The 2023 baseball season will see a new crop of talented rookies make their debuts in Major League Baseball. While it’s too early to know which rookies will become true stars, savvy collectors are always keeping an eye out for rookie cards of players with big upside. These rookie cards stand the chance to greatly appreciate in value if a player exceeds expectations in their career.
Some of the top rookie cards to watch from the 2023 MLB draft class and international signings include Gunnar Henderson, Druw Jones, and Jackson Holliday. Here’s a closer look at each of these hyped prospects and why their rookie cards have the potential to become extremely valuable long-term investments:
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (2021 Draft)
Henderson had a breakout 2022 campaign in which he showed plus hitting ability and impressive plate discipline in reaching Triple-A at age 21. The infielder is considered one of the top overall prospects in baseball and has a clear path to becoming the Orioles’ starting third baseman as early as 2023. Henderson’s 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome autograph rookie card has already seen a significant rise in secondary market value this year in the $150-200 range as his stock continues increasing. If he becomes an All-Star caliber player, this card could eventually be worth thousands given his hype and on-field production.
Druw Jones, Arizona Diamondbacks (2022 Draft)
As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Jones came into pro ball with as much hype as any amateur player in recent memory. The son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, he demonstrated five-tool talents in high school with plus speed, defense, and hitting ability. Jones was one of the youngest players drafted but held his own in a brief pro debut and will start 2023 at High-A. His 2022 Bowman Chrome autograph rookie cards recently sold for over $400 and have great long-term appreciation potential if he develops into the perennial All-Star many scouts foresee.
Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles (2022 Draft)
The top pick in the 2022 draft, Holliday is the highest drafted high school position player since Adley Rutschman went 1st overall in 2019. A lefty hitter with patience and impressive power potential, Holliday turned heads by batting .685 in high school and could move quickly. His 2022 Bowman Chrome autograph rookie card has already changed hands for $800-1000 in strong condition after a spectacular pro debut. Holliday is on the fast track and has all the makings of a true five-tool star, so this card stands out as one of the best long-term investments from the 2022 draft class.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles
After a stellar 2022 campaign that saw him named AL Rookie of the Year, Rutschman is firmly cementing himself as a franchise cornerstone and all-around star catcher. His defensive abilities behind the plate pair with a advanced hit tool that could yield multiple All-Star nods. Rutschman’s 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome autograph rookie card has surged north of $1,000 as the No. 1 overall pick from that year continues blossoming into a superstar. If he maintains an elite level of play, then this coveted rookie card has a real chance to one day be worth over $10,000 long-term.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners
Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in 2022 by battering his way to an AL Rookie of the Year and All-Star selection. The toolsy outfielder brings five-tool talents to the table with explosive speed and power. J-Rod’s 2018 Bowman Chrome autograph rookie card is one of the hottest on the market right now climbing past $2,000. As the new face of the franchise in Seattle, Rodriguez looks primed to be an annual MVP candidate for years. If so, his early cards could appreciate into the $5,000+ range over the next decade.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals
Despite battling injuries, Witt showed in 2022 why he was the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2019 by manning a premium position at shortstop with impact hitting ability. He provides the offensive production teams covet from the position with 20-20 potential. Witt’s 2019 Bowman Chrome autograph rookie card jumped over $1,000 in 2022 and looks to have staying power as a long-term collection anchor. He’s still just 22 with superstar upside and should be a multiple-time All-Star, making this one of the better Rookie Cards to hold for appreciation.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates
A towering 6-foot-7 shortstop, Cruz wowed in his rookie season by showing why there may not be a more talented pure athlete playing the position. He mashed homers at a historic rate for his height and brings game-changing speed and power to the table. Cruz’s 2019 Bowman Chrome autograph rookie card jumped north of $500 during his cameo and figures to settle in the $750-1000 range. If he irons out his plate discipline and puts up annual All-Star caliber numbers, then this could emerge as one of the top riser cards from the 2019 draft class.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers
After early struggles, Torkelson started tapping into his impressive power potential down the stretch in 2023 by belting 15 home runs. The first overall pick in 2020 just turned 23 and should maintain first base for the Tigers for years. Torkelson’s 2020 Topps Chrome autograph rookie card steadied around $150-200 this year but has sneaky upside for much more. If he becomes the perennial cleanup hitter Detroit expects, then this card could appreciate into the multi-thousand dollar range as he emerges as the new face of the franchise.
Brady House, Colorado Rockies
A top 2023 draft-eligible prep shortstop, House turned heads by batting .452 in high school with plus hitting skills and above-average speed. He’s signed with Colorado and some outlets had projected him as a potential first overall pick. His Bowman Chrome autograph rookie cards have already changed hands north of $150 given his tools and hype. House has the ceiling of an annual All-Star, so if he develops as expected, then this will prove an extremely valuable card from the loaded 2023 draft class.
Eury Perez, Boston Red Sox
Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021 for $3.9 million, Perez opened eyes in 2022 by showing off tools and a polished approach as one of the youngest players in the Florida State League at age 18. Scouts rave about his lefty power potential and ability to stick at shortstop. Perez’s 2021 Bowman Chrome autograph rookie cards have skyrocketed over $400 since his pro debut. If he proves to be one of the top international prospects from his class, then demand for this card could keep rising steeply.
The above 10 prospects represent some of the most coveted rookie cards on the investment radar for the 2023 MLB season based on their immense ceiling and current market traction. Of course, there is always risk that any prospect may fail to fully realize their abilities or be derailed by injuries. For risk-tolerant collectors looking to hold cards long-term, focusing on the top talents with the highest upside like Henderson, Jones, Holliday and others offers perhaps the best chance at unveiling major appreciation over the next 5-10+ years. The development of these rookies in 2023 will go a long way in shaping the future values of their legendary rookie cards.
