Tag Archives: 2023

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As the longest running and most iconic brand in the hobby, Topps always delivers some highly sought after rookie cards and veterans. This year’s set contained several young stars and veterans that collectors scrambled to pull. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best 2023 Topps Baseball cards collectors were hunting.

One of the top rookies and cards from 2023 Topps was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and American League Rookie of the Year favorite, Jonathan Aranda. Aranda had a breakout season in 2022 where he slashed .261/.337/.443 with 10 home runs and 35 RBI in just 88 games. He established himself as the Rays starting shortstop for years to come. His base rookie card became a hot commodity due to his early success and future star potential. Graded gem mint 10 examples of his card were selling for over $100 due to high demand.

Another rookie generating big buzz was Houston Astros sensation and likely American League Rookie of the Year, Jeremy Pena. Pena took over as the Astros starting shortstop and hit .253 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI while playing stellar defense to help lead Houston to another AL pennant. His base rookie card was also highly sought after and graded versions were selling for $75-100 due to his immediate impact and future all-star trajectory.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was considered the top prospect in baseball coming into 2022 and he lived up to the hype. Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI and also stole 25 bases. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and is poised for superstardom. His Topps base rookie card was one of the most popular pulls of the set and carried a strong premium with graded versions selling for $150 or more due to his five-tool talent and unlimited upside.

Another rookie that generated buzz was Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider. Strider dominated as a rookie, going 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings pitched. He established himself as a future ace and was a big part of Atlanta’s success. His base rookie card was highly sought after and graded versions were selling for $75-100 due to his electric stuff and frontline starter potential long-term.

On the veterans side, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts continued to produce at an elite level. In 2022, Betts hit .273 with 35 home runs and 82 RBI while also stealing 18 bases. He established himself as one of the game’s best all-around players and the face of the Dodgers franchise. His base Topps card carried a strong premium due to his superstar status and the Dodgers wide fanbase. Pristine mint 9 examples were selling for over $50.

Another perennial superstar, New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, had one of the best individual seasons in baseball history. Judge smashed an AL record 62 home runs in 2022 to capture the Triple Crown. He established himself as not just the face of the Yankees, but one of the faces of MLB. Not surprisingly, his base Topps card was one of the most sought after veteran cards. Near-mint 8 versions were selling for $40-50 due to the historic season and star power.

Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani continued to do things never seen before on a baseball field. In 2022, Ohtani hit .273 with 34 home runs and 95 RBI while also going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts as a pitcher. He is the best player in baseball and a true unicorn. His Topps base card carried a strong premium with a PSA 10 example selling for $80 due to his unique two-way talents and status as the best player in the game.

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper also had a monster season in 2022. Harper hit .286 with 35 home runs and 84 RBI to power the Phillies offense and make a run to the World Series. He established himself as a true superstar and face of that franchise. His base Topps card was highly sought after and a BGS 9.5 black label version sold for $50 due to his star power and Phillies popularity.

Those were just some of the best rookies and veterans featured in the 2023 Topps Baseball set. As always, Topps delivered the key stars of the game through their photography and design. The combination of top prospects, young stars, and veterans made this set one of the most exciting in recent memory. For collectors, it provided opportunities to acquire cards of the future faces of the game, as well as current superstars during huge individual seasons. The 2023 Topps set established itself as one of the best in years.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS 2023 PRE ORDER

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Bowman Baseball is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2023 edition is no exception, as collectors and investors are already making plans to pre-order boxes and packs of the upcoming rookie class. While the full checklist won’t be known until closer to the official release date, here’s a detailed look at what to expect from Bowman 2023 pre-orders.

Bowman is the flagship baseball card product from Topps that features prospects, rookie cards, and young MLB talent. It’s released annually in late winter/early spring to kick off the new baseball season. The 2023 edition is expected to hit stores in late March or early April. Topps usually announces pre-order availability for Bowman boxes and packs a couple months prior, so collectors should keep an eye out starting in January 2023.

There are several Bowman product levels to consider for pre-order. At the top is Bowman Draft, which contains cards of players selected in the most recent MLB amateur draft. It’s usually the priciest Bowman release at around $150-200 per box. Draft boxes yield 12 packs with 10 cards each, including autographed and memorabilia rookie cards of top draft picks. This set is geared towards long-term holding of prospects who may develop into stars.

The standard Bowman retail release is the next tier down. A box of 2023 Bowman will likely run $85-100 to pre-order and contain 12 packs with 5 cards apiece. In addition to prospects, these boxes feature the coveted “paper” rookie cards of current MLB rookies. Hits can include autographed and numbered parallels. Bowman retail boxes are a good balance of affordability and potential returns through rookie cards.

For those seeking a budget-friendly way to participate in the Bowman release, the best option is pre-ordering loose packs. A pack of 5 cards will cost around $4-5 to pre-order. While pack odds of hitting a valuable rookie are lower than with a box, it’s an affordable means of acquiring cards from the set without a major upfront commitment. Packs also become available on release day at local hobby shops and mass retailers.

In terms of specific rookies to target, the 2023 Bowman class is headlined by high school prospects like Max Clark, Dante Berti, and Jackson Ferris – all expected to be early picks in the 2023 MLB Draft. On the MLB side, rookies like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman could have flagship rookie cards after impressive debut seasons in 2022. International prospects like Romy Gonzalez and Ynmanol Marinez are also names to watch.

When it comes to parallels and short prints, collectors should seek out especially low numbered versions of top prospects. Topps usually includes parallels like Gold /50, Rainbow Foil /25 and Black 1/1. Autographed cards remain the true chase, especially “on-card” autos where the signature is directly on the front of the card rather than a separate sticker autograph. Memorabilia cards with swatches of jersey or bat material are also highly coveted.

As for pre-order logistics, Topps usually lists Bowman pre-sales on their website and via major online card retailers. Quantities tend to sell out fast for popular products like Bowman Draft boxes. Payment is typically required upfront at the time of order. Most pre-orders are expected to ship within 1-2 weeks of the official release date. Topps is usually good about providing tracking numbers and release updates as that date approaches.

In terms of the investment potential, Bowman rookie cards have proven extremely lucrative for patient collectors in recent years. Stars like Soto, Acuña, Tatis and others all had their rookie cards featured in Bowman before breaking out. While prospects carry risk, even a few major hits can make a Bowman pre-order very profitable long-term. Secondary market prices for top rookies steadily increase as their careers progress.

All in all, the 2023 Bowman release shapes up to be another can’t-miss event for baseball card collectors and investors. With an exciting new crop of MLB rookies and amateur prospects on the horizon, pre-ordering boxes and packs early ensures the best odds of acquiring these coveted rookie cards before they take off in value. Those who do their research on prospects and target especially scarce parallels stand to profit handsomely if a few players emerge as future superstars down the road. The 2023 Bowman pre-sale period is sure to be highly competitive – so collectors will want to sign up for notifications and pounce as soon as pre-orders open up.

RARE BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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Baseball cards are a timeless American pastime. Many people collect cards purely for fun and nostalgia, while others see cards as an investment and take the hobby very seriously from a monetary standpoint. Rare and high-value baseball cards bring collectors immense joy but also come at a hefty price. As we move into 2023, here are some of the rarest and most desirable baseball cards on the market this upcoming year.

One of the true holy grails of baseball card collecting is the 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner card. Only around 60 authentic examples are known to exist today in varying conditions. Little is known about how the original large print run of Wagner cards came to be, but for whatever reason, a small batch without Wagner’s approval made it into circulation. Due to Wagner’s adamant request that his likeness not appear on tobacco cards, American Tobacco swiftly pulled the series and Honus Wagner instantly became the most iconic and sought-after card in the hobby’s history.

In 2021, a PSA NM-MT 8 example of the legendary Wagner card sold at auction for $6.6 million, setting records. While it’s unlikely a Wagner will change hands in 2023 for such an astronomical figure, if a mid-range example were to surface it could still easily fetch $2-3 million today. Another iconic early 20th century card that is equally as difficult to acquire is the 1909 Erie Caramel Eddie Plank card, with only 2-3 graded copies known. Like the Wagner, it would beworth millions if one came up for public sale.

Moving into the post-WWII era, the 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is considered the holy grail of post-war baseball cards. As arguably the greatest switch-hitter of all time and one of baseball’s true icons, Mantle’s towering presence and popularity makes his rookie card extremely desirable for collectors and investors. High-grade examples regularly sell forsix figures, with a PSA NM 7 copy selling for $360,000 in 2021. Like the Wagner, a PSA Gem Mint 9+ example could potentially sell for $750k-1M if it ever became available.

Still in the 1950s, the incredibly rare 1909-11 T206 Sherry Magee subset blank back error card is only believed to have around 3-5 authentic copies in existence. Not much is known about this major misprint, but each new discovery sends shockwaves through the hobby. Given its statistical rarity and historical oddity, this would likely join rarities like the Wagner and Mantle at 7 figures instantly if a new discovery were to surface and go public in the coming year.

Jumping ahead to the 1970s, one of the most impossible modern cards to locate is the 1975 Frank Thomas rookie produced by TCMA. Due to licensing issues, less than a dozen are believed to exist, putting it easily on par with the rarity of a vintage Wagner. Like mint Wagners or ’52 Mantles, finding a pristine graded copy of this unique oddball issue would redefine what’s possible in the modern collector marketplace, likely reaching new record territory at well over $1 million.

To continue into the ’80s, the 1989 UD Ken Griffey Jr. rookie is universally hailed as one of the most iconic in hobby history. High grades typically sell between $50,000-$150,000 depending on condition, but a true gem quality PSA 10 is worth far more due to rarity, last trading hands for around $480,000 in 2022. Given Griffey’s enduring popularity and the incredible demand for his rookie, a copy approaching perfect condition could breach 6 figures with the right bidding competition and find a new home for $750,000 or more in the coming year.

One of the most noteworthy new rarities on the block is the 2013 Topps Finest Refractor Mike Trout rookie card. With the Angels star cementing his case as one of the greatest of all time, his prized rookie has skyrocketed in value, with a PSA 10 reaching a record $912,000 at auction this year. Trout collectors and high-end investors are rapidly scouring the marketplace for pristine copies, so a true perfect candidate emerging in 2023 could potentially threaten $1 million all on its own based on today’s trends. With Trout’s ongoing excellence on the field showing no signs of slowing, his singular rookie card looks positioned to keep pushing new heightson the all-time great collectibles list.

Those were some of the true billionaire dollar cards and rarest specimens that experienced collectors worldwide will surely have their eyes on as new developments unfold in 2023. While most collectors can only hope to afford mid-range vintage gems or modern stars’ rookies in top grades, the ongoing chase for the rarest and most valuable cards is what makes this hobby so alluring for its devoted community. With new condition census upgrades, unforeseen donations to museums, and the occasional surprise appearances from cards long thought vanished, the rare card market continues to capture our imaginations and drive new record prices. 2023 is sure to bring more excitement and history-making discoveries for collectors of these true liquid antiquities we know as baseball cards.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS FACTORY SET

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The 2023 Topps Baseball Cards factory set is one of the most anticipated card releases each year from sports card giant Topps. The factory set provides baseball card collectors an affordable and complete way to acquire all the base cards from the flagship Topps series 1, series 2, and update sets all in one product. With the 2023 season on the horizon, here is an in-depth look at what collectors can expect from the upcoming Topps factory set release.

Topps has been the exclusive producer of Major League Baseball licensed cards since 1956 and each year they release three main sets – Series 1 in spring, Series 2 in summer, and Update in late summer/fall. These three sets make up the core of the baseball card year and capture all the players, rookies, and key moments from that season. In the past, collectors would have to purchase many packs and boxes trying to complete the base card checklist from each set. The factory set solves this issue by containing a pre-assembled complete set of all the base cards.

For the 2023 edition, the factory set checklist will include all the standard size base cards from Series 1 (approximately 600 cards), Series 2 (around 500 cards), and Update (150-200 cards). That adds up to over 1,200 total cards encompassing every MLB player on a 40-man roster at the time of each set’s production. Topps has stated the 2023 factory set will have an expanded checklist from previous years to account for additional players signed as the season progresses.

In terms of design and production, collectors can expect the 2023 Topps cards in the factory set to match the look of the retail releases. The cards will be on the standard Topps card stock at 2.5 x 3.5 inches in size. Serial numbers will be included on the reverse of each card to ensure no duplicates. As with past years, parallels and insert cards from the three series will not be included in the factory set – it is solely for completing the base rosters. The cards will be packaged in a sturdy box with the Topps logo and 2023 branding on the outside for easy storage and organization.

Pricing is always a major factor for collectors, and Topps has worked hard to make the factory set a very affordable option. In recent years, the MSRP has been around $75, which provides an incredible value considering it would cost many times that amount to purchase packs and boxes to complete the three base sets. While MSRP may increase slightly for 2023 due to inflation, Topps has stated their commitment is for the factory set to remain one of the most cost-effective products in the hobby. Availability is also excellent, as factory sets are produced in huge quantities and readily available at major hobby shops and online retailers from release through the end of the calendar year.

For the rookie card collector, the 2023 Topps factory set is an especially intriguing purchase. It guarantees inclusion of the base rookie cards for all the top prospects who made their MLB debuts during the season. This includes any first-year-player cards from Series 1 all the way through call-ups and new rookies featured in Update. Some of the biggest rookie names expected to be showcased include Cardinals super prospect Jordan Walker, Mariners slugger Julio Rodriguez, and Cubs phenomenon Cristian Hernandez. Completing rookie card sets from retail is extremely difficult, so the factory set solves that problem.

In addition to the core baseball card content, Topps packs in valuable bonuses with every factory set. An annual guidebook is included that provides informative stats and bios on every player featured. Serialized sticker inserts are also present that can be collected and traded. Exclusive to the factory set are factory-set-themed parallel cards only available in this product. For 2023, Topps is expected to again include an autograph or memorabilia card of a star player randomly inserted in 1-in-10 factory sets as an extra bonus.

The 2023 Topps Baseball Cards factory set is a true one-stop shop for collectors. It provides an affordable, guaranteed way to finish sets from Series 1, Series 2, and Update all in one fell swoop. Rookie card collectors have everything they need, and additional bonuses make it an even better value. With the inclusion of over 1,200 base cards at a very reasonable price point, the factory set continues to be one of the most popular and important releases on the annual Topps baseball calendar. Its wide availability also ensures that any collector can easily acquire this must-have product.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 2023 Topps baseball card series is set to be released in February 2023, and as with every new series, there are always certain cards collectors will be eagerly seeking. Whether it’s rookie cards of the game’s next superstars, special parallels and inserts, or milestone moments captured on cardboard, here are some of the top 2023 Topps baseball cards collectors will want to track down.

Perhaps the most sought-after cards every year are the rookie cards of players expected to become the future faces of MLB. 2023 looks to have no shortage of elite rookie talent, headlined by Cardinals shortstop Jordan Walker. The No. 2 overall pick from the 2020 draft, Walker had a breakout season in 2022 hitting over .300 between Double-A and Triple-A. His autographed and non-autographed rookies will likely be at the top of many want lists.

Other top rookie cards to watch for include Druw Jones (Braves), Elijah Green (Royals), and Dustin Harris (Red Sox). Jones, the No. 2 pick in 2022, has five-tool potential and pedigree as the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones. Green has enormous raw power that could make him a perennial 30-homer threat. Harris has plus speed and defense in center field with developing offensive skills. All three should be regular big leaguers sooner than later.

For autographed rookie cards, keep an eye out for parallels and serially numbered versions, which provide the best chance at finding an autograph. Topps Update and Topps Chrome are also must-haves, as they often feature additional rookie variations and autographs not seen in the base set.

Veteran stars will also see some standout cards in 2023 Topps as milestones are reached. Look for cards commemorating Albert Pujols’ 700th home run, Joey Votto playing in his 2,000th game, and Miguel Cabrera potentially hitting his 3,000th hit. Topps usually produces parallel and serially numbered “hit king” style cards in anticipation of milestones that can gain significant value post-achievement.

Topps Chrome and Topps Update are also where you’ll find the best short prints and parallels. Topps Chrome in particular is known for its refractors, prisms, and other visually striking card designs. The most coveted will be 1/1 printing plates and serially numbered parallels like gold /10, black /5, and especially the elusive chrome red /1s. Even common parallels like blues and greens hold collector interest due to the aesthetics of the chrome treatment.

Topps Update has also become a haven for rare autographs and serially numbered parallels in recent years. Keep an eye out for rare autograph parallels like /5, /10 in the base set, as well as coveted autographs and parallels of big stars in the Allen & Ginter’s and Stadium Club subsets within Update. The insert cards in Update also feature some of the more unique and visually interesting parallels like the “Galaxy” and “Nebula” parallels numbered to /25 or less.

Topps Archives pays homage to vintage designs and is a must-have for collectors seeking retro-style cards. The 2023 edition will feature designs from the 1970s. Look for serially numbered parallels like Gold /50 and Black /10, as well as 1/1 printing plates capturing the old-school aesthetic. Archives Snapshots also provide unique mini cards highlighting milestone moments.

Topps Finest takes card design and production quality to another level with its ultra-premium offerings. Finest parallels like the Green Foil /99, Red /25, and especially the coveted Black /5 and 1/1 Black Gold plate parallels will be out of many collectors’ price ranges but provide the “holy grail” chase for those who can afford them.

Topps Heritage pays tribute to the classic designs of the 1950s and 1960s with its retro styling. Like Archives, serially numbered parallels and printing plates capture the vintage look while providing a modern collector experience. Heritage High Number also features additional player cards and parallels after the base set has been pulled.

Finally, Topps Transcendent offers the true high-end experience with its hand-collated 1/1 cards featuring coveted patches, autographs, and memorabilia relics of the game’s biggest stars. While costing thousands per card, Transcendent provides the ultimate unique collectible for those seeking true one-of-a-kind pieces.

Whether it’s chasing rookies, commemorating milestones, or seeking the rarest parallels and serial numbers, the 2023 Topps series is primed to deliver outstanding cards across its various product lines. For collectors, it will be an exciting year pursuing these and other standouts from the flagship Topps brand. The 2023 release can’t come soon enough.

DONRUSS BASEBALL 2023 ROOKIE CARDS

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The 2023 Donruss baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year due to the strong rookie class it features. Some of the top prospects expected to have their first major league cards in the set include Druw Jones, Elijah Green, Termarr Johnson, and Emerson Hancock. With so many potential future stars, collectors are eager to get their hands on these rookie cards.

Donruss has a long history of producing quality baseball cards that capture the essence of the sport. Founded in 1956, the brand is known for its classic design aesthetic that focuses on clear action shots of players. For the 2023 set, they are continuing this tradition while also incorporating some modern elements to appeal to today’s collectors. The base cards will have a clean and simple look that allows the photography to take center stage. Parallels and short printed inserts are also expected to be included to add variety.

Perhaps the most buzz surrounding the 2023 Donruss release is around the rookie class it will feature. Top MLB draft pick Druw Jones is a can’t-miss prospect who many feel has the potential to be one of the game’s next great stars. As the son of former MLB All-Star Andruw Jones, there is already plenty of interest in his cards. His autographed and memorabilia cards in particular are expected to be in high demand.

Another highly touted rookie is Elijah Green, who was taken first overall in the 2022 MLB draft by the Detroit Tigers. Green has five-tool talent and his blend of power and speed has drawn comparisons to Mike Trout. His cards will likely be hot commodities as collectors look to get in early on what could be a true superstar. Green’s autographed cards will be a major chase for collectors.

Shortstop Termarr Johnson was taken fourth overall in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Pirates and has already shown an advanced approach at the plate for his age. His cards will be popular with Pirates fans as well as those looking to invest in a potential future All-Star. Johnson has the tools to be an impact player, so collectors will want to stock up on his rookies now before his value increases.

Emerson Hancock is another top pitching prospect who was selected sixth overall in 2020 by the Seattle Mariners. After injuries slowed his progress, he is now healthy and showing why he was such a high draft pick. As a potential frontline starter, Hancock’s rookie cards will appeal to both Mariners collectors as well as those seeking impact pitching prospects. His autographs will be a key chase for collectors hoping to land a future ace.

Beyond these headliners, the 2023 Donruss set will feature over a dozen other top prospects who were drafted or signed in 2022, giving collectors plenty of options to pursue. Names like Elijah Tatis, Brock Porter, Owen Caissie and others will all have their first MLB cards in this release. For teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers who had multiple top picks, their fans will enjoy collecting prospects who could one day help their favorite clubs.

In addition to the coveted rookie cards, veteran stars will also be featured throughout the base set in their familiar uniforms. Popular veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Mookie Betts will provide iconic images for collectors. Parallels and inserts are also expected to focus on current and retired greats like Mike Trout, Babe Ruth and others.

When it comes to release date and product information, Donruss has not yet made official announcements. Based on prior years, collectors can expect the 2023 baseball set to be released in late winter/early spring of 2023. It will likely be available in traditional wax packs and boxes at the $3.99 to $99.99 price points. Higher end products like autographed memorabilia boxes may retail for several hundred dollars.

The 2023 Donruss baseball release is poised to be one of the most anticipated issues in recent memory. With such a deep rookie class headlined by Druw Jones, Elijah Green and others, collectors are eager to land these future stars in their inaugural MLB cards before their values skyrocket. For teams and fans, it’s an opportunity to collect and support their favorite organizations’ top prospects. The classic Donruss design also ensures the cards will maintain their appeal for decades to come. Whether collecting for investment purposes or team allegiances, the 2023 Donruss baseball set looks to be a must-have for all hobbyists.

BEST CARDS IN 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL SERIES 1

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The 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball release marks the start of the flagship Topps baseball card set’s 66th year. As always, Series 1 contains a wide variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that make it one of the most anticipated releases each year. With so many cards to sort through, here’s a closer look at some of the standouts collectors will want to target from the 2023 Topps Series 1 set.

One of the biggest rookie cards in the set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. Considered one of the elite prospects in baseball, Edwards hit .299 with 24 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and is expected to make his MLB debut in 2023. His base rookie card can be pulled in Series 1 packs and will be one of the key rookie chase cards for collectors next year. Another exciting rookie is Detroit Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler, who hit .250 with 13 home runs in his first full season in Double-A. Dingler has big power potential and his rookie card should be in high demand.

On the star player front, one card that will attract a lot of attention is Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. After winning the AL MVP award in 2021 and continuing his dominance on the mound and in the batter’s box in 2022, Ohtani has become one of the faces of MLB. His base Topps card is always a popular pull and parallels will carry premium value. Another superstar to watch is New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who rebounded from an injury-plagued 2021 season to hit .270 with 107 RBI and win his first Gold Glove award in 2022. Lindor’s star power makes him a coveted card for collectors.

In terms of parallels, the Rainbow Foil parallel cards tend to be some of the most sought-after short prints in Series 1. Featuring an iridescent foil treatment on the player image, these parallel cards number between /99 and /50 copies and highlight some of the set’s top rookie and star talents. Other key parallels include Gold Foil (/50), Gold Stamp (/2020), and Platinum Stamp (/1). Low-numbered parallels of big names like Ohtani, Lindor, Edwards, and Dingler will be highly valuable. The set also includes an autographed card checklist, with signatures of stars and prospects available through redemption.

Topps also continues its popular Traditions insert set with Series 1. Highlighting classic designs from decades past, the Traditions cards feature current players in vintage-style uniforms and photography. Parallels like Gold (/50) and Black (/10) take on added significance. Rookie Traditions cards are particularly sought after by collectors. Another popular insert is Topps Now Moments, which captures iconic MLB performances from the previous season in card form shortly after they occur. Topps Now cards of postseason heroes and award winners like Aaron Judge are highly collectible.

In terms of variations, the ever-popular negative photo variations return in Series 1. Featuring players photographed against a black background in a negative color scheme, these one-per-case hits create a unique aesthetic. Other short-printed variations include Rainbow Foil Negative (/99), Gold Foil Negative (/50), and Platinum Stamp Negative (/1). Finding a negative parallel of a big star like Judge or Shohei Ohtani would be a true chase card. Additionally, Topps continues its popular “Photo Variation” concept, with alternate photos of select players inserted randomly in packs.

When it comes to serial numbered cards, collectors will want to target low-number versions of top rookies and stars. Serial numbers below /250 are considered short prints. Super short prints below /50 like Gold Stamp (/2020) or Platinum Stamp (/1) cards of big names will be true high-end hits. The set’s Box Toppers, featuring select star players in a photo variant design, are serial numbered to /299, with low numbers being the most coveted.

With rookies like Xavier Edwards and Dillon Dingler, stars like Shohei Ohtani and Francisco Lindor, and an array of popular parallels, inserts, and variations, the 2023 Topps Series 1 baseball release is stocked with cards that are sure to be in high demand from collectors. For those chasing the set’s biggest hits and chase cards, keep an eye out for low-numbered parallels, negative variations, Traditions cards, and the prized rookie cards that could become collectible cornerstones. Series 1 is always a fun way to start the annual Topps baseball card journey.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS CHROME

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The 2023 Topps Baseball Cards Chrome set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year from hobby giant Topps. As baseball fans eagerly await the start of the new season in spring 2023, collectors can get a jump start on adding the shiny new Chrome cards to their collections featuring this year’s crop of rising stars and veteran superstars.

Topps Chrome has become a modern classic since its debut in the late 1990s, known for its photo-realistic images and irresistible refractor parallel designs that literally sparkle under light. Each year Topps outdoes itself with cutting edge photography and technological innovations that push the boundaries of what’s possible on a trading card. The 2023 edition looks to continue upholding Chrome’s sterling reputation among both collectors and players themselves.

Similar to years past, the 2023 Topps Chrome base set will feature 264 cards covering all 30 Major League teams. Rosters will be finalized based on the conclusion of the 2022 season so fans can expect to see any big offseason moves and call-ups reflected. Each player’s card will sport a clean design with minimal borders allowing the high-resolution image to really pop off the surface. Backgrounds will be solid colors that coordinate with each club’s jersey hues.

Paralleling the flagship Topps base set released earlier, the Chrome issue reimagines those same designs with premium production values. Whereas the standard Topps cards use a traditional paper stock, Chrome ups the ante by printing on a thin, glossy plastic material. This gives each card a slick, almost liquid-like quality under light that collectors find irresistible. The photos themselves really shine through vibrantly due to the enhanced resolution capabilities of Chrome’s printing process.

Topps Chrome has become known for featuring some of the most exquisite photography in the entire hobby. With each new year, the camerawork becomes more cinematic and players are captured in more dramatic poses that make the images feel alive. 2023 looks to take things to another level with cutting edge techniques like advanced lighting and unique perspectives that place the viewer right on the field. Fans can expect to see their favorite stars depicted in new, memorable ways that do justice to their immense talents.

While the base set provides the foundation, it’s Topps Chrome’s parallels that really send collectors’ adrenaline soaring. Special parallel versions of cards are inserted throughout packs at various predetermined rarities. These employ different techniques like using alternate color schemes, refractors, and serial numbering to make each card visually distinct. The most coveted for 2023 will undoubtedly be the 1-of-1 Prime parallels featuring a single player alone on a card in dazzling refracted fashion. Pulling one of these will be a true white whale moment for any hobbyist.

Some other highly sought-after 2023 Topps Chrome parallels based on past years include:

Refractors: Featured a subtle colored refracting effect across the front, these are inserted about 1 per pack.

Orange Refractors: A step up in rarity from the standard refractors at about 1 per 10 packs.

Green Refractors: Even harder to find at around 1 per 50 packs, these glow a beautiful emerald hue.

Gold Refractors: Numbered to just /50 copies each, these encapsulate the true high-end Chrome experience.

Black Refractors: The pinnacle parallel, these premiere black bordered beauties are serial numbered to an ultra-low /5 copies.

While parallel chase cards excite collectors, Topps Chrome also aims to please team builders. Each year it includes team-centric subsets highlighting various squads. For 2023, some potential themes that could be spotlighted include “Rookie Debuts,” “Postseason Heroes,” and “Franchise Legends.” These run about a half dozen cards per team for an additional 120-150 cards total.

Topps Chrome 2023 is sure to be another instant classic among the hobby’s premier releases. With its breathtaking photography, thrilling parallel chase, and focus on today’s brightest young stars, it promises to captivate both casual and avid collectors alike. The set’s slick design and premium feel in the hand is a true sensory experience that keeps fans coming back year after year. As baseball fever takes hold heading into the spring, Chrome 2023 looks poised to be one of the most ripped and discussed sports card products to date. Its arrival each January remains a bright spot to help tide the community over during the long offseason months.

2023 BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 baseball card season is shaping up to be another exciting year in the hobby. With new rookie classes featuring some of the game’s brightest young stars and veteran players continuing to produce on the field, there will be no shortage of collectibles hitting the market in the new year.

Two of the biggest names to watch for in 2023 are Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels and Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves. Ohtani, the reigning American League MVP and one of the most unique talents in baseball history, will again be one of the faces of the hobby after another historic season both at the plate and on the mound. Meanwhile, Acuña is looking to bounce back from a torn ACL that cost him much of the 2022 season. He remains one of the game’s most electrifying players when healthy and his cards hold tremendous value.

Topps, as the industry leader, will once again be the first major brand to release cards for the new season. The flagship Topps Series 1 is scheduled to arrive in hobby shops and retail outlets in late January or early February. This set typically features many of the top rookies and stars from the previous season. Parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards of key players can drive significant collector interest. Topps Chrome, with its refractors and other foil variants, usually follows Series 1 in March.

Panini will look to build on the momentum of its licensed MLB trading card rights with another year of Donruss and Contenders releases. Donruss Baseball, the brand’s flagship set, is expected to hit shelves in April or May after Panini gained the exclusive right to produce cards beyond the regular season in 2022. Contenders Baseball, with its focus on memorabilia and autographs, will be another highly anticipated release later in the year.

Bowman, the exclusive MLB rookie card brand owned by Topps, will unveil several sets highlighting top prospects coming through the minor league system in 2023. Bowman Draft and Bowman Platinum are set standards that debut each spring, while Bowman Chrome and Bowman’s Best offer high-end parallels and autographs. Cards of emerging stars like Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., and Julio Rodriguez remain hot commodities for collectors.

Several 2023 rookie classes look particularly strong. Catching prospects Daniel Susac (Oakland A’s), Andrew Knizner (St. Louis Cardinals), and Dillon Dingler (Detroit Tigers) all had breakout seasons in 2022. Shortstops Gunnar Henderson (Baltimore Orioles), Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates), and Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals) could be future stars. Pitchers like George Kirby (Seattle Mariners), Hunter Brown (Houston Astros), and Shane Baz (Tampa Bay Rays) also made impressive MLB debuts last season. Their rookie cards will be targeted.

On the veteran side, superstar talents like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, and Juan Soto continue producing at elite levels and will anchor the high-end card market. Young standouts like Wander Franco, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Julio Rodriguez are also establishing themselves as cornerstone franchise players. Parallels and autographs of these household names command top dollar from collectors.

Players who switched teams via free agency or trade in the offseason may also see a bump in card values as fans of their new clubs look to add them to their collections. Dansby Swanson (signed with Phillies), Trea Turner (signed with Phillies), Xander Bogaerts (signed with Padres), and Carlos Correa (signed with Twins) are some names who will have dual allegiances in 2023.

The 2023 season also marks the debut of the MLB’s new 12-team wild card playoff format. This increases the number of postseason games and playoff teams, creating more opportunities for star players to etch their names in October lore. Standout playoff performances tend to bolster the popularity and value of players’ cards long-term.

While the trading card market has cooled slightly after a pandemic boom, 2023 still shapes up as another strong year for the hobby. With a fresh crop of rookies, perennial stars, new uniforms, and expanded playoffs on tap for Major League Baseball, collectors will have plenty to hunt for in the upcoming series and releases from Topps, Panini, and others. For those looking to invest in the next generation of baseball legends, 2023 may provide that opportunity.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS SET

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The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the longtime leader in licensed sports card production. Set for release in late January 2023, the Topps flagship baseball card set will once again include a full roster of today’s top MLB stars along with prospects and veterans from all 30 teams.

Some key things collectors can expect from the 2023 Topps Baseball release include:

Base Card Design: Topps has not yet revealed full details, but the base card design is expected to feature a modernized look building off recent years. Base cards will again include player photos, team logos, stats and likely position identifiers on the fronts. Backs will provide biographical info and career stats.

Parallels and Short Prints: In addition to the base cards, Topps inserts numerous parallels and short printed “hits” into wax packs, blasters and hobby boxes. Expect several different colored parallels like Gold, Silver, Refractor, Rainbow Foil and more at various print runs. Rare 1/1 parallels will also be present.

Autograph and Memorabilia Cards: As with recent years, Topps will include autographed cards and memorabilia cards inserted at various rarities. Expect rookie autographs, star autographed parallels and memorabilia cards with swatches of jerseys, bats or other game-used pieces.

Rookie Cards: Topps will feature the rookie cards of all notable MLB rookies and prospects from the 2022 season in the 2023 set. Key rookies to watch for include Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more. Topps Update Series may also include additional rookies who debuted late in 2022.

Special Insert Sets: Topps usually includes several insert sets highlighting various players, positions, milestones and more. Recent years have seen sets for All-Star players, Gold Glove winners, postseason heroes and more. Retired player “Tribute” inserts are also common.

Parallels Beyond Hobby Boxes: For collectors seeking extremely rare parallels, Topps also produces limited edition parallels that are only available through special group breaks, individual case breaks or direct from the Topps company. These include 1/1 parallels and specialty parallels with low print runs.

Checklist Cards: As with all Topps sports sets, collectors can expect multiple checklist cards throughout the base set and special inserts. These provide a running list of all players, subsets and insert sets included in the release.

Bonus Prizm-Style Parallels: Topps has included bonus “Prizm”-style parallels in recent flagship releases that mimic the popular parallel designs from Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome products. Refractors, color blurs and more can be expected.

In terms of release date and product mix, here are more key details on the 2023 Topps Baseball release:

Release Date: The 2023 Topps Baseball base set is scheduled for wide release the final week of January 2023. Hobby boxes, blasters, fat packs and loose packs will all be readily available at that time from major retailers.

Hobby Box Contents: Hobby boxes for the 2023 release will contain either 12 or 24 packs per box, with each pack containing approximately 16 cards. Hobby boxes guarantee several hits including autographed and memorabilia cards.

Blaster/Fat Pack/Loose Pack Contents: These mainstream retail products like Blasters (10 packs), Fat Packs (5 packs) and loose packs will contain base cards, parallels and a chance at short prints or low-end hits. No autograph or memorabilia guarantees.

Jumbo Pack/Box Offerings: In addition to standard hobby boxes, Topps may produce limited “Jumbo” hobby boxes containing packs with more cards or additional bonus packs/hits.

Hobby Exclusive Short Prints: Topps often produces parallel short prints and 1/1 cards that are exclusive to hobby boxes and individual hobby packs. These provide extra value for hobby collectors.

Pre-Release Hobby Packs: Some hobby stores and breakers may offer early pre-release packs, boxes or breaks beginning 1-2 weeks before the official release date.

In terms of product value, the 2023 Topps Baseball release is expected to provide solid value for both casual collectors and investors given the high-profile rookie class and star players included:

Base Rookies: The base rookie cards for stars like Witt, Torkelson and Rodriguez should be hot commodities. Even commons could carry $10+ value in PSA 10.

Star RCs: Superfractor or 1/1 parallels of top rookie cards could sell for hundreds or thousands.

Star Autos/Memorabilia: Autographs and game-used memorabilia cards of established veterans like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge and more will hold long-term value prospects. Rarer parallels can sell for hundreds.

Short Prints: Low-numbered parallel short prints and 1/1 variations from the base set and inserts could carry substantial premiums over standard parallels.

Resale Market: Once the initial hype dies down after release, savvy collectors will be able to move less-desirable cards for profits and reinvest in key rookies or stars. The market for this set should remain strong.

The 2023 Topps Baseball release has all the makings of another highly successful flagship set from the industry leader. With a prime rookie class and mix of products at all price points, it will be a must-have for both new and veteran collectors. Those able to acquire boxes or packs at or near the initial MSRP should find plenty of opportunities to build a collection or generate profits in the resale market later. Stay tuned for full release details and check with your local card shops for pre-order availability.