The 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set was released in late 2022 and features some of the top rookie cards of the year’s top prospects and debuting players. Panini Prizm has become one of the premier modern baseball card brands known for its flashy refractors and colorful parallels. This year’s rookie class was headlined by catcher Adley Rutschman, the top pick in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles who made his major league debut in 2022. Other top rookies included catcher/outfielder Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers), shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals), and outfielders Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) and Michael Harris II (Atlanta Braves).
Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball rookie cards to watch:
Adley Rutschman – As the top prospect in baseball for several years, Rutschman’s rookie cards were highly anticipated. His base Prizm rookie card carried an initial print run around 1/ pack. Refractors and color parallels like Orange /249, Green /99, and Blue /75 provide lower serial numbered chase cards. Rutschman’s debut season lived up to the hype as he established himself as a future star, raising values of his rookie cards substantially from release. Look for Rutschman’s cards to continue appreciating as he develops into a perennial All-Star.
Bobby Witt Jr. – The second overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt wasted no time in making an impact for the Royals. His smooth defense at shortstop and budding power bat made him an instant fan favorite. Witt’s base Prizm rookie holds a print run around 1/ pack while refractors and color parallels mirror Rutschman’s structure. Witt’s on-field production and marketability in Kansas City point to a very bright future, keeping collector demand high for his prized rookie cards.
Julio Rodriguez – “J-Rod” exploded onto the scene for Seattle with impressive power and speed. His exciting style of play captivated fans and cemented him as a star. Rodriguez’s base Prizm rookie is slightly more common around 1-2/pack while refractors and colors again follow the typical Prizm pattern. Rodriguez finished 2nd in AL Rookie of the Year voting and looks poised for superstardom, making his rookie cards a must-have for any investor.
Spencer Torkelson – As the top pick in 2020 out of Arizona State, Torkelson battled injuries but showed glimpses of why he was viewed as such a blue-chip talent. His patient approach and plus raw power give reason for optimism. Torkelson’s base Prizm is around the 2-3/pack range while refractors and colors remain scarce. If he can stay healthy and tap into his full potential, Torkelson’s rookie cards could pay big dividends long-term.
Michael Harris II – A 5-tool breakout star for the World Champion Braves, Harris established himself as a future star-in-the-making. His exciting all-around game was a thrill for collectors. Harris’ base Prizm is slightly more common around 3-4/pack, but his rookie refractor and colors still hold value as one of the year’s top performers. Harris looks like a budding superstar and his cards could rise fast if he continues progressing.
Beyond the headliners, other notable 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball rookies included catcher/outfielder Alek Thomas (Arizona Diamondbacks), shortstop Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates), and outfielder Estevan Florial (New York Yankees). While less heralded prospects, breakouts from any of these players could vault their rookie cards up collector want lists.
For savvy investors, monitoring the development and production of these rookies on the field will help determine which cards have the most long-term upside. Players who become All-Stars and award winners will see their rookie cards appreciate the most significantly over time. But short of that, simply having the prized rookie card of a quality big leaguer is enough to hold value for collectors. With its colorful designs and massive popularity among modern collectors, 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball rookie cards represent some of the best investments in today’s hobby.
