As the 2023 baseball season approaches, many collectors are looking to invest in affordable baseball cards that have strong potential to appreciate in value over the coming years. While high-end rookie cards of stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto can cost thousands of dollars, savvy collectors know that bargains still exist within the hobby if you do your research. Here are some of the best value baseball cards to consider adding to your collection in 2023.
Wander Franco RCs – While the prized autographed Franco RCs fetched big money in 2021 auctions, his standard rookie cards from 2020 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 can still be found for under $100. As the likely future face of the Tampa Bay Rays franchise, the 21-year-old Franco has superstar potential that could drive his card values much higher in the years ahead. Even ungraded Franco RCs in average condition offer an affordable entry point to one of the game’s most exciting young talents.
Bobby Witt Jr. RCs – The number 2 overall pick from 2019 had a strong rookie campaign with the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and looks poised for stardom at third base. Witt’s flagship Topps Chrome RC remains under $50 even after his solid debut season, offering risk-tolerant collectors a chance to snag the card of a potential future all-star at a bargain. With continued improvement, Witt’s RCs could multiply in value over the next few years.
Julio Rodriguez RCs – Seattle’s electric rookie-of-the-year contender in 2022, Rodriguez looks like a budding superstar in the making. His Topps Series 1 RC can still be found for under $30, a relative steal given J-Rod’s five-tool talents and marketability. As he cements his status near the top of the Mariners’ order, Rodriguez’s cards profile as strong long term holds in any collection.
Bobby Miller RCs – The 2021 first-round pick dazzled in his MLB debut late in the 2022 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, showing a triple-digit fastball and plus slider. Miller will likely start 2023 in the Cardinals’ rotation, and if he continues to miss bats at the highest level, his flagship Topps Chrome RC around $15-20 today will multiply quickly. For those who can stomach risk, Miller offers huge upside at a minimal cost.
Juan Yepez RCs – An older rookie at 25, Yepez nonetheless made a strong impression for the Cardinals in 2022 by slugging his way to playing time. His raw power could make him an impactful regular if given the opportunity. Yepez’s Topps Chrome RC remains under $10 despite his early success, an almost free lottery ticket on a player who might be on the verge of a breakout.
Oneil Cruz RCs – At 6-foot-7 with unmatched tools, Cruz tantalized in his Pirates debut last year. Questions remain about his contact and consistency. With his Topps Chrome RC still found for around $15, Cruz offers a high-risk, high-reward gamble that could deliver monstrous returns if he puts it all together. Even if he doesn’t, the card is so affordable that it’s worth a speculative add.
Eury Perez RCs – Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Perez is among the highest-ceiling international amateurs still waiting to make his MLB debut. The 21-year-old infielder has star potential if his hit tool comes around to match his other tools. His flagship Topps Chrome RC can be found for around $5, offering a no-brainer lottery ticket on a talent who could pay huge dividends down the road.
Seiya Suzuki RCs – The Japanese star took to MLB with aplomb in 2022 in his first season with the Cubs, showing a mature all-around game at age 27. Suzuki’s Topps Chrome RC has doubled from its initial print run price of around $10-15, but still offers an affordable way to hold the card of a potential perennial all-star while he’s still early in his MLB career.
Jack Leiter RCs – As the second overall pick from the 2021 draft, Leiter’s future is incredibly bright if he stays healthy. His Topps Chrome RC around $15-20 is a steal considering his elite stuff and pedigree as the son of former big leaguer Al Leiter. Leiter will likely be pitching important innings for the Rangers for years, making his RC a sound long term basketball.
Adley Rutschman RCs – Arguably the top prospect in baseball before debuting with the Orioles in 2022, Rutschman lived up to the hype by showing a polished all-around game for a catcher. While his autograph RCs are pricey, his Topps Chrome RC around $30 is a relative bargain for the potential future star and face of Baltimore’s rebuild.
While the highest-profile rookie cards remain out of reach financially for many collectors, savvy investors know that bargains still exist within the hobby if you do your research on players with breakout potential. The above options in the $5-30 range offer affordable opportunities to snag the cards of future stars before they hit their stride and their values truly take off. With a bit of luck and patience, these “best value” cards under $100 could pay huge dividends for collectors’ portfolios in the years to come.
