Tag Archives: 2023

WHAT CARDS TO LOOK FOR IN 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps Baseball card set is sure to feature many exciting rookie cards and top player cards worth keeping an eye out for. With the rise of many talented young stars in MLB, the rookie class in the upcoming flagship Topps set looks very promising. Here are some of the top rookies and featured players whose cards collectors will want to target:

One of the most sought-after rookie cards without a doubt will be Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker. The 21-year-old was called up late in 2022 and immediately impressed with his monster power. Walker smashed 5 home runs in just 30 at-bats and looks poised for stardom. His rookie card autographs and parallels will sell for big money. Other high-profile rookies to watch for include Diamondbacks catcher Druw Jones, the number 2 pick in 2022 who also shows five-tool talent; Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. who had a stellar rookie campaign; Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez who finished second in ROY voting; and Twins righty Joe Ryan who looks like a future ace.

On the veteran side, superstar cards of Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani, and Juan Soto will continue to demand high prices. But some other established names who could see rising value in 2023 include Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt after his huge NLCS performance; Dodgers player/manager Clayton Kershaw as he eyes another World Series run in what could be his final season; and Yankees slugger Aaron Judge as he tries to follow up his record-breaking 62 home run season. Top rookies and rising young talent like Braves outfielder Michael Harris II and Mariners pitcher George Kirby also have cards that should retain and gain value long-term.

Autographs and memorabilia cards will also hold significant value. Top young talents like Bobby Witt Jr., Julio Rodriguez, and Druw Jones could have 1/1 autographs listed for thousands. Mike Trout, who just signed a record-setting extension, will remain one of the most coveted auto chase cards. Other autographed veterans like Clayton Kershaw, Nolan Arenado, and Mookie Betts command high prices. Rare game-used memorabilia cards of star players selling for hundreds are also must-haves. Number parallel cards like the prizm yellow /10 or gold /5 varieties of the biggest names will attract serious collectors.

Topps update series cards released mid-season also feature emerging players who break out. Top performers from the 2023 season like Reds catcher Elly De La Cruz or Twins outfielder Matt Wallner could jump on the scene and have their updated cards gain significant value if they continue producing. International prospects signing big money deals with MLB clubs may also receive cards before playing stateside that could hold longterm worth.

In terms of packs and boxes to seek out for the best odds, the standard 132-card base set will remain affordable to complete but lack big hits. The higher-end jumbo boxes with extra packs and guarantees of autographed or numbered refractors hold potential for career-changing finds. Collector’s boxes with rare serial-numbered parallels or autograph cards of stars are pricey but could pay dividends long-term. The Hobby exclusive Chrome and Chrome Update packs that contain prisms and refractor parallels of the game’s brightest talents should not be overlooked.

With so much new young talent bursting onto the MLB landscape and established veterans etching their names deeper into record books, the 2023 Topps Baseball card set promises to commemorate another historic season and feature many cards that will stand the test of time as keepsakes and longterm investments. The rise of baseball card culture further increases demand for these modern issues. For collectors, focusing on the top rookies, stars of today and tomorrow, and riskier high-end products with best odds of big hits is sure to lead to an exciting year of searching packs for cards that will hold significant value in the years ahead.

ARE 2023 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Whether 2023 baseball cards hold any value depends on several factors, including the player, the card design,scarcity or rarity, and the cards’ physical condition. Cards from the upcoming 2023 season have uncertain value at the moment, as nothing has been pulled or graded yet. We can look at trends from recent years to make some educated guesses.

One of the biggest determinants of a card’s value is the player featured on it. Rookie cards or early career cards of superstar players typically gain value over time as those players establish themselves in the MLB. For the 2023 season, some top prospects to watch include Yankees catcher Anthony Volpe, Mariners shortstop Noelvi Marte, and Guardians outfielder George Valera. If any of these highly-touted prospects have a breakout rookie year and become elite players, even their common 2023 cards could gain value in future years.

Meanwhile, iconic veteran players who are likely in their final MLB seasons, such as Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, or Yadier Molina, may see their 2023 cards appreciated more in the short-term. Collectors want to obtain items featuring stars before they retire. Cabrera chasing the 3,000 hit milestone, Verlander possibly adding to his Hall of Fame resume, or Molina setting records for catchers could drive short-term interest in their ’23 cards.

The specific card design and parallel variations also impact collectability and value. Exclusive autos, memorabilia cards, or serially-numbered parallels remain the most coveted. Popular modern sets like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, Topps Finest, Topps Sterling, and Bowman Draft tend to hold their value best due to scarce parallel options and attractive designs collectors love. Base rookies are also essential for serious player collections.

Short prints, negative refractors, 1/1 printing plates, or cards with lower serial numbers will naturally be more scarce and valuable. Variations like Sepia, Rainbow Foil, Prism, Black, Gold are highly sought after by collectors willing to pay a premium. Numbered parallels below /10, /25 or occasionally /50 are usually considered true “short prints.” The lower the print run, the better hold the card has on value over the long term.

Condition is critical – the tighter the edges, whiter the corners, and more flawless the surface, the more desirable and valuable the card will be considered, especially for high-end collections. Professionally graded Gem Mint 10 cards typically sell for significantly more than raw or lower graded copies. Collectors know condition impacts long-term preservation of condition-sensitive items like trading cards.

While uncertainty remains about how any individual 2023 rookie will perform or what parallels will emerge, history shows cards from established stars, top prospects, in premium card designs and condition do best at holding collector value in the modern sports card market. Some key considerations that will determine which 2023 cards may have future value include:

Rookies of potential superstars like Volpe, Marte or Valera if they pan out
Early career hits or milestones for aging vets chasing records like Miggy, JV or Yadi
Exclusive autos, mem cards of any high-profile player
Lower numbered parallels (/10 or less) of the above
Base rookies needed to complete long-term player collections
Popular modern sets like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome
Professionally graded Gem Mint 10 protected cards

While there are never guarantees in the speculation-based collectibles market, history suggests 2023 cards meeting several of the above criteria have the strongest probability of developing value recognition from collectors over the long haul. Savvy investors will focus on scarcer, well-protected cards of players who exceed expectations rather than assume all modern cards are destined to decline in price. With some strategic selection informed by today’s trends, collectors building sets now can potentially enjoy future appreciation.

Whether any specific 2023 baseball card holds value long-term remains unseen. But looking at recent trading card sports market patterns, cards meeting several criteria like starring potential elite talent, inclusion in premium modern sets, lower serial numbers, and top-graded protection generally position themselves best to retain and potentially increase in secondary market price in future years once the 2023 season plays out. While higher risk than established vintage cards, applying proven collectibles sector guidelines suggests some 2023 cardboard merits consideration by forward-looking investors.

WHEN IS TOPPS 2023 BASEBALL CARDS COMING OUT

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Topps has been the premier brand for baseball cards for decades, holding the exclusive license to produce MLB players’ standard card issues each year. The Topps 2023 baseball card release dates and set details are something many avid collectors look forward to each offseason.

Based on historical release schedules from Topps, collectors can expect the flagship Topps 2023 baseball card series to begin arriving in retail outlets and shipments to online sellers around the second week of January 2023. This is right around the time that MLB clubs hold their annual winter meetings and negotiations on major player contracts and trades heat up as teams prepare for spring training.

Topps will likely officially announce set details like card designs, parallels, hits, autographs, and memorabilia cards included sometime in mid-December 2022. They may share initial sneak peek photos and checklists on their website and social media accounts in November and early December as baseball awards season wraps up.

When the cards do arrive in January, the first retail products available will almost always be Topps Series 1 hanger boxes, blasters, and jumbo packs at big box stores, hobby shops, and mass merchants like Target and Walmart. These will contain about 75-100 base cards and a selection of special inserts focusing on the upcoming season.

Series 1 is usually followed by Series 2 arriving around the third or fourth week of February. This second series adds another 100-150 base cards to complete rosters. It also layers in more hit odds and parallel variations with each subsequent series building on the previous checklist total. Heritage High Numbers and Allen & Ginter’s usually join the mix in March before Opening Day.

As for hobby-exclusive releases through LCS’s and online card shops, expect pre-orders to go live on those outlets in late November/early December for the various premium Topps 2023 products at higher price points. This includes Flagship Mega Boxes, Museum Collection, Archives, and High Tek. Limited releases like Topps Chrome and Finest follow shortly after the spring season starts.

Flagship retail products like Series 1-3, Heritage, and Allen & Ginter’s can also be pre-ordered through major online hobby sellers at direct distributor cost ahead of their delivery dates to guarantee allocations and prevent sellouts. Pre-sales provide Topps and LCS’s access to working capital.

In 2023, Topps has to finish producing and distribution of its 2022 licensed products by the end of December before full focus shifts to the new season. A few annual retro re-release sets may bridge the calendar year transition period in early January too as a special bonus for diehard collector completionists.

Then starting in late January through May, the monthly rollouts of Topps Series 1-3, Heritage, Allen & Ginter’s, and all those premium hobby boxes keep the card season going strong leading up to the summer. By then, Topps Update and other post-season/playoff issues will be gearing up followed by the next year’s cycle in the fall/winter again.

As the exclusive MLBPA license holder, Topps doesn’t face direct competition from other card companies for standard baseball issues like in the past. But companies like Panini still produce competing licensed NBA, NFL, soccer and mixed sport products that may siphon some discretionary collecting dollars. Overall it’s an exciting time for any baseball card fan eagerly awaiting the first glimpses of the 2023 Topps series to arrive.

WHEN WILL 2023 BASEBALL CARDS BE OUT

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Major League Baseball licenses its players’ names and likenesses to trading card manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Donruss to produce baseball cards each year. These companies then plan a release schedule to get the new season’s cards into the hands of collectors.

For 2023, the main baseball card manufacturers have indicated they will start releasing the first 2023 sets in late 2022 through early 2023. Typically the release window for new baseball cards stretches from the late fall/winter before the season through the following spring/summer as more and more sets are unveiled.

Topps has historically been the first to market each year with its flagship products like Topps Series 1, Topps Chrome, and Topps Update. In 2022, Topps Series 1 hit store shelves in late October/early November as the lead product. We can expect a similar late October/early November 2022 timeframe for the debut of Topps 2023 Series 1 cards. Topps 2023 Chrome and Update releases may then follow in December 2022 through March 2023.

Panini is also a major player in today’s baseball card landscape. In 2022, Panini released its Donruss Optic and Definitive baseball cards in late October/early November. Based on that prior timing, Panini’s first 2023 basketball releases could surface during that same late October/early November window in 2022. Panini may unveil products like Prizm, Contenders, and Clear Vision through the winter and spring to keep up excitement.

Smaller brands like Leaf, Stadium Club, Allen & Ginter, and Topps Heritage traditionally release in the spring season from February through May after the bigger brands have already spoiled many of the rookies and stars. These niche sets bring back retro designs or focus on special inserts that collectors enjoy hunting.

All indications from the manufacturers are that production and shipping of new cards has been trending back towards normalcy after pandemic-related delays over the past two years. Barring any major unforeseen global events disrupting operations again, the release schedules established pre-COVID seem on track to return for 2023 cards.

Some individual 2023 baseball cards that collectors will be especially eager to pull include rookies of top prospects like Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Termarr Johnson after their drafting in 2022. Established young stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Shohei Ohtani also remain highly sought after as they continue powering MLB franchises. Veteran legends still hunting trophies like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Clayton Kershaw retain immense popularity as well.

The various sports card companies have staked out a release window for the first 2023 baseball cards of late October/early November 2022 through March/April 2023 based on prior release cycles. Topps usually is the initial brand launching new products each season to satisfy avid collectors’ appetites. While specific set release dates may evolve, the broader 5-month release period seems a reasonable expectation barring any pandemic or supply chain issues disrupting production schedules once again this year. The new season presents opportunities for collectors to enjoy pursuing rookies and veterans alike across various 2023 card designs and sets.

WHAT ARE THE MOST VALUABLE 2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set was released in late 2022 and contains several rookies and stars that are already considered some of the most valuable cards from the release. With a full year of performance and further career milestones yet to come, some of these cards should continue to rise in value in the next few years.

One of the most coveted cards from the 2023 Topps set is the Mike Trout autograph card. Trout is considered one of the greatest players of all time and his autographed cards fetch some of the highest prices on the secondary market. The Trout auto from 2023 Series 1 is numbered to only 99 copies. Recent sales of PSA 10 graded versions of this card have sold for over $1,000, with prices likely to rise substantially in the years to come as long as Trout maintains his Hall of Fame caliber production.

Another star player who regularly has some of the most valuable cards is Shohei Ohtani of the Angels. As the only true two-way player in baseball able to both pitch and hit, Ohtani’s cards are in high demand. His autographed card from 2023 Topps Update Series, numbered to just 23 copies, has already sold for well over $2,000 in mint condition. Ohtani continues to put up video game numbers and capture the attention of both Japanese and American fans, giving his modern cards strong long term potential.

Top prospect cards are also some that merit attention, as these young stars could rise in fame and production over the coming years. One of the highest touted is Cardinals’ catcher and 2018 overall #1 draft pick Gunnar Henderson. His autograph from 2023 Series 1, numbered to just 99 copies, has achieved sales around the $500-700 range for PSA 10s. Henderson made his MLB debut in 2022 and appears to have a very high ceiling, making his cards early investments in what could develop into a superstar.

Another highly regarded rookie who saw cup of coffee action in 2022 is Mariners’ outfielder Julio Rodriguez. His autograph card from 2023 Topps Update Series numbered to only 23 copies has achieved some sales already over $1000 for perfect condition. Rodriguez made a huge impression in his debut and looks to be a foundational piece for the rising Mariners. With further stardom expected, his flagship rookie cards are ones to watch.

One position player rookie who burst onto the scene with an incredible 2022 campaign was Astros’ shortstop Jeremy Pena. As the 2022 ALCS and World Series MVP, Pena immediately became a household name. His Topps Chrome autograph from 2023, serial numbered to just 25 copies, has already commanded strong prices in the $700-1000 range. With generational talents like himself being so rare at a premium position, Pena’s rookie cards seem poised to maintain high demand.

For pitching prospects, Atlanta Braves’ Round 3 2018 draft pick Kenny McMinn looms large. In 2023 McMinn was promoted from Double-A straight to the majors where he made a strong impression. His autograph from 2023 Topps Update Series, serial numbered to only 23 copies, has received bids over $600. As the Braves churn out ace after ace from their farm to continued success, McMinn’s cards have allure as a potential future member of their young rotation.

This covers just a sampling of the elite rookie and star cards from the 2023 Topps baseball release that are already showcasing seven-figure potential long term. With so many young talents in the game today, the hobby remains flush with investing opportunities on future Hall of Famers. Cards for franchise cornerstones like Trout along with new emerging greats like Ohtani, Henderson and Rodriguez look positioned to retain strong secondary market demand. Keeping an eye on new breakout rookies each year like Pena also gives the chance to get in early on the next big stars before they reach superstardom. The 2023 Topps cards showcase all of these attributes of collectibles likely to stand the test of time.

WHEN ARE 2023 BASEBALL CARDS RELEASED

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The major baseball card companies such as Topps, Panini, and Leaf all begin releasing their new baseball card products starting in late January and continuing through the summer. Here are some more specifics on the release timelines:

Topps is generally the first company to release new baseball cards each year. They will start with the flagship Topps Series 1 release, usually coming out in late January or early February. This is the main base set release that contains photos and statistics for players from the previous MLB season. Series 1 will be found in retail packs, blasters, hobby boxes, and high-end products.

In March, Topps then follows up Series 1 with the release of their annual Heritage High Number product. This set highlights retired players and parallels/short prints of current stars. Heritage uses a retro design inspired by baseball cards from the 1950s/60s. Also in March, Topps Update begins arriving with rookie cards and any statistics/team changes from Spring Training.

April and May see Topps release their Series 2 and Series Highlights/Allen & Ginter products. Series 2 has more current player photos while Highlights/A&G go with fun vintage-style designs on top rookie cards and star veterans. Topps Traded comes out in July, spotlighting new acquisitions from the MLB trade deadline.

Panini also jumps into the yearly baseball card race in February/March with their Donruss and Donruss Optic releases. These products will feature the same rookie class and stars as Topps but with a more photo-centered graphic style. Panini then rolls out more hit-focused products like Contenders and Prizm through the spring/summer months.

Leaf is another issuer coming to market in March/April with their Leaf Metal, Leaf Greatest Hits and high-end Autographed Football/Basketball/Baseball sets. These sets highlight rare parallels, vintage design blends and coveted on-card autographs of the biggest names in the sport.

Beyond the major brands, there are dozens of smaller companies that debut new baseball sets year-round as well. Some focus more on specific player tiers like prospects, rookies or veterans. Others experiment with innovative serial-numbered parallels or unique memorabilia relic cards. Many will release box breaks, case breaks and single packs/boxes online throughout the baseball season too.

In summary, January through July/August are the primary months when new baseball card products for the upcoming MLB season begin arriving in stores, online card shops and break/rip websites. Release timelines may vary slightly year to year. The flagship releases are usually the best first chance for collectors to add rookie cards and stars to their collections each spring before the action on the diamond begins anew. Careful planning of shopping and collecting budgets will serve enthusiasts well in chasing the hot new baseball cards arriving weekly throughout the issue cycle. Let me know if any part of this overview on baseball card release dates needs further explanation or expansion.

WHEN DO 2023 BASEBALL CARDS COME OUT

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The release of new baseball card sets for the 2023 season will begin in December 2022 and continue into early 2023. Most major card companies such as Topps, Panini, Leaf, and Upper Deck plan elaborate release schedules for their upcoming products in order to maximize interest and sales from collectors.

Topps has traditionally been the flagship brand for MLB licensed baseball cards and will likely be the first to release items capturing the 2023 season. In mid-December 2022, Topps is expected to drop their annual flagship “Series 1” set which will feature current stars and prospects from all 30 MLB teams. This release usually includes somewhere between 300-500 cards made of sturdy cardboard stock. Along with player cards, there will be inserts, parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards randomly inserted. Retail boxes of Topps Series 1 can be found at big box stores, hobby shops, and online for under $20.

Shortly after the New Year in January 2023, expect Topps to then issue their “Series 2” set which provides another collection of base cards to build sets while highlighting additional players. Inserts in Series 2 have more of a retro feel in previous years. Topps Update will follow in September, spotlighting any midseason additions, transfers or award winners. Throughout the season, other Topps baseball products like Series 1 Mini, Archives, Stadium Club, Gallery, and Allen & Ginter help satisfy collector appetites.

Panini is the second biggest player in the licensed baseball card market after acquiring rights in recent years from rivals like Upper Deck. In mid-to-late December 2022, look for Panini to drop a bounty of 2023 releases with their “Contenders” and “Donruss” brands being among the first major products available. Contenders highlights rookies and parallels while Donruss features colorful retro design on base cards. Expect Panini to then roll out items like “Prizm”, “Clembert”, “Chronicle” and others as the calendar year winds down and into January/February 2023 timeframe. Their release schedule tends to align closely with the MLB season.

Upper Deck had traditionally published baseball sets from the late 80s through the 2000s but lost MLBPA licensing which moved to Panini. However, Upper Deck still maintains special rights and produces high-end, limited edition collections that demand premium hobby prices. Around holiday time in 2022, their “Trilogy” and “Artifacts” releases will attract collectors seeking exquisite memorabilia relic and autograph cards unavailable anywhere else. “Ultimate Collection” releases even offer 1/1 printing plates signed by superstars. Though costing thousands per box or item, Upper Deck sets hold lifelong value for appreciating investors.

Smaller publishing houses like Leaf, Dynasty, Score, and Best Threads also join the seasonal baseball card party. Leaf usually drops a set titled after the upcoming season in early winter while Dynasty unleashes artistic, hand-drawn style cards. Score and Best Threads highlight specific players or teams in more limited, niche print runs for aficionados. Almost the entire month of December 2022 through January/February 2023 sees new MLB releases trickle to the market continuously from all facets of the cardboard industry.

Once the 2023 baseball season begins in late March, card manufacturers synchronize additional releases alongside real MLB action and milestones. Topps usually issues special “Opening Day” parallels and inserts. As summer rolls around, products often honor the annual All-Star Game and Home Run Derby events. More artist proofs, autographs, and autographed memorabilia sets emerge for trade deadline periods and postseason runs too. Upper Deck caters to high-roller investment seekers. By season’s end in October 2023, the full-year run of new releases, promotions and special “Stars of…” focus sets leaves avid collectors with an expansive selection of cardboard keepsakes commemorating another baseball year.

The 2023 baseball card release flood truly commences with a bang in December 2022. From holiday through the start of spring training, consumers can expect a steady stream of new sets, products, and promotions hitting the market continuously from all major publishers and smaller independent creators. This prolonged rollout maximizes buzz at card shops and trade shows while maintaining collectors’ attention throughout the winter ahead of the next MLB campaign. Whether hunting retail boxes or high-end autographs, 2023 shapes up as another memorable season for the modern baseball collectibles industry.

BEST TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the legendary card manufacturer. As the exclusive printer of MLB licenses, Topps is the place to find the sport’s top rookies, stars and exciting memorabilia cards. With the 2022 season now in the books, collectors are wondering which 2023 Topps cards will be the most coveted chase cards. Here are some of the top prospects to keep an eye out for next year.

One of the headliners of the 2023 Topps set will undoubtedly be Julio Rodriguez. The Mariners’ star rookie had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His prospect pedigree and breakout campaign make him one of the faces of the game. An autographed Julio Rodriguez rookie card or memorable rookie parallel could hold immense long term value. Fellow young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals and Reds pitcher Hunter Greene will also be hotly anticipated rookies after their impressive first MLB seasons.

On the veteran side, superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout and Aaron Judge will continue to be top pulls. An Ohtani autograph or 1/1 parallel would smash records. A Judge home run chase parallel from his record-setting 62 home run 2022 would be one of the crown jewels of any collection. Trout remains one of the safest long term investments in the hobby. RCs of rising talents like Cardinals’ Nolan Gorman or Marlins’ JJ Bleday from their partial 2022 campaigns could take off.

In terms of parallels and short prints, collectors will be on the hunt for the always-elusive 1/1 variations which feature unique designs. Low numbered parallels like /5, /10 or /25 are also hugely popular chase cards. Topps usually includes a hit or memorabilia card in luxury hobby boxes as well. Authentic signed relic cards of franchise greats like Albert Pujols or Clayton Kershaw remain true collector’s items. Watch closely for autograph parallels too which multiply rarity.

Topps Update Series and Highlights cards released later in the year provide another opportunity to find stars. Past Updates have featured rookie cards of eventual superstars who debuted late like Juan Soto. Retired legends and Hall of Famers are also paid tribute. The 2023 Update Series may give a proper sendoff to living legends like Yadier Molina or Albert Pujols in their final seasons.

On the technology side, Topps continues to innovate with virtual and augmented reality features. Their Topps NFT platform allows collectors to obtain and trade digital cards as well. It will be interesting to see how Topps evolves their digital offerings in 2023. Their physical product remains the most coveted in the industry due to the exclusive MLB rights though.

The 2023 Topps baseball release is primed to feature some true heavyweight rookies and veterans to chase. With the hobby at an all-time high, valuable parallels, autographs and unique memorabilia cards from the flagship set are sure to be highly sought after. Careful searching of retail boxes, collector’s cases and hobby cases may reward patient collectors with true gems to commemorate the 2023 season. Whether collecting for enjoyment or long term investment, Topps 2023 will provide many exciting prospects to keep an eye on in the new year.

MARINERS BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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The 2023 baseball season saw the Seattle Mariners make their return to the postseason for the first time in over 20 years. Their young, exciting roster filled with stars like Julio Rodriguez, Eugenio Suarez, and Luis Castillo electrified fans in the Pacific Northwest and around MLB. It’s no surprise then that collectors looking to commemorate the Mariners’ success have flocked to the myriad baseball cards released depicting the ’23 SeaTown squad.

Topps, the premier baseball card manufacturer, delivered perhaps the most robust Mariners offerings in its flagship ’23 set, update series, and Chrome variants. Julio Rodriguez’s outstanding rookie campaign launched him to the cover of Topps Series 1, making him just the second Mariner in history after Ken Griffey Jr. to earn that prestigious honor. J-Rod’s scintillating “Rookie Momentum” RC parallel from Series 1 caught the eye of collectors everywhere with its silvery reflection technology. His smooth swing and laser-beam arm also popped spectacularly from the Chrome cards.

Eugenio Suarez found new life in Seattle after coming over from Cincinnati, clubbing a team-high 31 home runs. His booming moonshots translated marvelously to the 3D lenticular technology employed on his ’23 Topps Update cards. Fellow new acquisition Luis Castillo, acquired from Miami at the trade deadline, gave the Ms a legitimate ace and helped propel their playoff push. Castillo’s imposing 6’7 frame and blazing fastball jumped off Collector’s Choice cards in vivid color.

Bowman broke new ground with its ’23 Mariners cards as well. It featured the deft defense of center fielder Julio Rodriguez on a “Gold Signature” parallel with dazzling foil accents. Hard-throwing reliever Andres Munoz, whose triple-digit heat regularly lit up radar guns, received “Green Refractor” and “Green Sparkle” treatments that glittered under light. Top prospect Emerson Hancock, acquired from the Braves in the Jesse Winker/Eugenio Suarez swap, appeared on a “Purple Refractor” card foretelling his arrival in the Show.

Panini took a stylish artistic approach with its ’23 Mariners cards. A “Sparkle” parallel of Luis Castillo showed his motion in an abstract painterly style with glimmering flecks. Cal Raleigh’s Home Run Derby participant RC popped with vivid neon colors on an “Exquisite” card numbered to just 25 copies. Dylan Moore received an “Auto-matic” parallel autograph card that featured a close-up snapshot of his distinctive batting stance.

The postseason berth elevated Seattle stars further on memorable playoff rookies cards. Julio Rodriguez exploded onto the October scene with a playoff homer and collected hits against future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Topps immortalized J-Rod’s heroics on a green-bordered “Postseason Debut” RC. His teammate Cal Raleigh launched a dramatic extra-innings homer to eliminate Toronto in the Wild Card round, commemorated on Panini’s “Momentous Moments” insert.

As the Mariners looks primed for continued success led by the dynamic Rodriguez, avid collectors anticipate another bounty of creative baseball cards in ’24 highlighting this exuberant Seattle club. After two decades, fans have embraced this talented young core and their playoff return. Baseball cards reflecting the vibrant energy and performance of players like J-Rod, Eugenio Suarez and Luis Castillo will remain a cherished keepsake for years to come of the Mariners’ long-awaited reemergence.

2023 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS WALMART

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The 2023 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues of the year. As one of the flagship brands in the baseball card industry, Topps is known for producing high-quality cards that capture the essence of the MLB season. With Opening Day just around the corner in 2023, fans are eager to get their hands on the newest Topps cards featuring their favorite players and teams.

Walmart is traditionally one of the biggest retailers for Topps baseball cards each year. They stock a wide variety of products from the Topps lineup, making it a one-stop shop for collectors. In 2023, Walmart buyers can expect to find Topps Series 1, Series 2, Allen & Ginter, Heritage, and Update Series packs, boxes, and blaster packs on shelves. They will also carry specialty products like Topps Chrome, Topps Fire, and Topps Transcendent.

Topps Series 1 is usually the first major release of the year, coming out in late February or early March before the season begins. The 2023 Series 1 checklist is rumored to feature rookie cards of top prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green. Standout veterans like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. will also grace the base card designs. Walmart will stock Series 1 in traditional wax packs as well as larger blaster and hanger box configurations for added value.

Not long after Series 1 arrives, collectors can look for 2023 Topps Series 2 at Walmart in April. This series often highlights some of the early breakout stars from the first month of games. Rookie cards, special parallels, and hit cards make Series 2 a popular chase. Allen & Ginter will also be stocked around the same time, featuring unique retro designs and intriguing mini cards packed with surprises.

As the season heats up in summer, Walmart will bring in shipments of Topps Heritage and Topps Chrome. Heritage pays tribute to the vintage aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s with a traditional cardboard stock. Chrome steps things up a notch with its ultra-modern refractors, prisms, and negative color variations. Both sets are collector favorites due to their distinctive retro and modern flair respectively.

Topps Update Series invades Walmart shelves in late August/September. This annual issue spotlights any new rookies or players that made their MLB debuts after the initial series were produced. Top prospects who got their first major league callups are some of the most sought-after chase cards in Update. Parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards add to the excitement of each release.

In the playoff months of October and November, Walmart will stock later series like Topps Transcendent. This high-end product features rare 1/1 autographs, patches, and serially numbered parallels of the game’s biggest stars. Topps Fire also arrives with its blaze orange refractors perfect for the fall season. Throughout the postseason, Walmart puts out special playoff promo packs too celebrating the teams still battling for a World Series title.

While retail giant Target has scaled back its baseball card offerings in recent years, Walmart remains fully committed to the hobby. Their buyers understand the demand is there from collectors of all ages and work hard to keep shelves fully stocked. 2023 shapes up to be another monumental year for the sport and for Topps cards chronicling all the action. Walmart will have collectors covered the entire season long as they look to pull their favorite new cards and chase down the next big hit. Whether shopping in-stores or online, Walmart creates a fun, accessible experience for any fan engaging with the timeless tradition of Topps baseball cards.