The 2013 Topps baseball card set featured some rookies and players that have produced valuable cards in the years since. While it may not contain the star rookies of sets past, savvy collectors realized there was long-term potential in several young players showcased in the 2013 Topps set.
One of the top rookies from 2013 was Dodgers starter Hyun-Jin Ryu from South Korea. Considered a prospect with ace potential, Ryu’s rookie card has grown in value as he has become an excellent mid-rotation starter for Los Angeles. His base rookie card from 2013 Topps is still attainable for around $10-15, but collectors saw his upside early. With continued strong performance, Ryu’s rookie could be a $50+ card before his career is over.
Another valuable rookie from the set belongs to Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey. Harvey was beginning his breakout season in 2013 when Topps captured his rookie card. After missing 2014-2015 due to Tommy John surgery, Harvey regained ace form in 2016-2017 before requiring another surgery. Despite injuries slowing his career, Harvey remains one of the game’s most dominant starters when on the mound. His base rookie card now sells for $30-40 and could gain more as his playing days wind down.
Making his MLB debut in 2013, shortstop Javier Baez was one of the top prospects in baseball when shown on his Topps rookie. Struggling at the plate initially, Baez has developed into an excellent power-hitting middle infielder for the Cubs. His defense also makes him a valuable player. Though he does not have Harvey’s pedigree, Baez’s card has increased to $15-25 as he becomes an offensive force. With continued refinement, he could match Harvey’s card value long term.
Another 2013 Topps rookie that turned heads was Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. After a phenomenal 2012 debut, Harper was the #1 prospect entering 2013 when immortalized on his base rookie card. While injury slowed Harper in 2013, he has developed into a perennial MVP candidate the past 5 seasons. Considered a future first-ballot Hall of Famer already, Harper’s rookie card understandably carries a high price tag above $100 today. For collectors that identified Harper’s talent early based on his pedigree, they found a solid investment holding his rookie.
Moving beyond rookies, 2013 Topps also highlighted players entering their primes who would go on to have all-star careers. One of these was now retired Cardinal pitcher Adam Wainwright. Already a workhorse starter, Wainwright’s 2013 campaign showed he was reaching the peak of his abilities. His base card from that year sits around $10-15, but more dedicated collectors know Wainwright has Hall of Fame caliber numbers. Over time, as his playing days end and he advances on the Hall of Fame track, his Topps cards from this period should rise above $50 per base card.
Another example of a budding star in 2013 was Cincinnati Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto. Having broken out as an ace in 2012, Cueto seemed primed for greatness entering 2013 when featured on his Topps card. Injuries slowed him afterwards, but Cueto remains one of the best pure pitchers of his generation when on the hill. While he never achieved the fame of contemporaries like Kershaw and Scherzer, Cueto’s base 2013 card at $5-7 today seems quite reasonable given he has Hall of Fame stuff when right. As his career concludes, this period’s Cueto cards profile a legend and deserve to appreciate up near $25-50 range.
Finally, 2013 Topps highlighted Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen entering his age 26 season. Already a former MVP in 2012, McCutchen looked to have a clear path to the Hall of Fame if maintaining elite production. Injuries caused decline after 2013, but for 3-4 seasons Cutch was arguably the premier all-around player in baseball. His 2013 Topps base card resides at $10 today, an affordable pitching identifying one of the 2010’s true superstars during his peak. Whether he makes the Hall or not, McCutchen’s top cards from this period should rise above $50 given his exemplary early career.
While the 2013 Topps set lacked true rookie phenoms like Harper or Trout before them, diligent collectors saw value in the emerging talents of Ryu, Baez, Harvey, Wainwright, Cueto and McCutchen. With solid play since, their base cards from sets in 2013 have increased to between $5-25 and still hold promise as the players’ careers conclude. For those who did their homework, the 2013 Topps set provided multiple shrewd long term investments that should continue delivering returns to patient collectors in years to come.
