The 2022 Panini Absolute Baseball set was released in December of 2022 and contains some of the hobby’s most coveted rookie cards and chase cards. Panini Absolute has become one of the premier high-end baseball card products since its launch in 2018 thanks to its intricate refractors, gem-mint quality control, and huge rookie class introductions each year. Let’s take a look at some of the 2022 Absolute cards that are commanding the highest prices on the secondary market just a few months after the product hit.
Heading into the 2023 season, the clear frontrunner for the most valuable 2022 Absolute card is the Julio Rodríguez Autograph Refractor rookie. Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign for the Seattle Mariners in 2022 that culminated in him winning the AL Rookie of the Year award. His on-field performance translated directly to card values, with his Absolute Autograph now fetching prices well over $2,000 and up to $3,000 for top-graded PSA 10 versions. Rodríguez’s rookie cards across all products outperformed expectations thanks to his all-star caliber debut. The refractor parallel from Absolute takes his most sought-after rookie card to new heights.
Another rookie whose star clearly rose in 2022 was Houston Astros’ shortstop Jeremy Pena. Not only did Pena win the World Series MVP in his first season, but he also claimed the ALCS MVP and started in the All-Star Game. With such accolades under his belt already, collectors have taken keen interest in Pena’s rookie cards. His Absolute Autograph Refractor leads the way and has sold for between $800-$1,200. Like Rodríguez, PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of Pena’s Absolute signatures have cracked the $2,000 threshold. It’s easy to see Pena continuing to build on his instant success and pushing his rookie cards even higher as he develops.
A couple of veteran sluggers also have some of the most treasured chase cards in 2022 Absolute. For starters, Absolute offered up dual autographs of reigning back-to-back NL MVPs in Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper on the same card. The Freeman/Harper Dual Auto Refractor checked in around the $800-$1,000 range raw but rockets up towards the $3,000 range when a pristine PSA 10 grade is achieved. It’s a true collectors’ item showcasing two of the premier position players in baseball. Similarly, the Mike Trout Autograph Refractor proves why he remains the face of the league even in seasons hampered by injuries. Trout’s 1/1 Absolute Red refractor auto sold for just under $3,000 on auction. Trout remains the player to chase for many collectors.
Rookie pitchers also factor heavily amongst the top valued 2022 Absolute cards. Cardinals’ sensation Jordan Walker produced tremendous hype despite making just his MLB debut in late September. Fortunately for collectors, Walker’s Absolute Autograph Refractor rookie introduced around $400 for raw copies and $1,500+ for PSA 10’s. As Walker’s career progresses in 2023, these rookie gems figure to appreciate nicely. Likewise, Mariners’ ace George Kirby offered collectors their first Kirby autograph card and its refractor parallel versions have brought in $500-800 so far. Additional rookies like Dodgers’ boss Edwin Jackson and Giants’ presence Kyle Harrison add further depth amongst the set’s most sought-after pieces.
The 2022 Panini Absolute Baseball set offers a cross-section of the very best the league has to offer both established veterans and rising rookie stars. Just a few months after release, cards like the Julio Rodríguez and Jeremy Pena Autograph Refractors have emerged as true collectible gems for years to come. Add in dual autos of recent MVPs Freeman and Harper alongside perennial stud Mike Trout, and it’s clear why 2022 Absolute holds so much long-term appeal for investors and hobbyists alike. The high-end production and care taken to feature the games biggest names each year is a big reason why Absolute continues to drive passion within the baseball card community.
