The 2023 baseball season is expected to feature another talented crop of rookie players making their MLB debuts. While it’s still early, here are some top rookie cards to keep an eye on in the upcoming year based on recent prospect rankings and players who have broken out in 2022 rookie campaigns.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor /150 – $400+): The consensus #1 overall prospect entering 2022, Rutschman lived up to the hype in his debut by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 57 games. Scouts rave about his mature approach and receiving skills behind the plate. As the Orioles’ unquestioned franchise cornerstone, Rutschman’s cards hold tremendous long-term value. His autographs and rare parallels could appreciate significantly if he continues developing into a perennial all-star catcher.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil /5 – $2000+): The #2 pick in 2019, Witt immediately made an impact by hitting .256 with 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases as a 21-year-old rookie. He displays five-tool talent and leadership abilities that could keep him in Kansas City for a long time. Witt’s rookies exploded in value after his call-up and have steadily risen further as he cements himself as a future superstar. His short print parallels are already commanding four-figure prices.
Spencer Strider, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Black Refractor Auto /50 – $600+): A 6th round pick in 2020, Strider shocked the industry by breaking out as an electric late-inning reliever with an 11.5 K/9 across 95 innings in 2022. At only 23 years old, he has the stuff to develop into a frontline starter. As a unique power arm on a perennial contender, Strider is poised for stardom. His autos and parallels hold great long-term value potential if he remains dominant.
Jackson Jobe, RHP, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $1200+): The #3 overall pick in 2021, Jobe missed time in 2022 but displayed tantalizing raw stuff in A-ball with a mid-90s fastball and sharp slider. At only 20 years old and 6’3, he has the elite physical tools to develop into a true #1 or #2 starter for Detroit. Jobe’s cards skyrocketed after his selection and will continue increasing in demand if he stays healthy to begin realizing his limitless upside on the mound.
Jordan Walker, 3B, St Louis Cardinals (Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150 – $300+): Many scouts believe the 21-year-old Walker has the best pure power in the minor leagues, mashing 36 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2022. The Cardinals’ top prospect should debut by mid-2023 and has limitless potential at the hot corner with 60-grade raw power. With his massive breakthrough season, Walker instantly became one of the hottest prospects in baseball. His autos and parallels present an intriguing long-term investment opportunity.
Cade Cunningham, SS, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $1200+): The #1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Cunningham blew away scouts by hitting .280 with 19 home runs at LSU as a true freshman. At 6’4 with plus power potential, many believe he will outperform the Tigers’ lofty expectations. His cards have already soared in value and will escalate rapidly if he makes a similarly explosive pro debut. Top prospect autos from the first overall pick rarely come available and could yield substantial returns.
Druw Jones, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $900+): The son of 5-time all-star Andruw Jones, Druw lived up to the hype as the #2 pick in 2022 by dominating the FSL as an 18-year-old. His rare 70-grade speed and defensive abilities in center field are matched by blossoming raw power. Jones instantly became the top prospect in the D-Backs system and one of the most highly anticipated debuts of 2023. His low-numbered parallels already sell for four figures and are positioned to explode further.
Termarr Johnson, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates (Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150 – $250+): The Pirates nabbed the ultra-toolsy Johnson with the 4th pick in 2022 under the old CBA rules. Scouts compare his easy plus speed and electric athleticism to Michel Trout. After dominating the FCL in his pro debut, he should rise rapidly with a likely 2023 arrival in Pittsburgh. His hit tool and physical changes will determine his long-term value, but Termarr’s cards already stand out for major upside.
Jackson Holliday, SS, Baltimore Orioles (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $900+): The son of 7-time all-star Matt Holliday, Jackson lived up to billing as the #1 overall pick in 2022 by hitting .417 in his pro debut. With a plus hit tool and defensive polish, many foresee him emerging as a franchise cornerstone for the O’s. As the youngest player ever selected first overall, his rare low-numbered cards will skyrocket if he continues developing into the superstar that scouts forecast.
Brooks Lee, 3B, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $600+): The #8 overall pick in 2022, Lee dazzled scouts with his lightning-quick left-handed swing and developing physicality at Cal Poly. Slotting in behind Tatis and Cronenworth long-term, he should be given the freedom to actualize his offensive potential in San Diego. His cards gained instant momentum in the draft and will maintain strong collector interest if he takes off as a top-of-the-order threat.
While this group of rookie players has yet to achieve MLB success, their elite upsides and placements with high-profile franchises position many for breakout stardom in 2023 and beyond. Rare parallel rookies and autographed cards of top prospects tend to appreciate exponentially more over time if those players live up to expectations. With such a wide array of tools and upside at a young age across these debuting rookies, their rookie cards could deliver multi-bagger returns for long-term card investors.
