The 2023 Topps Baseball card release is one of the most anticipated in recent history. Like every year, there are certain rookie cards, star player cards, and parallels that collectors are chasing after more than others. With the hype surrounding some of the rookies from this past season and Topps quality always delivering memorable designs, there are plenty of cards that have already become mainstream hits before even being released. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most sought after 2023 Topps Baseball cards collectors will be chasing:
Julio Rodriguez Base Rookie Card – The Mariners phenom had one of the greatest rookie seasons in MLB history and finished 2nd in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His debut Topps card is sure to be one of the biggest hits of the release. Rodriguez has all the tools to become a baseball superstar and his base rookie will hold value extremely well long term. Expect his card to sell in the thousands even in PSA 10 grade.
Spencer Strider Base Rookie Card – After breaking out for the Braves in 2022, Strider established himself as one of baseball’s top young power pitchers. He has elite stuff and his rookie card will be a must-have for Atlanta collectors and anyone chasing upside pitching prospects. Strider has Ace potential and his Topps rookie could appreciate significantly if he continues ascending.
Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card – Witt had a solid debut for the Royals in 2022 after being one of the top prospects in baseball. While he didn’t light the stat sheets on fire, his combination of tools and pedigree as the #2 overall pick in 2019 will keep his Topps rookie card highly sought after. Witt has franchise player written all over him in KC and his base card will remain a blue chip in sets for years.
Adley Rutschman Base Rookie Card – Acquired through years of losing, the Orioles may have finally found their long-term franchise catcher in Rutschman. He had a strong MLB debut after being the #1 pick in 2019 and Topps rookies of elite prospects always deliver for collectors. Rutschman’s offensive upside and defense behind the plate have boosted interest in his first Topps card.
One-Of-One Rainbow Foil Prizm Autograph – Topps always includes the highest-end, most coveted 1/1 parallels in their release and 2023 is sure to continue the tradition. A 1/1 rainbow foil Prizm autographed parallel would be the ultimate trophy card. Players like Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, or Shohei Ohtani on this parallel could fetch well into the six-figure range.
Mike Trout Autographed Refractor – As one of the greatest to ever play, any Trout card holds value but autographed refractors are extremely scarce to pull. His on-card signature adds a premium and combined with the refracted technology, a Trout auto refractor would be a true blue chip. Even well-centered PSA 10 examples could sell for tens of thousands.
Shohei Ohtani Autographed Printing Plate – The two-way Japanese superstar has taken baseball by storm and amassed a huge collection following. His autographed printing plates signify one of one status. Ohtani has a real shot at being the best player of his generation and any one-of-one plate parallel from Topps’ release would be an all-time great card.
Acuna / Soto / Tatis Jr. Prizm Refractors – These young superstars have taken the mantle as the new faces of MLB. Their base Prizm refractors, which always look incredible, will remain among the most coveted mainstream parallels. All three have generational talent and any Topps Prizm refractor RC or rookie year parallels would retain sky-high value for the long haul.
Albert Pujols Base Card – Even in his final major league season at age 42, Pujols continues to be one of the most popular players in the game. His Topps base card will hold appeal as either an investment piece or just to honor one of the greatest right-handed hitters ever. Later in his career Pujols parallels have popped in value as nostalgia rises.
Superfractor Parallels – As the ultimate short-print parallel, any superfractors from Topps’ 2023 release including the traditional green or gold would be end-game trophy cards. Players like Trout, Ohtani, Acuna or Soto on these are the true white whales. Condition-sensitive, PSA/BGS Gem Mint examples could reach astronomical prices.
The 2023 Topps Baseball release is primed to feature many coveted rookie cards, star player autographed & memorabilia parallels, and insert sets that serious collectors will voraciously pursue. With another strong rookie class and Topps quality assured, the hype and secondary market prices for this year’s release are expected to reach new heights across the hobby. The cards profiled here represent some of the surefire chase cards that will retain value for discerning investors in the long run.
