The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the legendary card manufacturer. As the exclusive printer of MLB licenses, Topps is the place to find the sport’s top rookies, stars and exciting memorabilia cards. With the 2022 season now in the books, collectors are wondering which 2023 Topps cards will be the most coveted chase cards. Here are some of the top prospects to keep an eye out for next year.
One of the headliners of the 2023 Topps set will undoubtedly be Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners’ star rookie had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His prospect pedigree and breakout campaign make him one of the faces of the game. An autographed Julio Rodriguez rookie card or memorable rookie parallel could hold immense long term value. Fellow young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will also be hotly anticipated rookies after their impressive first MLB seasons.
On the veteran side, superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout and Aaron Judge will continue to be top pulls. An Ohtani autograph or 1/1 parallel would smash records. A Judge home run chase parallel from his record-setting 62 home run 2022 would be one of the crown jewels of any collection. Trout remains one of the safest long term investments in the hobby. RCs of rising talents like Cardinals’ Nolan Gorman or Marlins’ JJ Bleday from their partial 2022 campaigns could take off.
In terms of parallels and short prints, collectors will be on the hunt for the always-elusive 1/1 variations which feature unique designs. Low numbered parallels like /5, /10 or /25 are also hugely popular chase cards. Topps usually includes a hit or memorabilia card in luxury hobby boxes as well. Authentic signed relic cards of franchise greats like Albert Pujols or Clayton Kershaw remain true collector’s items. Watch closely for autograph parallels too which multiply rarity.
Topps Update Series and Highlights cards released later in the year provide another opportunity to find stars. Past Updates have featured rookie cards of eventual superstars who debuted late like Juan Soto. Retired legends and Hall of Famers are also paid tribute. The 2023 Update Series may give a proper sendoff to living legends like Yadier Molina or Albert Pujols in their final seasons.
On the technology side, Topps continues to innovate with virtual and augmented reality features. Their Topps NFT platform allows collectors to obtain and trade digital cards as well. It will be interesting to see how Topps evolves their digital offerings in 2023. Their physical product remains the most coveted in the industry due to the exclusive MLB rights though.
The 2023 Topps baseball release is primed to feature some true heavyweight rookies and veterans to chase. With the hobby at an all-time high, valuable parallels, autographs and unique memorabilia cards from the flagship set are sure to be highly sought after. Careful searching of retail boxes, collector’s cases and hobby cases may reward patient collectors with true gems to commemorate the 2023 season. Whether collecting for enjoyment or long term investment, Topps 2023 will provide many exciting prospects to keep an eye on in the new year.
