The 2023 baseball card season is shaping up to be another exciting one for collectors. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez continuing to break out and veterans like Albert Pujols chasing major milestones, there will be no shortage of cards that could become highly valuable in the years to come. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards to keep an eye out for as the 2023 season gets underway.
Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards: The Mariners rookie sensation had an incredible debut campaign in 2022 that was capped off with an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger award. Rodriguez looks poised for stardom and his rookie cards, especially autographs and memorabilia cards, could appreciate significantly over the next few years if he continues on his current trajectory. Look for his flagship rookie cards in Topps, Bowman, and Panini to be at the top of many collectors’ wish lists. Prices on his 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor have already started to skyrocket after his breakout season.
Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards: Like Rodriguez the previous year, Witt had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022 that lived up to the hype after being a top prospect. He made the All-Star team and finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His 2021 Topps Chrome Update Yellow Refractor Auto is considered one of the top rookie cards of the year so far. Witt looks to be a perennial All-Star and if he does, his rookie cards could be worth a small fortune down the road.
Adley Rutschman Rookie Cards: After a few years of anticipation, Rutschman finally made his major league debut with the Orioles in 2022 and showed why he was the top prospect in baseball. While he may have a quieter season statistically playing for Baltimore, the hype around Rutschman is still huge. If he becomes the franchise cornerstone the O’s hope for, look for his already pricey rookie cards to keep increasing in value long-term.
Oneil Cruz Rookie Cards: Cruz made a huge splash in his rookie season with the Pirates thanks to his towering home runs and elite speed and defense as a 6’7″ shortstop. He brings a rare physical profile and exciting tools to the table. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor is a must-own for Pirates collectors and those who recognize his superstar potential. Even on a losing Pirates team, Cruz could put himself firmly on the map of future stars in 2023.
Rookie Pitchers: 2023 may feature some highly coveted rookie pitchers, including Druw Jones (Braves), Jackson Holliday (Orioles), and Brock Porter (Rangers). All three were top-5 overall picks in the 2022 draft and have huge upside if they can develop their talents in the pros. Keep an eye out for their inaugural pro cards in Bowman and Topps products next year.
Shohei Ohtani Cards: After back-to-back AL MVP awards, Ohtani has firmly established himself as the face of baseball. His cards have seen massive jumps in value but still have room to appreciate given his unique two-way talents and marketability. Collectors will be chasing autographs, memorabilia cards, and parallels of his 2021 Topps flagship and Chrome cards that could end up as the most valuable modern issues.
Albert Pujols Chase for 700 HRs: Pujols entered 2023 just four home runs shy of the 700 career home run milestone. Any of his cards, especially from the 2023 season, could gain prestige and demand from collectors if he is able to reach the historic plateau. Look for parallels and autographs of his 2023 Topps cards to be highly sought after by Cardinals fans and those following Pujols’ chase for history.
Aaron Judge Contract Year: As the reigning AL MVP and single-season home run king, all eyes will be on Judge in 2023, his last season before free agency. How he performs could shape his future earnings in a massive contract. His 2023 Topps cards, especially numbered parallels and autographs, may be some of the best investments for collectors given the spotlight on Judge this season.
Rookie Pitchers: 2023 may feature some highly coveted rookie pitchers, including Druw Jones (Braves), Jackson Holliday (Orioles), and Brock Porter (Rangers). All three were top-5 overall picks in the 2022 draft and have huge upside if they can develop their talents in the pros. Keep an eye out for their inaugural pro cards in Bowman and Topps products next year.
Vintage Cards: While the shine of modern rookies attracts much of the attention, proven vintage cards from the sport’s early years remain a reliable store of value for savvy collectors. High-grade examples of iconic stars like Mickey Mantle, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth and more can usually be resold for a profit given the rarity of perfectly preserved older cards. 2023 may see continued strength in the vintage market as values hold firm.
As always in the collecting world, on-field performance and career milestones will be what ultimately drive long-term demand and appreciation for individual players’ cards. But for those looking to make smart investments, focusing on today’s emerging stars and those chasing history provides the best chances of profiting down the road. The 2023 season is primed to produce many such cards.
