The 2023 edition of Donruss baseball cards is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. Donruss has been producing baseball cards since 1981 and is considered one of the classic brands in the hobby. While they may not have the name recognition of Topps or Upper Deck, Donruss cards have developed a strong cult following over the decades.
Some key things to know about the 2023 Donruss baseball card release:
Release Date: Donruss 2023 baseball cards are scheduled to hit retail shelves in early March 2023. Hobby boxes and blaster/hanger packs should start appearing at local card shops, big box stores, and online retailers around the first week of March.
Design: Donruss has unveiled their new retro-inspired design for 2023, harkening back to some of their most popular sets from the 1980s and 90s. The cards will have a clean white border around the edge with team logos prominently displayed at the top. Player photos will take up most of the front of the card against a solid color background.
Autographs and Memorabilia: Like in recent years, Donruss 2023 will include several high-end hobby box products that feature autographs and memorabilia cards of today’s biggest MLB stars. Products like Diamond Kings, Inception, and Gallery will offer rare autographed and memorabilia rookie cards of players like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and others. Redemption cards for game-used memorabilia will also be present in these types of boxes.
Base Set: The main Donruss base set for 2023 is expected to feature 250-300 base cards showing all current MLB players. Rated rookies and prospects will also be included in the base set. Short prints and parallels can be found throughout. The design will stay true to Donruss’ vintage aesthetic.
Rookies to Watch: Some of the top rookie cards to watch out for in 2023 Donruss include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Strider, and Oneil Cruz. Their base rookies as well as autographed and memorabilia parallels could be big hits. Keep an eye out for short prints and serial numbered parallels of the top prospects too.
Parallels: In addition to the base cards, Donruss 2023 will include various parallels and short prints that make for popular chase cards. Expect to see parallels like Gold, Silver, Rainbow Foil, Black, and Camo throughout the different products. Numbered parallels below /99 or /50 are usually the most coveted.
Box Configuration: Hobby boxes for 2023 Donruss will contain either 12 or 24 packs per box, depending on the specific product. Most will feature between 8-10 cards per pack. Blaster boxes at retail will hold around 30-36 total cards and 3-5 packs. Hanger packs will be smaller still at around 15 cards total.
Secondary Market Potential: While still early, the rookie cards of players like Rodriguez, Witt, and Rutschman from 2023 Donruss are expected to be hot commodities on the secondary market. Low-numbered parallels and autographs of top talents could gain value quickly. The brand recognition of Donruss also bodes well for cards holding long-term value in collector’s portfolios.
For collectors looking to buy individual 2023 Donruss cards, there are a few key retail and online outlets to watch once products release:
Local Card Shops: Independent baseball card shops will be stocking a wide range of 2023 Donruss products from blasters to hobby boxes. This is a great way to support LCS owners while having first access to new releases.
Big Box Retail: Major retailers like Target and Walmart typically stock Donruss blasters and hangers once they street. Availability may vary by location. Online same-day pickup or delivery can help access product.
Online Marketplaces: Websites like eBay, COMC, and Sportlots are good bets to find individual 2023 Donruss cards listed once the release cycle begins. Prices tend to be higher on singles versus buying unopened product.
Auction Houses: Established auctioneers like PWCC, Goldin, and Heritage will showcase high-end 2023 Donruss memorabilia, autograph cards and rare parallels through traditional auctions and online sales.
For those looking to invest in unopened 2023 Donruss boxes and packs, release timing will be crucial to procure desirable hobby boxes at reasonable prices. Acting quickly once new shipments arrive at local shops and websites is advisable before demand outstrips supply. Storing boxes long-term allows the set and key rookies to potentially appreciate over several years once they leave the spotlight of the initial release cycle.
The 2023 edition of Donruss baseball cards is poised to be another fun and collectible release from the storied brand. With exciting rookie talent, retro designs, and high-end autograph/memorabilia cards, it represents an opportunity for collectors to acquire classic cardboard at retail prices before the secondary market takes over. Careful planning around the release date will help track down the most coveted 2023 Donruss products and singles.
