Tag Archives: 2023

WILL THERE BE TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS IN 2023

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Topps has been producing baseball cards since 1951 and they have the exclusive license from Major League Baseball to produce officially licensed baseball cards through 2025. In recent years, Topps has expanded their baseball card offerings substantially, releasing numerous flagship and specialty baseball card products each year targeting collectors both young and old.

Some key details around Topps’ 2023 baseball card plans and production based on historical release schedules and information:

Topps Baseball Base Set – Topps will release their flagship Topps Baseball base card set in Spring 2023, likely in March or April leading up to Opening Day. The base set usually contains hundreds of cards and photos from the upcoming season, including rookie cards, stars, and team cards.

Special Editions – In addition to the base set, Topps releases numerous special/parallel versions like Chrome, Heritage, Diamond Anniversary parallels, and autographed/memorabilia card inserts throughout the year. These inserts boost excitement and chase for rare/premium cards.

Premier League Products – Luxury products like Topps Tier One, Topps Chrome Black, and Topps Five Star usually release from May through August and contain higher end graphics and short print parallels/relics. These attract serious collectors.

Uniform/Team Updates – Topps monitors MLB uniform changes and will issue new photo variations cards of players that switch teams through the offseason to keep sets current. Cards from 2023 will feature any new uniform designs.

Veteran/Rookie SPs – Short print veteran SP/variations as well as highly sought after rookie cards for the new MLB draft class and debut players are big chase items inserted throughout the year.

Special Cards – Topps creates special commemorative/tribute cards throughout the season for milestones, All-Star games, playoffs, and World Series standouts which add to sets.

Retail vs. Hobby – Products are released through both the mass retail market (hobby shops, drug stores) as well as dedicated hobby boxes/packs with better inserts targeted at serious collectors.

International Releases – Topps releases selected international products under license abroad, usually paralleling U.S. releases for popularity in countries like Japan, UK, Australia, Mexico and more.

Licensing – As the MLB license holder through 2025, Topps is contractually obligated to produce baseball cards each season barring unforeseen circumstances. Their MLB deals also allow collegiate/Olympic/legacy sets.

In addition to physical card products, Topps also runs robust digital platforms like Topps BUNT which release virtual parallel versions of physical card designs. The apps allow collector acquisition and interaction globally.

Topps baseball card releases provide a annual event for collectors and chance to chronicle each new MLB season. With their strong MLB license intact and growing collector interest, barring any unforeseen interruptions, Topps is very likely to continue producing high quality physical and digital baseball card sets and products throughout the 2023 season according to their historical schedules and consistent presence in the market. The company’s significant expansion in recent years of their baseball offerings indicates their commitment to fulfilling collectors’ wants and capturing new fans as well. Topps baseball cards in 2023 seem all but certain to allow collectors another year to build their favorite team and player collections in both physical and digital form.

ARE 2023 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card set just released in late June/early July of this year. It’s still very early in the cards’ existence, so it’s difficult to say definitively what individual cards may be worth long-term. We can examine some factors that could influence the potential value of 2023 Bowman cards going forward.

Bowman is one of the premier baseball card sets each year because it features rookie cards and prospects that haven’t appeared in other sets yet. Many of the game’s biggest stars had their exclusive rookie card debut in Bowman years before achieving stardom. For example, superstars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, and Albert Pujols all had their true rookie card first released in Bowman when they were prospects.

Because of this, Bowman cards tend to hold value better than most other sets in the long run if the players pan out. Rated prospects that go on to have all-star or hall of fame caliber careers see their Bowman rookie cards appreciate significantly over time. Predicting which prospects will succeed is inherently risky. Many top prospects end up busting, so their cards may never gain much value.

The 2023 Bowman set does feature some highly rated prospects that could potentially have valuable cards long-term. Shortstop Jackson Chourio from the Brewers and catcher Druw Jones from the Braves are considered two of the best prospects in the entire minor leagues and both are featured with prized autographed rookie cards. Other notable rookies include catcher Elijah Green (Rockies), pitcher Lesieux Rock (Guardians), pitcher Brock Porter (Rangers) and outfielder Justin Crawford (Angels). These players all have potential all-star upside if their development goes well.

Of course, it’s far too early to say whether any of these rookies will actually reach their ceilings or not. Injuries, poor performance or other unpredictable factors could derail their careers. When Bowman cards are first released, even the top prospects carry relatively little value compared to established major leaguers. For example, a Chourio auto may sell for a few hundred dollars now compared to an Acuña Jr. auto from a previous year at thousands due to proven MLB production.

Short-term, base rookie cards from the set will likely hold value best if the player takes an early step forward. Anyone who shines in their first pro season in 2023 could see demand for their 2023 Bowman cards increase accordingly before next year’s releases. Breakout performances create added hype and excitement. It’s still no guarantee of long-term success.

Player autographs and special parallels can hold collector appeal regardless of performance to an extent due to their scarcity. Numbered parallels like pink refractors and prized on-card autographs signed at Bowman Draft signings likely sell better initially than base cards. Memorabilia cards with game-used materials could as well.

The 2023 Bowman set holds speculation potential long-term if any of the featured rookies blossom into stars. It takes years of sustained success at the MLB level for most Bowman cards to really appreciate meaningfully in value relative to when they were new releases. Patience is required, as is some luck, as the vast majority of top prospects bust in the end. For now, investment value is low outside the priciest exclusive hits. But 2023 Bowman cards could certainly gain value moving forward if the crop of featured rookies perform to expectations. Only time will tell how their careers pan out on and off the field from an investing perspective.

While 2023 Bowman baseball cards hold longshot speculation potential based on strong prospects, their actual worth is unpredictable at this point. Base cards carry little value, but serially numbered parallels and autographed cards retain some collector appeal regardless of outcomes. Sustained MLB success is required for most to regain significance from a monetary standpoint years down the line. The young rookies featured have talent, but predicting their future success remains a gamble at this stage. Patience will be needed to let careers play out before judging the true worth of these fresh cards long-term.

ARE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING 2023

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The value of baseball cards is dependent on numerous factors, especially the specific card or set being discussed. In 2023, it remains true that many modern cards have relatively little monetary value outside of more rare autographed or numbered parallels. Vintage cards from the late 1800s to 1980s era can still hold significant collector value depending on the player, year, condition, and other attributes.

One of the biggest determinants of a card’s worth is the player depicted and their legacy in the sport. Cards featuring all-time greats like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Ken Griffey Jr., and Mike Trout tend to command higher prices than most compared to more run-of-the-mill players. The more accomplished and famous the ballplayer was, the better the condition of their older cards hold up in value over time. Rookie cards also tend to be quite desirable for star players since they represent the first trading card issues featuring them as professionals.

Condition is also a huge factor, as the closer a card is to mint condition the more collectors will pay. Even small creases, corners, or edges can reduce a vintage card’s value significantly compared to a pristine near-perfect copy.Graders like PSA and BGS give assigned numeric conditions grades of 1-10 that catalogs tend to follow. Anything 7.5 or above in condition for a desirable pre-1980s card can net a collector many multiples of a poorer graded copy.

Series and set details also influence baseball card values. Especially for vintage issues, more widely produced common sets like Topps have fewer valuable individual cards compared to scarce regional sets only distributed in certain areas. Promotional and oddball issues also gain collector interest for their scarcity. Numbered parallels and autograph variants in modern sets carry premiums over standard copies.

Rarity is another key determinant, as the fewer produced of a given card means higher prices for affluent collectors seeking to complete sets. Examples include the legendary 1909-11 T206 White Border set before the modern era of mass production. Even variations within standard sets like error cards missing statistics or miscut foiling can spike collector demand.

Nostalgia also fuels interest in cards from collectors’ childhoods that remind them of following the sport growing up. The 1970s-90s boom years for the hobby produced some of the most coveted vintage issues that maintain strong resale prices decades later. Upper Deck’s revival of the brand in the 1980s resurged interest in the modern era.

Baseball itself remains extremely popular in America, maintaining collector enthusiasm for the cards despite competition from other sports and entertainment. As long as the game survives and legends of the past are celebrated, their vintage cardboard will retain nostalgic value especially in top condition for serious investors. Prices have softened some during the late 2010s compared to record highs earlier in the decade, but long-term holdings still showoverall appreciation potential.

While common modern issues have limited monetary worth outside of special parallels, valuable older baseball cards from eras when the hobby first boomed still show potential as alternative investments. Condition, player pedigree, rarity, and desire to own defining pieces of the pastime’s history continue driving enthusiast demand and setting collectibles up for stable holding or increases as baseball endures. For selective collectors, the cards remain worthwhile to acquire both for enjoyment and potential future returns depending greatly on individual card characteristics.

WHAT ARE THE BEST 2023 BASEBALL CARDS TO BUY

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One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards set to release in 2023 is that of Los Angeles Angels pitcher and presumed American League Rookie of the Year winner, Shohei Ohtani. As one of the modern game’s greatest talents, Ohtani’s rookie cards from his first few seasons in MLB have risen dramatically in value in recent years. His 2021 Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor Parallel rookie card in particular has become a highly coveted card among investors. Ohtani’s 2023 cards will most likely be in high demand given another excellent season he is expected to have.

Another rookie pitcher who had a breakout year in 2022 and will have interesting cards to follow is Miami Marlins righty Sandy Alcantara. His changeup made him one of the most dominant starters in baseball and he is poised to become the future ace of that team. Alcantara’s 2023 cards, especially Topps and Bowman Chrome rookie parallels, could take off in price if he continues putting up Cy Young caliber numbers. His collection from 2022 would also be a solid investment.

Top MLB prospects who should make their big league debuts in 2023 and have promising rookie cards include Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler, Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer, Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Taj Bradley. Many consider Dingler and Mayer to be future All-Stars and their Topps Chrome rookie autos could appreciate nicely with strong MLB performances.

Veteran superstar cards are usually safer bets than rookies in terms of retaining value. Players like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts and Juan Soto will always be in demand. While their base rookies or recent flagship releases may be pricey, parallels, relic cards and autographs from their past couple seasons could see jumps in value if 2023 is another MVP caliber year. Any rare Trout or Tatis rookie finds would be truly impressive centerpieces to a collection.

There will be plenty of new sets to search for stars like Aaron Judge, who captured the single season American League home run record in 2022. Products like Topps Opening Day, Topps Chrome, Bowman and Topps Finest feature aesthetically pleasing designs and offer the potential for hitting lucrative short prints and serially numbered cards. Judge’s 2023 edition cards of any type will likely be hotly pursued.

Historic baseball anniversaries in 2023 also provide investing opportunities. Sets commemorating the 150th anniversary of the first fully professional team (Cincinnati Red Stockings in 1869) and 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking MLB’s color barrier with the Brooklyn Dodgers could feature valuable retrospective or “throwback” style cards and inserts focusing on those eras.

When considering what types of 2023 baseball cards to buy for investment purposes, it’s wise to focus on rookies of future star players, elite veterans still in their primes, cards from anniversary sets and products from the major brands like Topps, Bowman and Panini that have proven track records. Diversifying among different levels of rarity, including parallels and autographs along with base rookies, also hedges risk. With patience and some luck researching the prospects, 2023 could be a great year to build a collection with long-term potential

WHAT BASEBALL CARDS TO COLLECT IN 2023

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2023 will be another exciting year for the hobby of baseball card collecting. With rising star rookies making their debuts, veteran superstars continuing to produce, and a new crop of young talent emerging, there are plenty of intriguing cards that could appreciate in value over the next few years. While it’s impossible to predict the future, here are some baseball card recommendations worth considering adding to your collection in 2023 based on recent player performance, career trajectories, and marketing:

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – There may not be a more exciting two-way player in baseball right now than Shohei Ohtani. After a historic 2021 season where he was both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani continues to dazzle on both sides of the ball. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor remains one of the top modern rookie cards to own. As one of the faces of MLB, expect Ohtani’s star and his cards to only rise higher in coming years. With another MVP-caliber season possible in 2023, his rookie cards hold must-have potential.

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – Along with Ohtani, Juan Soto may be the biggest name in baseball not named Mike Trout or Aaron Judge. After re-signing a massive contract with the Padres, Soto will look to lead a powerhouse San Diego lineup in 2023 and beyond. Like Ohtani, Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is one of the premier rookie cards in the hobby. Still just 24 years old, Soto has justified his status as a true five-tool superstar and perennial MVP candidate. His cards seem poised to appreciate as he continues delivering at the plate.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – When healthy, Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the game’s most electrifying players. His 2018 rookie season was cut short due to a torn ACL, but Acuña returned in 2022 to remind everyone of his five-tool talents. He’s still just 25 and will continue playing a major role on contending Braves teams. With sneaky upside as one of the best players of his generation, Acuña’s rookie refractor may be a bargain at its current price point. Even with the injury risk, he profiles as a potential superstar collector’s item.

Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – As the odds-on favorite for AL Rookie of the Year in 2022, Julio Rodríguez immediately established himself as a budding star and one of the game’s most exciting young players. Still just 22, Rodríguez has the talent, tools and contract longevity to be a cornerstone piece for the resurgent Mariners for many years to come. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor remains attainable but holds strong potential to multiply in value with a few more great seasons under his belt in Seattle.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – While injuries limited him as a rookie in 2022, Spencer Torkelson showed why he was the #1 overall pick in 2020 when healthy. As the cornerstone of Detroit’s rebuild, Torkelson is primed for stardom if he can stay on the field. His lefty power bat could make him a perennial 30-homer threat and anchor of the Tigers lineup for a long time. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is an affordable bet on a player with the skills to be a corner infield all-star.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – The second overall pick in 2019, Bobby Witt Jr. immediately became one of MLB’s top prospects and didn’t disappoint in his 2022 rookie campaign. Playing a premium position at shortstop, Witt flashed five-tool potential while making highlight-reel plays in the field and showing serious power at the plate. He’s on the fast track to stardom as a centerpiece for the Royals’ rebuild. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor could be a bargain now looking back in a few years.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Many regard Adley Rutschman as the top prospect in baseball before making his big league debut in 2022. He earned AL Rookie of the Month honors in September while flashing all the skills that made him the #1 pick in 2019. Playing a premium position at catcher with patient bat skills and leadership intangibles, Rutschman has the tools to be an all-around star for the Orioles. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is still quite affordable for such a high-ceiling young talent.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Standing 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw power, Oneil Cruz came on strong for the Pirates down the stretch in 2022 to show why he’s one of baseball’s most exciting prospects. Cruz impacts the game in ways few others can thanks to his rare tools, and he still has plenty of offensive development ahead as he plays a premium position at shortstop. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a low-risk, high-reward add for anyone bullish on Cruz’s long-term star potential.

Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – As one of the game’s top prospects who finally made his MLB debut late in 2022, Anthony Volpe could be the future shortstop for the Yankees. He has the hitting prowess, defensive chops and intangibles to be a pillar for New York’s lineup for years to come. While he struggled initially, Volpe hit .302 after his first call-up suggesting he may be on the verge of stardom. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a savvy investment for such a high-profile Yankees prospect.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Taken second overall in 2021 like his Hall of Fame father Al, Jack Leiter dominated in the minors before a broken fibula cut short his rookie season. He has frontline starter upside if he can stay healthy though and be a workhorse at the front of Texas’ rotation for a decade or more. Leiter’s low-numbered 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is quite affordable now and holds awesome potential if he fulfills his ace projection.

Staying atop emerging talent like the young stars and top prospects discussed is key to collecting valuable baseball cards long-term. Rookie refractor parallels from the likes of Ohtani, Soto, Acuña and more established veterans along with first-year issues of Rodríguez, Witt, Volpe and other ascending newcomers seem poised to appreciate over the next 3-5 years if they continue developing into impact big leaguers. Focusing a collection strategy primarily around today’s and tomorrow’s best young players is a low-risk approach that stands the test of time in this vibrant hobby.

WHERE TO BUY 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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One of the most popular and reliable places to purchase 2023 Topps baseball cards is directly from the Topps website at www.topps.com. Topps sells a wide variety of products on their site, ranging from individual packs and boxes to special hobby boxes, update sets, and high-end memorabilia cards. They will have all of the standard release products as well as any special parallels, short prints, autograph cards, and more. Topps offers safely packaged and tracked shipping across the United States.

Another excellent option is to buy 2023 Topps cards from your local hobby shop or card store. Many independently owned card shops will carry Topps baseball cards and can help you find certain parallels, memorabilia cards, or pieces needed to complete your set. Supporting local businesses is great for the card collecting community. Be sure to call ahead or check website stock listings, as inventory availability will vary between store locations.

National hobby retail chains such as Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Barnes & Noble often stock Topps baseball card packs, blaster boxes, and specialty tins during the season as well. Their stock also differs between locations but it’s worth a quick look. Certain Target and Walmart stores may carry a limited baseball card selection near trading card aisles as well.

Online retailers like Dave & Adam’s Card World, Steel City Collectibles, and Sportlots are tremendous resources for buying 2023 Topps cards. They stock sealed wax boxes, case breaks, individual trading cards, complete sets, and hard-to-find parallels. Sometimes you can find hot promotional parallels or 1/1 autos for auction on their sites too. Shipments are safe and orders are usually processed quickly with most companies.

Ebay is a popular marketplace for vintage and modern Topps cards. Whether you’re looking for sealed or opened product, base cards, parallels, relics, autographs, or 1/1 special editions – there is a great chance you’ll find it on Ebay from multiple third-party sellers. Be sure to check seller history, item conditions, and pictures closely. Ebay also provides buyer protection policies for disputable transactions.

Subscription services such as Blowout Cards, Loot, and Card Barrel offer monthly Topps box or pack break packages delivered to your doorstep. For around $20-50 per month depending on the tier, subscribers get an assortment of the latest baseball cards to build their collections over time. It spreads out the costs of collecting new releases throughout the year.

Attending live card shows and conventions in your area can be a blast for 2023 Topps buying too. Vendors will have tables stacked with boxes, packs, and singles for sale – plus there is fun to be had trading and socializing with other collectors face to face. Be sure to check event listings on Beckett, Blowout Cards or with your local card shop for show schedules in your region. Some of the biggest national shows include the National Sports Collectors Convention and Card EXPO each summer.

Auctions through elite auction houses like Goldin, Heritage, and PWCC provide chances to own rare Topps parallels, 1/1 editions, and signed memorabilia cards – usually for higher prices than retail. Set your maximum bid carefully based on population reports and past sale comps if wanting to bid and avoiding bidder’s remorse. Payment and shipping is then handled securely post-sale.

Social media platforms are now integral for buying, selling and trading Topps baseball cards in the current marketplace. Whether it’s using Facebook groups and Marketplace or interacting with sportscard focused Instagram accounts and their stories – plenty of collectors list available wax, boxes, and singles daily online with affordable prices and shipping costs. Like anywhere, buyer diligence for returns/refunds is important through those avenues.

In summary, Topps’ website, local card shops, major online card retailers, ebay, subscription services, live card shows, elite auctions, and social media channels provide collectors a full spectrum of buying options for adding 2023 Topps baseball cards to their collections from reliable sources. Evaluate needs, budget, and commitment level to determine the best fit platforms. With diligence and care, collectors of all levels can build exciting sets, rosters or portfolios throughout the coming season.

WHERE TO BUY 2023 BASEBALL CARDS

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While 2023 baseball cards have not yet been officially released, there are already a number of reliable places you can purchase them from once they become available. One of the largest and most popular options is online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. All three of these major retailers sell virtually every new baseball card release and will certainly carry the 2023 series. They offer the convenience of online ordering and shipping directly to your door. You may have to wait a bit after the official release date to receive pre-ordered cards from them as they receive large shipments to fulfil orders.

Another excellent online option is specialty sports card retailers like cardboardconnection.com, steelcitycollectibles.com, and blowoutcards.com. These sites are run by experienced card dealers who focus solely on cards. They often get shipments in more quickly after release to list individual cards, boxes, and cases for sale compared to larger retailers. You may find a better selection of certain parallels, short prints, and memorabilia cards available through them sooner as well. Their prices may be a bit higher to account for faster availability and smaller order volumes.

If you prefer to shop in-person, the largest selection of any new baseball card products will be available at major hobby shops in cities across the U.S. Some national chains like Dave & Adam’s Card World and Collector’s Universe/PSA have locations in most major metro areas. Local independent card/comic shops will also stock new releases. Browsing inventory at hobby shops lets you examine condition and check for valuable short prints before purchasing. But their supplies may go fast for highly anticipated releases.

Another noteworthy in-person option is visiting card shows held frequently by local card clubs or national organizing groups like the National Sports Collectors Convention. Vendors fill large exhibition halls with tables filled top-to-bottom with cards available for sale. This environment lets you hunt through piles of vintage and modern cards while also networking with collectors and dealers. Shows offer larger overall selections than any single shop, but specific 2023 cards may still be limited after just launching.

Beyond the typical retailers, sites like eBay are dependable places to buy newly released cards, often even pre-release. Sellers routinely auction early samples or get shipments in to post individual cards, sets, and boxes. While there is no guarantee of authenticity, eBay provides buyer protection. Just be aware of potentially higher prices to account for convenience and take additional precautions to avoid scams.

Online retailers, specialty card shops, local hobby stores, nationwide shows, and peer-to-peer marketplaces all provide reliable options for obtaining 2023 baseball cards once they are officially published and shipped to market. Careful research into each seller’s reputation, shipping times, pricing, and product availability will help you decide the best route based on your individual priorities and budget for purchasing these new additions to your collection once they emerge. With some planning and legwork, you should have no trouble acquiring the specific 2023 cards you seek from trusted sources.

WHEN DO TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS COME OUT

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Topps has been the premier brand in the baseball card industry since the 1950s, holding the exclusive license to produce major league baseball cards each year. They are famous for their iconic design aesthetic and for kickstarting the baseball card craze that still engages collectors today. The release of the upcoming 2023 Topps Baseball card set is an eagerly anticipated event for both casual and dedicated hobbyists alike.

While specific release dates have not been formally announced by Topps just yet, based on recent year trends and industry insights, here is what we can reasonably expect for the 2023 Topps Baseball card release schedule:

The flagship Series 1 release will likely arrive in shops in late March or early April 2023. This is the standard timing that Topps has followed for many years now. Series 1 is the initial mainstream product that contains current rookie cards, team checklists, and base cards of all active MLB players from the prior season. It is aimed at the general collector market.

In the two weeks leading up to the Series 1 release, hobby shops may start receiving and listing for pre-sale some of the high-end 2023 Topps Baseball hobby boxes and special parallels. Products like Topps Chrome, Topps Finest, Allen & Ginter, Tier One, and Bowman Platimum could start trickling into the secondary market from distributors during this period. Releases of these upscale sets usually occur within the first 1-2 months after the new year.

Then in May or June, look for Series 2 to drop. This follows the typical cadence that Topps uses to space out its standard two-series flagshipreleases each year. Series 2 will feature additional base cards and chase inserts that were unavailable in Series 1. Color parallels, numbered parallels, and autographs are commonly inserted at higher ratios in Series 2 as well.

Later in the summer, around July or August, Topps Update is traditionally launched. The Update set provides roster and stats updates for the current MLB season along with rookie debut cards for players who were recently called up. It acts as a mid-season supplement to the initial two series. Autographs and paralleled versions of Update cards tend to be in high demand.

In addition to the bread-and-butter Topps Series and Update releases, several special anniversary and retro-themed parallel sets debut intermittently throughout the 2023 calendar year schedule. These “made-for-collectors” products like Archives, Heritage, Transcendent, and Allen & Ginter often arrive every few months between the flagship drops. They cater more directly to the high-end collector audience.

Near the very end of the baseball season in September or October 2023, Topps will likely do a “Series 3” retail exclusive release through major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Meijer. This limited print run finale wraps up card availability for that particular year and provides any missing late-season roster moves. Series 3 cards are low-print and typically sell out fast.

While specific day-of-the-week timing may vary year-to-year, this outline represents Topps’ typical product release cadence based on historical precedent. The company may elect to tweak elements here and there, but collectors can reasonably expect the 2023 lineup to conform closely to this established seasonal schedule from March through October. Early leaks and confirmations from Topps usually solidify launch dates 2-3 months prior. Hobby shops and online breakers work backwards from past years to calendar expected arrival windows.

Of course, unforeseen manufacturing or distribution delays due to economic conditions are possible, as the collectibles industry remains vulnerable to inflationary pressures and supply chain issues in the same way as other goods markets nowadays. But in a normalized operating climate, Topps has decades of experience planning their marketing strategy around aligning new sets to coincide with MLB’s regular and postseason rhythm of competitive play. Fans eagerly looking forward to adding 2023 Topps cards to their collections can feel confident following this general guideline. The new year of baseball nostalgia and chase hits is coming soon!

Based on historic norms, the 2023 edition of Topps Baseball cards is scheduled to rollout through a series of launches starting as early as late March with Series 1, then continuing on approximately 2 month intervals through October. Hobby boxes of premium parallels may begin soliciting pre-sales a couple weeks prior. While specific dates are TBD, this thorough outline provides collectors a reliable framework to mark their calendars and budgets for the exciting year ahead in wax packs.

WHAT 2023 BASEBALL CARDS ARE WORTH GETTING

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The 2023 baseball season is rapidly approaching, which means the arrival of the new baseball card releases from companies like Topps, Panini, and Leaf. Deciding which cards to target can be difficult with so many rookie stars and veterans to collect. Here are some of the top 2023 baseball cards that are worth getting your hands on based on the players and parallels included:

One of the most exciting rookie classes in years will see their first Topps baseball cards in 2023. Shortstop Julian Vasquez from the Cardinals and catcher Gabriel Martinez from the Red Sox are considered two of the top prospects in baseball right now and their rookies cards will be hot commodities. Keep an eye out for parallels and autographs of both players, as their values have plenty of upside as they progress through the minors.

Speaking of rookies, catcher Adley Rutschman from the Orioles had a breakout season and looks like a future star. His rookie debut in 2022 made those cards very expensive already, so the 2023 issues should still carry premium values. Following an impressive Cup of Coffee late in 2022, infielder Jackie Bradley Jr. will have his true rookie card issued after signing with the Red Sox, making that an interesting card to track.

On the veteran side, superstar Aaron Judge is the biggest name in baseball coming off his record-setting 62 home run season with the Yankees. His Topps Now cards from 2022 absolutely exploded in value and collectors will be hunting his base card and hit parallels in the upcoming releases. Star power and a potential monster contract make Judge’s 2023s a great card to pick up. Along with Judge, Mets pitcher Max Scherzer is also on an expiring deal and primed for one last run with a new team, giving his 2023s intrigue.

For teams expected to contend in 2023, cards from Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Freddie Freeman and New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor will hold interest as both look to rebound from down seasons on new long-term megadeals. Similarly, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber could pop big numbers playing half his games in CBP after signing a four-year deal, putting spotlight on his flagship card.

Parallels always add appeal to modern cards due to their scarcity. Topps Chrome and Finest parallels like the blue, orange and green refractors tend to carry substantial value bumps thanks to the vibrant colors and low print runs. Likewise, the Rainbow Foil parallels in Topps Transcendent hold major appeal for whales looking to complete prestigious rainbow sets. Autographs are king for super high-end collectors, with Topps Autograph parallels and National Treasures signed swatches providing incredible hits.

Perhaps most intriguing will be rookies who break out during their first full MLB season. Names like Indians outfielder George Valera, Marlins pitcher Eury Perez or Guardians infielder Brayan Rocchio could turn into stars overnight if they get hot, rocketing the values of their low-printed parallels and autographs before collectors even realize. Sleeper prospects are part of what makes the card collecting so exciting – you just never know when a no-name will emerge.

The 2023 baseball season provides a huge opportunity to acquire cards from some of the biggest names in the game like Judge and Freeman, but also cards from burgeoning rookie stars and veterans going to new teams that carry speculation. Watching the sport and getting a feel for early season overperformers will help identify values that could multiply over time. With the high-end market still so strong, this looks to be another exciting year for baseball card collectors!

WHEN WILL 2023 BASEBALL CARDS BE RELEASED

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The release of new baseball card sets is an annual event highly anticipated by collectors every year. Even though the 2023 MLB season is still months away, card manufacturers are already working hard behind the scenes to design, produce and distribute the upcoming year’s crop of new baseball cards. Based on historical release patterns and information from the major card companies, here is a breakdown of when the major 2023 baseball card releases can be expected:

Topps is generally the first company to release flagship baseball cards each year, with their main set usually dropping in late January or early February. For 2023, current projections have Topps releasing their flagship Series 1 cards some time in early-to-mid February. This timing allows them to include any big name free agents or trades that may occur in the MLB offseason. Series 1 will feature base rookie and star player cards along with various inserts. Throughout February and March, Topps will then release subsequent Series 2 and Series Update sets on a periodic basis to incorporate stat and roster updates from spring training and the early season.

Panini tends to follow Topps closely with their main Donruss and Contenders releases in February and March as well. Their timing for 2023 flagship products like Donruss Baseball and Contenders Baseball is pegged for late February through March. As with Topps, Panini uses the Series format and plans staggered releases to continually freshen up rosters. Additional Panini sets like Diamond Kings, Impeccable and Clear Cut which feature highly coveted parallels and memorabilia cards typically come out in March through May.

Further into April and May, expect releases from other notable brands like Leaf, Bowman and Franchise Football. Leaf usually launches their annual Metal Universe and/or Leaf Greatest of All Time tribute sets in April. Bowman is renowned for their extensive lineup of highly sought after prospects, and their flagship Bowman’s Best, Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome releases tend to hit the market from late April into June after the draft. Franchise Football shifts over to baseball for their Franchise All-Stars set in May, which compiles top performers from the previous season into memorabilia card formats.

Upper Deck is a company that waits a little later in the year for their baseball releases compared to other manufacturers. With fewer overall sets compared to in the past, Upper Deck typically unveils their flagship products like Upper Deck Series 1 and Upper Deck SP Authentic starting in June going into July/August. These capture the heart of the regular season and all-star festivities, as well as mid-season player movement from trades. Updates like SPx and Timeline can be expected in late summer also from Upper Deck.

Towards the end of the season from August into October, expect hobby retailers to start seeing the first 2023 release boxes from smaller independent labels as they ramp up production. Brands like Gold Label Memorabilia, In The Game, Just Commons and Clubhouse Collection have carved out niches crafting unique parallel and patch sets focused on stars, rookies or specific teams. With lesser print runs, these later releases often cater to collectors seeking certain short-printed autographs or memorabilia relics of their favorite players as autumn baseball winds down.

While things can shift month-to-month based on unforeseen circumstances, the typical window for major 2023 baseball card releases spans from February at the earliest through October at the latest. Kickoff flagships from Topps, Panini and Leaf should start hitting the shelves in February and March ahead of Opening Day. Releases will then continue in steady waves through the summer from brands like Upper Deck, Bowman and Panini before smaller independent labels wrap things up towards playoff season. Collectors can look forward to a full calendar year’s worth of new cardboard from their favorite companies featuring the 2023 MLB stars and storylines as they unfold.