The 2023 baseball card season is shaping up to be another exciting year as the hobby continues its post-pandemic boom. While rookies will always drive interest, veteran star cards can gain value too with a strong season or dramatic team change. Here are some of the most sought-after baseball cards expected to be released in 2023 based on player performance, career milestones, and new team situations.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels: As one of the game’s true unicorns and back-to-back American League MVP, Ohtani remains the crown jewel of the baseball card world. His prices have skyrocketed since debuting with Topps in 2018 and collectors will eagerly await his flagship rookie card releases in Series 1 and Topps Chrome. Any parallels, autographs, or rare pulls of the two-way star will command top dollar and bring collectors out in droves for the chance at ownership.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: After hitting an AL record 62 home runs, Judge turned down a contract extension from the Yankees and elected free agency. His destiny is still unknown but any team change would make his 2023 cards very desirable. Even if he re-signs in New York, collectors will want to get cards of the American League single-season homer king before further accomplishments raise prices. Base rookies from Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome could see renewed interest.
Jacob deGrom, Free Agent: One of the game’s best pitchers when healthy, deGrom has spent his entire career with the Mets. But he surprisingly declined a qualifying offer and hit free agency, opening up possibilities of him signing elsewhere. Landing spots like the Dodgers, Yankees or Padres could give significant boosts to his 2023 cards as collectors chase the latest chapter in his storied career. Autograph cards of deGrom in a new uniform would be especially hot.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros: Alvarez continues to prove himself as one of MLB’s top young sluggers, exemplified by a torrid July that saw him win AL Player of the Month. As the Astros eye another World Series, Alvarez’s rising stardom will make his 2023 cards a strong buy. His flagship Topps rookie autos from 2021 still hold great value and parallels of upcoming releases could appreciate enormously with an MVP-caliber season.
Trea Turner, Free Agent: Like Judge, Turner turned down a qualifying offer as one of the top free agents available. The super utility man finished 2nd in NL MVP voting and any team change would create huge demand for his 2023 cards. As with deGrom, rare autographs or parallels showing Turner in a new uniform would capture collectors’ attention. His stock is sky high coming off a career year split between Dodgers and Nationals.
Juan Soto, San Diego Padres: Already one of baseball’s true superstars at just 24, Soto was shockingly traded from the Nationals to the Padres last month. His San Diego debut cards will be some of the most sought-after in 2023. Even base rookies could gain value as his new chapter begins and any Soto pulls from Flagship, Chrome, or Archives will excite collectors. Autograph cards from his first Padres set may become long-term keepsakes.
Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees: When at his best Cole is one of the elite aces in the game and he continues anchoring the Yankees’ rotation. As he edges closer to major career milestones like 150 wins or 2,000 strikeouts, his 2023 cards could gain from those achievements. Rare parallels or serial numbered autos would be especially enticing for collectors seeking to invest in one of the game’s longtime stars before he elevates further.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves: After suffering a season-ending ACL tear in 2021, Acuña’s comeback campaign will be one of the most followed storylines of 2023. As one of the game’s brightest young talents, collectors will be chasing his first cards back from injury. Any signs of his famous five-tool abilities returning to full strength could lift the values of his upcoming Bowman, Topps, and Topps Chrome cards sky high in anticipation of future greatness.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: At only 30 years old, Trout has already built a Hall of Fame resume as arguably the best all-around player of his generation. Injuries have limited him to just 36 games over the past two seasons combined. If he manages to stay healthy in 2023, Trout’s cards could see renewed demand as he chases more achievements. Rare autograph cards and parallels from his flagship Topps products will remain the costliest Trout holdings for investors.
Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers: Still in his prime at 30, Betts is chasing his second World Series ring with the dominant Dodgers. His cards have held great value since debuting in 2014 and were especially hot after winning the 2018 AL MVP and World Series with Boston. Any milestones reached in 2023 like 2,000 hits could give a boost to his flagship Topps cards and rare licensed products from Topps, Bowman, and Panini.
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres: Few young players generate as much buzz as Tatis when on the field. But he missed all of 2023 due to suspension and then suffered a wrist injury requiring surgery. If he can return healthy by mid-2023, his cards may see renewed demand from collectors betting on his talents. Rare autographed parallels from Topps, Bowman, and Leaf could be extremely enticing investments ahead of a much-anticipated comeback.
While rookies like Glassnow, Rodriguez and Harris will attract new collectors, veteran stars like Ohtani, Judge, deGrom and veterans chasing milestones like Betts and Cole make the top 2023 baseball cards to watch. Health permitting, comeback stories from Acuña and Tatis also provide intrigue. With the hobby still booming, demand and prices for these flagship cards should remain high.
