The 2023 baseball rookie class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Many highly touted prospects made their MLB debuts in 2022 and will have their true rookie cards in 2023 sets. With several future stars joining rosters over the last year, the competition for the top rookie card slots is fierce. Here’s a look at 10 cards that could emerge as the most coveted from the 2023 class based on the player’s talent and potential long-term value:
Emmanuel Rivera, Kansas City Royals – Rivera made his debut with the Royals in 2021 but had his playing time limited in 2022 due to some competition at third base. Nonetheless, he showed impressive power potential by hitting 17 home runs in 100 games last season. If he can lock down an everyday job in Kansas City’s lineup, Rivera has 20-25 home run ability and his rookie cards could gain value.
Jackson Merrill, Seattle Mariners – Drafted 40th overall by Seattle in 2021, Merrill quickly rose through their system with an impressive 2022 season split between High-A and Double-A. At just 21 years old, he hit .293 with 18 home runs and an .884 OPS. Merrill is an elite defensive catcher with a promising bat who could be one of the Mariners’ core players in the future. His rookie cards could become hot commodities if he continues developing his offensive game at the MLB level.
Noah Naylor, Cleveland Guardians – Naylor has been in Cleveland’s system since being acquired from San Diego in 2019, but 2022 was his first full season in the majors. Playing both first base and the outfield, he hit 16 home runs in 102 games while showing a solid batting eye. Naylor is still just 23 and will likely only get better as he gains experience. His cards could be a smart, long-term investment given his all-around contributions for the Guardians.
Matt Brash, Seattle Mariners – When Brash made his debut in 2022 after being acquired from San Diego, he showed why he was such a coveted prospect with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider. Control issues held him back eventually, but the stuff is electric. If Brash can refine his command while maintaining his velocity in 2023, he has the potential to develop into an elite MLB starter. His rookie cards could appreciate significantly if he emerges as a frontline starter.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw power, Cruz continued showing why he’s one of baseball’s most intriguing prospects in his first extended MLB action last season. He smashed nine home runs in just 47 games despite some inconsistency. If Cruz can make the necessary adjustments at the plate to tap into his full power potential as an everyday shortstop, his massive upside makes his rookie cards a must-have for any collector.
Grayson Rodriguez, Baltimore Orioles – Rodriguez established himself as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball by dominating at Double-A and Triple-A in 2022, earning a late-season MLB debut. With a mid-90s fastball and terrific slider, he has true ace potential as long as he stays healthy. As Baltimore’s likely future #1 starter, Rodriguez’s rookie cards could be enormously valuable if he emerges as the front-line starter his abilities project him to be.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – Witt made an immediate impact in 2022 by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases as a 21-year-old rookie shortstop, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. While second-year struggles are common, his five-tool ability and leadership as a cornerstone for the Royals makes his first-year cards extremely desirable for collectors. If he continues developing into a perennial all-star, Witt’s cards could eventually rival the likes of Griffey Jr. and Mantle.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – J-Rod electrified baseball with an incredible debut campaign, almost winning the Rookie of the Year by slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases at age 21. His combination of raw power, polished hitting ability, elite defense, and charismatic flair have fans and experts comparing him to a young Mike Trout or Mickey Mantle. Few prospects in recent memory have lived up to the hype as fully as Rodriguez did in 2022, making his rookie cards incredibly sought after.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – After dominating the minors, Rutschman brought his 5-tool skill set to Baltimore and immediately established himself as one of baseball’s best all-around catchers. He looks like the likely AL Rookie of the Year after hitting .254 with 13 homers while showcasing elite defense and leadership behind the plate down the stretch. As the cornerstone player for Baltimore’s rebuild and future star catcher, Rutschman’s cards could rival the greats at the position like Pudge Rodriguez or Johnny Bench.
Shane Baz, Tampa Bay Rays – Baz would have likely been the unanimous top ranked pitcher prospect entering 2022 had injury not derailed his season. When healthy last year, he showed why with elite stuff including a paralyzing curveball. Now fully recovered, Baz is poised for a breakout in 2023 as Tampa’s new ace at just 23 years old. If he stays on the mound and emerges as the ace-caliber starter his 95+ mph fastball and knee-buckling curve project, Baz’s rookie cards could be the most coveted investments from this strong prospect class for years to come.
The depth and all-around talent level of position players and pitchers making their MLB debuts in 2023 truly sets this rookie class apart. While performances and circumstances can always change the projections, cards from players like Rodriguez, Rutschman, Witt Jr. and Baz profile as wise long-term investments. But breakouts from under-the-radar prospects or players who overcome obstacles could make unexpected cards very valuable as well. Opportunities abound for savvy collectors to get in early on what looks to be one of the most historically impactful rookie classes in recent memory.
