Tag Archives: 2023

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023 BEST CARDS

The 2023 Topps Baseball card series offers collectors an exciting range of cards to chase featuring some of the biggest names and rookiest stars in the sport. With cards available in packs, boxes, blasters, and hobby boxes, there is something for casual collectors and investors alike. Here is a closer look at some of the top rookies, veterans, and insert cards projected to be part of the best of the 2023 Topps Baseball offering.

One of the most anticipated rookie cards in the new Topps series is Cardinals outfielder and 2021 number one overall draft pick Jordan Walker. After tearing it up in the minors in 2022 with a .300 batting average and 26 home runs, expectations are high for the young power hitter. His base Topps rookie card is sure to be a hot commodity. Another highly sought-after rookie is Diamondbacks catcher/outfielder Druw Jones, son of retired MLB star Andruw Jones. Druw brings impressive speed and defense to the table and his rookie autos and parallels could emerge as long term gems.

On the veteran side, superstars Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Mike Trout are always collector favorites. Judge coming off his AL MVP and record 62 home run season with the Yankees will see huge demand for any parallels or short prints featuring the AL single season home run champ. Ohtani’s two-way talent makes him one of the most unique and exciting players in the game today. Trout remains the consensus best all-around player of his generation and continues to shatter career records, making any of his flagship rookie cards or 2023 additions highly valuable long term holds.

In terms of insert sets, the Fan Favorites collection highlighting perennial all-stars is always a hit. Rated Rookies remain the most sought after rookie cards outside the base issues, carrying prestigious heritage. The Topps Chrome Update Series inserts like Galactic parallels transform stars into intergalactic heroes on refractors and parallels adding premium appeal. Additionally, Topps Finest inserts with their silky foil finishes on portraits of the game’s icons are showpieces in any collection.

When it comes to parallels and short prints, collectors will no doubt be on the hunt for the always elusive 1/1 rainbow foil parallels. These ultra-rare pulls feature eye-popping color version and design tweaks making each one totally unique. Also highly coveted are the Gold Label parallels limited to /50 copies highlighting a player or rookie’s career achievements in golden foil. The Black Bordered short prints with their distinctive black trim instead of the usual white are also big collector favorites.

Beyond the flagship Topps chrome and paper base sets, collectors will also have their eyes peeled for additional insert sets not always guaranteed to be in every hobby box. High Number parallels reaching card #s 500-700 are modern rarities and offer creative card design twists on stars. Heritage Minors League leaders pay tribute to great MLBers before they made the show. Topps Opening Day as always a fun salute to the start of a new season that may include more retired player throwbacks or stars in new team uniforms for the year.

The 2023 Topps Baseball offerings looks to continue the tradition of providing collectors with an evergreen MLB product line featuring the games biggest names, best rookies and many collector driven insert sets that ignite the hobby. With the market still red hot, flagship parallels of emerging superstars like Judge and rookies like Walker are projected to be some of the top 2023 cards that could retain and appreciate in value in the long run for savvy investors. The 2023 Topps Baseball release provides both casual and serious collectors a fun and engaging vehicle to build their collections for years to come.

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS PRICE LIST

Topps baseball cards are some of the most iconic and sought after cards in the hobby. Every year, Topps releases new series of cards as part of their flagship set to document that season of Major League Baseball. The 2023 Topps baseball card release promises to be another highly anticipated release, continuing Topps’ legacy as the industry leader. Here is an in-depth look at the different series and what card collectors can expect to find in the 2023 Topps price list.

The flagship Topps Series 1 release usually comes out in late February or early March each year. The 2023 Series 1 cards can be expected around the same time frame. Some key rookie cards to watch for in Series 1 include Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and C.J. Abrams. Top rookies and stars generally sell in the $10-25 range for base cards, with short prints, parallels, and autographs significantly higher. Past Series 1 base cards of star rookies have sold for $50-100 in mint condition after debut seasons.

Series 2 is typically released in late April or early May following. This set continues spotlighting the early season and introduces players who debut after Series 1 is published. Top Series 2 rookies to watch for next year include Julian Merryweather, Gunnar Henderson, and Emerson Hancock. Base Series 2 cards often hold similar $10-25 values for top names as Series 1. Parallels and hits can reach the hundreds for stars.

Topps Series 2 Update is released in late July or August and adds players who were called up or joined teams after Series 2 was produced. Past Update rookies like Wander Franco and Bobby Dalbec saw their base cards quickly rise above $50-100 after strong debuts. Top prospects likely to debut around this time in 2023 include Glassnow, Anthony Volpe, and Jackson Holliday. Their Update cards could be valuable pending early success.

The brand new 2023 Topps Heritage set is expected in March or April and pays tribute to classic Topps design sensibilities from the 1950s-1980s. While rookie cards do not exist in Heritage, star player base cards generally fetch $10-25 with the most elite nearing $50-100. Rarer parallel, autograph, and patch relic cards can absolutely shatter those values for icons like Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Mike Trout.

Late in the season, Topps usually releases two Update Series focusing on roster changes from trades and September call-ups. Base cards remain around $10-25 but new rookie stars can explode beyond $100 short-term if they contribute to playoff runs as call-ups like Michael Harris II did in 2022. Less common parallels and autographs usually trade for multiples of those figures.

In the offseason, Topps releases an Allen & Ginter set highlighting baseball stars mixed with legends from other sports and entertainment. Base cards sell around $5-10 but popular rookies, vets, and memorabilia autographs carrying iconic signatures can sell for over $100.

Additionally, Topps Chrome and other high-end products are released emphasizing refractors, negatives, and premium autograph and relic parallel cards. Base cards are rarer and usually sell in the $15-50 range with numbered parallels reaching hundreds to low thousands for stars. Autographs range from affordable future prospects to ultra-premium autos of current legends selling way into the tens of thousands.

While base cards have pretty standardized values, rookie cards and stars on specialized parallels and deals featuring autographs or memorabilia hold wildly fluctuating prices at auction based on the player, scarcity of the card, and collector demand. Always check recent eBay sales to help determine the true market value for any specific card. With its long history and brand dominance, Topps baseball cards continue delivering some of the most iconic and investable cardboard in the hobby. Stay tuned for the official release of the 2023 Topps price guide to see which rookie stars emerge as the most in-demand!

BASEBALL CARDS 2023

Baseball cards have been a beloved hobby and collectible for over a century. As we head into the 2023 season, the baseball card industry remains as strong as ever. While the digital age has brought changes to how fans engage with the sport, physical cards retain their nostalgic appeal and have evolved into sophisticated investments. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable trends and storylines surrounding baseball cards as the new season approaches.

Rookie phenoms continue to drive excitement. Every season there are a handful of rookies who take the league by storm with their play on the field. This immediately translates to interest from collectors seeking their rookie cards. In 2022, some names that saw a surge in the hobby included Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. As the 2023 season nears, collectors have their eyes on several top prospects expected to debut including Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler and Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Their rookie cards will be some of the most sought after on the market in the coming months.

Vintage cards retain blue-chip status. The highest end of the baseball card market continues to revolve around vintage cards from the early 20th century, prior to World War 2. Iconic cards like the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner and the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle remain elusive centerpieces to collections. In 2022, a PSA 9 example of the iconic 1952 Topps Mantle card sold for over $12.6 million, setting a new record. Other pre-war gems like the 1914 Cracker Jack Lou Gehrig and 1933 Goudey Babe Ruth also regularly pull in six-figure prices. For the ultra-wealthy, acquiring one of these early cards remains the pinnacle achievement in the hobby.

Graded cards gain ground. Third-party grading services like PSA, BGS, SGC and HGA have exploded in popularity over the past decade. Collectors seek to have their prized cards professionally graded and encapsulated to validate condition and provenance. This has created a whole ecosystem around graded cards, with certain population reports and gem mint grades driving premium prices. In 2023, more and more collectors will only consider purchasing cards that have been graded by a recognized service. This adds an extra layer of quality control and speculation to the modern market.

Investors turn to rookies and parallels. With the increasing presence of grading and population reports, savvy collectors and investors have gravitated towards modern rookie cards and limited parallel versions that hold long term potential. Examples include rookie cards of superstars like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Ronald Acuña Jr. Parallel and autograph versions command even higher prices. In 2023, investors will be hunting for undervalued rookies from the 2021 and 2022 seasons that could appreciate sharply in the years ahead. Insert sets from brands like Topps, Bowman and Panini also attract speculation.

Digital and NFTs make inroads. While physical cards still dominate, the rise of digital platforms and NFTs has started to impact the baseball card industry. Companies like Topps, Panini and Dapper Labs have launched various e-packs, apps and blockchain-based initiatives. In 2023, these efforts will continue gaining traction among both casual and serious collectors. Digital and NFT rookies of top young talents could emerge as an affordable alternative to the physical counterparts. There will also be greater crossover between traditional and crypto-native collectors. Overall this marks an exciting evolution for the hobby into new frontiers.

As player performance, rookie hype, economic trends and technological changes all factor in, 2023 is shaping up to be another dynamic year for the beloved and ever-evolving world of baseball cards. For dedicated collectors, there will be ample opportunities to grow collections through both new releases and vintage treasures in the marketplace. Savvy investors can also keep an eye out for cards primed to appreciate substantially in the years ahead. No matter the angle of engagement, baseball cards continue deepening their connection to the national pastime.

SF GIANTS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

The San Francisco Giants have a storied history in Major League Baseball and with the new 2023 season comes a new collection of baseball cards featuring the team’s star players both past and present. Cards depicting Giants legends and current standouts are always highly collectible among fans eager to showcase their fandom and appreciation for the iconic franchise.

Some of the biggest names that will surely have premium cards in 2023 sets include homegrown stars Brandon Crawford and Logan Webb after their outstanding 2022 campaigns. Crawford, now in his 12th season as the Giants’ starting shortstop, put together one of the finest seasons of his career at age 34, batting .231 with an .818 OPS along with 21 home runs and 90 RBI. He was arguably the heart and soul of the 111-win club and his defense up the middle remained stellar. Webb emerged as the ace of the pitching staff, notching a league-leading 11 wins to go with a 2.90 ERA over 27 starts. The right-hander has established himself as a true building block for the future.

As the face of the franchise for over a decade, Buster Posey will also command attention in retired player subsets. After calling it a career following the 2021 season, Posey remains one of the most popular and accomplished Giants ever, having won 3 World Series championships and an NL MVP award during his spectacular 12-year career that saw him make 6 All-Star teams as the heart of the order and anchor behind the plate. Posey was truly the consummate leader and will have his Cooperstown induction ceremony in 2023, cementing his baseball card legacy.

Other former Giants who could have newly produced retiree cards include Pablo Sandoval, who was a fan favorite during two stints in San Francisco and was part of all 3 championship teams, and Hunter Pence, whose home run trot became iconic during the team’s 2012 title run. In the prospect realm, 2023 should mark the emergence of highly touted youngsters like catcher Joey Bart and outfielder Heliot Ramos, each looking to garner increased recognition in the hobby after up-and-down debut campaigns in 2022.

Among the top trading card product releases expected to feature prominent Giants content are Topps Series 1 & 2, Bowman Baseball, Allen & Ginter, Topps Heritage, and Topps Chrome. The National Sports Collectors Convention (NSCC) and other major hobby trade shows will also see special Giants-focused inserts and parallels introduced by manufacturers like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. Autograph and memorabilia relic inserts of stars like Crawford, Webb, Posey, and more are sure to be hot commodities. Exquisite Patchworks from National Treasures has become renowned for its intricate tri-reliquary patches incorporating meaningful artifacts from giants of the game.

When examining the history of Giants cards, the 1952 Bowman set is revered for introduced color photos and marking Willie Mays’ rookie card debut. Mays would go on to become arguably the franchise’s greatest player, highlighted by his iconic over-the-shoulder catch in the 1954 World Series. Other seminal vintage Giants issues include ones featuring Hall of Famers like Mel Ott, Carl Hubbell, and Juan Marichal from the 1930s-1960s. Topps’ 1962, ’63, and ’64 runs were particularly iconic for their fun action shots capturing classic Giants eras.

As one of baseball’s most storied franchises, the San Francisco Giants will continue to fascinate collectors and maintain an important presence across all levels of the modern trading card hobby. With their passionate Bay Area fanbase and decorated championship tradition, cards celebrating the team’s stars of today and yesterday are sure to be highly coveted for years to come. The 2023 releases will undoubtedly feature many of the heroes who powered the Giants back to the top of the baseball world in recent seasons.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FULL SET

The 2023 Topps Baseball Card set is the 67th annual release from Topps and contains several exciting new features for collectors. The full base set contains 330 cards as Topps continues their trend of releasing larger and more comprehensive rookie class sets in recent years. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman making their MLB debuts in 2022, the 2023 Topps set is loaded with exciting young stars for collectors to chase.

The design of the 2023 Topps cards takes inspiration from classic Topps sets of the past with a clean white border and team logo at the bottom. All cards feature updated player photos from the 2022 season in action shots. The front of the base cards also include each player’s team, position, name, and stats from the previous season. On the back of each card collectors will find additional stats, career highlights, and fun facts about each player.

Topps continues to find creative ways to insert parallels, short prints, and chase cards into their annual flagship release. The 2023 set includes several exciting inserts collectors will enjoy hunting. The Topps Chrome insert set again features refractors and parallels on card #s 1-99 with various color variations. Topps also brought back their popular “Rainbow Foil” parallels on select cards that feature vibrant colors when held to the light.

Rookies and prospects are highlighted with Special Edition Green parallels on their base cards. Topps also created a “Stars of the Future” insert set featuring prospects like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Miller, and Spencer Steer. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top prospects can be found in hobby boxes as exciting chase cards. Veteran stars are featured in “Hall of Fame” inserts highlighting players’ careers and accomplishments.

Topps paid tribute to iconic players who retired after the 2022 season with “Farewell” inserts of Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Yadier Molina. They also created “League Leaders” inserts to commemorate players who led their respective leagues in major statistical categories last season. For the first time, Topps included Braille variations on select cards to make the hobby more inclusive for visually impaired collectors.

Hobby boxes of the 2023 Topps Baseball set contain 18 packs with 11 cards per pack. Each box is guaranteed to contain three autograph or memorabilia cards overall. The odds of finding short prints, parallels, and hit cards vary depending on the specific insert or parallel. Boxes are readily available at local hobby shops, card shows, and online retailers.

The 2023 Topps release saw several new additions to their popular “Topps Now” on-demand digital card program as well. Topps created physical card variants of popular Topps Now moments from the season which can be pulled from hobby boxes. They also introduced a new “Topps Now Moments” insert set highlighting some of the most memorable performances and milestones from the year.

As one of the final sports card releases of 2022, the 2023 Topps Baseball set offers collectors a comprehensive and exciting way to look back at the past MLB season. With such a deep rookie class and variety of parallels and inserts to hunt, it’s sure to be a popular set on the secondary market in the years to come. While the base cards can be found with relative ease, the hit cards like autographs of stars and short prints will retain the most value long term. Whether you’re a casual collector or serious investor, the 2023 Topps Baseball release has something for every type of fan.

The 2023 Topps Baseball Card set delivers another high quality annual release from the industry leader. With 330 cards in the base set spotlighting the biggest names and top prospects, collectors have no shortage of content to enjoy sorting through and adding to their collections. Topps found creative ways as always to insert valuable chase cards and parallels that will excite the hobby. Whether you’re a long time Topps collector or just starting out, the 2023 release is a must-have to commemorate the past MLB season and kick off the offseason collecting cycle.

2023 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

The 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases of the new year. As the flagship product in Topps’ annual baseball card lineup, Series 1 is where fans can find rookies, stars, and short prints that become highly valuable in the years to come. With its March 2023 release date approaching, here are some of the key cards collectors will be hunting for.

One of the top priorities for any Series 1 collector will be rookie cards of baseball’s brightest young talents. 2023 may feature the highly anticipated rookie cards of players like Druw Jones, the #2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft. As the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw has tremendous upside and his rookie cards could skyrocket in value early. Other top prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Emerson Hancock, and Drew Waters may also have their true rookie cards in this set. Keep an eye out for parallels and autographs of these players, which will hold premium value for years.

Established stars always make for desirable Series 1 cards as well. Look for base rookies or updated cards featuring reigning MVPs like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Paul Goldschmidt. RCs or new designs featuring superstars in the making like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Wander Franco will attract lots of collector interest too. Parallel and autograph versions of these elite talents can fetch four-figure prices for the right parallels.

Short prints are a fun chase every year and 2023 Series 1 will continue that tradition. Look for lower numbered SPs of top players like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and Bryce Harper. Autograph SPs are true hits that can be worth thousands. Rarest of all are 1/1 printing plates, which feature the blank card stock without the image. These are the holy grails that can sell for five figures or more for star players.

Veteran talent like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera chasing major career milestones will also have collectors searching packs. Pujols needs just 21 home runs to reach 700 for his career. Cabrera sits at 2,990 hits and may reach 3,000 this season. Milestone parallels and memorabilia cards for these living legends could hold significant long term value.

Rookies and prospects from smaller market clubs may get overlooked but can pay off big later. Look under the radar for players like Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Adley Rutschman (Orioles), and Spencer Strider (Braves). Their base rookies may be affordable now but could multiply in value as they emerge as stars. International prospects like the Twins’ Luis Arraez, Guardians’ Oscar Gonzalez and Reds’ Aristides Aquino also have breakout potential.

Autograph cards remain one of the most exciting chases in Series 1 each year. Top young stars and veterans alike sign for Topps, so any on-card auto from this set holds value. Watch closely for 1/1 printing plates with signatures, which become true holy grails. Multi-sport signers like Bo Bichette and Michael Conforto add intrigue as well.

Don’t overlook base cards of franchise legends, especially if they feature new photos or pose updates not seen in years. Cards for icons like Derek Jeter, Ken Griffey Jr., and Chipper Jones will always find buyers, and parallel and serial-numbered versions command top dollar. These are foundation pieces for any collection.

With such a wide range of rookies, stars, and short prints to pursue, the 2023 Topps Series 1 release is primed to create a new wave of valuable cards. For collectors, the chase is half the fun. By focusing on the players and cards outlined here, your odds of finding a future gem to hold onto are much greater. With just a few boxes or blasters, you never know – your next big hit could be waiting in the next pack.

HIGHEST VALUE 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

The 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball card release offers collectors a chance to find cards of some of the game’s biggest stars. While most packs will contain lower dollar cards, there are always a handful each year that command big money due to scarcity, star power, or insert cards featuring special parallels. With the never-ending rise of the sports card market, the highest value 2023 Topps cards have the potential to appreciate greatly over time.

One name that is almost guaranteed to have multiple “hit” cards is Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. Coming off an injury-plagued 2021 season, Acuña reminded the baseball world of his 5-tool talents by slashing .280/.364/.596 with 18 home runs in his comeback campaign. He will likely be one of the faces of the league for years to come, making his rookies and parallels prime long-term investments. Look for his autograph, jersey relic, and short printed parallels to kick off his 2023 cards at the top of value rankings.

Two players on rookie deals who broke out in a big way in 2022 are Cardinals slugger Nolan Gorman and Mariners sensation Julio Rodriguez. Both young stars now have All-Star caliber skills and should be foundation players for their respective franchises going forward. Their usual array of numbered, autographed, and memorabilia cards from Series 1 are sure to find avid collectors willing to pay up. Gorman and Rodriguez rookie card values could easily eclipse $100 raw if they keep developing their obvious 5-tool talents.

Staying on the West Coast, emerging Giants shortstop Marco Luciano is a dynamic talent who has boosted his prospect stock after dominating at High-A and Double-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. His rare parallels like Printing Plates, 1/1s, and Booklet cards will draw a bidding war if pulled. Luciano’s autographed and memorabilia RCs could challenge Gorman and Rodriguez for tops in value out of Series 1.

Power arms have long tantalized collectors, and there are a couple 2023 breakouts primed to have investments spike after Topps drops. Cardinals flamethrower Andre Pallante stunned with a 2.17 ERA as a rookie and looks locked into St. Louis’ rotation. Similarly, Dane Dunning took off after a midseason trade to the Astros – the former White Sox hurler finished with a 2.73 ERA over 16 starts in Houston creamsicle. Both righties have ace potential and their lowest numbered parallels likely will demand four figures even in raw form.

A few veteran superstars have increased their stature in 2022 and collectibles will gain accordingly. Mookie Betts continues to prove his otherworldly skill set playing behind shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. His 1/1 cards and low serial autographs could catch six figures – Betts remains in his prime and is a lock Hall of Famer in the making. Meanwhile, Judge thundered his way into the record books with 62 home runs, dominating the Yankee single season stat. The AL MVP’s Series 1 inserts and swatches have no true ceiling in a frenzied collecting environment surrounding the titanic slugger.

There are always a few surprise rookie finds that could emerge from Series 1 as hot new prospects. Pitcher Emmanuel Rodriguez threw his name in the hat for biggest breakout with a dominant showing in the Arizona Fall League. His stock is on the rise and collection could grow substantially. Similarly, touted Angels prospect Logan O’Hoppe put his talents on full display with a power surge in Double-A – the catcher has star qualities and his cards may catch values similar to fellow up-and-comer Luciano.

While retail boxes offer mostly affordable parallels, the true high-end 2023 Topps cards will take big money. With salaries and card values rising in lockstep, today’s game changers like Acuña, Betts and Judge stand to have inserts and 1/1s rival the historic prices of legends. Young flames Gorman, Rodriguez and Pallante seem destined to join their ranks if topping their breakouts. For savvy investors, tracking prospects on the rise like Luciano, O’Hoppe and Rodriguez offers opportunity to get in early. Ultimately, the 25,000+ different cards Topps produces means there is value for collectors at every budget.

DONRUSS 2023 BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the new year. Donruss has a long history of producing high quality cards that resonate with collectors. While there are many exciting rookies and parallels to chase in the base set, some stand out as having strong potential to become extremely valuable in the long run. Let’s take an in-depth look at several of the 2023 Donruss cards collectors will want to watch.

One of the most sought after rookie cards in the 2023 Donruss set will undoubtedly be Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners center fielder had a phenomenal rookie season in 2022 that culminated in an AL Rookie of the Year award. Rodriguez hit 28 home runs and drove in 75 runs while batting .284. He established himself as a budding superstar and a key piece of the next great Mariners team. His rookie card prices have already started skyrocketing. In the 2023 Donruss set, collectors will be hunting his base rookie card and especially any rare parallels they can find. A Rodriguez auto or memorabilia card could appreciate into the thousands given his star power.

Another rookie generating huge excitement is Cardinals’ outfielder Jordan Walker. The 21-year-old slugger mashed in the minors in 2022 and looks poised to make an impact for St. Louis very soon. Walker has arguably the highest ceiling of any hitting prospect in baseball right now. While he may not debut until 2023, collectors are already speculating that his Donruss rookie could become one of the most valuable modern rookie cards in the set. Keep an eye out for low-numbered parallels and autographs of Walker, as those have the potential to gain substantially in value as his career progresses.

Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani remains one of the biggest draws in baseball cards. His autographed and memorabilia cards from previous Donruss sets have exploded in secondary market prices. For the 2023 release, collectors will be on high alert for limited Ohtani cards that showcase his unique abilities. An autograph or patch card pulling double duty with his pitching and hitting stats could break the bank for serious Ohtani PC collectors. His base card also holds value as one of the must-have modern player cards.

Rookies aside, superfractor parallels have become hugely important in the secondary card market. The 2023 Donruss set is confirmed to once again include 1/1 superfractor parallels for star players. Pulling the elusive green superfractor of a player like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, or Ronald Acuña Jr. would be the crown jewel of any collector’s collection. These ultra-rare parallel cards often sell for tens of thousands of dollars and continue increasing in secondary value over time. They are the true holy grails of each Donruss release.

Panini has also confirmed several exciting new insert sets for 2023 Donruss baseball. The “Donruss Origins” set focuses on the early career years of stars and could highlight rookie season stats. Autographs and memorabilia cards from this insert have strong potential. The “Donruss Masters” set celebrates the game’s all-time greats, so a rare parallel or auto from that of legends like Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron would carry immense prestige. New “Donruss Dominators” parallels also provide collectors a fun chase for star rookies and veterans.

With its history of producing valuable modern player cards and exciting new insert sets, the 2023 Donruss baseball release is primed to create numerous long-term collectibles. Rookies like Rodriguez and Walker, two-way force Ohtani, and elusive superfractors of top stars will likely emerge as the set’s most coveted cards. For serious collectors, hunting limited parallels and autographs from the base set, inserts, and short-printed parallels offers the best chances of discovering the valuable 2023 Donruss cards that could gain tremendously in the years to come. This set looks to provide a fun new chase and investment opportunities for all types of baseball card collectors.

2023 TOPPS VALUABLE BASEBALL CARDS

The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. While the base cards may not hold huge value on their own, there are always standout rookie cards, short printed parallels, and special inserts that have the potential to greatly appreciate over time. Let’s take a look at some of the cards from the upcoming 2023 Topps series that could be valuable long term investments.

One of the top prospects for the 2023 class is shortstop Jackson Holliday, who was selected first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft. His rookie card autographs and parallels from Topps are almost guaranteed to be some of the set’s most valuable. Holliday is considered a true five-tool player with potential star power, so his Topps Chrome autograph and refractor parallels especially could gain significant value if he develops into the superstar many scouts project. Other top rookie cards to watch include Druw Jones (Braves), Termarr Johnson (Red Sox), and Elijah Green (Royals).

Short prints have long been a driving factor in the popularity of high-end Topps products. The 2023 Topps Update Series is expected to continue the tradition of including scarce parallel cards at a rate of 1 per case or less. Past short prints like Mike Trout’s 2011 Update rookie refractor have sold for thousands. Keep an eye out for parallels of top young talents in low numbered formats like /99 or less from Update. Also watch specialty parallels like Photo Variations, which are only available one per box on average.

For collectors of the game’s biggest stars, autographed and memorabilia cards are where huge value resides long term. Topps Chrome and Finest often feature swatches and autographs of players like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto. As their careers progress and Hall of Fame caliber seasons are achieved, these unique cards will become increasingly desirable. Numbered to extremely low editions like /10 or less, triple-swatch and dual-relic cards can easily sell for thousands in top-graded condition years down the line.

Insert sets within Topps products frequently gain cult followings and secondary market strength over time. Past examples include Topps Chrome Refractors, Topps Finest Refractors, and Topps Archives photo variations. For 2023, Topps Heritage High Number is confirmed to include a special “Stars of the Game” insert set featuring current greats and retired legends. These nostalgic snapshot style cards are a perfect fit for the Heritage aesthetic and collector demand will likely drive values up significantly for stars.

Of course, the biggest movers will always be the true one-of-one 1/1 parallel cards available exclusively in Hobby Jumbo Boxes or higher end products. Past hits have included dual-signed 1/1s of Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter from Topps Tribute that sold for over $100,000. While extremely rare, these unique 1/1 cards represent the pinnacle achievement for any collector and hold value as true works of modern sports memorabilia art. Even 10-20 years from now, a 1/1 parallel of a player who went on to greatness could demand a massive price tag.

When evaluating the long term potential of 2023 Topps cards, focus on the premier rookies, short printed parallels available at chase rates, autographed memorabilia cards of rising stars, cult insert sets, and the elusive true 1/1 parallel cards. Condition is also critical – a top graded gem mint rookie or auto from a future Hall of Famer will hold exponentially more value. With patience and foresight, savvy collectors can identify and acquire cards from the upcoming release that become valuable holdings for their portfolios. The 2023 Topps series is primed to produce many such prospects.

BOX OF BASEBALL CARDS 2023

The 2023 baseball season is well underway and fans are flocking to card shops and big box stores in search of the latest baseball card products. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to add to your collection or a newcomer just getting into the hobby, opening a fresh box of baseball cards is always an exciting experience. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top boxed sets being released in 2023 and what collectors can expect to find inside.

Topps Series 1 is always one of the most anticipated releases each year as it kicks off the official baseball card season. The 2023 edition features a retro design harkening back to the 1970s and 1980s. The base cards feature a clean white border around player photos with team logos prominently displayed at the bottom. Rated rookies and stars of the game can be pulled autographed or numbered to short prints. Bonus packs in the $95 hobby boxes contain autograph or memorabilia cards of today’s top players. Parallels include Rainbow Foil, Gold, and Black border short prints that collectors love to chase.

Panini Prizm is one of the hottest brands on the secondary market in recent years and their 2023 offering does not disappoint. With a sleek design highlighted by colorful refractors, this set always delivers stunning visuals. Hobby boxes can be found for around $150-200 and include one guaranteed autograph or memorabilia card. Prizm rookies and parallels like Green, Orange, and Pink Ice command premium prices. Veteran stars are featured throughout alongside top prospects ready to make their MLB debut. The crisp card stock and vibrant refractors make each pull a treat to admire.

Topps Chrome Update Series is the follow up to Topps Series 1 and 2, released in the late summer/early fall after the trade deadline. The 2023 version continues the retro styling of the base set with a modern chrome twist. Hobby boxes run $80-100 and contain one autograph or memorabilia card on average. The prized pulls are short printed parallels like Gold, Rainbow Foil, and Black border refractors of emerging stars. Top rookies like Oneil Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr. can be found here in high-end parallels that collectors race to complete their sets with.

Bowman Draft is one of the most crucial sets for prospect hounds as it features the freshly drafted talent from that year’s amateur draft. In 2023, names like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Elijah Green will be some of the most sought after rookie cards in the set. Hobby boxes run $85-100 and contain one autograph or memorabilia card on average. Short printed parallels like Gold, Orange, and Green refractors are keys to completing rainbow sets for top prospects. With so much young talent and potential future stars, Bowman Draft is a fun gamble for collectors.

Topps Fire is a popular mid-year release known for its blazing hot design featuring fiery refractors and parallels. The 2023 edition will showcase the second half of the season along with any mid-season call-ups. Hobby boxes are around $100 and include one autograph or memorabilia card per box. Top rookies from Series 1 like Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr. can be pulled here in rare Orange and Red parallels. Veteran stars are also featured throughout in the stunning refractors collectors love from this annual summer release.

While those represent some of the biggest and most sought after sets being released in 2023, there are many other great options for collectors to consider as well. Donruss and Leaf both offer more budget-friendly options compared to the Topps and Panini flagship releases. Heritage High Number is a nostalgic summer set perfect for completing base sets. Topps Archives pays tribute to classic designs of the past. And Bowman Sterling and Bowman’s Best offer high-end parallels of top prospects for those willing to splurge.

Regardless of which boxed set you pursue, there is nothing like the thrill of the rip when it comes to opening a fresh pack of cards. The excitement of not knowing what sweet hit might be lurking inside is part of what makes the hobby so fun. With so much great young talent and established stars to collect across all 30 MLB teams, the 2023 season is shaping up to be a banner year for baseball cards.