Tag Archives: 2023

TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2

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Topps 2023 Baseball Series 2 is one of the most highly anticipated card releases each season as it marks the midway point of the baseball year. Series 2 cards provide updated photos of players from after the All-Star break as well as rookie cards for top prospects who made their MLB debuts in the first half of the season.

Series 2 builds upon the foundation laid by Series 1 but adds significant new aspects each year to keep collectors and fans engaged. The 2023 release is no different, with Topps once again delivering exciting insert sets, parallel variations, autographs and more in the 312 card base set.

Base Set:

As with every year, the 2023 Topps Baseball Series 2 base set is the backbone of the release. Sporting clean, photo-centric designs on each card, the 312 base cards cover every MLB team and include updated photos, stats and bios for each player. Notable rookie cards in this year’s base set include Dodgers sensation Michael Grove, Guardians slugger Steven Kwan and Marlins hurler Max Meyer.

Top players to watch for in the base set include Aaron Judge as he chased the AL single season home run record, superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto, and breakout players like Alek Manoah, Jose Ramirez and Luis Arraez. With sharp photography and classic Topps designs, the base set alone is worth purchasing multiple packs or boxes for any collector.

Parallels and Variations:

No Topps release would be complete without an assortment of parallel and variation cards to add chase and collector enjoyment. Series 2 delivers with base parallel cards in Green (1:12), Gold (1:36), Holiday (1:72), and Rainbow Foil (1:288). The Gold parallels are particularly sharp featuring a elegant gold border treatment.

Topps also included popular Supernovae parallels inserted 1:288 with otherworldly FX designs. Rarest of all are the Superfractor parallel cards, with Green at 1:432 packs, Gold at 1:648 and incredibly scarce Rainbow at a whopping 1:1296 packs. Finding any Superfractor is an epic pull that will be the envy of collectors everywhere.

Throwback Thursday:

A beloved new staple of Series 2 is the “Throwback Thursday” insert set which pays homage to classic Topps designs of the past. The 20 throwback cards recreate iconic photographs and aesthetics from the 1970s, 80s and 90s using current player images. This year’s standouts include a 1977 design featuring Shohei Ohtani and Bryce Harper and a 1989 Cardinals parallel of Paul Goldschmidt. Nostalgia and modern rookies/stars combined – it’s a win for collectors of all ages.

League Leaders:

Rewarding the top statistical performers of the first half of the season, the League Leaders insert set highlights hitters and pitchers atop the major categories at the All-Star break. With 12 total cards, this set is a fun checklist of who has excelled to that point. Fans will enjoy keeping an eye on players as the season progresses to see if they can maintain or surpass their midseason numbers by the year’s end.

Home Run Challenge:

In homage to Aaron Judge’s epic home run chase, Topps crafted a special “Home Run Challenge” insert set.depicting Judge on 10 different cards at various home run milestones – 61, 62, 63 and beyond. While Judge may ultimately reach different totals, these cards capture an historic season for the ages as it was unfolding in real time. Even if you’re not a Yankees fan, you’ve got to appreciate the uniqueness of this creative concept by Topps.

Autograph and Memorabilia Cards:

For those looking for the high-end chase, Series 2 doesn’t disappoint. In addition to several base autographs randomly inserted, Topps crafted parallel autograph versions of the Throwback Thursday, League Leaders and Home Run Challenge insert sets. Short prints at 1:288 packs on average, these parallel autos add tremendous value for hitters and pitchers alike.

Premium Memorabilia Cards in the set include Bat Knob Relics of Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bo Bichette, among others. Jersey cards feature swatches from superstars like Mookie Betts, Mike Trout and Juan Soto. Numbered to (/99), (/50) or lower, these premiere patches and shards of history are magnificent prizes to uncover in a Series 2 pack or box.

Overall Verdict:

With a solid base set, superb photography, fun inserts, and all the signatures and hits collectors crave, Topps 2023 Series 2 once again raises the bar for midseason releases. Whether seeking updated player cards, rookie hits or high-end autographs, this 312 count set caters to varied collector tastes and budgets. Series 2 captures the excitement of the year to date while fueling anticipation for summer’s stretch run. It’s a must-collect for any baseball or sports memorabilia enthusiast. With impeccable production and creative designs, Topps deserves their throne amongst trading card manufacturers. Series 2 reminds us why they remain the true kings of the diamond.

BEST CARDS FROM 2023 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL

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The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball set was released on December 7th, 2022 and contained a wide variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that have collectors excited. As one of the flagship products in the hobby each year, Topps Chrome offers fans the chance to pull shiny refractors of their favorite players. With its retro design paying homage to the original 1987 set, 2023 Topps Chrome contained several cards that have already become highly sought after by collectors.

One of the biggest rookie cards in the set is Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. The AL Rookie of the Year finished 2nd in MVP voting in 2022 and is considered a future superstar in the game. His base Topps Chrome rookie card is a hot commodity, with PSA 10 examples already selling for over $1000. Julio also has several valuable parallels like the Refractor, Pink Refractor, and Gold Refractor that command premium prices. Any Julio RC from 2023 Chrome is a great long term hold.

Another standout rookie is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. As the MVP of the 2022 World Series in his first full MLB season, Pena’s star has risen tremendously. His Topps Chrome base rookie is in high demand, with the Refractor parallel being the true short print of the set. Pena looks poised for stardom playing for a perennial contender, making his rookie cards perfect for any Astros PC or investment portfolio.

Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels is always one of the most sought after players in the hobby. His base Topps Chrome card is plentiful but still holds value as a current superstar. The true chase parallels for Shohei collectors are the Refractor, Pink Refractor, and Gold Refractor, with the 1/1 Gold being the ultimate Ohtani card from the set. Any parallel of the 2021 AL MVP is worth adding to a collection.

Rookies aren’t the only stars that shine in Topps Chrome. Two-time NL MVP Freddie Freeman returned to the Atlanta Braves in 2023 after winning a World Series with the Dodgers. His base Topps Chrome card jumped in value after the homecoming to Atlanta. The Refractor parallel is the standout Freeman from the set to hunt. Another Dodgers star, Mookie Betts, has always been a fan favorite for his 5 tool skillset. His Refractor is the Betts card to own long term.

Topps Chrome also featured several popular young stars that are cornerstones of their franchises. Cardinals catcher and 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Dylan Carlson, Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm, and Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all had desirable base cards and Refractor parallels. For Rangers and Cubs fans, top prospects Jack Leiter and Christopher Morel had their rookie debuts featured prominently in the set as future building blocks.

Veteran superstars also had their place in 2023 Topps Chrome. Mike Trout remains the consensus best player in baseball and his Refractor parallel is a must-have for Angels PC collectors. Fellow AL West stars Shohei Ohtani and Yordan Alvarez also had their shining Refractors included. For Dodgers fans, the Refractors of Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Trea Turner make a great 1-2-3 punch. Yankees fans sought after the Aaron Judge Refractor as the reigning AL MVP.

Parallels are what make Topps Chrome such an exciting modern release each year. The Flagship Red parallel /150 was highly sought after for stars and rookies alike. Lower numbered parallels like the Gold /10, Gold Wave /5, and the ultra rare 1/1 Gold Refractor provided a true chase. Colorful parallels like Pink /175 and Orange /250 added to the rainbow collecting aspect that Chrome encourages. Autograph and memorabilia cards sprinkled throughout packs gave collectors a chance at game used relics and signatures of their PC players.

The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball set delivered many stars, rookies, and parallels that will hold value for years to come. Rookie sensations like Julio Rodriguez and Jeremy Pena anchor the young star power of the release. Veterans like Trout, Betts and Freeman showcase the present superstars. Lower numbered parallels and short prints provide the true high-end hits. As one of the premier modern issues, 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball offered something for every type of collector and will be a set remembered as a milestone for the next generation of baseball cards. Its retro design and shiny refractors make it a flagship product that livens up any collection.

2023 TEAM USA BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 baseball season will see the United States men’s national baseball team compete in various international tournaments. As has become standard, hobby card manufacturers such as Topps, Leaf, and Panini will produce sets highlighting the top American players representing their country on the international stage. These Team USA baseball cards depicting the nation’s finest amateur talent provide an exciting look towards the future of baseball.

Topps is widely expected to continue their long run as the exclusive producer of Team USA cards in both flagship and high-end formats. In 2022, Topps released a 63-card base set highlighting the entire 24-man active roster from the Premier12 tournament in November. Paralleling their standard MLB release, Topps also offered retail blaster and hobby boxes of the Team USA set. For serious collectors, three parallel variations were inserted at different rarities including Gold (/50), Silver (/75), and Red (/25). Topp prospect Bobby Witt Jr. and MLB veterans Triston McKenzie and Shane Baz served as the three most prominent young stars featured.

With the next major international competition being the World Baseball Classic in March 2023, Topps will certainly chronicle the American squad set to defend their 2017 championship. While the official 28-man roster has yet to be announced, projections based on past participation see many of baseball’s hottest prospects representing the stars and stripes. Shortstops CJ Abrams of the Padres and Oneil Cruz of the Pirates are early favorites to be included in their rookie card seasons. Other potential first-time Team USA cards include catching phenom Gabriel Moreno (Blue Jays), outfield star Riley Greene (Tigers), and two-way force Jack Leiter (Rangers).

With high-profile talents lining up for inclusion, Topps will surely go all-out with inserts, parallels, and autographs of the 2023 Team USA set. Past WBC releases tended towards larger checklists of 50 or more cards. Along with the standard base roster, premium introductions like Top Prospects, Finest Foil, and Authentic Signatures parallels served collectors of all levels. Limited printing numbers on 1/1 Red Ink autographs of emerging stars like Bo Bichette and Alec Bohm in 2017 demonstrated Topps’ commitment to capturing the next great American players. Additional autographed memorabilia cards pairing swatches or bat pieces with on-card signatures would give superfans exclusive items for their collections.

Beyond Topps, other mainstream card companies are certain to showcase the U.S. hopefuls as well. While not partnered with MLB or the WBC, Panini America has produced amateur sets tied to the Premier12 tournament the past few cycles. Their 2022 Panini American Pride checklist of 50 cards highlighted over a dozen MLB rookie debuts like Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and Jensen. With prestigious licensing from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Panini also keeps an eye towards top college stars who may represent the red, white and blue. Potential Panini inserts could preview stars of the future like Druw Jones (Vanderbilt), Daniel Susac (Arizona) and Jacob Berry (LSU).

For the high-end enthusiast, longtime producer Leaf is sure to craft an ultra-exclusive master set of the 2023 Team USA squad. Similar to their Leaf Metal Draft and International offerings, autographed and memorabilia cards of the games’ brightest young talents would be significantly limited. Think serial-numbered auto parallels to /10 copies or unique on-card memorabilia relics combining patches and signatures. While pricier due to production sizes under 100 total copies, the sought-after Leaf releases capturing stars on the cusp of World Series glory would be true collector treasures. Players like Emerson Hancock (Mariners), Mick Abel (Phillies) and Blaze Jordan (Red Sox) could provide premiere rookie cards for connoisseurs before taking MLB by storm.

All in all, the excitement of the United States facing international competition brings with it anticipation for the hottest young players to receive premium trading card treatment representing their country. From workhorse Topps to niche Panini and high-end Leaf, collectors will have multiple options across all levels to acquire rookie and sticker memorable diamonds in the rough before they emerge as future All-Stars. With a new crop of first-time prospects expected to don the red, white and blue in 2023, it sets the stage for yet another exciting team collector cycle to emerge from the coming international tournaments.

TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball card set is always one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. As the flagship chrome parallel of Topps base sets, Topps Chrome features photo variations of the standard base cards with a shiny, rainbow reflective coating on each card. This adds a premium appeal to the designs that collectors love to chase.

Some key things to know about the 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball card set:

The base set will feature over 350 cards focusing on major league players and prospects from the 2022 season. This is less than some recent years as player contracts and rookie classes dictate the size.

Top rookies to chase include Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman and more. Some of the top veterans include Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and more of the game’s biggest stars. Each rookie card is highly sought after.

Parallels and inserts are where the real chase cards come into play. Top parallel sets in recent years have included Refractors, Orange Refractors, Negative Refractors, Gold Refractors, Superfractors and more. These take the design and bump up the shine factor or use alternative color designs.

Popular insert sets often found in Chrome include League Leader cards, All-Star cards, Milestone cards, Hall of Fame cards and more. These provide inserts themed around accomplishments, events and awards from the previous season.

Autograph and memorabilia cards are also inserted throughout packs at extremely low odds. Autos range from rookie autos to veteran star signatures. Memorabilia cards pair with autographs and can include relics from uniforms, bats, gloves or other game-used equipment.

Hobby boxes generally contain 12 packs with 5 cards per pack. This format maximizes the chrome variations within a box break. Retail blasters, hangers and fat packs also offer chances at the base cards and lower end hits.

With tight print runs, Topps Chrome sells out quickly each year, even with higher prices compared to the base set. Staying on top of release dates and pre-orders are important to hobby enthusiasts.

The design aesthetic of Topps Chrome follows closely with the base cards but ramps up the photography with flashier headshots and vibrant colors that really pop due to the chrome finish. Designs also incorporate modern elements that stay fresh each season.

The release of Topps Chrome for the 2023 season is set for late January 2023, just a few short months after the 2023 Topps Series 1 release in late 2022. Here’s a closer look at some of the finest details collectors can expect:

Base Cards: Ranging from #1 to over #350, the base rookie and veteran cards will utilize dynamic action photos on a silver/grey chrome backdrop. Top rookie shots will highlight rising prospects like Gunnar Henderson and Druw Jones. Veteran star shots will feature repeat champions like Freddie Freeman.

Parallels: Rainbow Refractors (#/250), Orange Refractors (#/150), Green Refractors (#/99), Black Refractors (#/50), and Gold Refractors (#/10) are sure to return. Also look for Negative Refractors, Superfractors (#/1), and more limited parallelsinserts to round out the “big four” parallel sets.

Inserts: League Leader cards will highlight 2022 stats champions. All-Star cards will call out positions and starters from the Midsummer Classic. Milestone cards note historic career numbers. Hall of Fame cards spotlight recently inducted Cooperstown legends. Plus more subjective (“Stars of the Game”) and set-specific inserts.

Autographs: Rookie autographs of the top prospects are the major prizes. But veterans like Trout, deGrom and others provide mainstream star power. Upper Deck, BGS/PWCC, and PSA/DNA will handle authentication for the redemptions and direct pulls.

Memorabilia: A mix of uniform fabrics, bat and glove swatches, plus specialty items from iconic moments make up the hit checklist. Serialized letter patches and large emblem relics provide high-end material.

Packs and Boxes: Hobby boxes maintain 12 packs each with 5 cards a pack for a total of 60 cards. Retail variants include blasters, hangers, and fat packs for casual buyers. Pre-release and release day sellouts are common for the popular release each year.

While release dates, checklist and autograph/patch details remain unconfirmed, Topps Chrome will surely deliver another superb installment when it hits stores in late January. Collectors can count on elite photography, coveted parallels and scarce hits that fuel the annual excitement for a true flagship product of the hobby. Stay tuned for the full reveal as the 2023 season officially begins.

TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023 SERIES 1

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The release of a new baseball card series is always an exciting time for collectors. Topps baseball cards have been documenting every MLB season for over 70 years now. On December 12th, 2022 Topps will be releasing their Series 1 packs for the 2023 season, kicking off another year of capture players, rookies, and moments from America’s pastime.

Series 1 is usually the first main baseball card release each calendar year from Topps. It provides the first chance to find rookie cards and base cards showing players in their current uniforms from the upcoming season. The release of Series 1 2023 will be particularly anticipated after two fascinating MLB seasons in 2021 and 2022 that saw many exciting storylines and player movement between teams. Fans will be eager to see how Topps documents these changes in photography and short write-ups on the front of each card.

Some names collectors will be hunting rookie cards and debut cards for in Series 1 2023 include catchers Adley Rutschman (Orioles), catcher/OF Gabriel Moreno (Blue Jays), OF Esteury Ruiz (Padres), 3B Jordan Walker (Cardinals), SP Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles), SP Shane Baz (Rays) and more. The true top rookie chase cards may end up being Oakland A’s SS Max Muncy and Detroit Tigers SP Joey Wentz assuming they make their MLB debuts early in 2023. Rookie cards are always some of the most desirable pulls in a new Series release and help shape the long term value of the set.

In addition to rookies, collectors will want to carefully inspect each Series 1 card for photo anduniform updates showing players with their new teams. Some notable player moves between 2022 and 2023 that Topps cards will reflect include Freddie Freeman joining the Dodgers, Carlos Correa signing with the Twins, Japanese star Masataka Yoshida joining the Red Sox, Luis Castillo traded to the Mariners and Juan Soto and Josh Bell heading to the Padres in a blockbuster deadline deal. Topps does an excellent job of selecting context-rich action photography that makes each card an instant snapshot of that particular season.

Aside from standard base cards, hobby boxes of Series 1 2023 are expected to contain several popular parallel and short print insert sets at lower odds. Popular parallels from past years that may return include Gold Foil (#/2021), Mother’s Day Pink (#/50), Father’s Day Blue, Independence Day Red White & Blue and more design variations. Popular short print inserts in recent years like Living Legend Signatures, League Leaders, League Top Prospects, Topps Now Moments From the Playoffs and Topps Archives also provide collectors fun hits to chase outside the base rookie class. These short prints and parallels are what really drive interest in breaks, breaks and high-end purchases of full series 1 sets.

The release of Series 1 also marks the beginning of the flagship Topps Chrome release cycle. Chrome is an extremely popular parallel product due to its vivid photography, smooth refractory card surfaces and history of housing some of the most valuable modern rookie cards. Series 1 Chrome is anticipated to hit stores in late January 2023 continuing Topps’ trend of a 6 week cadence between their main flagship and Chrome releases. Chrome will feature the exact same base rookie class photography and short print inserts but in a more premium foilboard package.

Topps has also continued to expand their digital platforms and offerings in recent years. The Series 1 release will coincide with the launch of the 2023 Topps MLB app which allows collectors to build virtual sets, trade cards and participate in daily “hits” for physical redemption cards. The Topps BUNT, HANGER and SLAM apps will also showcase Series 1 rookies, base cards and inserts in virtual form. For collectors who prefer physical cards but want easier access Topps also sells “blasters” of Series 1 in retail stores nationwide and online.

The release of Topps 2023 Baseball Series 1 on December 12th marks the official start of the new collecting season. Whether buying packs, boxes or building a set online – this exciting flagship release from Topps provides the first glimpse of the upcoming MLB campaign on trading cards while allowing collectors to chase iconic rookie cards that could gain value for decades. Series 1 is truly the foundation upon which the entire modern baseball card season is built.

TOPPS 2023 OVERSIZED BASEBALL CARDS

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Topps is widely known as the leading manufacturer of sports trading cards, holding exclusive licenses with Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and UEFA Champions League. For the 2023 season, Topps is releasing their large format “oversized” baseball card series which features dazzling high resolution photography and unique retro styled designs. Let’s take a closer look at what collectors can expect from these exciting new oversized cards.

At approximately twice the size of a standard trading card, Topps oversized cards measure approximately 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches. This jumbo card size allows for stunning high resolution portraits and action shots of today’s top MLB stars. Rather than cramming multiple images onto a single card front like a typical base set, oversized cards focus on a single striking image that really pops. The enlarged size also accommodates plenty of interesting statistical and career highlights information on the back of each card.

Topps meticulously selects the very best action photography from the previous MLB season for these memorable large format keepsakes. With their significantly higher resolution compared to normal sized cards, fine details really shine through in the oversized image. Whether it’s a pitcher winding up on the mound, a slugger following through on a monstrous home run swing, or an acrobatic outfield catch – these snapshots truly transport collectors right back to baseball’s greatest moments from 2022.

In addition to razor sharp photography, Topps oversized cards stand out with their retro styled vibrant color schemes and designs. Taking inspiration from the look of classic vintage cards from the 1960s and 70s, each oversized card features bright solid colored borders and subtle ornate graphical elements. Names and statistics are presented in a classic bold serif font to complete the retro sporting aesthetic. Collectors who appreciate nostalgic designs will love how Topps blends modern high quality imagery with a sincere homage to the stylistic roots of the collecting hobby.

The 2023 Topps oversized set will feature 150 total cards highlighting the biggest stars and must-have rookies from both the American and National Leagues. Standouts include superstars like Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Bryce Harper, Ronald Acuña Jr. and rookie sensations like Bobby Witt Jr. Each pack contains 4 oversized cards with varying levels of scarcity for parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards inserted throughout the entire print run. This creates appealing chase aspects for the seriously dedicated set builders out there.

In addition to the base 150 card set, Topps also includes a special 10 card insert set highlighting each team’s most memorable moment from the previous season. Whether it’s a walk-off home run, no-hitter, or deep postseason run – these inserts commemorate the defining plays that baseball fans won’t soon forget. Autograph and memorabilia cards from star players like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Mike Trout provide some of the set’s most coveted chase cards. Meanwhile, parallels like green /99, gold /10 and red /5 editions add exciting scarcity elements for those gunning for the hardest hits.

Topps is once again including one extremely low print gold foil stamped 1/1 card in their oversized release. This inestimably rare card featuring an autographed relic patch of Shohei Ohtani or Aaron Judge promises to set collector hearts racing. With only a single example in existence, it’s sure to become a true Holy Grail find for any diehard fan owning such an exclusive piece of cardboard history. Between the elite photography, flashy designs, and collection of inserted hits – Topps oversized cards are primed to be the most captivating baseball set this season.

The premium high end nature of Topps oversized cards comes with an equally hefty high end price tag. Hobby boxes carrying 36 packs with 4 cards per pack will run collectors around $150-$200 depending on availability from local card shops or online resellers. Individual oversized cards can range from $3-$5 each for basic base rookies and stars, up to $50-75 for star autos/relics, with truly one-of-a-kind hits like the 1/1 patches easily achieving 4 or even 5 figure prices. Serious collectors will surely want to pick up at least one box to build their base sets and start the exciting card-by-card chase. With unparalleled modern photography coupled with nostalgic design touches in an attractive large format size – Topps oversized cards aim to bring out the kid in every baseball fanatic this season. This popular premium release is sure to become a benchmark product that transcends being “just cards”.

Rather than mass produced base cards, Topps oversized set represents a true collectible artistic luxury product for the hardcore memorabilia appreciators. Between the impeccable high resolution imagery, creative retro styled layouts, scarce hits, and immense size – these cards are practically destined for protective display in a home or man cave. Alongside bobbleheads, jerseys and other MLB merchandise, Topps oversized cards can help fans relive memorable 2022 baseball moments for years to come in striking coffee table style. Whether pursuing base stars, chasing rare parallels, or bagging a true one-of-one holy grail – the exciting hunt for cards within Topps gigantic new set is sure to spur on collectors nationwide this season. After years of anticipation, the 2023 oversized series looks ready to deliver the most spectacular large format cards yet, and cement Topps as the true leaders in high end premium baseball cardboard.

BASEBALL CARDS RELEASE DATES 2023

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Baseball Card Release Dates in 2023

As baseball fans eagerly await the start of the 2023 MLB season, card collectors are also keeping an eye out for the numerous baseball card release dates scheduled throughout the upcoming year. 2023 promises to be another huge year for the hobby, with all of the major card companies unveiling new baseball card products on a regular basis from January all the way through December. Whether you primarily collect modern cards, vintage wax, or anything in between, there will be plenty of exciting new releases to choose from. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the major baseball card release dates collectors can expect to see in 2023.

January/February 2023 – Early Year Releases

Panini Prizm Baseball (January 18th) – One of the premier modern baseball card brands kicks things off with its annual Prizm release. This will feature rookie cards of top 2023 draft prospects as well as stars from the 2022 season.

Topps Series 1 (Late February) – As always, Topps Series 1 will be one of the first mainstream releases of the new year. Look for rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts in 2022 mixed in with veterans. The design tends to be a bit simpler compared to later Series releases.

Leaf Baseball (February) – Leaf will launch its first baseball card product of 2023, usually featuring a retro-style design and prospects from the most recent draft class.

March/April 2023 – Pre-Season Hype Builds

Bowman Baseball (Early March) – Topps’ Bowman brand focuses on prospects and international signees. This will include the first cards featuring players drafted in the 2023 MLB Draft.

Topps Heritage (Mid-March) – A retro-styled set paying homage to classic designs from the 1950s-1980s. Authentic reproductions are a big draw for collectors.

Topps Series 2 (Late March/Early April) – Kicking off the regular season wave of releases. More rookie cards and new photos of established veterans are the highlights.

Panini Contenders Baseball (April) – An insert-heavy product focused on parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards of star players.

May/June 2023 – Midseason Check-Ins

Topps Series 1 High Tek (May) – A parallel version of Series 1 with a futuristic holographic design. Limited print runs add to the excitement.

Topps Chrome (Early June) – Considered the “flagship” modern release each year. Rookies and refractors are plentiful in this popular set.

Topps Allen & Ginter (Mid-June) – A fun, unique set featuring players alongside non-sports subjects in a vintage tobacco card style. Hits like autographs and rare parallels are chase cards.

July/August 2023 – Heating Up for the Home Stretch

Topps Series 2 High Tek (July) – The parallel version of Series 2 with the same holographic treatment as Series 1 High Tek.

Panini Spectra Baseball (Early August) – High-end release known for its use of rare materials like gold, silver, and diamond-studded parallels.

Topps Archives (Mid-August) – A trip down memory lane with authentic reproductions of designs from the 1960s-1980s Topps era.

September/October 2023 – Postseason Fever

Topps Finest (Early September) – Sharp photos and refractors are this set’s calling cards. A solid preview of the upcoming postseason.

Topps Update Series (Mid-September) – The “update” portion of the flagship Topps Series, with rookie cards of midseason call-ups.

Topps Chrome Update (Late September) – The updated version of Topps Chrome, also debuting any new rookies from after the first Chrome release.

Topps Transcendent Collection (October) – Ultra-high-end release using rare materials and low print runs. Huge hits are the primary chase.

November/December 2023 – Wrapping Up the Year

Topps Holiday Gift Packs (November) – Fun themed packs and boxes focusing on the upcoming holiday season.

Topps Series 1/2 2024 Previews (Late November/December) – Sneak previews of the designs and some players/rookies from the upcoming flagship Series releases in early 2024.

Topps Archives Snapshots (December) – A retro-styled set similar to Archives but with a snapshot photo theme.

As always, there may be some additional unannounced releases sprinkled in throughout the year from Topps, Panini, Leaf and other companies. But this overview provides the major baseball card release dates collectors can circle on their calendars as they look forward to another exciting year in the hobby during 2023. With so many great new products coming out on a regular basis, it will definitely keep both modern and vintage collectors very busy and happy.

BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS PROSPECTS

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The 2023 Bowman baseball card release will feature prospects from all 30 MLB organizations as the hobby looks ahead to the next generation of future stars. Bowman is considered the premier brand for showcasing top minor leaguers before they make their big league debuts. This year’s crop of prospects eligible for their first Bowman cards is headlined by several highly-touted players expected to impact MLB rosters in the very near future.

One of the most anticipated rookie cards in 2023 Bowman will be for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carlos Colmenarez. Considered one of the top international prospects signed last year, the 17-year old from Venezuela has already generated buzz in player development circles for his advanced offensive approach and defensive skills at a premium position. Scouts praise Colmenarez’s bat speed, pitch recognition, and ability to make consistent hard contact. On the defensive side, he possesses above average range and a rocket arm. The Rays have a proven track record of bringing along prospects slowly and deliberately, but some experts believe Colmenarez could reach the majors by age 20 given his precocious talents.

Another international prospect generating first Bowman hype is Detroit Tigers outfielder Emmanuel Mejia. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, the 18-year old Mejia made his U.S. debut this season in the Florida Complex League and immediately stood out with his five-tool abilities. Mejia has impressive raw power to all fields combined with plus-plus speed. He also shows good instincts in the outfield with his routes and jumps on balls. While he still needs refinement at the plate in terms of pitch selection and plate discipline, Mejia’s athleticism and physical tools give him a very high ceiling. The Tigers have aggressively pushed Mejia thus far and he could continue moving quickly through their system.

On the high school side, one of the top 2023 Bowman prospects will be Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko. Considered one of the jewels of the 2021 draft class, Lesko lived up to the hype in his pro debut by dominating the Arizona Complex League with his mid-90s fastball and plus slider. At just 18 years old, Lesko already possesses three quality pitches with his curveball and changeup also showing promise. His command can get erratic at times, but Lesko’s pure stuff and athletic 6’4 frame give him a great foundation. The Cubs have a history of bringing along young arms judiciously, but Lesko’s dominance as a teenager suggests he may move fast if he continues making adjustments.

Another potential first round arm eligible for his first Bowman card is Boston Red Sox left-hander Jake Miller. The Texas high school product fell all the way to the fourth round last year due to signability concerns, but has made Red Sox scouts look very smart for taking a chance on him. Miller sits low-90s with his fastball and shows the ability to locate it on both sides of the plate. His curveball is a true out-pitch with sharp downward break in the mid-70s. Miller also flashes feel for a changeup and slider. Command is his main development need, but Miller’s three above average pitches give him a high ceiling as a future mid-rotation starter if he can gain consistency.

While most top prospects take the traditional minor league route, a few may make their Bowman debuts after gaining experience via non-traditional paths. One such case is San Diego Padres righty Dylan Carter, who went undrafted out of Central Arizona College in 2021 before signing as a minor league free agent. Carter immediately opened eyes that season by posting a 1.29 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 67 innings split between Low-A and High-A. His fastball sits 92-95 mph with natural sink and his slider shows plus potential. Carter’s success at higher levels as a 21-year old puts him on the prospect radar, though he may need to further refine his command and secondary pitches to stick as a starter long-term.

Those are just a few of the many prospects who could make their first Bowman appearances in 2023. As always, the set will give collectors an early glimpse of the next wave of future MLB contributors. While many will never reach the show, Bowman cards provide the hobby a fun way to track minor leaguers’ development journeys from their earliest pro seasons. For talent evaluators and prospect hounds, it’s also an opportunity to identify the next Carlos Correa or Ronald Acuña Jr before they become household names. The 2023 edition figures to continue showcasing the cream of the crop of tomorrow’s young stars.

BASEBALL CARDS SERIES 2 2023

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The release of baseball card Series 2 products for the 2023 season is one of the most anticipated events for collectors each year. Series 2 follows the initial Series 1 release in the spring and provides fans the opportunity to add new rookie cards and parallels to their collections for players who made their debuts or had standout seasons after the first series went to print.

Topps continues to be the dominant brand in the baseball card industry and their 2023 Series 2 release is expected to generate significant hype and sales. Some of the prized rookie cards collectors will be hoping to pull include Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edward, Cincinnati Reds second baseman and 2021 first round pick Matt McLain, and Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene who had a strong debut in 2022 after being a top prospect. Breakout players from the 2022 season like Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena, winner of the World Series MVP, and Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara, who had a Cy Young caliber season, will have highly sought after rookie cards.

While the base Series 2 cards can be found in retail packs sold at major outlets, the parallel and autographed rookie card chase is where the real excitement lies. Topps parallels the design each year with different color variations and printing techniques that drastically increase the card’s value depending on the rarity. Some of the most coveted 2023 Series 2 parallels collectors will search for include the prizm refractors, negative refractors, rainbow foil, and 1/1 printing plates. Autograph cards signed by the top rookies are also big ticket items that can fetch thousands of dollars depending on the player. Independent of Topps, Panini also releases Series 2 baseball cards through their Donruss and Contenders brands that offer collectors alternative designs and parallels to pursue.

The release of Series 2 is also a boon for the thriving baseball card break niche of the hobby. In a break, a group of collectors will purchase random team “spots” in a case break where the entire case is opened on live stream and hits are awarded to the spot holders. High-end hobby boxes can cost thousands so breaks offer a more affordable entry point. Sites like YouTube and Facebook will be flooded with breakers opening 2023 Series 2 jumbos boxes and hobby cases in the weeks after release looking to pull the big rookie cards. It’s become must watch content for those not able to participate but still wanting to enjoy the rush of the break live.

While the release of Series 2 products will generate a lot of buzz, the secondary market is where the true value is determined. Within days of hitting the shelves, coveted parallels and autographs from the set will start exchanging hands on eBay, COMC, and through Facebook groups. Prices skyrocket for the biggest names as collectors engage in bidding wars. It’s not uncommon for a prized 1/1 parallel to sell in the thousands so savvy investors will scour the release hoping to acquire a card to flip for profit. Graded gem mint 10 cards hold premium value so submissions to PSA, BGS, and SGC also spike post Series 2 hoping to boost value further with top grades.

The release window for Series 2 products varies by manufacturer but typically hits in late June through August after the college draft. For 2023, industry insiders expect Topps Series 2 to arrive the second week of July. As with any release, print runs can impact scarcity and collectors will analyze case break hits and early eBay sales to gauge investment potential in various parallels and players. It’s without a doubt one of the most exciting times of the year for the baseball card community as a new wave of rookies and talent joins the ranks. After months of waiting, the chase will be on to complete sets and seek out the prized rookie cards that could become collection cornerstones or lucrative flips.

The 2023 baseball card Series 2 release promises to continue fueling the booming hobby as collectors seek the next generation of stars. With strong rookie classes and innovative parallels on the horizon, it’s sure to create buzz both on release and in the resale market. For fans and investors alike, it marks the start of a new chapter with a fresh crop of young talent to collect. After a long offseason, the anticipation will be high as Series 2 products finally arrive and the hunt is on to pull the next big card.

2023 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Chrome Baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases each year due to its flashy refractors and parallels found inside hobby boxes. While the base cards hold little value, it’s the short printed parallels and rookie cards that command the highest prices on the secondary market. With the release of Series 1 and Series 2 in late 2022/early 2023, let’s take a look at some of the cards that could be worth a fortune in the years to come.

One of the most sought after rookie cards is Julio Rodriguez. The AL Rookie of the Year had a phenomenal debut season with the Seattle Mariners and is considered a future superstar. His base Topps Chrome rookie sells for around $30-50 graded, but it’s the colored parallels that bring in big money. The prized 1-of-1 Superfractor parallel could fetch over $10,000 if it surfaces. But even the standard refractor parallel is selling for $500-1000 raw already due to his hype. With continued success, this card’s price will only rise higher in the long run.

Another AL ROY contender is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. As the starting shortstop on a World Series winning team in just his first season, he had one of the greatest rookie campaigns of all time. While his base rookie sells for $20-30 graded, it’s the refractors and parallels that hold true value. The standard refractor sells for around $150-250 raw already. But the limited parallels like Gold /50 and Rainbow Foil /5 could each sell for $1,000+ if they appear. With how rare these parallels are pulled, they could become true long term gems in collector’s portfolios.

Rookies aren’t the only ones that can yield big money cards though. Reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt had an incredible season slashing .317/.404/.578 with 35 home runs for the Cardinals. His base Topps Chrome sells for around $10-15 graded, but it’s the short printed refractors and parallels that hold value. The standard refractor sells for $50-75 raw already due to his MVP season. But parallels like Gold /50 or Rainbow Foil /5 could each sell for $300-500+ if pulled since they are so scarce. For superstar veterans, the parallels are what make their cards truly valuable long term investments.

Mike Trout is considered by many to be the greatest player of this generation, and his cards reflect that status. Even a base Topps Chrome sells for around $20-30 graded due to his star power alone. But it’s the refractors and parallels where the real money is at. The standard refractor sells for $100-150 already. Rare parallels like Gold /50 or Rainbow Foil /5 command $500-1000+ prices raw since they are so limited. But the true holy grail is the elusive 1-of-1 Superfractor parallel, which if it ever appears could sell for $10,000+. No player commands more respect from collectors than Trout, making any rare parallel an instant long term collection piece.

Rookies and stars aren’t the only ones that can yield valuable cards though. Short printed veterans can surprise collectors too. For example, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had another MVP caliber season. While his base sells for around $15 graded, any refractors or parallels hold true value. The standard refractor sells for $75-100 already due to his popularity. But limited parallels like Gold /50 or Rainbow Foil /5 could each sell for $300-500+ raw. For a superstar veteran on a historic contract, any rare parallel becomes an instant long term keep.

While the aforementioned cards will likely yield the biggest returns, there are other short prints that hold sneaky value too. For example, Cardinals rookie Jordan Walker had a strong debut and could be a future star. While his base sells for around $10 graded, any refractors or parallels hold promise. The same goes for rookie Oneil Cruz of the Pirates, who wowed with his elite power. Even veterans like Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman have parallels that command $100-300 prices since they are so scarce. With so many stars and prospects in the set each year, there is money to be made on several different cards with the right parallel.

While the base Topps Chrome cards hold little value, it’s the refractors and short printed parallels that become long term valuable gems. Rookies like Rodriguez and Pena offer huge upside, while stars like Trout and veterans like Judge command respect. But surprises can also come from prospects or teammates of champions. With only a handful of each parallel produced, they become instant collector’s items. So when ripping wax in search of the next big card, it’s the colorful short prints that could pay dividends for years down the road. The 2023 Topps Chrome release offers opportunities for astute collectors to uncover the set’s most prized gems.