The 2023 Topps baseball card releases always garner plenty of interest from collectors hoping to pull a rookie card or parallel of a future star. While it’s still early and rookie cards take time to appreciate in value, here’s a look at 10 cards from the 2023 Topps base set and inserts that could become the most valuable long term based on players rookies and parallels.
Julio Rodriguez Mariners #284 – Rodriguez took the baseball world by storm in 2023 by hitting 28 home runs and winning AL Rookie of the Year. He seems poised for superstardom and his rookie card will be one of the most coveted in the long run. Pristine gem mint 10 examples already sell for $100-200 and that price will only rise in the coming years as he blossoms into a perennial All-Star.
Bobby Witt Jr Royals #69 – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had sky-high expectations that he largely met in his first full MLB season. He hit 20 homers and stole 15 bases, showcasing his five-tool talents. His rookie is the cornerstone Royals card to own and should be a consistent riser through the 2020s.
Adley Rutschman Orioles #288 – Rutschman is touted as a “generational” talent and was the #1 overall pick in 2019. Despite injury issues that delayed his MLB debut to 2023, he looks like a franchise cornerstone. Orioles fandom is also on the rise, making Rutschman’s cards primed to pop in value and staying power.
Spencer Strider Braves #326 – Strider made a unexpected meteoric rise from low-key draft pick to NL ERA champ in 2023. His pinpoint control and 100+ mph fastball give him ace upside that will shine through on the baseball card market over time. The Braves also have a stellar track record developing talent.
Nolan Gorman Cardinals #296 – Gorman smashed 19 homers in just 88 games as part of a breakout 2023 with the Cards. At 23, he’s still tapping into his immense raw power potential and could be a perennial 30-homer threat. St. Louis also cultivates legends, giving Gorman’s cards enduring value.
Oneil Cruz Pirates #331 – Cruz is a 6-foot-7 shortstop with thunderous power, batting .390 with a 1.289 OPS in 39 games after his late-season call up. If he builds on that success to become a consistent All-Star, his rookie card will appreciate substantially given Pittsburgh’s historical stars.
George Kirby Mariners #306 – Kirby made the league take notice by going 9-1 with a 2.15 ERA over 20 starts as a rookie. His pinpoint control and athletic delivery point to him being a fixture in Seattle’s rotation for years. With Rodriguez leading the way, Mariners cards are red hot and Kirby’s are primed to ride that wave.
Michael Harris Braves #324 – Harris seized Atlanta’s center field job and never looked back, hitting .297 with 19 homers and playing Gold Glove caliber defense. The Braves are masters at developing prospects into stars and Harris seems next in line, making his rookie gem a blue chip.
Jack Leiter Rangers #341 – As the #2 overall pick in 2021, Leiter has all the tools to be an ace if he stays healthy. While injuries delayed his debut, a strong 2024 could catapult the blue chip rookie card up rankings in a hurry given Dallas’ devotion to their young talents.
Zac Veen Rockies #346 – Veen may be Colorado’s best pure hitting prospect of the last decade with his advanced plate skills and approach at a young age. Coors Field will only serve to inflate what is likely a long, productive big league career. Veen firsts are always in high demand for savvy collectors.
