The 2023 MLB season saw another highly talented group of rookies make their big league debuts. While it’s still early, some have already shown immense promise and pro potential. As card collectors look ahead, these rookie players top the list of the hottest cards to target.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (2021 Draft)
Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball entering 2023, Rutschman lived up to massive expectations in his first full MLB campaign. The switch-hitting catcher batted .254 with 13 home runs and didn’t look out of place calling games for Baltimore’s pitching staff. As the top pick in 2019 and a future star, Rutschman parallels and autographs from 2021 Bowman Draft and 2022 Topps are extremely coveted and will hold tremendous long-term value. Many predict he’ll be a perennial All-Star and the face of the Orioles franchise for years, making his rookie cards can’t-miss acquisitions.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals (2019 Draft)
After a taste of the majors in 2022, Witt established himself as the Royals’ starting shortstop in 2023 and did not disappoint. The dynamic athlete hit .258 with 20 homers and 30 steals, showing five-tool promise. His smooth swing and defensive instincts have drawn comparisons to Francisco Lindor. Witt’s 2019 Bowman Draft auto parallels will be out of reach price-wise for most collectors, but affordable 2020 Donruss paper parallels and 2022 Topps base cards present opportunities on a top young star. Witt looks poised for stardom and will drive interest in his rookie offerings.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates (2015 IFA)
At 6-foot-7 with sheer raw power, Cruz is simply a sight to behold at the plate. After a strong October call-up in 2022, he broke out with Pittsburgh in 2023 – batting .275 with 15 homers in just 109 games. His immense tools have elicited whispers of being a future MVP candidate. However, Cruz signed as an international free agent back in 2015, making his earliest cards from that period quite scarce. 2016 Bowman Draft parallels may be obtainable eventually, but Cruz is guaranteed to drive hunts for any of his early cardboard.
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners (2018 Draft)
Already a household name after his electric AL Rookie of the Year campaign in 2022, J-Rod upped his game even further in 2023 by batting .284 with 25 homers while playing dynamite defense in right field. Still just 23, his massive upside and marketability as the face of the Mariners makes his cardboard extremely popular. 2018 Bowman Draft autos or 2019 Bowman Chrome parallels are the obvious prizes, but even 2022 Topps base RC’s hold strong value long-term on a player destined for superstardom. Rodriguez sits at the very top of the must-own rookie hierarchy.
Spencer Strider, SP, Atlanta Braves (2019 Draft)
An electric late-season debut in 2022 led many to peg Strider as the Braves’ ace of the future. In 2023, he proved he belonged by posting a stellar 3.03 ERA with 167 strikeouts over 152.1 innings as Atlanta’s Friday starter. The flame-throwing righty operates with a 100-mph fastball and lethal knuckle curve. While 2019 Bowman Draft autos will cost a fortune, 2020 Bowman Chrome Update parallels are much more obtainable on a future frontline starter. Strider seems a lock for Cy Young consideration down the road.
Brendan Donovan, UTIL, St. Louis Cardinals (2019 Draft)
A surprise breakout star in 2023, the versatile Donovan batted .321 playing all over the diamond for St. Louis. He does a bit of everything and is a coaches’ dream with his high baseball IQ and competitive nature. Scouts rave about his potential as a future star. While not possessing elite tools, Donovan’s production and role on a perennial contender thrust him to the forefront. His scarce 2019 Bowman Draft autos are hotly sought, but 2020 Donruss paper parallels offer a more reasonable target. Donovan looks like a career .300 hitter and leader in the Cards’ clubhouse.
George Kirby, SP, Seattle Mariners (2019 Draft)
A consensus top pitching prospect heading into 2023, Kirby proved ready for the bigs by posting a strong 3.39 ERA as Seattle’s second starter. He commanded an impressive four-pitch mix headlined by a 96-mph sinker. Kirby also brought terrific makeup and pitchability. While a bit older as a college draftee in 2019, the 24-year-old righty is just getting started. His 2019 Bowman Draft auto RC’s remain some of the most valuable modern rookie cards on the market. The future is extremely bright for Kirby as an ace.
Brennan Davis, OF, Chicago Cubs (2018 Draft)
After a few injury-riddled seasons in the minors, Davis stayed healthy in 2023 and earned Chicago’s everyday right field job. The gifted 6’4″ athlete showed plus power with 12 homers in just 78 games while playing excellent defense. At only 23, Davis has all the skills to develop into a perennial All-Star if he can stay on the field. While 2018 Bowman Draft and 2019 Chrome Update parallels will fetch premium prices, later prospect cards still offer affordable entrance. Davis looks ready to bust out in 2024.
Eury Perez, SS, Washington Nationals (2020 IFA)
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2020, Perez opened scouts’ eyes in 2023 by batting .289 with 16 homers as Washington’s starting shortstop at age 21. He possesses smooth actions, a line-drive swing and elite makeup on the field. Perez’s raw tools still have room to grow as well. While not in the status of a Bobby Witt Jr. just yet, Perez looks built for stardom long-term. His scarce earlier prospect cards will see strong upward movement as his game develops. Even 2022 Chrome Update paper RC’s offer a solid speculation play.
Oneil Cruz and Adley Rutschman top the rankings as the consensus top rookies of 2023 with massive long-term potential. This class featured a number of impact performers who look primed to develop into future All-Stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr. and Spencer Strider. While their rarest rookie cards will carry astronomical prices, later prospect issues still offer affordable entry points on emerging talents. For collectors seeking value and upside, this class provides abundant opportunities across all price points.
