The 2022 season marked another strong year for minor league baseball card releases from major manufacturers like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and others. With the continued popularity of prospecting and following minor leaguers’ development journeys to the majors, these specially licensed team sets provide fans a fun and affordable way to collect some of the game’s future stars.
Some of the highlights of 2022 minor league team sets included Topps continuing their long running Triple-A affiliate programs, releasing sets for over 20 International and Pacific Coast League teams. These 100-card sets at $85 MSRP each featured all levels of affiliates for MLB clubs like the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Yankees), Charlotte Knights (White Sox), Las Vegas Aviators (Athletics), and more. The photo quality and design consistency across sets make these a staple for veteran minor league collectors.
Panini stepped up their game with Double-A and High-A league sets as well. Their 20 Double-A Northeast/Southwest league team offerings spanned 100 cards and included prospects like the Somerset Patriots (Yankees), Reading Fightin Phils (Phillies), and Wichita Wind Surge (Twins). Similarly, their 8 High-A East/West sets showcased the topaffiliates of organizations like the Tampa Tarpons (Rays), Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees), and Eugene Emeralds (Cubs) amongst others. Priced around $70 each, these provided accessible entrypoints for fans of specific levels and geographicregions.
Beyond the big two manufacturers, smaller independent companies delivered intriguing specialty releases as well. For example, Big League Cards produced a 75-card Durham Bulls offering that highlighted the prolific Triple-A farm system of the Tampa Bay Rays. Leaf’s Birmingham Barons 100-cardizer highlighted prospects in the Chicago White Sox system. And Stadium Club captured memorable moments from the 2021 season of the Bowie Baysox, High-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, in a 150-card set.
For lower levels, Press Pass Cards emerged as a go-to with affordable and attractive releases. Their 2022 offerings included 100-card sets spotlighting the Low-A Southeast League’s Charleston RiverDogs (Yankees), Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Cubs), and Columbia Fireflies (Royals), as well as a few Appalachian League/Complex League teams. Priced around $30 each, these provided cost-effective ways to stay up to date on emerging prospects.
Another area that gained popularity in 2022 was specialty subsets highlighting certain tournaments, leagues or affiliateclasses within the larger team sets. For instance, Topps inserted “Road to the Show” subsets within their Triple-A sets, profiling standout performances in the minors that season en route to a MLB promotion. Leaf and Stadium Club issued subset focusing on top international signings and draft picks as well. These angles brought unique storytelling potential to the traditional checklist formats.
Of course, no discussion of 2022’s minor league cards would be complete without mentioning the various sets celebrating the histories of long-tenured clubs who have served as affiliates for generations. Examples include Topps’ tribute to the 85 years of the Buffalo Bisons as a Triple-A staple, as well as releases commemorating anniversaries of squads like the Pittsburgh Pirates-affiliated Indianapolis Indians and Minnesota Twins-tied Rochester Red Wings. Nostalgia remains a big seller for dedicated minorleague collectors.
Looking ahead to 2023, there’s reason to believe the minor league card market will continue growing. With MLB’s contraction and restructuring of affiliations complete after last season, team identities and histories are steadier than in past years. Meanwhile, collectors are finding new ways to engage through social media, blogs and online enthusiasts. Top manufacturers seem committed to expanded licensing deals as well. All signs point to the rich hobby surrounding minor league prospecting remaining strong.
