The 2023 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for the Toronto Blue Jays and their fans. After making the playoffs in 2020 and 2022, expectations are high for the team as they look to build on recent success. As a result, Blue Jays cards from the upcoming year are poised to be some of the most sought after on the market.
Let’s start with the team’s star players who are virtual locks to have some of the highest valued rookie cards in 2023 sets. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has established himself as one of the premiere power hitters in baseball after winning the AL batting title in 2021. His cards have skyrocketed in value since his debut and 2023 issues will continue to gain worth as he enters his prime. Bo Bichette also broke out in 2021 with an .811 OPS to go along with 27 home runs and 102 RBI. Still just 25, Bichette looks to build on a career year and further cement his status as a franchise cornerstone, making his rookie offerings very attractive to collectors.
Another Blue Jay primed for a breakout campaign is third baseman Matt Chapman. Acquired in a midseason trade from Oakland, Chapman struggled initially with Toronto but finished strong by hitting .303 in September. He brings elite defense at the hot corner along with 30 home run potential. If Chapman can stay healthy and tap back into his former All-Star form, his Blue Jays cards issued in 2023 will be a bargain.
Beyond the established stars, keep an eye out for rookie cards of top prospects Gabriel Moreno and Orelvis Martinez. Moreno made his MLB debut late in 2022 and immediately showed why he is considered the best hitting prospect in the system. With Danny Jansen set to become a free agent, Moreno has a clear path to playing time as the everyday catcher. Martinez, meanwhile, has one of the highest ceilings in the minors due to his raw power and athleticism at shortstop. Both players have a great chance to make meaningful contributions to the big league club in 2023, raising interest in their first Blue Jays cards.
On the pitching side, Alek Manoah emerged as the ace of the staff in just his first full season. The 2019 11th round pick has all the makings of a future Cy Young candidate as evidenced by his 16-7 record and 2.24 ERA in 202.1 innings pitched in 2022. Manoah rookie cards from 2021 Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome are already pricey, but his 2023 issues figure to be even more valuable as he continues cementing his status at the top of the Toronto rotation for years to come.
Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios also provide high-upside veterans to anchor the starting five. Both right-handers are capable of dominating stretches and have proven track records as All-Stars prior to joining the Jays. If either pitcher can put together a complete breakout campaign, their 2023 cards stand to gain exponentially in the years ahead. On the bullpen side, Jordan Romano has taken over as closer and could push for All-Star and award consideration with another dominant season finishing games.
The Blue Jays have also made some under-the-radar additions that could pay dividends both on the field and for collectors. Yusei Kikuchi struggled in his first year in Toronto but is still just 31 with a high-spin fastball that could play up in a contract year. Zach Collins has the potential to be a difference-making two-way player if he can stay healthy, while the righty relievers like Anthony Bass, David Phelps and Adam Cimber provide underrated stability. All of these depth pieces have a chance to outperform expectations in 2023.
Looking at the bigger picture, the Blue Jays have one of the most exciting young cores in baseball led by the likes of Guerrero, Bichette and Manoah. After back-to-back playoff runs, expectations will be sky high in Toronto for 2023. If the Jays are able to put it all together and contend deep into October, the demand for their cards issued this coming year may reach new heights. With so many talented players that could break out, 2023 Blue Jays cards shape up to be a can’t-miss investment for both collectors and the growing fanbase in Canada. Fueled by a potent offense and steady pitching, this club is primed for sustained success for years to come.
The 2023 Toronto Blue Jays are loaded with stars, prospects and bounce back candidates that make their cards a very attractive speculation option. Led by Vlad Jr., Bo and Alek Manoah, this core is only going to gain more recognition and value with each passing season of winning baseball. For those collectors looking to get in ahead of the curve, keeping a close eye on the 2023 Blue Jays card market may yield great rewards in the years to come.
