The hobby of collecting baseball cards has been enormously popular for decades. While it may seem like cards from the 1950s and 1960s would be the most valuable, the market is constantly shifting. Each new MLB season brings a new crop of rookie cards and parallels that have potential to become extremely valuable in the future. Looking ahead to 2023, here are some of the cards that could end up being among the most valuable from the upcoming season:
Juan Soto rookie card refractor parallel (Topps Chrome / Topps Fire) – Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s premier young stars and he remains just 25 years old heading into 2023. His rookie cards from 2018 Topps products regularly sell for thousands. Expect some of his refractors and parallels from that mega-hyped rookie season to gain even more value as collectors covet cards of such a unique player who is still entering his prime years. Any rainbow foil or 1-of-1 parallels pulled in 2023 releases would be astronomical in value given Soto’s continued dominance at the plate.
Julio Rodriguez rookie card refractor parallel (Topps Chrome / Fire) – As the AL Rookie of the Year in 2022 and budding superstar, J-Rod is poised to be the new face of baseball. Collectors will clamor for any Rodriguez rookie parallels they can get their hands on. His regular rookie cards are already selling for $500-1000 raw, so precious metal versions could net five figures or more down the road barring any career injuries or issues. Rodriguez may someday compete with Soto as the game’s premier player and his cards will keep climbing the more he succeeds.
Ronald Acuna Jr. autographed rookie card / relic parallel (Bowman Chrome/Topps Inception) – While Acuna’s 2018 Bowman Chrome rookie refractor is already a trophy card worth $10,000+, parallels with his signature or pieces of memorabilia embedded could grow exponentially in demand and price. Acuna is still just 25 and returning from injury so collectors will want to invest in his earliest career cards that maintain Hall of Fame potential for the uber-athletic Braves star. Relics and autographs will hold tremendous nostalgia and Acuna will likely end up being the face of Atlanta baseball for years to come.
Bryce Harper autographed rookie card / relic parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – As a former #1 overall pick and two-time MVP, Harper is a lock for Cooperstown someday. While his 2012 rookies have seemingly topped out near $1000 raw, special parallels from that exciting debut season featuring his John Hancock or uniform swatches could be true heirlooms someday given Harper remains in the league’s upper echelon at age 30. Though past his best days, the 2015 MVP’s in-game dominance and brand value keep collectors in thrall to his early decade cards.
Sandy Alcantara autographed / relic parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – The AL Cy Young favorite in 2022 at age 27, Alcantara profiles as a future Hall of Famer if he maintains this level of success deep into his 30s. His 2017 rookies are affordable for now but autos and relic parallels that directly tie to his stardom could fetch substantial returns down the line. Alcantara’s sustained dominance at such a young age gives him potential St. Louis franchise player status that usually accords significant card value to inaugural pro seasons.
Luis Robert gold parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome) – While Robert’s burst onto the scene in 2020 was interrupted by injuries that halted his development, at just 25 another breakout is possible. His rookies are affordable at $100-200 raw currently, but precious metal foils pulled in future flagship chrome sets could skyrocket to $1000+ each if Robert re-emerges as the star many projected. The rare foil versions of any player’s first MLB cards tend to be bellwethers for their entire career collecting value. Robert still has prime years ahead to rediscover glory.
Michael Harris II autographed / relic rookie card parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – As the NL ROY favorite in 2022 at age 22, Harris exploded onto the MLB scene representing the new core of the Atlanta dynasty. His 2022 rookies are affordable but increasing by the day. Autographed or swatch parallels pulled going forward could be the most valuable Harris II cards for decades given his prodigious tools and early success. Atlanta stars almost always retain strong demand that boosts Harris II’s modern rookie cards indefinitely.
Bobby Witt Jr. autographed / relic rookie card parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – After a dazzling debut that earned him ROY consideration, Witt is poised for superstardom as one of baseball’s brightest young talents. His 2022 rookies have already gained substantial value but special limited parallels directly tied to his arrival could hit stratospheric prices long-term reminiscent of icons like Griffey Jr. and Mantle. Witt is the cornerstone player for KC’s revitalized franchise making his earliest career moments incredibly nostalgic and lucrative investments.
Oneil Cruz gold parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome) – At 6’7″ with tantalizing tools, Cruz exploded onto the scene in 2022 showcasing 30+ home run, 30 stolen base abilities. His rookies are extremely affordable now but gold foils hold the potential to reach $1000+ each if Cruz continues developing into a true star for the rebuilding Pirates. With rare tools like his, collectors and fans may assign immense ‘what if’ value to foil rookie cards that represent Cruz’s potential Hall of Fame caliber talent before stardom arrived.
Adley Rutschman autographed / relic rookie card parallel (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – After a brilliant minor league career and Rookie of the Year worthy 2022, Rutschman looks poised to be Baltimore’s franchise catcher for over a decade. His 2022 rookies are gaining value rapidly but any autographed or swatch refractors hold the potential to be his most valuable tier of cards looking back in 30+ years if he emerges as the superstar many expect. Rutschman could be the linchpin for an Orioles renaissance making his rookie cards iconic Baltimore collectibles.
Bryson Stott autographed / relic parallel rookie card (Topps Chrome/Bowman Chrome) – As Philadelphia’s everyday shortstop at age 25, Stott showed 20/20 potential in 2022 that could translate to stardom. His 2022 cards are affordable for now but any limited parallels directly connecting to his arrival on the scene could appreciate exponentially with sustained success. Stott’s smooth left-handed swing already gives him nostalgia appeal and Philly stars tend to retain strong local collector interest long-term.
Rosters are constantly in flux but these 10 players profile as having the cards with the highest ceiling for value based on their talent and early career success or potential. All remain aged 25 or younger entering 2023 leaving ample time to develop into Hall of Fame level talents. Their rookie cards, especially short printed parallels, represent an opportunity for savvy collectors to acquire items with eye-popping potential returns at retail or affordable prices if any of these stars fulfill their promise. Of course, the risk of injury or downturn in production is ever-present in such long-term investments. But for discerning collectors, cards from the next great crop of MLB superstars offer a chance at owning true heirlooms. The 2023 season promises to unveil countless new prospects to track.
