The 2023 Topps Baseball card series offers collectors an exciting range of cards to chase featuring some of the biggest names and rookiest stars in the sport. With cards available in packs, boxes, blasters, and hobby boxes, there is something for casual collectors and investors alike. Here is a closer look at some of the top rookies, veterans, and insert cards projected to be part of the best of the 2023 Topps Baseball offering.
One of the most anticipated rookie cards in the new Topps series is Cardinals outfielder and 2021 number one overall draft pick Jordan Walker. After tearing it up in the minors in 2022 with a .300 batting average and 26 home runs, expectations are high for the young power hitter. His base Topps rookie card is sure to be a hot commodity. Another highly sought-after rookie is Diamondbacks catcher/outfielder Druw Jones, son of retired MLB star Andruw Jones. Druw brings impressive speed and defense to the table and his rookie autos and parallels could emerge as long term gems.
On the veteran side, superstars Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, and Mike Trout are always collector favorites. Judge coming off his AL MVP and record 62 home run season with the Yankees will see huge demand for any parallels or short prints featuring the AL single season home run champ. Ohtani’s two-way talent makes him one of the most unique and exciting players in the game today. Trout remains the consensus best all-around player of his generation and continues to shatter career records, making any of his flagship rookie cards or 2023 additions highly valuable long term holds.
In terms of insert sets, the Fan Favorites collection highlighting perennial all-stars is always a hit. Rated Rookies remain the most sought after rookie cards outside the base issues, carrying prestigious heritage. The Topps Chrome Update Series inserts like Galactic parallels transform stars into intergalactic heroes on refractors and parallels adding premium appeal. Additionally, Topps Finest inserts with their silky foil finishes on portraits of the game’s icons are showpieces in any collection.
When it comes to parallels and short prints, collectors will no doubt be on the hunt for the always elusive 1/1 rainbow foil parallels. These ultra-rare pulls feature eye-popping color version and design tweaks making each one totally unique. Also highly coveted are the Gold Label parallels limited to /50 copies highlighting a player or rookie’s career achievements in golden foil. The Black Bordered short prints with their distinctive black trim instead of the usual white are also big collector favorites.
Beyond the flagship Topps chrome and paper base sets, collectors will also have their eyes peeled for additional insert sets not always guaranteed to be in every hobby box. High Number parallels reaching card #s 500-700 are modern rarities and offer creative card design twists on stars. Heritage Minors League leaders pay tribute to great MLBers before they made the show. Topps Opening Day as always a fun salute to the start of a new season that may include more retired player throwbacks or stars in new team uniforms for the year.
The 2023 Topps Baseball offerings looks to continue the tradition of providing collectors with an evergreen MLB product line featuring the games biggest names, best rookies and many collector driven insert sets that ignite the hobby. With the market still red hot, flagship parallels of emerging superstars like Judge and rookies like Walker are projected to be some of the top 2023 cards that could retain and appreciate in value in the long run for savvy investors. The 2023 Topps Baseball release provides both casual and serious collectors a fun and engaging vehicle to build their collections for years to come.
