The 2023 baseball season is right around the corner which means the release of the latest rookie cards, prospect cards, star player cards, and more. With the influx of new talent entering the league each year combined with players rising to stardom, the baseball card market continues to heat up. Here’s a look at some of the hottest 2023 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – The 2022 AL Rookie of the Year had an electric debut season batting .284 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI’s. Rodriguez is considered a future superstar and his rookie cards are already skyrocketing in value. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Refractor Auto card reached over $2,000 in recent sales. Look for his 2023 Topps products to be snapped up quickly.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – As the #2 overall pick in 2019, Witt lived up to the hype in his rookie campaign with 20 home runs, 80 RBI’s and 20 stolen bases. He finished third in Rookie of the Year voting and is seen as a cornerstone player for the Royals. Witt’s rookies jumped up after his debut and could continue to rise with a strong sophomore showing. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Auto sold for $12,000 in May.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – After being the top prospect in all of baseball, expectations were sky-high for Rutschman. He showed why in his rookie year displaying elite defense behind the plate while occasionally flashing his hitting prowess. Rutschman is poised for stardom leading a young Orioles core. He has quickly become one of the most desirable prospects in the hobby and his first Topps cards should be strong long term holds.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers – Greene had a solid first half before injuries cut his rookie campaign short. He displayed maturity and skills that have Tigers fans excited for the future. His prospect cards started gaining momentum late in 2022 and could explode if Greene picks up where he left off. Look for his rookie Topps products and Bowman Chrome autographs to take off.
Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros – After winning World Series MVP in just his rookie season, Peña immediately etched his name into Houston lore. He provided terrific defense and timely hitting to help the Astros win it all. Any of his 2022 Topps or Bowman Chrome rookies could hold great long term value if Peña continues his early career success as the Astros shortstop.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with lighting quick hands, Cruz turned heads last season with his immense tools and highlight reel plays. He finished strong in his rookie stint and looks ready to seize an everyday role in 2023. Cruz’s autos and Topps/Bowman parallels from 2022 could rise if he puts it all together and breaks out as the game’s next budding star.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers – After a disappointing rookie season, Torkelson will look to bounce back and prove he can be the impact slugger he was projected as the #1 overall pick in 2020. His prospect cards took a hit but still hold potential upside if Torkelson settles in as Detroit’s long term first baseman. A 2023 rebound campaign could pump life back into his stock.
Bobby Miller, Los Angeles Dodgers – With Dustin May returning from Tommy John and Gavin Lux battling inconsistency, Miller has a chance to claim a rotation spot after overpowering hitters in his brief 2022 debut. The 2020 first rounder owns a plus-plus fastball that reached triple digits and could be devastating in Dodger Stadium. Miller’s rookie cards are still affordable but could zoom up on any early success.
Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles – Rodriguez missed almost all of 2022 recovering from a lat strain but remains Baltimore’s top pitching prospect. When healthy, the righty can reach 100mph with a nasty curveball and projects as a future ace. If he performs well in his return to action next year, look for his 2021 Bowman Chrome Autos and color parallels to take off.
Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals – A shiny new ballpark and retooled roster could provide the setting for Cavalli, Washington’s top pitching prospect, to emerge on the scene. With a power arsenal led by a plus-fastball/curve combo, Cavalli has the repertoire to thrive. If called up and effective, his 2021 Bowman Chrome color reflections and autos could surge.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with lighting quick hands, Cruz turned heads last season with his immense tools and highlight reel plays. He finished strong in his rookie stint and looks ready to seize an everyday role in 2023. Cruz’s autos and Topps/Bowman parallels from 2022 could rise if he puts it all together and breaks out as the game’s next budding star.
Emerson Hancock, Seattle Mariners – Once a top college pitcher, arm injuries have hampered Hancock’s rise. But a talented Mariners staff provides the support for him to blossom if he can stay healthy. His arsenal and projectability still entice and 2021 Bowman Chrome colors/autos offer speculation potential on a breakout season.
Eury Pérez, Cincinnati Reds – As a late riser in the 2021 J2 international class, Pérez popped with a plus hit/speed combo in his pro debut season. The Reds system provides the stage for him to blossom next year. His 2021 Bowman Chrome and Paper Issue autos could run up on any success in A-ball driving collector interest in this potential rising star.
Joey Bart, San Francisco Giants – Bart has struggled to find his footing at the MLB level but still possesses huge raw power that could play if his confidence grows. Casali/Wynns aren’t impediments to more playing time in 2023. Bart’s prospect pedigree alone gives his Topps Chrome autos and refractors from 2018-2020 the potential to rebound on any breakthrough.
Sal Frelick, Milwaukee Brewers – A speedy contact hitter with a high floor, Frelick climbed quickly through the Brewers system. He’s on the cusp of a debut and could stick in a versatile role. His 2021 Draft Picks autographs remain affordable but are primed to appreciate if Frelick produces in the show.
Druw Jones, Atlanta Braves – As the highest drafted high school player in 2022, Jones comes with as much hype as any prep before him. Tools are plus across the board and his athletic profile draws Acuña/Robert comparisons. Even Jones’ paper rookies from 2022 Bowman hold value buoyed by gigantic long term star potential.
Jackson Jobe, Detroit Tigers – The 2021 #3 overall pick showed why in a dominant 2022 pro debut. A plus-fastball/slider combo allowed Jobe to miss bats all over A-Ball. His tools and Tigers pedigree make 2021 Bowman Chrome autos and colors must-haves for believers in his future ace potential paying big dividends.
This covers some of the most intriguing rookie cards, young stars, and top prospects that could break out in 2023 and drive collector interest in the baseball card market next year. With so much new talent entering the league each season, it’s always tough to predict the next star but these players offer compelling upside that makes their rookie issues and prospect cards some of the hottest investments to watch.
