2023 will be another exciting year for the hobby of baseball card collecting. With rising star rookies making their debuts, veteran superstars continuing to produce, and a new crop of young talent emerging, there are plenty of intriguing cards that could appreciate in value over the next few years. While it’s impossible to predict the future, here are some baseball card recommendations worth considering adding to your collection in 2023 based on recent player performance, career trajectories, and marketing:

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – There may not be a more exciting two-way player in baseball right now than Shohei Ohtani. After a historic 2021 season where he was both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani continues to dazzle on both sides of the ball. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor remains one of the top modern rookie cards to own. As one of the faces of MLB, expect Ohtani’s star and his cards to only rise higher in coming years. With another MVP-caliber season possible in 2023, his rookie cards hold must-have potential.

Juan Soto, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – Along with Ohtani, Juan Soto may be the biggest name in baseball not named Mike Trout or Aaron Judge. After re-signing a massive contract with the Padres, Soto will look to lead a powerhouse San Diego lineup in 2023 and beyond. Like Ohtani, Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is one of the premier rookie cards in the hobby. Still just 24 years old, Soto has justified his status as a true five-tool superstar and perennial MVP candidate. His cards seem poised to appreciate as he continues delivering at the plate.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2018) – When healthy, Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the game’s most electrifying players. His 2018 rookie season was cut short due to a torn ACL, but Acuña returned in 2022 to remind everyone of his five-tool talents. He’s still just 25 and will continue playing a major role on contending Braves teams. With sneaky upside as one of the best players of his generation, Acuña’s rookie refractor may be a bargain at its current price point. Even with the injury risk, he profiles as a potential superstar collector’s item.

Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – As the odds-on favorite for AL Rookie of the Year in 2022, Julio Rodríguez immediately established himself as a budding star and one of the game’s most exciting young players. Still just 22, Rodríguez has the talent, tools and contract longevity to be a cornerstone piece for the resurgent Mariners for many years to come. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor remains attainable but holds strong potential to multiply in value with a few more great seasons under his belt in Seattle.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – While injuries limited him as a rookie in 2022, Spencer Torkelson showed why he was the #1 overall pick in 2020 when healthy. As the cornerstone of Detroit’s rebuild, Torkelson is primed for stardom if he can stay on the field. His lefty power bat could make him a perennial 30-homer threat and anchor of the Tigers lineup for a long time. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is an affordable bet on a player with the skills to be a corner infield all-star.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – The second overall pick in 2019, Bobby Witt Jr. immediately became one of MLB’s top prospects and didn’t disappoint in his 2022 rookie campaign. Playing a premium position at shortstop, Witt flashed five-tool potential while making highlight-reel plays in the field and showing serious power at the plate. He’s on the fast track to stardom as a centerpiece for the Royals’ rebuild. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor could be a bargain now looking back in a few years.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Many regard Adley Rutschman as the top prospect in baseball before making his big league debut in 2022. He earned AL Rookie of the Month honors in September while flashing all the skills that made him the #1 pick in 2019. Playing a premium position at catcher with patient bat skills and leadership intangibles, Rutschman has the tools to be an all-around star for the Orioles. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is still quite affordable for such a high-ceiling young talent.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Standing 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw power, Oneil Cruz came on strong for the Pirates down the stretch in 2022 to show why he’s one of baseball’s most exciting prospects. Cruz impacts the game in ways few others can thanks to his rare tools, and he still has plenty of offensive development ahead as he plays a premium position at shortstop. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a low-risk, high-reward add for anyone bullish on Cruz’s long-term star potential.

Anthony Volpe, New York Yankees (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – As one of the game’s top prospects who finally made his MLB debut late in 2022, Anthony Volpe could be the future shortstop for the Yankees. He has the hitting prowess, defensive chops and intangibles to be a pillar for New York’s lineup for years to come. While he struggled initially, Volpe hit .302 after his first call-up suggesting he may be on the verge of stardom. His 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a savvy investment for such a high-profile Yankees prospect.

Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Topps Chrome Rookie Refractor, 2022) – Taken second overall in 2021 like his Hall of Fame father Al, Jack Leiter dominated in the minors before a broken fibula cut short his rookie season. He has frontline starter upside if he can stay healthy though and be a workhorse at the front of Texas’ rotation for a decade or more. Leiter’s low-numbered 2022 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is quite affordable now and holds awesome potential if he fulfills his ace projection.

Staying atop emerging talent like the young stars and top prospects discussed is key to collecting valuable baseball cards long-term. Rookie refractor parallels from the likes of Ohtani, Soto, Acuña and more established veterans along with first-year issues of Rodríguez, Witt, Volpe and other ascending newcomers seem poised to appreciate over the next 3-5 years if they continue developing into impact big leaguers. Focusing a collection strategy primarily around today’s and tomorrow’s best young players is a low-risk approach that stands the test of time in this vibrant hobby.