ripken Jr. with the Orioles ‘8,’ and Derek Jeter with the Yankees ‘2’ on a clean white background. Numbered between /25-/50 copies depending on the player, these classy cards are sure to be hot commodities for team collectors and those who appreciate the sport’s history.
Topps Series 2 also provides value for team and player collectors at every level with base and parallel cards of rising stars and solid veterans. Cards like Brewers catcher Omar Narvaez (/399), Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos (/399), and Blue Jays third baseman Matt Chapman (/399) give fans of those clubs important pieces for their collections. Lower-numbered parallels and inserts of such players offer even more appeal. With so many exciting new cards across different levels, there’s truly something in Series 2 for collectors of all budgets and interests.
Whether seeking out rookie gems, star studded base cards, or prestigious inserts, Topps 2023 Baseball Series 2 delivers. With its perfect combination of exciting rookies, superstar veterans, and nostalgic throwbacks, it’s easy to see why the flagship Topps set continues to be a rite of passage for collectors both casual and die-hard. With so much to offer across different levels, there’s a strong chance this series will become a favorite of collectors for years to come. As with any new release, the best strategy for collectors is to search retail, or if seeking specific high-ends, check the secondary market to build your collection of the top cards from this fantastic new series.
