With the 2022 Major League Baseball season now in full swing, collectors are always keeping an eye out for the hottest rookie cards and prospects that could emerge this year and potentially become valued investments in the future. While it’s impossible to predict with 100% certainty which players will live up to expectations or exceed them, here are some 2022 baseball cards collectors should consider adding to their portfolios based on talent, hype and future earning potential.
Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers) – As the number one overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft out of Arizona State, Torkelson entered pro ball with as much hype as any hitting prospect in recent memory. After a solid debut in 2021, Torkelson is now in Detroit getting regular at-bats in a rebuilding Tigers lineup. The 22-year-old first baseman possesses elite power potential and hit over 30 home runs across two minor league seasons. He’s widely considered a future All-Star and even has some MVP upside if everything clicks. Torkelson’s 2021 Topps Chrome Prospect card carries an average eBay sale price around $50 currently, but those prices could multiply greatly if he becomes the special player many scouts feel he will.
Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – The second overall pick from 2019, Witt wowed in his brief 2021 MLB cameo and is now the Royals’ starting shortstop. While some question if he’ll stick at short long term, there’s no doubting his five-tool athleticism or elite bat speed. Witt could be a consistent .280/25/15 type player in his prime and is already showcasing maturity beyond his 21 years. His 2021 Topps Chrome Prospect card sells in the $40-50 range currently, though the sky seems to be the limit if he blossoms into the perennial All-Star some project. The exciting Southeastern Louisiana product has become the new face of baseball in Kansas City.
Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) – Hailed as the top prospect in all of baseball entering this season, the 21-year-old Rodriguez has incredible tools and just signed a massive $210 million contract extension, signaling the Mariners view him as a franchise cornerstone. Though he struggled initially in his MLB debut, Rodriguez showed plus power, speed, defense and athleticism throughout his minors career. He seems destined for annual 30/30 seasons if healthy. His priciest 2021 Bowman Chrome autos have cracked $400 already, proof positive of Rodriguez’s status as one of the game’s elite blue chips. He could be a yearly superstar in the Mike Trout/Ronald Acuña tier.
Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) – Considered a can’t-miss prospect for years, Rutschman lived up to expectations by hitting .282 with flashes of power as the Orioles starting catcher down the stretch in 2022. A switch hitter with advanced plate discipline, Rutschman’s all-around game and leadership traits draw comparisons to legends like Buster Posey. While catcher longevity concerns linger, Rutschman has the talent to become a perennial All-Star and anchor Baltimore’s rebuild. His strong 2021 campaign has his key rookie cards like Topps Chrome Prospect selling for $75-100 currently, a number that could multiply if he blossoms into a high-impact star.
Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) – At 6-foot-7 with explosive raw power, Cruz has 80-grade tools even if his hit tool and defense need polish. His electrifying late-season debut showed Cruz’s potential impact, as he smashed prodigious homers with Statcast-leading exit velocities. While he still profiles best long term as a corner outfielder or third baseman, Cruz’s immense upside is obvious. He has 20-30 homer, 20 steal skills if everything develops. His 2021 Bowman Chrome autos currently sell around $150-250 depending on parallel, but prices could multiply into five figures within a few years if Cruz maxes out his huge ceiling in Pittsburgh.
Geraldo Perdomo (Arizona Diamondbacks) – A consensus top-75 prospect entering 2022, Perdomo has drawn comparisons to Andrelton Simmons for his plus defensive abilities at shortstop and projectable offensive profile. While his power may top out around 15 homers annually, Perdomo manages the strike zone superbly and should hit for average in the .270-.280 range long term with 15+ stolen bases sprinkled in. His reliable bat and Gold Glove caliber defense make him a likely multi-time All-Star if he reaches full potential. Buy his 2021 Bowman Chrome autos now around $75-125 before he breaks out and prices increase significantly.
Nolan Gorman (St. Louis Cardinals) – One of the most hyped minor leaguers in recent seasons, Gorman faced a delayed debut due to injury but made the most of his initial MLB chances by mashing in September. With 30-homer raw power from the left side and improving plate discipline, Gorman has the look of a middle-of-the-order thumper if he finds regular at-bats. Don’t forget Gorman is still just 22 years old, leaving plenty of room for further improvement. Investors can still find some of his pricier 2021 Bowman Chrome autographed rookie cards in the $300 range, a number that could double or more if Gorman locks down a full-time job and emerges as the Cardinals long-term solution at third base.
Brennan Davis (Chicago Cubs) – A consensus top-60 prospect entering this season, Davis is a potential five-tool center fielder who uses his 6-foot-4 frame exceptionally well. He showed improved power production last season with 18 homers in AAA ball, with more still to tap into as he matures physically. Davis controls the strike zone judiciously for his age too. Unless injuries intervene, the 21-year-old looks destined for multiple 20/20 campaigns in the mold of Christian Yelich or Cody Bellinger. With Davis’ name recognition rising, prudent investors can still find some of his harder-to-find 2021 Bowman Chrome autographed prospect cards in the $150-225 range.
Jordan Walker (St. Louis Cardinals) – Considered one of baseball’s fastest rising prospects, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Walker lit up the low minors last season with incredible power outputs. His raw opposite field homerúnür skills conjure visions of Aaron Judge, with some scouts feeling he could develop into a true 50-homer threat if everything clicks. Still just 20, Walker will be given time to polish his plate approach and defense at third base/outfield corners. His impressive size and surprising contact skills further enhance his upside. With buzz rising on Walker, lock in some of his pricy 2021 Bowman Chrome autos now around $200-300 before prices potentially increase immensely over the next few seasons.
Jake Sanchez (Tampa Bay Rays) – While not a consensus top-100 prospect, Sanchez opened some eyes by dominating High-A at just 19 years old and posting a frightening 1.17 ERA across 17 starts. His 6-foot-5 frame and deceptive delivery from a low three-quarters slot generate exceptional plane on a mid-90s fastball and plus slider combo. Scouts rave about his poise and pitchability beyond his years. If able to stay healthy, Sanchez has top-of-the-rotation caliber stuff and intangibles to become a steal as an 8th rounder. His 2021 Bowman Chrome prospects cards remain very affordable at $50-75 for now, well worth securing some before he rises up prospect lists over the next year or two.
While predicting the future is impossible in baseball, collecting cards of top prospects like Torkelson, Witt Jr., Rodriguez, Rustchman, Cruz and others provides exposure to future superstars with massive breakout potential. Securing premier autographed rookie cards before prices potentially multiply is key. Adding developmental upside picks like Davis, Walker, Gorman and Sanchez to a portfolio balances risk while maintaining chances to uncover true gems before they emerge into household names. Focusing on athletes with tools, stats and long-term role projections points investors toward 2022’s baseball cards most worth holding in hopes of turning into lucrative long-term assets. Of course, always invest carefully and avoid going “all in” on any single player’s future.
