Tag Archives: 2023

WHEN DOES 2023 BASEBALL CARDS COME OUT

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The release of new baseball cards each year is something that many collectors look forward to. While there is no single definitive release date that all card companies adhere to, most 2023 baseball card products from the major manufacturers begin hitting store shelves in late winter/early spring of 2023.

The exact timing can vary depending on the specific set, license holder, and retailer, but historically one of the first major releases each year comes from Topps. As the longest-tenured and best-selling card company, Topps has generally released its flagship Series 1 baseball cards in late February or early March. This marks the official start of the new season of releases. In 2023, industry experts are predicting that Topps Series 1 will arrive in stores around the first week of March.

Shortly after the Topps Series 1 release, hobby collectors and fans can expect the launch of other annual sets. Panini generally puts out its Donruss and Contenders products in March as well. Around the same time, Topps Archives and Heritage are also made available. These offer up retro and vintage-style designs that are popular with collectors seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Moving into April and May, the card release schedule ramps up significantly. In addition to ongoing Series releases from Topps and Panini, this is when more niche and high-end products hit the scene. Some notable examples include Allen & Ginter and Stadium Club from Topps which feature unique collector’s items mixed in with the cards. Luxury brands like Triple Threads, National Treasures, and Immaculate also arrive with their ultra-rare autograph and memorabilia inserts.

Independent manufacturers also roll out new season offerings. Companies like Leaf, Panini Limited, and Donruss Elite offer higher-priced boxes with low print runs aimed at the most avid card fans. Many LCS’s (local card shops) also release exclusive sets around this time tailored towards their local collector base. And major retailers like Target and Walmart introduce their own house brands to satisfy the increased demand for baseball cards.

As spring turns to summer, the cadence of new sets continues virtually unabated. Popular products like Bowman, Chrome, and Topps Update keep collectors engaged with regular shipments to stores through August. This is when many new rookies from that year’s draft class are first featured after making their pro debuts. It also provides an opportunity for any breakout players from the first half of the MLB season to receive increases in their rookie card valuations.

By late summer/early fall, the primary card manufacturers have largely transitioned from new season releases to special commemorative products. This includes the playoff-themed offerings from brands like Topps, Panini Playoffs and Contenders Playoff Basketball. These help extend the hobby season right up to the World Series. Then things begin to wind down as attention shifts towards the following year.

While release dates may fluctuate slightly year to year depending on unforeseen delays, collectors can generally expect the 2023 baseball card season to be in full swing by early March. From that point onward through late summer/early fall, an abundance of new sets from all the major brands will ensure that baseball card fans have plenty of product to engage with as they seek out their favorite players, teams and chase rare pulls. Marking a true highlight each year for the hobby.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO INVEST IN 2023 TOPPS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. With a brand new design and some promising rookie cards, there are several cards from the upcoming Series 1 release that look like smart investments heading into next season. It’s important to do thorough research, stay diversified, and be aware of risks when investing in any collectibles.

One of the top prospects for 2023 Topps is catcher Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles. As the top overall pick in the 2019 draft and number one prospect in baseball, Rutschman has huge hype surrounding him. He had a strong debut in 2022 and will enter his first full big league season in 2023. Look for his base rookies to gain value if he performs well. His autographs and parallels could appreciate substantially with an All-Star caliber year. Rutschman is one of the safest rookie bets.

Another catcher to watch is Diego Cartaya from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cartaya cracked the top 100 prospect lists last year and projects to be an impact bat eventually. With elite power and potential for 20-HR seasons in the majors, Cartaya will be one to follow in the minors in 2023. His rookie cards are quite affordable now and hold promise if he continues developing his all-around game. But he carries more risk than Rutschman as further removed from the bigs.

On the pitching side, one of the more elite prospects is Grayson Rodriguez of the Baltimore Orioles. Rodriguez has electric stuff with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball and nasty curveball. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and looks ready for a full-time rotation spot in 2023. His cards have already begun appreciating on the hype surrounding his talent. Rodriguez carries some injury risk, but he’s a potential ace and all-star if he stays healthy long-term.

Another pitcher to target is Tampa Bay Rays hurler Taj Bradley. Although not as renowned of a prospect as Rodriguez, Bradley vaulted up prospect rankings last year with lights-out performance in the minors. With a deep Rays system, he may not debut until 2024, but his stuff is more than ready. Bradley carries some risk as a ‘sleeper’ prospect, but has potential for high returns if he emerges as expected.

Beyond prospects, it’s also worth considering established young stars who could take their games to new heights. Cards of Wander Franco (TB), Bobby Witt Jr. (KC), Julio Rodriguez (SEA), and Jonathan India (CIN) all look like solid long-term investments. While they come with less volatility than prospects, these players each have All-Star/MVP caliber upside if they continue progressing. Their rookie cards remain affordable now and have room to appreciate significantly.

Along with studying prospects and young talent, don’t overlook possible bounce-back candidates. Players like Kris Bryant (COL), Giancarlo Stanton (NYY), and Marcus Semien (TEX) all dealt with injuries or down seasons in 2022 but have proven track records when healthy. Their 2020/2021 rookies or parallels have dipped in value and hold resale potential if they regain all-star form. There is inherent risk betting on bounce-backs, but also potential for 5x+ returns.

When considering any 2023 Topps investments, do your research on a player’s talent, situation, medicals, and competition for playing time. Stay diversified across several prospects and avoid going all-in on any single one. Authentic vintage hobby boxes hold less volatility than modern singles/repacks as well. And always keep a long-term 5-10 year mindset – that’s generally how long it takes for prospects to pan out or rookies to appreciate significantly. With patience and study, 2023 Topps provides several opportunities for savvy investors to grow their baseball portfolios.

While prospects like Rutschman, Rodriguez and Bradley offer early potential, also consider building balanced exposure to young stars and buy-low bounce-back candidates. Approach 2023 Topps investments with thorough research, risk mitigation, and patience for long-term upside. By choosing wisely across the prospects, rookies, and veterans highlighted here, savvy collectors have a strong chance to profit on the next generation of baseball greats they can find in the upcoming flagship release. Remember that investing in collectibles always carries risk, so stay diversified across several parallel positions. With research and care, 2023 Topps may yield considerable returns for discerning investors.

ARE 2023 BASEBALL CARDS OUT YET

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While some 2023 baseball cards have begun to trickle out, the majority of the new year’s offerings have not been fully released yet. Typically, the main wave of new baseball card releases comes out starting in late January and ramps up through the spring and early summer as the new Major League Baseball season gets underway.

The first 2023 baseball cards to arrive were generally subsets, insert cards, and limited specialty products focused on star players from the 2022 season. Examples include Topps Project 70 cards celebrating iconic players’ career milestones, Topps Transcendent collection highlighting some of the biggest names in the sport, and subsets pulled from flagship Topps, Bowman, and Panini releases looking back at last season. These early 2023 baseball cards start being inserted into packs and boxes beginning in November and December as a precursor to the full new year releases.

The primary retail releases for the major license holders – Topps, Panini, and Bowman (under the Topps umbrella) – have not fully hit store shelves yet. Topps, the longest-running and most prominent baseball card manufacturer, typically launches its Standard and Chrome base sets in late January through a timed release plan on its website and at national retailers. This allows for an organized unveiling of the new designs and rookies as Spring Training begins. Panini and Bowman’s flagship products tend to follow in February and March respectively through similar distribution channels.

As of now in early-to-mid January 2023, hobby shops and online breakers have begun receiving and breakings boxes of the first test releases from Topps, Panini, and Bowman to gauge fan and collector interest in parallel to the NFL Playoffs and run-up to the Super Bowl. These include early shipments of 2023 Topps Series 1 Hobby Boxes and Blaster Boxes, 2023 Bowman Baseball Hobby Boxes, and Donruss Baseball Hobby Packs and Blaster Boxes. Mass market distribution of full retail releases has yet to occur. It’s expected Topps Series 1 will be the first widely available through late January shelf stockings.

Another indicator of when the 2023 season is truly underway is the arrival of the rookie class. Top prospects drafted in 2021 and 2022 will receive their first mainstream trading card releases through Topps, Bowman, and Panini’s retail products beginning in late winter. Notable names to watch for include the debut cards of Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, Elijah Green, and Termarr Johnson among many other top talents. Their appearance signals the passing of the torch to a new crop of future stars.

Secondary markets like eBay also see increased 2023 baseball card listings pop up in January as enthusiasts look to get a head start on trading and collecting the incoming year’s releases. True retail availability and mainstream consumer access is still limited at this point. The majority of the 2023 baseball card season remains ahead over the coming months as flagships launch and special products emerge on a regular basis straight through late summer and fall.

While a few early 2023 baseball cards are starting to circulate, the mass consumer rollout has yet to occur industry-wide. Most fans and collectors can expect fuller retail releases with the arrival of Topps Series 1 in late January, followed by flagship Bowman and Panini products through March. The 2023 season officially begins when the new rookie class receives their debut baseball cards alongside the opening of Major League Spring Training.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE HOT FOR 2023

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Rookie cards for baseball prospects expected to make their MLB debut in 2023 will likely be some of the hottest cards on the market next year. Players like Gunnar Henderson, Emerson Hancock, Ender Urrutia, and Marcelo Mayer are among the top prospects that collectors will be targeting rookie cards for in hopes they pan out as stars. Henderson in particular has generated a lot of buzz and his cards have already started appreciating given his impressive performance since being called up to the Baltimore Orioles in September 2022. As long as he continues producing at the MLB level in 2023, his rookie cards stand to gain even more value.

Autograph cards will remain a driving force in the baseball card market. As the hobby shifts more toward the memorabilia side of collecting, autographed cards provide that instant connection to a player collectors can hold in their hands. Stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. and others consistently sell out their autographed memorabilia at card shows and via their websites. Newer star rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. are also finding their autographs greatly in demand. Look for 1/1 ultra rare autograph cards of top players to continue commanding five figure prices at auction.

Rookie autographed cards of prospects expected to debut will also gain traction. Players like Emerson Hancock, who is rehabbing an injury but was once a top 5 pick, already have autographed rookie cards selling for over $1,000 apiece based on his past prospect pedigree. As long as he and others like him perform up to expectations, those autographed rookies will appreciate greatly in value in 2023. Numbered autographs of 50 or less copies are especially sought after by high-end collectors.

Vintage cardboard from the late 1980s and 1990s is an area that continues its steep rise. The early careers of players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Chipper Jones are top attractions from the late 80s/early 90s Upper Deck and Fleer sets. Flags of prominently displayed autographed or game-used memorabilia cards in PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 grails. Early 90s Finest Refractors, especially star rookies, are particularly hot. And late 90s rookie cards of all-time greats like Derek Jeter, Pedro Martinez, and Nomar Garciaparra in top grades remain some of the most iconic and valuable vintage investments.

Early 2000s rookies are also gaining more appreciation as those players make their way toward potential Hall of Fame induction. Chipper Jones and Andy Pettitte rookie cards have seen nice jumps the last few years as collectors price in their careers in their entirety. Similarly, young stars like Ryan Braun, Troy Tulowitzki, Justin Verlander, and others from the mid-2000s are getting recognized for Hall of Fame potential with strong play through the late stages of their careers. Their rookie cards have room to appreciate in the years ahead as induction debates begin.

Modern star cards from the 2010s that were initially undervalued also hold long-term promise, especially as those players get deeper into Hall of Fame discussions and milestones later in their careers. Singles and relic autographed cards of Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, Paul Goldschmidt, and other pillar players from the last decade can be had relatively affordably still and have multi-fold returns possible down the line. Their modern parallels and refractors from Crown Royal, Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, etc are especially collectible at reasonable prices now.

Major league debut cards of all-time great players who are now retired will remain blue-chip vintage investments. Especially those that portray a star very early in his career before his dominance was fully realized. Top-graded rookie cards of players like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Stan Musial, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and others are increasingly out of reach price-wise, but high-quality examples of early career or ‘ Comeback’ cards can still deliver strong returns. Debut cards of overlooked older greats like Eddie Mathews, Robin Yount, and others are also being rediscovered.

In summary, 23-year-old and 22-year-old age rookie cards tend to be popular targets, as do autographed memorabilia cards of current stars or prospects expected to emerge in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, investments in vintage cardboard from the late 80s/90s and early 2000s are positioning collectors well as those eras achieve higher levels of nostalgia and iconic status. And keeping an eye on stars from the 2010s as potential future Hall of Famers provides a low-risk path toward future appreciating assets as well. The hobby remains robust, giving collectors many options to find growth across different eras of the sport in 2023.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY 2023

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Some of the most valuable baseball cards that could retain or increase in value in 2023 include rare vintage rookie cards from the 1950s and 1960s. Iconic rookie cards for players like Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays from Topps sets in those years can be worth tens of thousands up to over $1 million depending on the player, year, and card condition. Mantle’s 1952 Topps rookie card regularly tops auction results at over $2 million for near-mint examples.

Other valuable pre-1970s rookie cards to watch include Sandy Koufax’s 1955 Topps, Roberto Clemente’s 1955 Topps, and Nolan Ryan’s 1966 Topps. Koufax and Clemente rookie cards in top grades can reach $100,000+, while a pristine Ryan rookie has brought over $500,000. Non-rookie vintage stars like Willie McCovey, Roberto Alomar, and Harmon Killebrew also have valuable early Topps issues.

Moving into the 1970s-1980s, desirable rookie cards include George Brett’s 1973 Topps, Mike Schmidt’s 1974 Topps, and Cal Ripken Jr.’s 1981 Topps. Brett and Schmidt rookies in top condition have sold for $50,000+, while a perfect Ripken could approach $100,000. Other noteworthy 1970s/80s rookies are Dwight Gooden’s 1984 Topps and Barry Bonds’ 1986 Topps, which have reached the $10,000-20,000 range for top grades.

Modern stars whose rookie cards remain in high demand into 2023 include Ken Griffey Jr.’s upper deck rookie from 1989, which has exceeded $10,000 for pristine copies. Similarly, Chipper Jones’ 1993 Bowman paper rookie and Derek Jeter’s 1996 Topps Chrome rookie both command over $5,000 in top condition. Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 2019 Topps Series 1 paper rookie has also surpassed $1,000 for a PSA 10 gem.

Beyond rookies, valuable vintage hits from the 1950s-1980s consist of incredibly rare parallel variants like error cards, test issues, prototype designs, and uncut sheets. One such card is the famous 1952 Topps Mantle error which features an upside-down photograph – highly graded examples sell for over $100,000. Uncut vintage sheets containing 16+ cards can reach $10,000-50,000 depending on the era and players featured.

Continued high demand is anticipated in 2023 for serial numbered parallel inserts from the 1990s featuring star players like Griffey, Bonds, Jeter, and Piazza. Ultra-premium parallels like the rare 1998 Finest Refractors remain highly coveted by collectors and command up to $10,000 each. High-grade treasures from 1993 Sportflics, 1998 Sports Illustrated for Kids, and 2000 Playoff Prestige could also retain/increase value next year.

Auto/relic cards of modern stars like Mike Trout and short printed parallels from sets like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Stadium Club might also appreciate in the next year if the player continues to perform at an elite level. High-value autos/relics to follow include Trout’s 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects auto, graded gems of which sell for over $30,000.

Vintage 1950s-1980s rookie cards, record setting rare variants and parallel inserts from the 1990s featuring all-time player icons like Mantle, Aaron, Bonds, and Griffey will likely retain or potentially increase in value in 2023 if economy and demand remains stable. Modern star rookies, serial numbered/short printed parallels and prestigious on-card autos for Trout and other active elites may also appreciate given continued on-field success and collector enthusiasm. Any issues impacting overall sports card market confidence next year could see some fluctuations across various areas. But long-term, investment-grade vintage and star player cards should remain strong.

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY 2023

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There are many exciting baseball cards that could potentially be valuable investments in 2023. By doing your research and understanding the overall baseball card market and trends, you can target cards that seem poised for growth next year. Some top cards worth considering include:

Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards – Shohei Ohtani has quickly established himself as one of the most unique and talented players in MLB history as a true two-way star. His rookie cards from 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 remain in high demand and have been steadily rising in value. With Ohtani continuing his phenomenal play on both the mound and at the plate, his rookie cards should remain strong long-term holdings. The 2018 Topps Update paper rookie could be a particularly smart buy, as it is still reasonably priced but also contains his first photo in an Angels uniform with a major league card number.

Wander Franco Rookie Cards – As one of the top prospects in baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype in his rookie 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. The ultra-rare versions like his paper Rated Rookie autograph and especially his prized Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie remain six-figure cards. There is still upside potential in his base paper rookie cards from series like Topps Chrome UPDATE, Topps Series 2, and Bowman Chrome. At just 21 years old, Franco has superstar potential and his cards could experience steady gains as he continues developing.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Update Rookie Card – Acuna Jr. was well on his way to superstardom before a season-ending knee injury in 2021. At just 24 years old, he is expected to bounce back strong in 2023 now that he is fully healthy. His flagship 2018 Topps Update paper rookie remains one of the hottest modern rookies on the market. With Acuna proving he can reach top-five MVP ballot status again, this card seems poised to move even higher as he reasserts himself as a generational talent.

Juan Soto Rookie Cards – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update Rookie Card – Vlad Jr. took a clear step forward in 2022 and proved the hype was warranted as he had his finest season with an .875 OPS. At just 24, he will likely continue improving and pushing towards superstardom levels. Already one of the game’s best pure hitters, his 2018 Topps Update paper rookie looks like one to hold long-term. As Vlad Jr. locks in as an MVP-caliber cornerstone for the Blue Jays, this card should stay in demand.

Luis Robert Rookie Cards – Robert showed flashes of five-tool brilliance in his 2020 Rookie of the Year campaign before injuries slowed his progress. He looked like his old self down the stretch in 2022 and will be just 26 next season. If he can stay healthy, Robert has 30-30 upside that should keep collectors excited about his scarce 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie auto and base Topps Series 1/2 paper rookies from that year.

Juan Soto RCs – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.

Francisco Alvarez Prospect Cards – As one of the top catching prospects in baseball with big-time power potential, Francisco Alvarez seems on the cusp of a full-time MLB role in 2023 with the New York Mets. His low-numbered prospect cards like 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire could blossom next year if he takes over as the everyday catcher and lives up to the hype. There’s already significant buzz around Alvarez and that will only grow if he breaks out as a star.

Other young prospects like Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more could also shine in 2023. Keeping tabs on elite rookies who make an impact and contenders who rise to stardom is crucial for targeting the next cards primed for value spikes. Focusing on stars of today and tomorrow from 25 and under remains a smart approach when investing in baseball cards for the upcoming year.

WHAT ARE THE BEST BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY IN 2023

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There are several top baseball cards that would be good investments to buy in 2023. With the continued popularity and rising prices of vintage cards from the 1970s and 1980s, cards featuring some of the legendary players from that era remain at the top of lists for the best baseball cards to purchase in the coming year.

One of the absolute best vintage cards to consider in 2023 is the 1952 Topps #311 Mickey Mantle rookie card. Mantle is perhaps the most iconic player in baseball history and his rookie card is the crown jewel of the modern collecting era. Graded Gem Mint examples lately have been selling for well over $2 million at auction as the card’s value skyrockets annually. While a true high-grade Mantle rookie is out of reach for nearly all collectors, even low-grade versions still fetch hundreds of thousands. With Mantle’s legend and fame never diminishing, this card is always a safe buy that should hold and even increase its immense value long-term.

Another truly elite vintage option is the 1909-1911 T206 Honus Wagner card, generally considered the rarest and most valuable trading card in existence. The Wagner card has achieved record-setting prices in the millions in recent years and demand shows no signs of slowing for a card featuring the legendary “Pirate Wagner.” Given its exceedingly small confirmed population and unbreakable place at the pinnacle of the hobby, the T206 Wagner is a classic blue-chip collectible that provides a virtually guaranteed return on any price of acquisition in the future. Like the Mantle, actually finding a genuine example within reach of the average collector’s budget is practically impossible.

While cards of Mantle and Wagner’s magnitude may be well out of reach for most, several other legendary vintage stars from the 1970s-80s still hold excellent buying potential at prices many collectors can afford today. A strong option is the 1975 Nolan Ryan rookie card. Ryan is one of the most dominant pitchers ever who still holds the all-time records for no-hitters and strikeouts. With his playing career concluding in the early 90s, the 1970s Ryan rookie has really gained momentum as nostalgia grows. High-grade copies have seen prices soar above $10,000 as investors recognize this as a predictable long-term winner.

Two more relatively affordable yet still great buying choices from the same period are the 1972 Eddie Matthews rookie card and the 1975 George Brett rookie card. Both Matthews and Brett had Hall of Fame careers and are widely considered among the best hitters of their eras for the Braves and Royals franchises, respectively. Their classic 1970s Topps rookie cards in high grades can still be had for $2,000-$5,000 depending on condition, yet both are excellent opportunities that still have headroom for appreciating gains over the next 5-10 years.

Beyond vintage options from the 1960s-80s heyday, certain contemporary rookies and stars from the 1980s to today provide compelling investments as well. One of the standouts for 2023 is the 2003 LeBron James Topps rookie card. As arguably the greatest basketball player ever who is still active, James’ remarkable career and global celebrity have driven any of his vintage cards to new heights. His rookie is among the most expensive basketball cards ever, with PSA 10 examples reaching over $1 million. With James still excelling at year 20 in the league, sustained demand ensures this modern card’s upward trajectory has plenty of room left.

Two star MLB players primed to follow similar long-term success paths are Mike Trout and Ronald Acuña Jr. Trout has established himself as perhaps the best all-around player of his generation and his varied 2009 Bowman Chrome and paper rookies attract major attention from collectors bullish on his amazing career. Meanwhile, Acuña burst onto the scene with the Atlanta Braves in 2018 and immediately proved himself a true five-tool talent with seemingly unlimited superstar potential. His 2018 Topps Chrome RC refractor rookie has already jumped up over $1,000. As both Trout and Acuña remain perennial MVP candidates who just hit their primes, their leading rookie cards project to go the distance as blue-chip modern investments.

Beyond individual players, certain rare and unique modern parallels, numbered cards and relic cards offer the possibility of very high reward considering today’s market for the rarest new collectibles. Cards like Acuña’s 2018 Topps Holiday parallel (#’d to 10 copies), Trout’s rare 2012 Topps UD Chrome Orange Refractor (/50), or Albert Pujols’ 2000 Bowman Chrome Best Prospect SUPERFRACTOR provide virtually guaranteed increases whenever they become available due to the extreme scarcity and popularity of the tied players. While naturally very expensive currently, the upside on truly one-of-one modern collectibles is limitless.

For those investing in baseball cards in 2023, classic vintage legends like Mickey Mantle and Honus Wagner are always at the top of the heap as the true untouchable blue-chip assets. Equally strong if not better opportunities often exist with affordable legends of the 70s-80s like Nolan Ryan, Eddie Matthews and George Brett. Meanwhile, contemporary options headed by Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr. and other modern stars provide a avenue for buying elite cards at reasonable initial costs that still project to deliver gains for many years as their careers progress. With smart selection and patience, any baseball cards purchased in 2023 across these varied tiers of the market have an excellent chance to profit long-term.

WHAT 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH MONEY

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set was recently released and there are always certain rookie cards, autograph cards, and parallels that hold significant value. While it’s still quite early and the market is developing, here are some of the cards from the base set and additional inserts that seem primed to gain value over time.

One of the cards that usually gains value the quickest is any scarce parallel or short-print of a top rookie player. In the 2023 Topps set, cards of rookies like Grayson Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, and Druw Jones all have parallels and short-prints that could become quite valuable if the player emerges as a star. Some key parallels and short-prints to watch for value increases of those rookies include the Gold /2022 parallels, Rainbow Foil parallels, Black parallel, and any card with a print run under 100 copies.

Autograph cards tend to rise in value significantly for star players even within the first few years after release. Top rookie autograph cards to watch closely from 2023 Topps include Grayson Rodriguez, Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr., and Druw Jones. Premium autographs like on-card autographs, logoman autographs, or 1/1 printing plates could gain value rapidly for those top prospects if they succeed in the majors. Established star autographs that seem likely to gain value include cards of players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, and other elite talents.

Base cards of superstar players long ago usually start to gain steady value as supplies get purchased by collectors. Cards like a Mike Trout base rookie or any base cards from his early years will continue ticking up in price. The same goes for vintage cards of established legends that get pulled out of circulation. High-grade PSA/BGS versions of iconic cards from the past like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, and others can spike in value when a rare pristine example hits the market.

Parallel cards are always a wildcard for gaining value. Short-print, serial-numbered parallels of elite players could experience jumps in price on the secondary market. Serial-numbered parallels under 10 copies for premium stars seem poised to eventually become quite valuable. Rainbow foil, negative refractors, 1/1 printing plates or any other ultra-short parallel carry value potential tied to the player’s performance.

Autograph and memorabilia cards of retired legends are strong investments that gain value each year. Rare autograph or relic cards of no longer living stars like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Bob Gibson and more will only increase in collector demand as their careers recede further into history. With limited supplies, vintage autographs and relic cards tied to iconic players decades after their retirement are virtually guaranteed to appreciate over the long haul.

When considering 2023 Topps cards that have potential to significantly gain value, focus on short-print and parallel rookie cards of promising prospects like Grayson Rodriguez and Druw Jones. Autograph cards for those rookies and star veterans also offer upside. Base cards of all-time greats and valuable parallels/relics/inserts of retired legends are wise long-term holds. By understanding these factors, savvy investors can identify 2023 Topps cards to purchase now and hold for profitable returns down the road. The cards just need time, performance and collector demand to drive their secondary market values upwards in the years ahead.

WHEN WILL 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COME OUT

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The Topps Company has been producing Major League Baseball trading cards since 1938, making them the longest running brand in the baseball card industry. Each new year, collectors eagerly await the release of the flagship Topps baseball card sets which document that season’s players and performances.

Based on Topps’ traditional release schedule and insights from industry experts, here are the key details regarding when the 2023 Topps baseball card releases can be expected:

The flagship “Series 1” release of 2023 Topps baseball cards is planned for early February 2023. This opening series will feature base cards showing each player’s current team photo as well as rookie cards, insert cards, parallels and autographed/memorabilia cards. Topps usually ships Series 1 to retailers in the first week of February so they arrive well in advance of Presidents’ Day weekend, a popular time for baseball card shows where the new releases are heavily promoted.

Series 1 is focused on providing the core team set along with variations to satisfy collectors at launch. However, Topps is known to release teaser promo packs and boxes in late January showcasing a few of the highly sought after short-printed parallels and hit cards to build early buzz. These preview releases have become more common in recent years to fuel initial excitement.

The second major Topps release will be “Series 2” which historically arrives on store shelves in late March or early April. This series expands on Series 1 with additional base cards to fully rotate all 30 MLB teams into the set as well as more rookie and special insert cards. It also introduces card designs and photographic variations distinct from Series 1. series 2 helps keep the hobby active during the early season as collectors work to complete their albums.

A third mainstream Topps release coined “Heritage” arrives in mid-May, preserving the classic look of Topps cards from the late 1960s. Heritage High Numbers, focusing on players with uniform numbers 255 and up, follows in late June/early July. Both of these retro-themed issues are must-haves for collectors seeking to blend vintage and modern content.

Later in the season, Topps will drop at least two more special editions like Update(August/September)and Topps Chrome(October). Update delivers statistical corrections and call-ups while Chrome highlights refractors, autographs and other premium parallel insert cards using modern foil techniques.

Additionally, Topps innovates each year with limited edition specialty sets focusing on All-Stars, award winners and World Series teams. Holiday releases in November also provide convenient gift packs.

The biggest 2023 Topps baseball card releases will arrive according to the traditional schedule of Series 1 in early February, Series 2 in late March/early April, Heritage in mid-May and later season issues like Update and Chrome extending into the fall. Within this proven launch framework, Topps keeps collectors engaged through the entire MLB season and beyond with innovative new products.

WHEN DO 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COME OUT

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The Topps Company has been the foremost producer of baseball cards for decades, with their products dominating the baseball card market year after year. For collectors and fans eagerly awaiting the release of the 2023 Topps Baseball card set, here are the key details about when the various2023 Topps Baseball card products will be arriving.

The flagship 2023 Topps Base card set is scheduled for wide release in mid-February 2023. This has been the standard release window for the Topps Base set going back several years now. In recent years, Topps has begun releasing teaser packs or mini-boxes of the upcoming base set starting in late January, usually found exclusively at hobby shops and larger sporting goods/card retailers. The full mega-box releases, as well as booster packs showing up on shelves at mass retail outlets like Target and Walmart don’t typically arrive until the second or third week of February. This mid-February window allows the season to be well underway by the time consumers can begin ripping packs full of rookies, stars and highlights from the new campaign.

For the hardcore collectors looking to get their hands on unique parallels, variations and short-printed chase cards as quickly as possible though, Topps does provide some exclusive early access release options. Several months before the base set hits wide retail release, Topps auctions off incredibly limited release “First Pitch” box breaks on platforms like eBay. These ultra-exclusive releases might include only 5 to 10 boxes worth of cards, each serially numbered. Even pricier release options appear too, like “Finest First” boxes that sell for thousands and contain elaborate parallel subsets ahead of the pack. Some LCS’s (Local Card Shops) also allocate a small number of un-searched early release boxes for their best customers.

Getting back to the mainstream 2023 releases, after that initial mid-February drop of base Series 1 packs, Topps follows the same year-over-year timeline for subsequent series and products. Usually around the first or second week of April, Series 2 can be found on shelves and in packs. This second series adds more players and any breakout rookies/prospects from the early months of the season. Around Independence Day in July is when hobbyists see Series 3 arrive at retail. And then to close out the yearly Topps issue, Update and Highlights lands in late August/early September once the MLB postseason is around the corner.

Some of Topps’ more premium yearly releases like Chrome, Finest, Allen & Ginter and Topps Transcendent also follow the spring/summer schedules. Chrome and Finest – two of the most popular modern parallels sets – are typically out in late April through June after the Series 2 launch. While products like Allen & Ginter with its unique insert themes and Topps Transcendent with its aim to redefine the standard baseball card shape/design debut a little later during the Heart of MLB summer in July and August. Topps Tribute, a high-end throwback set, generally reaches collectors in October as a perfect postseason retrospective.

As for licensed products from Topps partner brands like Bowman, Stadium Club and Topps Heritage – they also insert themselves neatly into the Topps release calendar. Bowman and its prospects focus come out a bit earlier in March and April to coincide with the start of the minor league season. Meanwhile Stadium Club shows off slick photographs around June after things heat up in MLB. And Heritage in all its vintage homage arrives right before the All-Star break in July. Finally Topps NOW, the company’s innovative instant hit design that’s added within hours of games, is available year-round exclusively on their website and app store.

In summary – while pack-ripping fans should circle mid-February 2023 for their first fix of the new Topps Baseball base Series 1, the true all-you-can-eat Topps buffet stretches from February straight through September. The company spaces out their diverse yearly portfolio over the entire baseball landscape. From early season rookies, to summer stars, to nostalgia editions and beyond – Topps aims to be the official card of the game, cover to cover. With this comprehensive release calendar, they certainly deliver something for every collector throughout the long 162-game campaign.