The 2023 Topps baseball card series are set to be released in just a few months, kicking off another exciting year of collecting. With players changing teams, rookies making their debuts, and storylines developing throughout the season, there will be no shortage of intriguing cards to chase. Here are some of the top 2023 Topps baseball cards collectors will want to keep an eye out for when packs and boxes start hitting the shelves.
Shohei Ohtani – The current face of MLB and reigning AL MVP, Ohtani is must-have for any collection. Look for prized parallels and autographs of the two-way Japanese superstar who continues to dazzle on the mound and at the plate. His popular bowman chrome rookie cards from 2018 also retain strong value.
Aaron Judge – After smashing an AL record 62 home runs, Judge entered free agency as one of the hottest commodities on the market. No matter what uniform he wears in 2023, his rookie cards and any cards from his record-shattering ‘22 season will see a surge in demand. Autographs and memorabilia cards will carry premium prices.
Juan Soto – One of the game’s brightest young stars switched leagues this offseason in a blockbuster trade from the Nationals to the Padres. Soto mania on the west coast is real, so any Padres uniform cards of the 24-year-old slugger should be in high demand. Look for parallels and autographs of him in the brown and yellow to rise above standard issue cards.
Rookies – Every year, the rookie class is one of the most intriguing aspects of the new Topps series. 2023 will be no different, headlined by Cardinals super-prospect Jordan Walker, Mariners flamethrower George Kirby, and Rangers shortstop Kumar Rocker. Top rookies like them offer the potential for long-term value increases if they live up to the hype in their early big league careers. Numbered parallels and autographs of the top rookies will be big ticket items.
Stars on the Move – Dansby Swanson, Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, Brandon Nimmo, and Carlos Correa were among many stars who changed uniforms in free agency. Their first cards in new threads will pique collector interest. Swanson and Turner especially could see a boost joining historic franchises in Philadelphia and Boston respectively.
Mike Trout – Even a decade into his career, Trout is still the player many collectors envy having in their collections. He remains one of the safest long-term investments in the hobby. Autographs and memorabilia cards continue their ascension in value as Trout sustains Hall of Fame production and chases milestones. Any new Angels cards of the generational talent will be hot commodities.
Record Breakers – Aaron Judge made history in 2022 but others cracked milestones as well. Career hits king Pete Rose had his 8000th knocked last year and will appear in Topps for the first time since leaving Cincinnati. Albert Pujols smashed 700 homers and still chases #700. Cards celebrating those major achievements will carry collector gravitas.
refractors, Chrome, Rainbow Foil – Topps parallels and premium products are where truly elite cards reside. Refractors, numbered foils, and autographs out of products like Topps Chrome and Allen & Ginter consistently lead the pop culture crossover. Cards like a Jeter refracto or Judge rainbow foil provide maximum bling for high-end collectors.
Memorabilia Cards – For enthusiasts looking to own tangible game-used pieces of their favorite stars, Topps memorabilia cards fill that void. Authentic used jersey, bat, or glove swatches paired with today’s icons like Tatis Jr, Acuña Jr, and Machado reach rarefied air in collections. Numbered 1/1 versions take the specialty to extreme levels.
Vintage Stars – Legends of the past still hold major nostalgic and intrinsic value. A mint Hank Aaron rookie from 1954 Topps Series 1 or Gibson superstars card symbolize a golden era. While expensive, condition census examples with strong eye appeal remain elite long term keepsakes in a collection.
Parallel Color Combos – Spectrum between basic base cards and ultrarare one-offs, Topps parallels hit the sweet spot. Rainbow foil, black border refractors, green shimmers are go-tos. Uniform color matches like a Griffey Jr. refractor in Mariners teal invigorate the aesthetics. Uncommon combos maximize rarity potential.
Short Prints – Limited print runs of select short print cards add scarcity value. Topps usually includes around 10 SPs per standard base set scattered throughout the checklist. Pulling one feels like winning the lottery. Logically inserted players raise interest but true oddball choices create mystique.
Base Set Chase – For many collectors, completing the standard base set is the annual goal before moving to inserts and parallels. The thrill of each new card found until solely the most elusive remain unspooled drives addiction. Having a complete set brings pride and preserved fandom to any collection.
Selling anything less than a true completed set also incurs temptation to crack more packs. Such is the delicate balance between collection versus gambling within the wax-ripping hobby. Overall, 2023 Topps looks set to again deliver topical cards for all tastes. Staying tuned for the upcoming releases will be half the fun this upcoming season.
