With the 2023 baseball season in full swing, collectors and fans are on the hunt for the best cards from the latest Stars and Stripes release by USA Baseball. This yearly series by Topps always highlights some of the top American prospects and rising young stars in the sport. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards to be on the lookout for from the 2023 Stars and Stripes set.
Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire release is the base rookie card of Los Angeles Angels phenomcatcher Logan O’Hoppe. After a breakout 2022 season that saw him hit .258 with 15 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, O’Hoppe looks ready to take over as the Angels everyday catcher as soon as 2023. His prospect status and future All-Star potential make his Stars and Stripes rookie card one of the safest investments in the set. Graded mint condition versions of his card have already sold for over $200, showing how strongly collectors believe in his future success.
Another rookie drawing massive attention is Chicago Cubs shortstop Ed Howard. Considered a top 10 prospect for the Cubs, Howard hit .311 between Low-A and High-A ball in 2022 in his first full pro season. He shows five-tool talents and could be a .300 hitter with 20+ home runs annually in the majors. His defensive abilities could keep him at shortstop long term too. Expect Howard’s rookie to climb in value as he progresses up the minor league ladder in 2023. Pristine copies have already reached the $100 range.
Moving over to pitching, Atlanta Braves hurler Jared Shuster is getting major buzz. The hard-throwing lefty sits mid-90s with his fastball and mixes in a sharp slider. After posting a 1.77 ERA between High-A and Double-A last season, Shuster looks primed for a big 2023. He could debut in Atlanta before year’s end. With the Braves track record for developing arms, collectors see Shuster as a safe investment. Near-mint copies of his Stars and Stripes rookie have recently sold for $75-85.
For power hitting potential, keep an eye on Nationals prospect Darren Baker. The third baseman blasted 18 homers in High-A ball in 2022 in only his age 20 season. With his legendary father Dusty Baker’s coaching and genetics, plus a sweet swing, Baker has 40+ home run capability if he stays healthy. While still a couple years away, his tremendous raw tools make his rookie a speculator’s dream. Even well-worn copies have sold for $30-40 lately.
Another young slugger turning heads is Blue Jays outfield prospect Ryan Gridley. After belting 26 bombs between High-A and Double-A in 2022, the left-handed hitting Gridley showed plus raw power. At only 21 years old, he may develop even more strength in the coming years. With Toronto’s aggressive player development, Gridley could debut by 2025. Near-mint rookie cards have sold in the $40-50 range in recent weeks on speculation of his future breakout.
Shifting to established young talents, Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic is worth highlighting. After a disappointing 2021 rookie campaign, Kelenic bounced back with a .799 OPS between Triple-A and the majors in 2022. Collectors who added his Stars and Stripes rookie at low prices a year ago are now sitting on a gold mine. With Kelenic now entrenched in Seattle’s order, top-graded versions of his card changed hands for $80-100 last month.
No Stars and Stripes review would be complete without mentioning Cardinals pitcher Andre Pallante. The righty went 4-2 with a 2.04 ERA as a rookie in 2022, showing ace-like skills. Pallante looks ready to form a dominant 1-2 punch in St. Louis’ rotation for years along fellow youngster Jordan Montgomery. His long-term outlook and proven ability make his rookie one of the safest long-term holdings in the set. Near-mint 10 copies have sold recently for $150-175 and only stand to increase over the coming years.
With talented players like O’Hoppe, Howard, Shuster, Baker, Gridley, Kelenic, and Pallante, the 2023 USA Baseball Stars and Stripes release features many future MLB stars. Any of their rookies make for superb long-term investments. But the key, as with any trading cards, is to only acquire high-grade versions from reputable sellers to maximize returns down the road. The prospects highlighted here all have the skills to bump their cards significantly higher with continued on-field success.
