The 2023 Topps baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. After months of speculation, Topps has finally unveiled the complete checklist for the flagship baseball set that collectors worldwide eagerly await.
As in years past, the 2023 Topps set features cards of all current Major League players as well as rookie cards, autographs, and special parallels. There are several key storylines to follow as we break down the checklist in more detail.
One of the biggest subplots involves the debut rookie cards of some of the game’s brightest young stars. Pitchers like Philadelphia’s Bryson Stott and Tampa Bay’s Taj Bradley are among the top prospects poised to make their Topps rookie card bow. On the position player side, look for cards of Seattle slugger Julio Rodriguez and Miami first baseman JJ Bleday. Both had impressive september call-ups and are likely to battle for Rookie of the Year honors in 2023.
Another storyline revolves around new digs for superstars. Aaron Judge smacked an AL-record 62 home runs in his final season with the New York Yankees before signing a big free agent deal with the San Francisco Giants. His 2023 Topps card will mark his debut in the orange and black. Similarly, Trea Turner’s card wears a Phillies cap after inking a $300 million contract with Philadelphia.
Of course, the usual suspect of trading deadlines moves also shake up the checklist. As an example, San Diego shortstop Brandon Drury has a 2023 Topps card donning an Atlanta Braves uniform after being dealt there at the 2022 trade deadline. And Carlos Rodon switched from the San Francisco Giants to the Texas Rangers via free agency, so his card sports Rangers duds for the first time.
Some other notable jersey changes include Kris Bryant moving from the Colorado Rockies to the Philadelphia Phillies, and Michael Brantley shifting from the Houston Astros to the Baltimore Orioles organization. Staying in the American League, Martín Pérez left the Rangers to sign with the Detroit Tigers in the offseason.
On the veterans side, 2023 Topps promises plenty of stars in new environs including Aaron Judge, Brandon Nimmo, and Xander Bogaerts. It also features likely final Topps cards for longtime greats who retired after the 2022 campaign such as Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Justin Verlander. Collectors will want to snap these potential “swan song” cards up.
Autograph cards remain a huge draw for collectors chasing heirloom pieces. Topps’ 2023 baseball release boasts several multi-player, on-card autographed parallel inserts including “Triple Threads” trios and special “History of the Game” ink featuring legends paired with current stars such as Trout/Mantle or Judge/Ruth. Individual autographed rookie cards of top prospects are also highly sought after chase cards.
Parallels and variations of base cards add intrigue and value across the entire spectrum. From the ultra-rare 1/1 printing plates to refractors, Gold Label parallels, and Photo Variations capturing unique action shots, these special counterparts multiply collecting and player value exponentially compared to the vanilla base cards. Rainbow sets comprised of parallel collection are lifelong quests for the most hardcore collectors.
And of course, the 2023 Topps set commemorates several important baseball anniversaries. Cards pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the original “Shoeless” Joe Jackson card from 1923, the 50th anniversary of the “O-Pee-Chee” Canadian baseball card brand, and 75 years of Major League Baseball’s continual expansion. Nostalgic throwback designs harken back to classic Topps sets of the past as well.
The 2023 Topps baseball card checklist is filled with new uniforms, top prospects, signature cards, and parallels galore. Collectors will stay busy chasing their favorite players across the entire 660-card issue which hits stores in late spring 2023. Certain key cards from the set are guaranteed to become invaluable gems prized by collectors for generations to come. As always, it’s a can’t-miss annual release that any savvy sports memorabilia or card enthusiast needs in their collection.
