Donruss is one of the most iconic and recognizable brands in the trading card industry. Famous for their innovative designs and focus on photography, Donruss baseball cards have been a staple in the hobby since the late 1980s. The 2023 Donruss baseball release is one of the most highly anticipated issues of the year. While retail boxes can be found for around $100, some of the top rookies, stars, and parallels from the 2023 Donruss set are already gaining value in the secondary market. Here is an in-depth look at the 2023 Donruss baseball release and what collectors can expect in terms of long term value.
Perhaps the biggest storylines heading into the 2023 Donruss release are the star rookies that collectors will be hunting. Cardinals’ outfielder Jordan Walker, Mariners’ shortstop Noelvi Marte, and Dodgers’ catcher Diego Cartaya are all considered top prospects and their rookie cards are sure to be in high demand. While base rookies may only fetch $10-20 upon release, graded rookies of top stars can gain exponentially over time. For example, a PSA 10 Mike Trout rookie from 2009 Donruss is now worth over $10,000. The same will likely hold true for the top rookies in the 2023 set if they pan out in the majors. Beyond the rookies, superstar veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto will also have cards that retain value due to their sustained excellence on the field.
In addition to base cards, parallel and autographed rookie cards from the 2023 Donruss release carry the most long term value potential. Low numbered parallels like Gold /50 or Red /10 versions of the top rookie cards could eventually be worth thousands in mint condition. Autographed rookie cards, especially on-card autographs, give collectors a one-of-a-kind piece of memorabilia and history. While these premium cards may cost hundreds straight out of the pack, a pristine example could gain exponentially over the player’s career. For example, a Jordan Walker autograph card numbered to /25 could be a $500 hit now but grow to $5,000+ within 5 years if he lives up to expectations. The same principle applies to other top prospects like Marte and Cartaya.
When it comes to serial numbered parallels and inserts outside of the base set, collectors should pay close attention to popular Donruss designs that have retained value over the years. “Diamond Kings” parallels featuring photo variations are always hot. Serialized patches and autographs from sets like “Diamond Kings” and “The Rookies” insert sets are also great long term holds. Numbered parallels like Green /99, Blue /150 and Red /25 are usually the most sought after for investment potential. Low serial numbered versions of stars paired with prestigious inserts could gain thousands with time. Even base inserts sets like “Diamond Kings” and “The Rookies” featuring stars have shown to hold $50-100 value long term for graded examples.
In terms of product, the most valuable releases from the 2023 Donruss set will be high-end hobby boxes. Products like Jumbo Hobby Boxes (36 packs, 6 hits) and Blaster Boxes (10 packs, 1 hit) are designed for immediate ripping and short term value. While they are fun to open, base cards and most hits from these will have relatively little long term appreciation. On the other hand, low-printed releases like Hobby Jumbo Boxes (24 packs, guaranteed hits/relics/autos), Luxury Suite Boxes (10 packs, 1 hit + extras), and High Tek Boxes (12 packs, 2 hits + extras) are made for long term holding and investment. The combination of rarer hits, serial numbered parallels, and lower print runs make individual cards and sealed boxes from these products more desirable to collectors years down the line.
While retail boxes of 2023 Donruss baseball cards can currently be found for under $100, top rookies, stars, and hard signed/relic cards from the release are already gaining value on the secondary market. With its iconic photography and focus on prospects, the Donruss brand has proven time and again to produce modern cards that hold long term value. For collectors willing to spend a premium now on top rookies, serial numbered parallels, and low-print hobby boxes – the 2023 Donruss baseball release offers plenty of opportunity for appreciation over the next 5-10 years and beyond. As always, it is important to do research, focus on star players, and selectively choose items to hold long term from this highly anticipated issue.
