The release of Topps Series 1 baseball cards marks the start of a new MLB season each year. The 2023 Series 1 base set is no exception, featuring the league’s biggest stars and top rookies from Opening Day rosters. While most base cards in the release hold nominal value, some stand out as especially coveted by collectors due to factors like star power, rarity and memorable moments captured on the cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 2023 Topps Series 1 cards collectors will be chasing.
One of the surefire hits of 2023 Series 1 is expected to be the SP variants of superstar rookiecards. Top prospect Grayson Rodriguez grabbed headlines by throwing a no-hitter in the minors and is poised to make an impact for the Orioles. His autograph and memorabilia relic cards could demand higher prices due to his hype. Likewise, Druw Jones turned heads in spring training with the Braves and his autographed rookie cards from Topps will be hot buys. Jones’ lineage as the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones adds to collector interest in his rookie cards as potential future stars.
Continuing star power, Mike Trout remains one of the most coveted cards in baseball. Even his base Topps Series 1 cards typically sell for a premium compared to other players due to his status as a generational talent and multi-time MVP. Factor in parallels and short prints of Trout and prices escalate quickly. The same applies to other elite active players like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Mookie Betts, who all have passionate collector followings. Topps inserts highlighting these superstars’ accomplishments are often high-dollar cards as well.
Beyond rookie stars and established elite talents, Topps short prints have a reputation for being some of the most valuable cards in a release. Serial numbered to only a few hundred copies or less, these scarcer base cards create competition among collectors. Names like Yordan Alvarez, Nolan Arenado and Trea Turner fit this mold of star players who consistently have their Topps Series 1 short prints pull premium prices in the aftermarket. The shortened print runs make these cards appear far less frequently in breaks, boxes and packs compared to base cards.
When it comes to parallels and refractors, collectors eagerly chase “hit” cards in special finishes that parallel stars’ accomplishments on the field. Refractors of 2023 Series 1 are virtually guaranteed to feature eye-popping valuations in parallel form for the likes of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. due to past injuries delaying their returns to superstardom this season. Parallels featuring foil, sepia, negative or other parallel designs in serial numbered runs of 50 copies or less will demand premium pricing across the board for most star players.
Topps has also carved out a niche with popular “hits” in recent years that highlight iconic MLB moments. When Topps depicts signature performances and milestones on special cards, those tend to become highly valuable. Some potential milestones being chased for 2023 include Albert Pujols hitting 700 career home runs, Miggy surpassing 3,000 hits and Clayton Kershaw’s march toward some hallowed pitching records. Anniversary parallels recognizing important dates in MLB history add to the intrigue as well. Nostalgia remains a powerful force driving interest.
In terms of chase cards at the ultra-premium tier, the biggest bucks will be required to acquire 1/1 printing plates and origina sketches. These one-of-a-kind collector’s items pull staggering sums when players like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr. or Mike Trout are featured. Add in autographs or autographed memorabilia relics inserted at extremely low print rates and values multiply fast. Serial-numbered parallels of these hits in the single digits also fall into the heavy-hitter category. Low-numbered variations continue growing in popularity as near-perfect specimens.
The 2023 Topps Series 1 release figures to follow suit with previous years in terms of which inserted short prints, autographs and unique parallel cards hold the highest values on the secondary market. Savvy collectors will look to target the big names at key stages of their careers like rookie phenoms or returning stars, while also pursuing scarce serial-numbered variations and milestone-themed cards recognizing all-time great performers. As always, condition standards and desirability between players will sway pricing – but Series 1 maintains some investing appeal at the highest rarities.
In conclusion, Topps Series 1 kicks off the annual card season by spotlighting who’s who in MLB while also dispersing coveted hits through its various inserts and parallel designs. Tracking which combinations of player, design and numbering may deliver the set’s most valuable cards requires weighing factors such as star power, parallels, rookie potential and more. While base rookies and stars hold steady value, scarce serial-numbered cards and autograph or relic variants offer the greatest upside. With Series 1 serving as a launch point each year, its most limited cards stand to gain over time through collector demand and nostalgia.
