The 2022 MLB draft saw hundreds of talented baseball prospects begin their journey to the major leagues. While the draft itself just marks the beginning, collectors were eagerly awaiting products featuring cards of this year’s drafted players. Several companies released sets shortly after the draft celebrating the newest group of future big leaguers.
Topps was among the first out with draft-themed cards, continuing their longstanding partnership with MLB. Their 2022 Bowman Draft set included base cards for over 300 drafted players as well as parallels, autographs, and memorabilia cards randomly inserted in packs and boxes. The designs featured headshots of the players against a colored bar displaying their vitals and draft details. Along with the standard release, Topps also offered “Mega Boxes” guaranteed to contain three autograph or memorabilia cards to entice collectors.
Another popular set was 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball which included 175 draft selections. Like Topps Bowman, the cards spotlighted each player’s photo and draft stats but with Prizm’s stylized designs and color gradients. The set had several parallel and short-print variations to find as well. Outside of the base cards, the big ticket items were 1/1 Prizm autographs that were incredibly rare pulls. While pricey, boxes and packs of Prizm Draft Picks found many buyers due to the product’s prestige and history of increasing rookie card values.
Collectors could also acquire 2021-22 Donruss Baseball cards of this year’s draft class. The Donruss design highlighting each player straightforwardly remained consistent. The real draws were green /25 parallels and red /5 parallels that were highly sought-after short prints. Of course, autographed and memorabilia rookie cards of top selections like Druw Jones and Elijah Green found the highest demand and earliest price appreciation in the resale market.
Unlike years past, 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball released post-draft to showcase additional first-year players after they signed. Topps Chrome uses the same iconic design as the standard release but with parallel colors and refractors adding to the appeal. While it came out later than other sets, collectors were glad to obtain the drafted rookies in the highly regarded Topps Chrome product at fair secondary prices.
One of the more specialized draft card options was 2021-22 Leaf Baseball Draft Edition. As its name implied, the set solely focused on players selected without included veterans. The attractive glossy Leaf stock also made for enjoyable cards to collect. Serial-numbered parallels like purple /99 or green /50 versions held substantial value. Of course, the true blue-chip hits were on-card autographs which could be certified with impressive sale prices.
When the 2022 draft class officially signed their first professional contracts, Panini Contenders Draft Picks came to stores. Using a distinct vertical strip design accompanied by draft statistics, Contenders displayed each player in style. Lavender and green color parallels along with rare autographed inserts created a fun and rewarding product experience. Panini seems to time Contenders Draft Picks well after the event to capitalize on publishing cards of players now in organizations.
Several groups like Inception, Inception Elite, Supreme, and others manufactured limited hand-numbered autographed memorabilia cards of this emerging draft class. While more expensive aimed towards serious collectors, these one-of-one artist proofs featured beautifully crafted designs worthy of any collection. Getting an autographed card number 1/1 of a player who develops into a star provides the ultimate thrill and investment for savvy card investors.
The 2022 MLB draft class saw no shortage of quality card products from release through the signing period celebrating the newest hopeful major leaguers. From affordable base cards to investment-grade memorabilia, there were options for all levels of collectors. While it may be years until their on-field performances dictate values, these rookie cards enable fans to join the journey from the very beginning.
