The 2022 MLB season gave baseball card collectors plenty of exciting rookies and veteran stars to chase. With the boom in popularity of sports card collecting over the last couple years, certain rookie cards skyrocketed in value immediately upon release. While it’s still early and player performance will dictate long term value, here are some of the most valuable 2022 baseball cards on the secondary market right now according to recently sold listings on eBay:
Adley Rutschman Bowman 1st Chrome – The top Baltimore Orioles prospect and considered a future superstar, Rutschman enjoyed a strong MLB debut in 2022 which has driven up the value of his rookie cards. The prized Bowman 1st Chrome Parallel sells for $400-600 consistently. His regular Bowman Chrome rookie card sells in the $150-250 range.
Julio Rodriguez Bowman 1st Chrome – The consensus top prospect coming into 2022 lived up to expectations with an excellent rookie campaign for the Seattle Mariners. His 1st Bowman Chrome Parallel is one of the hottest cards on the market at $500-800. Rodriguez’s regular Bowman Chrome sells near $300.
Bobby Witt Jr. Bowman 1st Chrome – After a solid rookie season with the Kansas City Royals that saw him make the AL All-Star team, Witt’s stock remains high. The coveted 1st Bowman Chrome goes for around $500. His regular Bowman Chrome has settled at $200-300 after initially selling for over $500 upon release.
Spencer Torkelson Bowman 1st Paper – While he struggled at the MLB level, the Detroit Tigers top prospect still holds value. His elusive 1st Paper parallel from Bowman sells for $300-400. Torkelson’s regular Bowman Chrome sells near $150.
Oneil Cruz Topps Fire Green Parallel – The Pittsburgh Pirates young slugger had a breakout year and his electrifying tools have collecting zooming in on his rainbow foil parallels. The Topps Fire Green sells for a robust $250-350.
Riley Greene Topps Fire Red Parallel – Like his Tigers teammate Torkelson, Greene had a disappointing MLB debut but his prospect pedigree keeps his rookie cards valuable. The Topps Fire Red Parallel fetches $200-300.
Joey Bart Bowman Paper – Bart finally began to show signs of his potential with the Giants in 2022 after years of waiting. His standard Bowman Paper rookie from 2018 has climbed to $175-250 range.
Matt Brash Stadium Club Chrome – The Mariners rookie flamethrower made a quick impact and his parallels are coveted. The premium Stadium Club Chrome sells near $200.
Ryan Pepiot Topps Chrome Yellow /2022 – ADodgers pitching prospect who reached the majors in 2022, collectors love his Topps Chrome Yellow Parallel at $150-250.
Jake McCarthy Topps Fire Orange Parallel – McCarthy had a solid rookie year with the D-backs and this parallel consistently sells for $150-200.
Christian Pache Stadium Club Chrome – Traded to the A’s in August, Pache could break out if given regular playing time. The high-end Stadium Club Chrome goes for around $150.
Oneil Cruz Topps Chrome Blue Refractor – A testament to Cruz’s upside, even his common blue refractors fetch $100-150.
Aaron Ashby Finest Refractors – A promising Brewers pitcher who received more innings in 2022, his Finest refractor parallels sell near $100.
Some pitchers with increasing card values include Braves prospects Michael Harris II and Shea Langeliers after strong MLB debuts. Boston’s Brayan Bello and Toronto’s Alek Manoah saw their cards jump notably as well. There’s always uncertainty in baseball, but with another class of promising rookies in 2023 and card values at record highs, these 2022 gems could age very well for collectors. Staying active in the ever evolving hobby is key to maximizing value long term.
The hottest 2022 baseball cards currently are those featuring top prospects like Adley Rutschman, Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. who took their big league opportunity and ran with it. Their coveted 1st edition parallels from Bowman Draft and Bowman Chrome sets especially hold strong secondary demand. Established veterans can also gain newfound value through award-winning or breakout seasons too, like Oneil Cruz of the Pirates did in 2022 to drive up his Topps Fire parallels. Overall it was an exciting crop of rookies and another record-setting year for the baseball card industry, setting the stage for more growth in 2023.
