The 2022 baseball season saw the release of some highly anticipated card products, with Panini Optic being one of the most popular among collectors. Optic has developed a reputation for its sharp photography and inclusion of prized rookies and stars. This year’s release contained several key rookie cards that have already proven to be enormously valuable in a short time. Here are some of the biggest hits from 2022 Optic baseball and a deeper look at what makes them so desirable.
Bobby Witt Jr. Green Refractor /99 (Royals): The second overall pick from 2019 and one of the game’s top prospects, Witt immediately made an impact in his rookie season with the Royals. His cards were in high demand all year and the green refractors from Optic number only to 99 copies. High-grade versions have sold for thousands due to his five-tool talent and star potential. Even base rookies trade for well over $100 as collectors scramble to get any Witt they can. He’s established as the cornerstone player for Kansas City and is poised for superstardom.
Adley Rutschman Refractor /399 (Orioles): As the top pick from the 2019 draft, Rutschman’s debut was highly anticipated. He showed why with an impressive season that had collectors hunting his cards. The Optic refractor is the prized parallel and holds great long-term value since Rutschman profiles as a perennial All-Star. Despite the higher print run of /399, PSA 10 examples have reached up to $800 due to his rare blend of power, defense, and leadership. He’s already the best player on the Orioles and will be a centerpiece for them for over a decade.
Spencer Strider Refractors (Braves): One of the biggest bright spots of 2022 was Strider’s dominant season for the World Champion Braves. A 16th round pick in 2020, he blossomed into a shut-down starter and posted a sub-3.00 ERA. His affordable rookie cards exploded and the Optic refractors capture the magic of his breakout year. Even base refractors sell for $100-200 since he’s proven and achieved so much so quickly. Strider established himself as a future ace and has one of the more compelling long-term WWE (wins, walks, ejections) of any young arm in the game today.
Julio Rodriguez Gold Refractor /50 (Mariners): As the number two prospect entering 2022, J-Rod more than lived up to expectations with a sensational rookie season in Seattle. He instantly became a fan-favorite and displayed five-tool skills that could make him a perennial MVP candidate. His gold parallels number just 50 copies each and routinely sell for thousands graded Mint condition. Even the base rookie is over $150 due to massive long-term upside. He’ll be a cornerstone player as the Mariners look to end their playoff drought and has achieved true “franchise player” status already in his first season.
Oneil Cruz Pink Refractor Auto /150 (Pirates): Known for his monstrous 6’7″ frame and 100+ MPH heat, Cruz wowed scouts for years. He was brought up late in 2022 and provided a glimpse of his potential with titanic home runs. His autographed cards are already extremely valuable due to his rare combination of power and athleticism. The pink refractor auto scenes from Optic hold a print run of only 150 and routinely trade for $700-1000 PSA 10. Since Pittsburgh looks to be sellers this offseason, Cruz could get a chance to start next year and truly break out if given regular playing time.
Alek Manoah Refractor Auto /399 (Blue Jays): After posting elite numbers during his rookie campaign in 2021, Manoah backed it up with another rock-solid season for Toronto. The Optic refractor auto has proven to be his most desirable card, holding a reasonable print run of 399. While higher than the above players, a PSA 10 has reached $350 due his stellar performance for a contender at age 24. He’s established himself as the ace of the Blue Jays staff, who will compete for AL East titles during his prime years. With multiple All-Star caliber seasons already under his belt, he looks like a safe bet to produce tremendous career value.
Jonah Heim Refractors (Rangers): A Cinderella story in 2022, Heim emerged late as an impact bat for the young Rangers squad. Collectors scrambled to get any of his cards from Optic after he slugged over 20 homers. His refractor parallel holds the prized photo opportunity and great long-term sleeper potential since he’s still just 28. Already priced at $75-100 across the board as speculators see massive upside if he continues his breakout next season and beyond. The value could skyrocket with a repeat offensive campaign.
So in summary, 2022 Optic baseball delivered prized rookie cards including Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman, and Julio Rodriguez that are already cornerstone pieces for growing collections. It also included breakouts like Spencer Strider, Jonah Heim, and emerging stars such as Alek Manoah and Oneil Cruz. Each of these significant cards from the flagship product carry immense value potential and have proven why Optic continues to thrill collectors year after year.
