The 2022 baseball season is well underway which means this is a great time to start exploring the newest baseball card releases and identifying rookie cards and prospects to target for your collection. While stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto continue to dominate, there are always exciting rookies emerging who could become the future faces of the game. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2022 baseball cards to consider adding to your collection.
Riley Greene Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Detroit Tigers): Greene had a phenomenal season in the minors in 2021 and entered 2022 as one of the top prospects in baseball. He made his MLB debut in June and has impressed so far with his all-around ability and potential as a new star for the Tigers. His Chrome auto rookie cards remain scarce and demand is high making this a great long term investment card. Look for PSA 10 examples to fetch $400-500 currently.
Julio Rodriguez Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Seattle Mariners): Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in 2021 with power and speed throughout the minors and joined the Mariners in late May. He immediately made an impact with prodigious power and elite athleticism. Julio has the potential to be a perennial All-Star and this shiny Chrome auto RC will only gain in value as he becomes the new face of the Mariners franchise. PSA 10s trade for $500-600 but could double or triple in the coming years.
Adley Rutschman Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Baltimore Orioles): As the top prospect in baseball entering 2022, expectations were incredibly high for Rutschman when he got called up in May. While it took him some time to adjust, he has started to show why he’s so special with elite defense behind the plate and promising signs with the bat. This Chrome auto rookie is the card to own for the potential future star and franchise cornerstone. PSA 10s sell in the $600-700 range and that price seems poised to exponentially increase.
Oneil Cruz Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Pittsburgh Pirates): At 6-foot-7 with tantalizing power and athleticism, Cruz has all the tools to be a star. He saw his first extended MLB action in 2022 and immediately turned heads with eye-popping home runs. Cruz could be a franchise cornerstone and this Chrome auto RC looks like a bargain currently in the $250-300 PSA 10 range. His rising star status makes this a very enticing card to get in on early.
Bobby Witt Jr. Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Kansas City Royals): As the #2 pick in the 2019 draft, Witt wasted no time reaching the majors in 2022 and has not disappointed. With impressive power, speed, and budding all-around skills, he looks like a cornerstone player for KC. This Chrome auto RC is highly sought after by Royals collectors but also savvy investors. PSA 10s have climbed above $1000 with more increases to come as Witt becomes an established star.
Spencer Torkelson Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Detroit Tigers): Taken #1 overall in 2020, Torkelson also got his first extended MLB chance in 2022. While he struggled at the plate initially, he adjusted well and still has all the makings of a perennial All-Star first baseman. If he puts it all together, this Chrome auto RC could end up being a true jewel in collections. Even with his early struggles, PSA 10s hold steady around $800 for the time being.
C.J. Abrams Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Washington Nationals): Acquired from the Padres in the Juan Soto deal, Abrams has electrifying tools that could make him a star. He spent much of 2022 in the minors but should lock down a full-time MLB role in 2023. His offensive game is developing nicely to go with Gold Glove caliber defense up the middle. As he establishes himself, this key RC could multiply in value from its current $400 PSA 10 price tag.
Oneil Cruz Heritage Minors Auto RC (Pittsburgh Pirates): For those seeking a lower priced alternative to the Chrome auto RCs, Cruz’ Heritage Minors card provides that opportunity. These autographed cards tend to trade considerably below the Chrome versions while still offering the potential for significant returns. PSA 10 Heritage Minors Cruz RCs can currently be found for $150-200, an absolute steal for such an electric young talent.
Bobby Witt Jr. Heritage Minors Auto RC (Kansas City Royals): Like with Cruz above, Witt’s Heritage Minors auto RC delivers affordability without sacrificing upside. For Royals collectors or prospect collectors on a budget, this particular card stands out. PSA 10s hold at $300-350 now but the potential is there for much bigger gains down the road as Witt becomes the face of Kansas City baseball.
Riley Greene Leaf Auto RC (Detroit Tigers): For those who prefer paper to chrome, Greene’s Leaf signature RC provides a compelling alternative. These colorful and iconic Leaf signature cards from Topps tend to hold value very well long term for star players. PSA 10 Greene Leaf autos trade around $250 currently, quite reasonable given his immense potential. This looks like a very solid long term baseball card investment.
Emerson Hancock 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Seattle Mariners): Although he missed most of 2022 due to injury, Hancock remains very much on the prospect radar as one of the Mariners’ top arms. When healthy, this former first rounder has the ceiling of an ace and this prized Chrome auto RC could pay big dividends down the road. With his talent and the Mariners’ rising competitiveness, this RC looks like a great target for the patient collector, available now for under $150 PSA 10.
Gabriel Moreno 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Toronto Blue Jays): Moreno may no longer be a prospect but he showed in 2022 he can perform at the MLB level, particularly with the bat. A smooth defender as well, he seems poised to claim the everyday catcher role for the powerhouse Blue Jays. As he establishes himself, demand will only grow for this Chrome auto RC, especially in a PSA 10 case. Prices around $250 make this a reasonably-priced upside pick.
Jarren Duran 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Boston Red Sox): While Duran struggled in limited MLB time in 2022 and remains a work in progress, he has the tools to be a dynamic player. This gifted athlete could break out in 2023 and greatly increase the appeal of this Chrome auto RC. For under $100 in a PSA 10 case, this lottery ticket type pickup seems easily worth the gamble.
Brennen Davis 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC (Chicago Cubs): Health issues cost Davis most of 2022 but when on the field, he has flashed the ability that made him such an electric prospect. Landing with the Cubs also boosts his long term appeal. His Chrome auto RC can currently be found for under $75 PSA 10, a true bargain basement price for a player of his caliber when right. Plenty of upside left if he can stay healthy.
In summary, 2022 saw the debuts of many top prospects who could emerge as future stars. Their flagship rookie cards remain very reasonably priced compared to what they may be worth down the line. For savvy collectors, focusing on these young talents offers a prime opportunity to get in early on cards that have colossal future upside. Top names like Greene, Rodriguez, Rutschman and more are launching stellar MLB careers that make their prize rookie cards must-haves heading into 2023.
