The 2023 baseball season will feature many intriguing rookie players making their MLB debuts. These rookies have the potential to become future stars and their rookie cards in 2023 could be valuable long-term investments. Some of the top rookie prospects to watch for include Pittsburgh Pirates catcher/outfielder Oneil Cruz, Chicago Cubs outfielder Brennen Davis, Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez, and Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe.
Oneil Cruz, 23, has been one of the top prospects in baseball for a few years now due to his raw power and athleticism at 6’7″. He hit 18 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and has the potential for 20+ homer power annually in the majors. Cruz also has plus speed for his size and can play multiple positions. He figures to be an everyday player for the Pirates in 2023, whether at third base or in the outfield. Cruz’s rookie cards are likely to be in high demand, as he has the upside of a perennial All-Star if he reaches his potential.
Brennen Davis, 22, has five tools and was considered one of the elite prospects in baseball before struggling a bit in 2021. He bounced back big time in 2022 by hitting over .300 with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A. Davis is an excellent defender with a cannon arm and has impact raw power from the right side. He will have the opportunity to play everyday in right field for the Cubs after the trade of Seiya Suzuki. Davis has the makings of a true five-tool player, so his rookie cards could hold significant long-term value.
MJ Melendez, 24, transitioned seamlessly from hitting for average in the minors to smashing prodigious home runs in his first taste of MLB action in 2022. He slugged 12 home runs over 181 at-bats as a September call-up. The switch-hitter has elite bat-to-ball skill and developing opposite field power. Melendez has the look of an impact bat in the middle of the Royals lineup as their everyday catcher. His cards as a true rookie in 2023 will be highly sought after by collectors. Even as a 24-year-old rookie, Melendez has the upside of a future All-Star.
Jackson Jobe, 20, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and has skyrocketed through the Tigers farm system. Possessing a plus fastball and wipeout slider combination, Jobe struck out 196 batters over 114.1 minor league innings in 2022 between High-A and Double-A. At only 20 years old and with his elite stuff, Jobe will likely debut in Detroit’s rotation at some point in 2023. The potential for him to develop into a future ace makes his rookie cards an intriguing long-term play. Jobe’s first MLB card releases will hold value for years to come if he reaches his lofty ceiling.
Others like Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic and Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jack Suwinski could also potentially have an impact as rookies in 2023 after getting their feet wet in major league action in 2022. Kelenic, 23, struggled during his initial MLB debut but hit over .300 in Triple-A and still has potential as a plus power-speed threat. Suwinski, 23, showcased impressive raw power with 23 home runs as a September call-up and could solidify an everyday role in Pittsburgh’s outfield. Both players have the upside of an above average regular and their first true rookie cards could surprise on the collectibles market depending on their production.
Some prospects like Dodgers infielder Miguel Vargas, Cardinals catcher/outfielder Ben DeLuzio, and Brewers infielder Gabriel Garcia may also make their MLB debuts in 2023. Vargas, 22, hit .319 with 35 doubles between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 but is currently blocked at his positions in Los Angeles. DeLuzio, 24, offers versatility and elite exit velocities and could factor into the Cardinals lineup plans. Garcia, 20, is young but advanced for his age and may see time in Milwaukee due to positional uncertainties. Their first cards may not hold short-term value like Cruz, Davis and Jobe, but are longer term speculations given their talents.
The 2023 baseball season promises to showcase many emerging young stars and their coveted rookie cards. Players like Oneil Cruz, Brennen Davis, MJ Melendez and Jackson Jobe have the brightest long-term prospects and their cards will be among the most sought after releases. Others like Kelenic, Suwinski, Vargas and even DeLuzio or Garcia could surprise depending on their developments. The opportunities for exciting rookie cards from 2023 are plentiful for collectors hunting the next generation of baseball stars. Following these players’ debut seasons closely will provide insight on who has a chance to shine long-term.
