Tag Archives: 2023

2023 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2023 Topps Heritage baseball card set is the latest retro-style release from Topps that pays homage to the design aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s. As with previous years, some of the standout rookie cards and star players featured in the Heritage set have already started to gain value on the secondary market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 2023 Topps Heritage cards that could be worth money down the road.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2023 Heritage set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. As one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Franco had a breakout season in 2021 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His card carries a lot of hype and is one collectors are targeting. While most Franco rookies can still be found for under $10, his price tag is sure to rise significantly if he continues developing into the superstar many project. In a few years, this could very well be a $100+ card.

Another rookie to watch is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Like Franco, Rodriguez is considered a true five-tool talent and was among the top prospects heading into the 2023 season. He had a strong debut campaign in 2022 and will be a fixture in the Mariners lineup for years to come. His Heritage rookie card isn’t as expensive as Franco’s yet, but it has serious long-term upside if Rodriguez lives up to the hype. This is a card that makes sense to hold onto.

For established star players, one of the 2023 Heritage cards already gaining value is that of Los Angeles Angels pitcher/outfielder Shohei Ohtani. As arguably the best two-way player in baseball today, there is huge demand for Ohtani cards. While his rookie cards from previous years carry high prices already, his latest Heritage issue could appreciate significantly with another MVP-caliber season. Ohtani is still reaching new heights in his career, making his cards a worthwhile investment.

Another top Angels player who could see his Heritage card rise is superstar outfielder Mike Trout. As perhaps the greatest active player, Trout cards have held value extremely well over the years. His latest retro-style issue looks sharp and will be a popular card for collectors. Trout still has several high-production years left, ensuring any new cards featuring the future Hall of Famer have long-term potential. Even at $10-15 currently, his 2023 Heritage card is underpriced.

Continuing with West Coast superstars, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts also has a Heritage card that could pay off for savvy collectors. Like Trout, Betts is a perennial MVP candidate who leads his team to championships. He’s still early in a huge contract with the Dodgers, guaranteeing plenty more on-field success ahead. Any new Betts issues are worth hanging onto long-term. His retro design card profile is appealing and could net $50+ down the road.

Shifting to the American League East, New York Yankees stars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton each have 2023 Heritage cards that deserve attention. After smashing an AL-record 62 home runs in 2022, Judge is the biggest name in baseball and will command huge card prices if he can back up that dominant season. His latest issue looks sharp and could net $100+ with another huge year. Stanton is also a prolific slugger who leads the Yankees annually, making his Heritage card a solid long-term hold as well.

A couple of other AL East stars to watch out for are Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts. As budding franchise cornerstones, both have produced at elite levels already in their young careers. Any new Guerrero Jr. and Bogaerts issues have potential given their all-star caliber play. Their Heritage designs are classic looking and a nice addition for collectors bullish on these talented players. Prices under $10 currently make both cards affordable bets.

Shifting to the National League, one of the most intriguing 2023 Heritage cards features Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. When healthy, Acuña is arguably baseball’s most electrifying all-around player. He’s still just 25 and will likely have a full, Hall of Fame caliber career ahead. His Heritage card looks sharp and has the chance to gain substantially in value if Acuña stays on the field and recaptures his MVP-level form. It’s a card worth hanging onto long-term.

A couple other NL stars that could pay dividends for collectors are St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Goldschmidt has been the model of consistency, producing at an All-Star level for over a decade now. He’s a lock for Cooperstown and any new cards will retain value. Meanwhile, Tatis has all the skills to be the game’s next superstar if he can stay on the field. His Heritage card is a nice buy-low candidate given the talent.

While the 2023 Topps Heritage baseball set just came out, savvy collectors are already targeting several standout rookie and star player cards that show long-term appreciation potential. Names like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge and Ronald Acuña Jr. feature some of the best young talent and proven veterans in the sport today. Their sharp retro-style Heritage issues look great in any collection and could prove to be worthwhile investments down the road if those players continue ascending to new heights. For collectors with a long-term outlook, several 2023 Heritage cards appear undervalued and poised to gain value in the coming years.

2023 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS VALUES

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for baseball card collectors and investors. While it’s still early and the rookie class is still developing their careers, there are already several prospects and young stars whose rookie cards hold strong value that is likely to increase over time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2023 Bowman baseball cards to watch and understand where their current values are coming from.

One of the biggest names and faces on 2023 Bowman is Los Angeles Angels pitcher and two-way star Shohei Ohtani. As the reigning AL MVP and one of the most unique talents in baseball history able to excel as both a pitcher and hitter, anything related to Ohtani garners high interest from collectors. His base Bowman paper rookie card currently sells for around $15-20, while autographed and memorabilia cards can fetch hundreds or even thousands depending on the parallel and autograph style. Ohtani is still in his prime at age 28 and continuing to put up video game numbers, so his rookie card prices seem poised to climb higher over the long run as he solidifies his legend status.

Another Angels prospect generating a lot of buzz is shortstop Logan O’Hoppe, who is ranked as high as the 6th best prospect in the Angels system by MLB.com. While he spent most of 2022 at Double-A, O’Hoppe flashed some intriguing power and is seen as a potential future middle of the lineup bat. His base Bowman paper rookie sells in the $8-12 range currently, with parallels and autographs carrying commensurately higher prices. As O’Hoppe continues developing and potentially reaches the majors in 2023, more performance on a bigger stage could push his cards to new heights.

Over in the National League, Atlanta Braves’ prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy is making noise with his 6’6″ frame and left-handed power potential. Though still in A-ball, Malloy launched 15 home runs in 2022 to pique collector interest. His base rookie sells for $5-8 currently, with autographed and parallel versions in the $15-30 range. If Malloy can continue tapping into his raw power as he moves up the ladder, there is breakout potential that could significantly boost the value of his rookie cards in the coming years.

Shifting to the AL East, Toronto Blue Jays’ top prospect Gabriel Moreno has also become a must-watch player in the hobby. Regarded as an elite defender already at catcher with a polished bat, Moreno reached Triple-A at just 22 years old in 2022. He may debut in the bigs as early as 2023 and is considered a future cornerstone. Moreno’s base Bowman paper rookie sells in the $10-15 range now, with autographed and memorabilia versions reaching well into the triple digits. As he gets closer to the majors and establishes himself, his rookie cards could easily surpass $100 across the board.

Over in the NL Central, one of the top breakout prospects of 2022 was St. Louis Cardinals’ outfielder Jordan Walker. The massive 6’6″ slugger smashed 39 home runs between High-A and Double-A at just 20 years old. His immense raw power is already translating, and Walker has cemented himself as one of baseball’s elite prospects. Not surprisingly, collectors have taken notice – his base Bowman rookie sells in the $15-20 range currently, with higher priced parallels and autographs reaching $50-150. If Walker’s 2022 power surge carries into 2023, he could become a true star in the making and send his rookie card values skyrocketing.

Shifting to pitching, Detroit Tigers’ prospect Dylan Smith had an impressive 2022 campaign that has collectors excited. The former 2nd rounder struck out 130 batters with a 2.19 ERA between High-A and Double-A as a 21 year old. With his combination of size, stuff and control, Smith has the makings of a future frontline starter. Not surprisingly, collectors are already taking note – his base Bowman rookie sells in the $8-12 range currently, with parallels and autographs reaching the $25-50 range. Continued development and ascension through the minors could position Smith for a breakout and make his rookie cards a worthwhile long term investment.

Over in the AL West, Seattle Mariners’ top prospect Emerson Hancock is another young arm generating buzz. The former 1st rounder missed most of 2022 due to injury but flashed immense stuff when on the mound. Standing 6’4″ with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Hancock has true ace potential if he can stay healthy. With the Mariners perpetually in contention, he could reach the majors as early as late 2023. His base Bowman rookie currently sells in the $10-15 range, with higher priced parallels and autographs reaching $30-75. As Hancock gets further removed from injury and closer to the bigs, expect strong appreciation for his rookie cards.

While it’s still early and careers can change course, these select 2023 Bowman rookies from Ohtani and Moreno to Walker and Hancock represent some of the top names to watch based on pedigree, performance and future upside. With continued development and major league success, their rookie cards hold strong long term value potential for savvy baseball card investors. It will be exciting to track the progress of this exciting rookie class both on the field and in the hobby over the coming years. The 2023 Bowman set offers a great opportunity to get in early on what could become some of the most coveted modern rookie cards in the sport.

2023 TOPPS BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Big League Baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year. As one of the flagship brands in the industry, Topps always delivers exciting rookies, stars, and parallels to collect. This year’s 792 card base set offers collectors a wide array of current and former players to add to their collections. With several highly sought after short prints, autographed cards, and more, there are plenty of chase cards that have the potential to become extremely valuable in the long run. Here are some of the best and most desirable cards collectors will be trying to track down from the 2023 Topps Big League set.

One of the top rookies and likely most valuable cards from Series 1 is the Bobby Witt Jr. rainbow foil parallel. Witt Jr. had a phenomenal rookie season with the Kansas City Royals, establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in the game. His base card is already in high demand, but the limited rainbow parallel will be extremely hard to find. With his talent and star power, this card could gain a lot of value over time. Another hugely popular rookie is the Julio Rodriguez showcase parallel from Series 1. Rodriguez burst onto the scene with the Seattle Mariners and had one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory. His showcase card, with its eye-catching design, is sure to be a centerpiece for collectors.

Two highly sought after short prints from Series 1 are the rainbow foil parallels of superstar Mike Trout and budding two-way star Shohei Ohtani. Both Trout and Ohtani are perennial MVP candidates who continue putting up otherworldly stats year after year. Their base cards are always in high demand but the short printed rainbow versions take it to another level. These are absolute must-haves for any serious collector. Another hugely popular SP is likely to be the Julio Rodriguez showcase short print variation. With Rodriguez being such a breakout star, any scarce parallel of his rookie card will be a huge chase.

Series 2 is delivering some exciting new chase cards as well. Perhaps the biggest rookie card to watch out for is the Druw Jones showcase parallel. As the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, there is already a ton of hype around Druw as one of the top prospects. His showcase card out of Series 2 will be a highly sought trophy piece. Another exciting new addition is the Jasson Dominguez rainbow foil parallel. Dominguez is considered one of the best international prospects of the last decade and collectors have been waiting for his official rookie card. His limited parallel will be a huge hit. The Adley Rutschman showcase short print also promises to be a popular and valuable card. Rutschman had a breakout season and looks like a future star, making his scarce SP very enticing.

On the veteran side, the Aaron Judge showcase parallel is poised to be one of the most sought after Series 2 cards. After smashing the AL home run record, Judge is the biggest name in baseball right now. His regular base card is already in high demand, but the low print showcase version will be a true prize. The Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani showcase SPs from Series 2 are also sure to generate plenty of buzz. As always, any rare parallel of the game’s two best players will hold significant long term value. The Mookie Betts rainbow foil is another star power card that is positioned to become a highly valuable chase.

When it comes to autographed and memorabilia cards, Topps really saved some of the best for the high-end products. The Aaron Judge Topps Tek auto from Transcendent is already being heralded as the holy grail card of the set. With Judge’s record-breaking season fresh in collectors’ minds, any on-card auto of him from Topps’ premiere brand will demand an enormous premium. The Bobby Witt Jr. Topps’ Best auto from Transcendent is another massive new hit that will excite the hobby. Other autos likely to gain steam include Julio Rodriguez from Topps Chrome, Druw Jones from Finest Signatures, and Shohei Ohtani from Topps Chrome Update.

In terms of memorabilia cards, the Mike Trout game-used jersey relic from Transcendent is poised to take the collecting world by storm. Any meaningful piece of Trout’s uniform is sure to hold value. The Aaron Judge home run ball relic from Finest Moments also has potential to become one of the year’s most iconic cards. Other exciting patches, bats, and autographs to target include Bobby Witt Jr. from Finest, Julio Rodriguez from Topps Chrome, and Shohei Ohtani from Topps Chrome Update.

With so many new stars, short prints, and high-end hits, the 2023 Topps Big League Baseball series are delivering some true centerpiece cards for collections. Rookies like Witt Jr., Rodriguez, and Jones will excite the hobby for years to come. Meanwhile, superstars like Trout, Ohtani, Judge, and Betts continue to produce must-have cards. For collectors, the chase is on to track down the biggest and best cards from the flagship Topps releases. Many of these rookies and parallels have the chance to gain tremendous value if the players live up to their potential long term. It should be another fun year chasing and collecting from the highly anticipated 2023 Topps Big League Baseball set.

EXPENSIVE BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The hobby of collecting baseball cards has grown exponentially in popularity and value over the past few decades. As the collecting community continues to expand, rarer and more historically significant cards have reached new heights at auction. With another baseball season underway in 2023, the market for vintage and modern rookies of star players remains very strong. Here are some of the most expensive and coveted baseball cards that could sell for record prices this year.

The all-time most valuable baseball card is the iconic 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, considered the rarest and most sought-after card in the world. In recent years, examples in near-mint condition have sold for over $6 million at auction. The last Wagner to sell was a PSA NM-MT 8 copy that went for $6.6 million in August 2021. With its perfect centering, vivid color, and superb state of preservation, that example set a new record. Several high-grade Wagners could be up for auction in 2023, with estimates well above $7 million for the right example in top condition.

Another pre-war gem generating huge buzz is the 1914 Baltimore News Babe Ruth rookie card. Only about 50 are known to exist, making it one of the rarest early 20th century cards issued. In January 2022, a PSA EX 5 sold for a record $2.88 million, shattering expectations. That price already looks like a bargain given the current frenzy for anything related to the Bambino. A PSA 8 could easily fetch $5 million or more if one crosses the auction block in the next year.

For modern cards, none generate as much fervor as rookie cards for baseball’s biggest stars. In August 2022, a rare 1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card sold at auction for a record $10.1 million. That sale set the bar incredibly high for cards of today’s elite players like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto and others when they eventually hit the vintage market. The 2018 Topps Update Juan Soto rookie auto parallel /10 could be a $1 million card within the next 12 months based on his continued dominance and scarcity of the parallel. A PSA 10 Mike Trout 2009 Topps rookie or Acuña Jr. 2018 Topps Update rookie auto could each sell north of $3 million soon.

Another modern rookie that may challenge $1 million is the 1984 Topps Traded Fernando Tatis Jr. auto /25. His son Fernando Tatis Jr. has cemented himself as a superstar and face of baseball. With his dad’s iconic 1984 rookie being one of the rarest from that set, examples could be worth a fortune to wealthy collectors looking to own a piece of history. The same goes for any low-numbered parallel of cards for Shohei Ohtani, who has become a global sensation with his two-way skills. A PSA 10 Ohtani 2018 Bowman Chrome auto refractor /5 could set a record for that type of card.

For team sets, the 1952 Topps complete set with Mickey Mantle’s iconic rookie remains the holy grail for collectors. In pristine condition with all 106 cards, it would likely sell for well over $10 million. The last near-complete set to sell was in 2016 for $2.88 million. Another complete set that could challenge $5 million soon is the 1957 Topps, led by Hank Aaron’s rookie card. Its colorful design, high pop culture appeal, and key rookie cards make it extraordinarily rare to find in top condition.

While modern cards may generate bigger headlines with million-dollar price tags, vintage gems from the pre-war and early post-war eras remain investment blue-chips. The 1909-11 T206 set as a whole is considered one of the most coveted in the world. A complete set in high grade could sell for $20 million someday. Other complete high-grade sets like the 1933 Goudey, 1951 Bowman, or 1954 Topps have potential to reach $5 million if preserved well and offered publicly.

With new collectors entering the market daily and a growing secondary market, the prices for historically important baseball cards will likely continue setting new ceilings over the next year. For the right examples of cards featuring all-time greats like Mantle, Aaron, Ruth and Wagner in pristine condition, sky-high eight-figure prices seem inevitable. As star players of today like Trout, Acuña Jr. and Tatis Jr. cement their legacies, their rookie cards will gain immense value as they transition to the vintage market. 2023 promises to be another record-breaking year in the never-ending chase for the rarest and most prized cardboard in the collecting world.

OPENING DAY BASEBALL CARDS 2023 RELEASE DATE

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As baseball fans anticipate the upcoming 2023 MLB season, collectors are already keeping an eye out for the release of the new opening day baseball cards. While the official release date has yet to be announced, based on trends from previous years, collectors can expect the 2023 opening day cards to be available for purchase around the first week of April 2023.

Opening day cards have become a highly anticipated release each year from the major card manufacturers, notably Topps and Panini. These special cards are produced to commemorate the start of the new baseball season and typically feature photographs of each team’s projected starting lineup and opening day pitcher. They serve as the first glimpse fans and collectors get of the new crop of baseball cards before the full base sets are released later in the spring.

In 2022, Topps was the first to release their opening day cards on April 5th, making them available in both retail hobby boxes as well as through their online store. Panini followed shortly after on April 12th with the release of their 2022 Diamond Kings opening day cards. Looking back even further, the 2021 Topps opening day cards hit stores on April 6th while Panini released their Donruss opening day subset a week later on April 13th.

Based on this release timeline over the past few years, the trade expectations for 2023 are that Topps opening day cards will be available the first week of April, likely between April 4-7. Panini is then anticipated to roll out their version within 5-10 days following the initial Topps release. Both manufacturers will aim to have the new cardboard on shelves and online in time for the first full week of the regular season, which commences on Sunday, March 26th in 2023.

While an official announcement has not been made yet, collectors can be fairly certain the 2023 opening day card releases will stick close to this established pattern from recent seasons. Topps in particular has been very consistent, putting out their special first cards of the year right around the first Tuesday of April during each of the past several campaigns.

As for what rosters will be featured on the 2023 opening day cards, that remains to be seen as many trades and free agent signings are still yet to be completed this offseason. Players who change teams prior to the regular season starting will likely still be included representing their new clubs. Examples of this in recent years include Javier Baez shown in a Detroit Tigers uniform on the 2022 cards despite being traded from the Cubs in the 2021 season.

In terms of specific product variations collectors can expect to find, Topps opening day cards typically arrive as a special 8-card insert set packaged individually inside Series 1 hobby boxes. The base cards usually showcase each team’s batting order and pitcher, though occasionally a manager or team photo card is mixed in. Panini’s Diamond Kings opening day subset has mainly included the projected batting order and pitcher for each club as well over the last few cycles.

Retail wise, Topps traditionally makes their opening day cards accessible in special rack packs released close to the first pitch of the new season. These multi-card packs provide an easy entry point for casual fans looking to commemorate the start of baseball without investing in a full hobby box. Online, both Topps and Panini sell subsets breaks of the opening day cards individually as well.

While the 2023 season is still months away from beginning, collectors are already eagerly awaiting what new photos and rosters will grace this year’s commemorative opening day cards from Topps and Panini. Serving as the true beginning of each campaign, the special cardboard kickstarts the annual hype and presents the first chance for fans to add new sluggers and hurlers to their collections in anticipation of an exciting MLB season ahead. Given past release patterns, the trade can feel fairly confident the first glimpse of 2023 will arrive during the first week of next April.

Collecting opening day baseball cards has become an annual tradition that signifies the start of a new baseball year for both players and fans alike. With the 2022 season now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on when Topps and Panini will unveil their first pieces of cardboard commemorating the 2023 MLB campaign. Based on trends from recent years, collectors can expect the special inserts to arrive on store shelves during the first week of April 2023 as they count down the days until the first pitch of the new season.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023 NEAR ME

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Topps baseball cards remain one of the most popular and iconic collectibles in sports card history. As we enter the 2023 season, many fans and collectors will be on the lookout for new Topps baseball card releases to add to their collections. Whether browsing locally owned card shops, big box stores, or online retailers, here is an overview of what to expect in terms of 2023 Topps baseball cards and where you may be able to purchase them near you in your local area.

One of the most anticipated Topps baseball card releases each year is the flagship Topps base set. For the 2023 season, Topps will be releasing several Series 1, Series 2, and Series Update packets, boxes, and hobby boxes starting in February. These will contain trading cards featuring current MLB players in their uniforms from the most recent season. These base set releases could potentially be found at local hobby shops, comic book stores, trading card shops, and even some larger retailers like Target, Walmart, and hobby stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Barnes & Noble in your area once they hit shelves in late winter/early spring 2023 pending shipping and stock delays.

Another popular annual Topps release is Stadium Club. For 2023, expect the high-end Topps Stadium Club cards to start arriving at local hobby shops and online in mid-to-late spring. These provide photography-focused parallels and extensions of the base rookies and stars in a premium card stock and design. Additional subsets include Rare Parallels and Golden Moments autographs. Stadium Club is a popular option for collectors seeking beautifully designed cards of their favorite players outside of the base set.

One of the most collectible Topps baseball card inserts in recent years is Topps Chrome. This refracted parallel of the mainstream flagship base set swaps standard cardstock for a shiny chrome-like coating on each card. 2023 Topps Chrome baseball cards are slated for release in late spring/early summer from hobby shops, shows, and larger retailers. PastChrome sets are highly sought after, so stock may go fast depending on your local area.

Among the premium Topps autograph and memorabilia card releases slated for 2023, the highly anticipated Topps Tribute and Topps Archives products are always fan favorites. These high-end releases pairing current players with retro uniform designs from the past are scheduled to hit the market in summer 2023 through official Topps distributors and select local card shops. While allocation depends on the individual shop, you may have luck finding unopened boxes, fat packs, or loose packs available at shows or larger card shops if you call around to your city/town.

Keep an eye out for special parallel releases of flagship base cards including Topps Gold Label parallels, Topps Sapphire parallels, and Topps Holiday Signature parallels at your local shops as 2023 progresses through the year. These limited insert sets with textured foiling or on-card autographs provide extra collecting excitement beyond the mainstream releases. Make sure to establish relationships with shop owners who can potentially put these types of chase cards aside if they get allocation.

In addition to standard set releases, Topps baseball cards are also inserted into other multi-sport/entertainment licensed products worth browsing locally. Examples include Topps NFL-NBA-MLB Slam Packs, Topps WWE/Marvel/Star Wars Crossover cards, and Topps WWE Wrestling Relic cards which tend to hit local shops from online distributors in fall/winter each year alongside their theme. Even non-sport related outlets such as FYE stores, Hot Topic, and specialty toy/collectible shops carry resale stock of these types of mash-up products during their release cycles.

For continued updates on new 2023 Topps baseball card releases and checking potential availability near you, always be sure to follow your local card shops on social media or sign up for email lists. Many independently owned shops announce restocks, new arrivals, and special promotional boxes/packs on these platforms to keep collectors informed. Larger national retailers also share planned street dates on their websites. Attending local card shows throughout the spring and summer seasons is another must for directly scoping out new stock from vendors as products hit the market each month.

Lastly, while all of these options may provide availability of 2023 Topps baseball cards near your local area, don’t forget to explore online retailer sites like Topps.com, SteelCityCollectibles.com, DaveAndAdamCardWorld.com, and BlowoutCards.com if you don’t find specific products, parallels or players you want in local shops. Major auction websites like eBay are also great places to check for sealed/resale lots from unopened boxes not distributed to smaller outlets or sold online. Sometimes a small shipping cost can be worth finding that perfect chase parallel or autographed rookie that may not make it to your neighborhood storefronts.

Between local hobby shops, larger retailers, card shows, Topps.com availability, and reliable online retailers – with some legwork – you should have viable options to purchase new 2023 Topps baseball cards featuring your favorite MLB stars whether you live in a big city or more rural town. Once release schedules and restock dates are disseminated further, be sure to check the shops and stores closest to your location first during each product’s introduction and you may just get lucky in finding that next addition to your collection right in your own backyard.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS BOWMAN

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues of the year. Produced by Topps, the Bowman brand is legendary among collectors for featuring prospects and young stars just starting their professional careers. With another exciting rookie class on the horizon, let’s take a closer look at what to expect from 2023 Bowman.

The biggest draw for any Bowman release is the prospect autograph and rookie cards that debut some of the game’s future stars. This year’s class is headlined by high school phenom Druw Jones, the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones. As the second overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jones is already one of the top prospects in baseball and will have his first autograph and base rookie cards in 2023 Bowman. Other top prospects expected to make their cardboard debut include Elijah Green (Washington Nationals), Termarr Johnson (Atlanta Braves), and Brock Porter (Texas Rangers).

Bowman has a reputation for featuring some of the most visually stunning and collectible card designs in the industry. For 2023, Topps is continuing its trend of premium, high-end parallels and short-printed variants that collectors chase. In addition to the standard base cards, look for popular parallels like Refractors, Rainbow Foil, and Prism. Topps also often includes 1/1 printing plates and serial-numbered parallels /10 or /5 that drive excitement. Color-themed parallels like Green, Orange, and Purple will likely return alongside special parallels featuring unique designs, textures, and signatures.

While prospects are the main draw, Bowman also highlights rising young stars and recent MLB debuts. Expect rookie cards and autographs of players like Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), Spencer Strider (Atlanta Braves), and Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) who graduated from prospect status in 2022. Topps may also include base cards and parallels featuring breakout stars like Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) and Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves). For veteran collectors, Bowman is a great opportunity to grab affordable cards of current MLB standouts early in their careers.

In addition to the base set and autograph/memorabilia inserts, Bowman usually offers several exciting parallel and insert sets for collectors to chase. Past years have featured popular inserts like Green Foil, Gold Label, and Rainbow Foil parallels of top prospects. Serial-numbered parallels like Orange Refractors and Purple Refractors are also fan favorites. Bowman Chrome and Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects are usually released later in the year with their own unique inserts and parallels focusing on the previous MLB Draft class.

For multi-sport collectors, Topps also produces an annual Bowman Sterling release focused on higher-end parallels, patches, and autographs. Past Bowman Sterling issues have included 1/1 Diamond parallels, on-card autographs, and memorabilia cards with swatches from game-worn uniforms. These ultra-premium cards often feature the very best prospects and young stars in serialized, low-count parallels that command high prices. While Bowman Sterling caters more to high-end collectors, its inserts are some of the most coveted in the hobby.

In terms of product release, the main 2023 Bowman set is expected to arrive in late spring/early summer as a hobby-only release through authorized MLB/Topps dealers. Hobby boxes will feature 12 packs with 5 cards each, while jumbo boxes may include an extra pack or two along with guaranteed hits. Retail versions of Bowman featuring fewer packs and cards will likely arrive in late summer/fall at major retailers. Bowman Chrome and Bowman Draft are tentatively scheduled for August/September, with Bowman Sterling following in the fall/winter months.

As with any release focused on prospects, the thrill is trying to identify the future stars long before they reach MLB fame. While some prospects may never pan out, Bowman has a proven track record of featuring some of the best young talent in baseball years before they debut. For collectors, players, and teams alike, the 2023 Bowman release will be another exciting chance to see baseball’s next generation get their start in the card hobby. With such a talented rookie class and Topps’ reputation for premier designs, 2023 Bowman promises to be a release fans won’t want to miss.

2023 BASEBALL CARDS RELEASE DATES

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2023 Baseball Cards Release Dates: What to Expect

Baseball card collectors eagerly await the arrival of new baseball card releases each year. 2023 promises to be another exciting year with new rookie cards, parallels, autographs and more hitting the market. While release schedules are always subject to change, here’s a look at some of the major baseball card releases expected in 2023 based on past years.

January/February:

Topps Series 1 (January): Topps is usually the first major brand to release its flagship baseball set each year. Look for Series 1 to arrive in hobby shops and online retailers in early January 2023. Topps has been including fewer base cards in recent years but more parallels and inserts. Rookie cards of top prospects will be the chase.

Topps Chrome (February): Topps’ popular Chrome parallel set is next to arrive, featuring the same designs as Series 1 but with shiny refractors instead of paper. Chrome has become one of the most sought-after modern issues due to its parallels, autographs and short prints.

Topps Heritage (February/March): Topps Heritage pays homage to classic designs of the past. The 2023 release will likely mimic a set from the 1960s or 1970s. Heritage offers a throwback collecting experience with traditional designs and fewer inserts compared to modern issues.

March/April:

Bowman Draft (March): The first major prospect release of the year, Bowman Draft features the draft class from the previous summer. Top picks get autograph and memorabilia cards along with their base rookie cards. Colorful parallels and inserts add to the chase.

Topps Series 2 (April): Topps’ second installment will include players who missed the cut for Series 1 as well as any stars who debuted or were traded since January. New rookie cards are also possible for players called up late in the season.

Topps Opening Day (April): Opening Day celebrates the start of the new MLB season with player photos from spring training. Inserts highlight each team and new star rookies can also debut.

May/June:

Bowman (May): Topps’ Bowman brand focuses solely on prospects and future stars. The flagship Bowman set in May features prospects, international signings and rookie cards of up-and-coming young players. Autographs and parallels are prevalent.

Topps Series 2 (Late May/Early June): Topps’ third series wraps up the flagship Topps Chrome set with any remaining base cards and more inserts. Short prints and parallels remain highly sought after.

Stadium Club (June): Stadium Club is one of the most visually appealing modern issues with high-end photography. Autographs, memorabilia cards and parallels are inserted throughout the set at lower print runs than other brands for a true premium product.

July/August:

Topps Allen & Ginter (July): A&G takes a fun, non-sport approach with oddball parallels and inserts featuring personalities from all walks of life alongside current MLB stars. Rarities like autographs, memorabilia and 1/1 prints add to the excitement.

Topps Update Series (Late August/Early September): Update Series rounds out Topps’ flagship offering for the year, highlighting any players who debuted after Series 2 or changed teams. New rookie cards are the big draw.

September/October/November:

Bowman Draft Picks (September): A lower-key version of Bowman Draft focused on players selected in the later rounds and undrafted free agents. Provides an early look at future prospects.

Topps Transcendent Collection (October/November): Topps’ ultra-high-end offering features rare 1/1 cards with encased memorabilia, autographs and unique serial numbering for true collectors. Prices reflect the exclusivity.

Topps Finest (October/November): Topps Finest parallels Topps Chrome with even more inserts like autographs and memorabilia cards. Short prints and serially numbered refractors add to the prestige.

Topps Holiday (November/December): Holiday serves as a year-end retrospective with inserts celebrating the season and hits from the entire Topps product line. Makes a great gift or final chase of the year.

This overview showcases just some of the major baseball card releases planned for 2023. Additional sets from brands like Panini, Leaf and others are sure to emerge as well. With the continued boom in popularity, 2023 looks to be an exciting year of new baseball cards to collect. Stay tuned for the latest updates and release announcements straight from the manufacturers.

2023 CAPSTONE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 baseball season will see the release of highly anticipated capstone cards from the top players in the game. Capstone cards mark a player’s career achievements and are some of the most sought after collectibles for fans. Here is an in-depth look at some of the top contenders for major capstone cards in 2023.

Miguel Cabrera – One of the surest bets for a massive capstone card next year is Miguel Cabrera of the Detroit Tigers. Cabrera entered the 2022 season just 38 hits shy of 3,000 for his career, a milestone he achieved on April 23rd. This made him just the 33rd player in MLB history to reach this mark. Cabrera is also a two-time AL MVP and 11-time All-Star. In 2023, Topps, Panini, and other card manufacturers will want to commemorate his legendary career that is now complete with a “3,000 Hit Club” designation on his capstone cards. Look for 1/1 auto relic cards to fetch bids in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Albert Pujols – Like Cabrera, Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals wrapped up his chase for 3,000 hits in 2022. He finished his career with exactly 3,000 hits, making him just the fourth player ever with 3,000 hits and 600 home runs. Pujols is also a two-time World Series champion and three-time NL MVP. His capstone cards in 2023 from his final season will focus on his place among the game’s all-time great sluggers. Printing will be extremely limited to match his Hall of Fame caliber career.

Clayton Kershaw – The Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander has not officially announced his retirement yet but 2023 is expected to be his final season. Kershaw is an eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young Award winner. He also helped lead the Dodgers to their first World Series title in over 30 years in 2020. Next year, collectors can expect high-end capstone cards from brands like Topps, Bowman, and Panini chronicling Kershaw’s first-ballot Hall of Fame career as one of the best pitchers of his generation.

Justin Verlander – Like Kershaw, Verlander has not said 2023 will be his last season but he will turn 41 during the year so it seems likely. Verlander won his third Cy Young Award in 2022 after returning from Tommy John surgery to lead the AL in wins and WHIP for the Astros. The right-hander is also a former AL MVP and helped Houston to a World Series title in 2017. His capstone cards will pay tribute to a 19-year career spent mostly with the Tigers and Astros that figures to land him in Cooperstown.

Zack Greinke – At 44, Greinke has stated 2023 will be his final MLB season. The righty won a Cy Young in 2009 with Kansas City and another in 2015 with the Dodgers. He’s made six All-Star teams and posted a career ERA+ of 122, showing his remarkable consistency. Greinke also won a World Series ring with Houston in 2021. Next year, card companies will want to honor the journeyman’s unique and highly successful career that spanned two decades in the big leagues.

Yadier Molina – The Cardinals’ catcher has not officially announced his retirement but 2023 will be his 19th and likely final season in St. Louis. Molina is a nine-time Gold Glove winner behind the plate and has racked up over 1,900 career hits. He’s also a 10-time All-Star and key part of St. Louis’ 2006 and 2011 championship teams. Molina is sure to receive special capstone treatment from brands like Topps, Bowman, and Panini as one of the greatest defensive catchers in MLB history rides off into the sunset.

Ryan Zimmerman – After playing his entire 17-year career with the Nationals, 2023 will mark the end for Zimmerman. He was the first ever draft pick in Nationals/Expos franchise history and helped lead Washington to its first World Series title in 2019. Zimmerman is also a two-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove. His capstone cards will pay homage to his loyalty to the Nationals and the important role he played in the organization and D.C. community for nearly two decades.

Other players like Joey Votto, Carlos Correa, and Nelson Cruz could also receive special capstone treatment depending on if they decide to hang it up after 2023. But without question, the careers of Cabrera, Pujols, Kershaw, Verlander, Greinke, Molina, and Zimmerman over the past two decades have cemented their place among the all-time MLB greats and made them locks for truly historic capstone cards to be treasured by collectors for generations. The 2023 season promises to deliver a fitting farewell and some of the most iconic baseball cards ever made.

TOPPS BASEBALL 2023 SERIES 1 BEST CARDS

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The release of Topps Baseball’s flagship Series 1 set marks the beginning of the new baseball card year. The 2023 Series 1 release, which hit shelves in mid-January, featured a wide array of rookies, stars and veterans across its 132 cards. While any Series 1 set promises to include at least a handful of cards that will appeal to collectors long-term based on the players featured, a few stand out as particularly strong inclusions that collectors would be wise to seek out.

Heading the list of best cards from 2023 Topps Series 1 is the Jordan Walker rookie card. The St. Louis Cardinals top prospect cracked baseball’s top 100 prospect lists this offseason and is considered one of the elite talents in the minor leagues. As the #1 ranked Cardinals prospect and a potential future star, Walker’s rookie card is positioned extremely well long-term. While he may not debut in 2023, collectors would be smart to grab Walker’s rookie now before his inevitable rise increases its value. Clean copies of the Walker rookie in a PSA 10 could easily fetch hundreds down the line.

Another must-own rookie is the Bobby Witt Jr. base card. The Kansas City Royals standout did nothing but exceed expectations in his debut season in 2022, batting .256 with 20 home runs in just 102 games. Witt looks poised for stardom and continued production in the coming years. His superb play and potential to one day challenge for MVP awards makes all of Witt’s 2023 rookie cards strong long-term holds, even the base card which can still be found for under $10.

Perhaps the highest profile rookie in Series 1 though belongs to Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in the second half of 2022, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors while displaying five-tool talent and electrifying plays in the field and on the bases. As a franchise cornerstone for the Mariners and potential future superstar, Rodriguez’s rookie card is a must-have for any collector. Even with heightened awareness of his potential, clean versions of J-Rod’s rookie remain very obtainable compared to what they may fetch down the road.

In addition to the elite rookies, 2023 Topps Series 1 also featured some highly coveted base cards for modern stars in their prime. Chief among these is Shohei Ohtani’s card. After back-to-back extraordinary seasons that saw him dominant as both a pitcher and hitter, Ohtani has firmly established himself as the game’s top attraction and most unique star. His cards have followed suit, rising steadily in value as collectors recognize just how special and rare a two-way player of Ohtani’s caliber is in baseball history. Even his basic base card from Series 1 holds long-term allure.

Another immensely valuable modern star base is that of Juan Soto. After a career-best season saw him slug over .500 and finish 2nd in MVP voting while still just 24 years old, Soto established himself as a true generational talent and arguably the best hitter in baseball today. He then kicked off 2023 with a monster free agency, inking a massive $440 million deal with the Padres. Soto’s cards already commanded big prices, and that contract signing sent values even higher across the board. His crisp Series 1 base captures Soto at the peak of his powers.

Rounding out the absolute best cards from 2023 Topps Series 1 are a pair focusing on superstar veterans who continued defying Father Time. The Mike Trout card stands out after another incredible season saw him finish 2nd in MVP voting at age 30. While Trout is no longer chasing rookie status, he remains arguably the best all-around player of this generation. His sustained excellence and potential climbing Hall of Fame case gives any Trout card enduring weight.

The Aaron Judge base from 2023 Topps Series 1 cannot be overlooked after the monstrous year he put together. Judge shattered the AL single-season home run record with 62 dingers and ran away with AL MVP honors in 2022 at age 30. With that Herculean season fresh in collectors’ minds, Judge’s Series 1 issue captures him at the absolute peak of his historic powers. Not only is the card obtainable now, but it stands as a compelling historical artifact from one of the truly special individual seasons in baseball’s modern era.

While most any card from a flagship Topps Series 1 release holds long-term potential, the rookie cards of Jordan Walker, Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez as well as the modern star base cards of Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Mike Trout and Aaron Judge from the 2023 set stand out as particularly strong crown jewels for any collector to seek out. Each represents a unique opportunity to obtain critically acclaimed player issues while they remain affordable before increased recognition of their significance potentially sends values skyward. For building a portfolio primed for long-term appreciation, these seven cards from 2023 Topps Series 1 are among the absolute best places for collectors to start.