One of the most hotly anticipated rookie cards for 2023 is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and top prospect Xavier Edwards. Edwards was ranked as the 10th best prospect in baseball heading into last season by MLB Pipeline and is expected to make his MLB debut in 2023. He has exceptional speed and contact skills that could make him a perennial all-star. Edwards’ rookie cards from Topps, Panini, and Bowman could hold significant long term value if he develops into the star many scouts envision. Even base rookie cards are commanding over $100 right now in PSA 10 condition from early releases as investors scoop them up.
Another rookie to watch is St. Louis Cardinals pitcher and 2020 first overall draft pick Jordan Walker. The massive third baseman turned pitcher has huge raw power potential and sits in the upper 90s with his fastball already in A-ball. Walker is considered one of the highest ceiling pitching prospects in baseball. If he continues advancing quickly through the minors, his Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome refractors and autos could exponentially increase in value during a successful rookie campaign in 2023. Many analysts believe Walker has the talent to be a true ace and #1 starter for years which makes any of his rookie parallels from the major brands very intriguing long term holds.
Speaking of the Cardinals, look for the rookie cards of touted second baseman Masyn Winn to begin gaining traction as well. The former first round pick turned in an outstanding year in high A ball in 2022 and looks poised for a promotion to double A to start 2023. Winn has five-tool talent with impressive speed, defense, and developing power. If he starts hitting for average at the higher levels next season, his cards, especially autographed rookie cards, could spike in demand from collectors. Winn will still be eligible for Topps Chrome Update and Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects in 2023 which should give investors several chances to acquire his rookie issues.
Two young hitters who turned heads big time in 2022 and could build upon that success next season are Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Rodriguez slammed 21 home runs after his promotion to the majors while batting .267 with impressive defense and stolen base abilities. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Harris batted .297 with 19 home runs and exceptional defense to help power Atlanta’s run to the NL East title at just 21 years old. Both players finished top five in Rookie of the Year voting and look like budding stars. With that in mind, their 2022 Topps Chrome Update, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Finest rookie refractors and autos seem poised to rise in value if they can build upon their debut seasons next year.
A player who may break out in the majors next season is Baltimore Orioles catching prospect Adley Rutschman. After being the top pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman battled injuries but performed very well in 80 games for the Orioles after his promotion in 2022. He displayed all-around offensive and defensive skills and should solidify his place as Baltimore’s everyday catcher in 2023. If Rutschman develops into the perennial all-star caliber catcher that scouts foresaw, his highly coveted 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome autos and refractors will be in huge demand. Even his 2022 Topps Chrome Update RC could jump up nicely with a full stellar season under his belt. Collectors love standout players at the premium catching position.
Two power arms that could make their MLB debuts to acclaim next season are Milwaukee Brewers prospect Ethan Small and Cleveland Guardians hurler Daniel Espino. Small was one of the hardest throwers in the minors in 2022 with four above average pitches and sits in the high 90s with his heater. Espino similarly overmatches hitters with a 100mph fastball and nasty breaking stuff. Both were first rounders still on the brink of the bigs. If either makes the jump and finds success as a starter or bullpen arm next season, look for their 2020 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome autos to spike in demand among diehard collectors. Such cards may still be obtainable now in the $100-300 range but could multiply in value with sustained MLB dominance.
When scouting the top rookie cards to target for potential gains in 2023, focus on the eligible rookies who have star-caliber talents and a clear path to significant MLB playing time and impact next season. This includes players like Xavier Edwards, Jordan Walker, Masyn Winn, Julio Rodriguez, Michael Harris, Adley Rutschman, Ethan Small, and Daniel Espino. If even a few of these names emerge as the real deals, their vintage rookie issues could prove to be very sound long term investments for savvy collectors. Always do thorough research on a player’s skill set and trajectory before wagering on any rookie card’s future value though. Injuries and other unforeseen factors can always impact card prices up or down.
