As we enter a new year of collecting, many collectors are wondering which 2023 baseball cards have the potential to become the most valuable in the long run. While it’s impossible to predict the future, we can look at past trends and players’ current abilities and popularity to make educated guesses about cards that may hold significant value decades from now.
One of the most valuable factors for any sport trading card is having a rookie card, and there are plenty of highly-touted prospects who made their MLB debuts in 2022 that will have their first official basebal cards in 2023 releases. Several names stand out as possibilities for extremely valuable rookie cards down the line.
New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez is considered one of if not the top prospect in all of baseball. The 21-year-old Venezuelan had a huge breakout season in the minors in 2022, slashing .306/.383/.667 with 33 home runs total between Double-A and Triple-A. He got his first MLB cup of coffee late in the season as well. With huge power and hitting potential, Alvarez looks poised to be the Mets catcher of the future for many years. His 2023 rookie cards could gain immense value if he develops into a perennial All-Star.
Another catcher prospect generating tremendous buzz is Detroit Tigers prospect Spencer Torkelson. The top pick from the 2020 MLB Draft out of Arizona State University, Torkelson struggled during his rookie MLB season in 2022 but still has the makings of a franchise cornerstone first baseman/DH. With unbelievable power potential, strong patience at the plate, and carrying the pressure of being a former number one overall pick, Torkelson’s rookie cards are worth tracking as potential long-term anchor pieces for any collection.
Kansas City Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. had an electric rookie campaign in 2022 that has the baseball world excited about his future. The number two overall pick in the 2019 Draft, Witt showcased 5-tool talent by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases while playing stellar defense at shortstop. He made the AL All-Star team in his first year and looks ready to be a perennial star. His flagship Toppschrome autograph rookie card or Topps Fire autograph could hold immense value if he becomes a true superstar.
The hype doesn’t stop with those three, as several other rookies from the class of 2022 have exciting long term potential. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez made a splash by hitting 28 homers and winning AL Rookie of the Year. Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II broke out with 19 homers and excelling on both sides of the ball. Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera made a case for NL Rookie of the Year with dominant stuff when healthy. All have flagship Topps autograph rookies worth considering.
While rookies tend to provide the greatest boom potential, superstar veterans nearing careers milestones are worth watching as they start appearing on chase cards with big pop. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels is already one of the game’s biggest names just a few seasons into his career across both pitching and hitting. In 2023, collectors can target cards like Topps Finest 1st Edition Fire #FE-SO, which has his smiling image and marks his huge 2022 season and early accomplishments. Cards featuring Ohtani in popular inserts like Topps Chrome Sapphire or Topps Holiday could gain steady value as he marches towards milestones like 300 wins or 600 home runs, depending how his Hall of Fame career progresses.
Mike Trout is already an undisputed generational talent but in 2023 cards collectors can target his chase cards from Topps, especially rookie cards relics and autographs as he potentially closes in on career records. Trout has amazing longevity and talent that should make high-end 2023 cards strong long term investments even with several years left in his likely first-ballot Hall of Fame career. Look for flagship cards like Topps Finest and Topps Chrome Sapphire or high end autograph and memorabilia offerings through companies like Bowman to potentially gain steady value as he climbs the leaderboards.
Two other young veterans breaking into their primes who could have big 2023 flagship chase cards are Ronald Acuna Jr of the Atlanta Braves and Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres. Both switched teams in massive trades in 2022 and have multiple years left on long term contracts, setting them up for immense value. Acuna is electric talent coming off an injury but could gain ground chasing the elusive 40-40 milestone. Juan Soto turned down a huge contract offer and will still be just 25 next year, giving him many prime years ahead and a lot more accomplishments left to reach. Wide variety of 2023 flagship products of both could gain tremendous long term interest.
While rookies and superstars create the most buzz, don’t forget solid veteran stars in the midst of Hall of Fame caliber resumes. Cardinals legend and likely first-ballot Hall of Famer Yadier Molina retired after 2022 in the discussion for greatest catcher ever. His final flagship Topps cards from 2023 could gain steady interest, especially autographs and memorabilia editions that commemorate an all-time great’s final stats. Other veterans like Mets ace Jacob deGrom, Angels star Mike Trout and Dodgers standout Clayton Kershaw are in their 30s but still producing at an elite level, making high-end 2023 cards potential anchors for collections for years to come.
In the end, predicting the highest value cards of any given year of releases is an inexact business. While modern stars, rookies and Hall of Famers provide the safest bets, true speculative gems can emerge from anywhere without warning due to unforeseen career arcs or future events creating new interests. For collectors, the most prudent approach is to target a wide range of the game’s promising young talent as well as established superstars, knowing almost any card from these special players have potential to gain steadily in value over decades. Those who take a long term outlook often find themselves nicely rewarded down the road, so 2023 figures to provide many hidden treasures still waiting to be unearthed for savvy collectors with a vision for the future.
