The 2022 Houston Astros are hoping to build on their impressive 2021 season that saw them come within two wins of the World Series title. As a result, baseball card collectors are excited to see what rookie cards and new additions to the team will be featured in 2022 sets. While reprints of stars like Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, and Justin Verlander will still be highly sought after, here’s a closer look at some of the key Astros baseball cards to watch for in new releases this year.
Jeremy Peña (ROOKIE) – After Carlos Correa signed with the Twins in free agency, rookie shortstop Jeremy Peña will see his first major league cards issued in 2022 sets. As the expected everyday shortstop and potential heir apparent to Correa, Peña rookies could skyrocket in value with a strong debut campaign. Look for his autographs and memorabilia cards to be hot ticket items for Astros collectors this year.
Rafael Montero – One of the bestdeadline acquisitions of 2021, Montero stepped seamlessly into the Astros’ backend bullpen and had a 0.00 ERA after being traded from the Rangers. As a versatile arm who can close or setup, Montero is poised to be a key member of Houston’s pitching staff for years to come. Autographs or patch cards with his new Astros uniform could gain value as a quality bullpen arm.
Pete Incaviglia (REPRINT) – A fan favorite from the Astros’ golden era in the late 80s, “Inky” smashed 130 home runs for Houston from 1987-1992. While he’s been featured in Astros sets before, 2022 may include special retro reprints to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the 1987 NL West championship team. High-grade versions could attract value for NL West and Astros collectors.
Yordan Alvarez (BASE/AUTO VARIATIONS) – One of baseball’s most feared sluggers, Alvarez walloped 33 home runs in just 109 games last year. Look for Topps, Panini, and other brands to utilize more of Alvarez’s dominant 2021 season with base or parallel card variations showing his top stat lines. His autographs will remain a must-have for Astros PC builders as well.
Cristian Javier – Stepping into the rotation alongside Valdez and McCullers, Javier flashed an electric arsenal while going 5-3 with a 3.55 ERA as a starter in 2021. With continued development, the 25-year old Dominican could be a future ace. Base rookie cards in 2022 may eventually gain value with a breakout season.
Trey Mancini (NEWCOMER) – A fan favorite in Baltimore for years, Mancini was traded to Houston at the deadline and provides a powerful RH bat. As a proven veteran, Mancini cards in an Astros uniform for the first time will give collectors something new to chase, especially if he helps the team in the postseason.
Hunter Brown (ROOKIE) – The team’s 2nd round pick in 2019, Brown’s power arm rocketed him through the minors in 2021. The top pitching prospect could make his MLB debut and join the Astros’ rotation by mid-season. An MLB royalty card would be highly-coveted by Houston collectors.
Dusty Baker (MANAGER SPOTLIGHT) – Entering his 3rd year at the helm, the beloved skipper has the ‘Stros contending for titles again. Look for him to receive card tributes as the unifying force behind the team’s playoff runs the past two seasons in card sets recognizing iconic baseball figures.
While star veterans will remain the top Astros baseball card investments, keep an eye on the above young prospects and newcomers that could pay dividends with future on-field success. Collectors will surely be chasing the key rookies, parallels and memorabilia cards that depict this electric Houston team’s journey Back in H-Town in 2022.
