As the calendar turned to 2023, there were lots of questions about this release. Stores really weren’t sure what to expect for series 1, even to the point of not being sure they would be able to order it. In years past, Releases were often ordered six months ahead of release time. Now, coming up on the expected time for series 1, and that clarity wasn’t there. Perhaps this is the new Fanatics way, as the next expected release doesn’t seem to be offered yet, but series 1 seemed to work.

There is a rather big shake-up with this release compared to previous years. While there is the normal 330 card base set, along with a lot of parallel options, it takes a new approach to short prints. Gone are the days of three or four levels of short prints, featuring primarily stars and rookies. Instead, this year, we see a super short print version of every base card. It will be interesting to see how that plays out over time.

A box features 10 packs with 46 cards per pack. Each box also includes 1 Autograph and 2 Relic cards, along with two silver packs of 1988 Chrome cards, and an oversized box topper.

This box contained:

The Topps Flagship release for 2022 series 1 comes at an interesting time in the hobby. A lot of uncertainty is circling around the recent announcement that Fanatics will be purchasing Topps. They seem to have big plans, but exactly what those are remain to be seen at this point. Either way, this release was planned well before the announcement, so we haven’t started to see the effects just yet.

Along with the Fanatics purchase, Major League Baseball is also faced with a labor lockout, postponing spring training, and possibly the start of the regular season. So, while series 1 normally ushers in the beginning of a new baseball season, it comes under a dark cloud this year.

The release itself is a standard format. The base set contains 330 cards, and provides a normal assortment of parallels. By looking at the odds to receive some of the numbered parallels, it becomes clear that the print run is way up from previous years. Demand seems to be through the roof, but is it from collectors? Or speculators? Only time will really tell.

A jumbo box contains ten packs with 46 cards per pack, including one autograph and two relic cards. Also included in each box are two silver packs containing 1987 Topps Chrome mojo refractors, as well as one oversided 1987 Future Stars card.

This box contained:

The Topps Update release brings an end to the Flagship’s yearly set. Normally, it provides players in new uniforms after mid season trades, as well as some All Star content. This year, while the release comes at the normal time of year, it seems the content cut-off was much earlier. For whatever reason, deadline trades are not included in the set. It makes for a weird scenario where some late season trades could potentially have their only cards with their new teams in next year’s releases, after they have moved on as free agents.

This release continues with the parallels found in series one and two. , but with a separate update series numbering scheme. Many inserts sets, such as the 1986 style cards are continues in this set, as well. A jumbo box contains ten packs with forty-six cards per pack. Each box also advertises 1 Autograph and 2 Relic Cards per box. It also includes three special silver packs, featuring 1986 Chrome and Tek inserts.

This box contained: