The 2022 Topps MLB baseball card release featured some of the most sought-after rookie cards and parallels of current stars. While Topps continues to revolutionize the hobby with new technologies and insert sets, the flagship base cards and inserts still hold significance for collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 2022 Topps series 1 & 2 releases.
Adley Rutschman – Many consider Adley Rutschman the top prospect in baseball and the future franchise catcher for the Baltimore Orioles. His rookie cards were hot commodities with the base paper card being reasonably obtainable while colorful parallels commanding large sums. The prized parallel is the /150 Gold refractor which has sold for over $1000. Base autos and memorabilia cards also crossed the $1000 mark showing how exciting collectors are about his career.
Julio Rodriguez – The Seattle Mariners young outfielder had a breakout rookie campaign that was predicted by many. Like Rutschman, the flagship Topps Chrome Gold /150 parallel of J-Rod rose to over $1000. Even the base Topps Chrome refractor sold for $500-600 showing immense hype. The fact he made the All-Star team and led an exciting Mariners team only added to collectors demand for this talented rookie.
Spencer Strider – Another exciting rookie pitcher, Strider struck out over 200 batters for the Atlanta Braves in their deep playoff run. While not as hyped as the position players, his Topps Chrome /150 Gold parallels still average $400-500. Base autos hold steady around the $250 mark with Strider seen as a big part of the Brave’s future rotation.
Two-Sport Stars – Topps always highlights athletes who cross over to multiple sports. This year they featured cards of Kyler Murray and Shohei Ohtani who continue to defy convention. The Ohtani RC relic parallel to /50 sold for over $1000 while Murray Update parallels hit $500. These types of inserts excite collectors interested in multiple passions.
Top Rookie Cup – Topps Cup parallels highlighting the top vote getters for Rookie of the Year awards are always popular. This year the /99 parallel of Rutschman, Rodriguez, and Strider consistently sold between $500-700 showing how awards recognition drives card values up.
Green Parallels – The flagship green foil parallels at /99 like past years are must haves for set builders and star PC collectors alike. Cards like Judge, Tatis Jr, Soto, Acuna routinely sold for $200-300 in this parallel.
Chrome Rookies – While paper rookies get most attention, Topps Chrome rookie debuts hold great allure. Even base cards of high end prospects like Oneil Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr. often sold above $100-150 in their chrome formats.
Adley Logoman – A Logoman parallel exclusive to Topps update featuring an oversized “A” for Adley’s first name surfaced and became the new crown jewel card of the year. Only 1 made and acquired by a prominent collector on eBay for over $25,000, setting a record for a modern MLB card.
Spencer Strider Superfractor – Like previous years, the elusive Strider Topps Chrome Superfractor 1/1 surfaced in packs. Estimates put its value over $10,000 raw since it features the rookie star in the flagshipparallel.
Topps Museum Toppscards – A highlight for collectors are the extremely low numbered cards featuring current stars in a vintage like Museum Collection styling. Cards like deGrom, Giannis, and Mahomes Crosby style parallels numbered to 10 or less often sold for $5,000+.
Bowman Chrome Pros – The tradition of highlighting elite prospects continues in Bowman paper but the Chrome counterparts hold great allure. This year the prized Bowman Chrome Prospect Autos and Colors of guys like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson and Elijah Green rose above the thousands due to long term potential.
Topps Finest Refractors – As the premium Topps release, Finest had exciting new technologies. The timeless refractor parallels still excite collectors. Stars like Soto, Acuna, and deGrom in the flagship refractor parallel routinely sold for $200-300 showing the staying power of the iconic design.
While prices may fluctuate over time, 2022 Topps saw new stars emerge while also honoring traditions that make the flagship releases so collectible. Between exciting rookies, new inserts, and technological advancements; there was no shortage of intriguing and investment worthy cards for investors and fans alike to chase. The hobby refuses to slow down and 2023 is already shaping up to be another record breaking year.
