There are many exciting baseball cards that could potentially be valuable investments in 2023. By doing your research and understanding the overall baseball card market and trends, you can target cards that seem poised for growth next year. Some top cards worth considering include:
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards – Shohei Ohtani has quickly established himself as one of the most unique and talented players in MLB history as a true two-way star. His rookie cards from 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 remain in high demand and have been steadily rising in value. With Ohtani continuing his phenomenal play on both the mound and at the plate, his rookie cards should remain strong long-term holdings. The 2018 Topps Update paper rookie could be a particularly smart buy, as it is still reasonably priced but also contains his first photo in an Angels uniform with a major league card number.
Wander Franco Rookie Cards – As one of the top prospects in baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype in his rookie 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Rays. The ultra-rare versions like his paper Rated Rookie autograph and especially his prized Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie remain six-figure cards. There is still upside potential in his base paper rookie cards from series like Topps Chrome UPDATE, Topps Series 2, and Bowman Chrome. At just 21 years old, Franco has superstar potential and his cards could experience steady gains as he continues developing.
Ronald Acuna Jr. Update Rookie Card – Acuna Jr. was well on his way to superstardom before a season-ending knee injury in 2021. At just 24 years old, he is expected to bounce back strong in 2023 now that he is fully healthy. His flagship 2018 Topps Update paper rookie remains one of the hottest modern rookies on the market. With Acuna proving he can reach top-five MVP ballot status again, this card seems poised to move even higher as he reasserts himself as a generational talent.
Juan Soto Rookie Cards – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Update Rookie Card – Vlad Jr. took a clear step forward in 2022 and proved the hype was warranted as he had his finest season with an .875 OPS. At just 24, he will likely continue improving and pushing towards superstardom levels. Already one of the game’s best pure hitters, his 2018 Topps Update paper rookie looks like one to hold long-term. As Vlad Jr. locks in as an MVP-caliber cornerstone for the Blue Jays, this card should stay in demand.
Luis Robert Rookie Cards – Robert showed flashes of five-tool brilliance in his 2020 Rookie of the Year campaign before injuries slowed his progress. He looked like his old self down the stretch in 2022 and will be just 26 next season. If he can stay healthy, Robert has 30-30 upside that should keep collectors excited about his scarce 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie auto and base Topps Series 1/2 paper rookies from that year.
Juan Soto RCs – At just 24 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best hitters and he will be chasing a huge payday soon as he reaches free agency. Despite some off-field issues in 2022, Soto looked back to his MVP-caliber self down the stretch and in the playoffs. As one of the faces of MLB, his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects auto rookie and base paper rookies like Topps Series 1 and Chrome UPDATE all have considerable upside if he can sustain Hall of Fame-caliber production in his mid-20s.
Francisco Alvarez Prospect Cards – As one of the top catching prospects in baseball with big-time power potential, Francisco Alvarez seems on the cusp of a full-time MLB role in 2023 with the New York Mets. His low-numbered prospect cards like 2019 Bowman Chrome Sapphire could blossom next year if he takes over as the everyday catcher and lives up to the hype. There’s already significant buzz around Alvarez and that will only grow if he breaks out as a star.
Other young prospects like Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more could also shine in 2023. Keeping tabs on elite rookies who make an impact and contenders who rise to stardom is crucial for targeting the next cards primed for value spikes. Focusing on stars of today and tomorrow from 25 and under remains a smart approach when investing in baseball cards for the upcoming year.
