Donruss Baseball is back in 2023 with another exciting release featuring their popular “Most Wanted” insert set. This insert set has become a fan favorite in recent years by highlighting some of the most sought-after rookie cards and star players in the hobby.
For 2023, Donruss is continuing their tradition of only including 10 cards in the Most Wanted set. This limited print run makes pulling one of these cards a true thrill for collectors. Some of the biggest names in baseball today are featured, along with several promising young rookies who are poised to become the game’s next superstars.
Let’s take a closer look at each of the 10 cards in the Donruss Baseball 2023 Most Wanted set to see who made the cut this year:
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Card #1)
There was no doubt that Shohei Ohtani would be the featured card in the #1 spot. As the reigning American League MVP and one of the most exciting two-way players in MLB history, Ohtani is arguably the face of baseball right now. His unique ability to dominate as both a pitcher and hitter makes him must-own for any serious collector. This will undoubtedly be the chase card of the set.
Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Card #2)
After getting traded from the Nationals at the deadline, Soto took the league by storm in the second half for the Padres. He’s already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters at just 24 years old. Soto signed a massive long-term deal with the Padres in the offseason, cementing his status as a franchise cornerstone. His star power and young age make him a lock for the #2 slot.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Card #3)
When healthy, Acuña is arguably the most electrifying player in MLB thanks to his five-tool talents. Unfortunately injuries have slowed his progress the last two seasons, but he’s still just 25 and has superstar potential if he can stay on the field. As the Braves’ homegrown star, Acuña is a popular inclusion that Atlanta fans will love to pull.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (Card #4)
There may never be a better all-around baseball player than Mike Trout. Even after over a decade in the big leagues, the 31-year-old Trout is still producing at an MVP level each year. He’s a lock future Hall of Famer and the face of the Angels franchise. Trout is a no-brainer choice for the prestigious #4 slot in the set.
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (Card #5)
Winning the 2018 AL MVP and being a key member of the 2020 Dodgers championship squad has cemented Betts as a modern baseball icon. He’s still in his prime at 30 and is the type of five-tool star that any team would love to build around. Dodger fans will be eager to pull this card of their homegrown superstar playing for a perennial contender.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (Card #6)
After smashing an AL record 62 home runs in 2022 and nearly winning the Triple Crown, Judge had an MVP-caliber season for the ages. The 30-year-old slugger then re-signed a massive long-term deal to remain in pinstripes, making him the unquestioned face of Yankees baseball for the foreseeable future. This will be a very popular card for collectors.
Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres (Card #7)
When healthy, Tatis has established himself as one of the most exciting young stars in baseball. Unfortunately, injuries and an 80-game PED suspension slowed his progress in 2022. But at just 24, Tatis still has superstar potential if he can put it all together. As the Padres’ homegrown face, Tatis makes for an intriguing #7 choice to chase.
Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox (Card #8)
Devers has emerged as the new star for Red Sox Nation after consecutive All-Star seasons hitting for both power and average. Still just 25, Devers is coming off a 38-home run, career-best 6.1 WAR season and figures to be a cornerstone for Boston’s next contender. East Coast collectors will enjoy hunting this young slugger’s card.
Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners (Card #9)
As the current AL Rookie of the Year, Rodríguez had one of the best debut campaigns in recent memory with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. At just 22, J-Rod looks like a budding superstar and the future face of the Mariners franchise. His upside and Mariners fandom make this one of the most sought-after young player cards in the set.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (Card #10)
Alvarez emerged as one of baseball’s most feared sluggers in 2022 with 37 home runs in only 124 games played. At just 25, the lefty masher has already proven himself capable of MVP-caliber seasons. As a member of the AL West champion Astros, Alvarez makes for a fitting choice to round out the 10-card checklist.
In summary, Donruss has once again assembled an all-star lineup of players for collectors to chase in their 2023 Most Wanted insert set. Featuring established superstars alongside promising young talents, this set has something for fans of every franchise. With only 10 cards printed, finding one of these in a pack will be a true thrill and a prized addition to any collection. The hype around Most Wanted is sure to drive interest in the entire Donruss Baseball release next year. Collectors would be wise to try and track down a complete set of these highly coveted cards.
