The 2022 MLB Draft was highly anticipated with several top prospects expected to go early and begin their professional careers. To capitalize on the excitement and interest in this year’s class, Panini released its Prizm Draft Picks baseball card product featuring photographs and profiles of draft-eligible players. While many boxes were ripped in search of the biggest stars and surprises from draft night, some cards clearly stand out as the most coveted and valuable from the set. Let’s take an in-depth look at several of the 2022 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Baseball best cards.
Druw Jones – Undoubtedly the crown jewel of this year’s class and living up to his legendary baseball bloodlines, Druw Jones was drafted second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Any Jones cards are highly sought after, but hisPrizm Draft Picks base rookie is truly the crown jewel of the set. With his 5-tool talent, good looks, and iconic surname, Jones is poised to be one of the faces of the league for years to come. His cards, especially prizm versions like this, are sure to retain value and appreciate over time as he becomes a star.
Brooks Lee – As the eighth overall pick by the Minnesota Twins, Brooks Lee generated tremendous buzz as one of the draft’s best pure hitters. His silky smooth left-handed swing was beloved by scouts and he was fresh off being named the 2022 Pac-12 Player of the Year at California. Lee’s Prizm Draft Picks base card is highly coveted and his prizm refractor parallel already commands huge premiums due to his perceived superstar potential. His slow swing is replicated perfectly in this photogenic issue which catches the eye of collectors.
Elijah Green – Green entered the 2022 draft as arguably the highest-upside high school position player. Blessed with intimidating physical tools at 6’4 and 220 pounds, his combination of speed, strength, and raw talent had scouts drooling. Naturally, his Prizm base is an absolute must-have for any collector following this year’s top prospects. His true star power is epitomized in his incredible Prizm yellow /250 parallel, an ultra-rare rendition destined to gain acclaim. Green’s draft stock skyrocketed to the Royals at No. 15 overall, making this parallel a true one-of-one showstopper.
Termarr Johnson – Projected by many to go in the early-to-mid first round, being selected 72nd overall by the Cubs was a surprise to most. His immense tools screaming five-tool upside intrigued scouts and he put himself firmly on the map with a dazzling performance in the All-American Game held just before the draft. Now in the Cubs system, Johnson’s Prizm Draft Picks base is a low-cost spec play betting on his talent coming to fruition. His silky smooth lefty swing captured here makes this a prime candidate to gain notice over the coming years.
Brock Porter – As a two-way talent out of St. Mary’s Prep in Michigan, the 6’4 Porter dominated on the mound and impressed with his smooth lefty power bat as well. Selected third overall by the Rangers, Porter immediately became one of the prize prospects in all of minor league baseball. Predictably, his Prizm base rookie is a cornerstone for any Texas-centered collection. But his beautiful Prizm refractor carries added gravitas for collectors seeking a true one-of-one showstopper from this class.
Daniel Susac – The 21st overall pick by the Athletics, Susac flew up draft boards in his junior year at Arizona after showcasing impressive opposite field power as a left-handed catcher. Behind the plate, Susac controls a game like a seasoned veteran and his defensive prowess makes him a true all-around catcher prospect. The dual threat of his bat and glove is on full display in his archetypal Prizm Draft Picks base which promises to gain recognition as he develops in the A’s system.
Brooke Wilkerson – One of the top two-way talents in this year’s draft class as an athletic shortstop/lefty pitcher out of Espnola Valley High School in New Mexico. Projected by some to even go in the top 10 picks, Wilkerson slid to the Brewers at No. 15 largely perceived as signs of signability leverage. Already garnering notice for his smooth lefty arm and easy plus power from the left side, Wilkerson’s stock seems poised to rise. Any early editions like his base Prizm could shine as an insightful value play.
Jace Jung – The most accomplished college position player, Jung led Texas Tech with a .327 average and 82 RBIs as a junior. A true pure hitter with experience against elite competition, Jung went 12th overall to the Rangers. His proven track record sets him up well and his Prizm Draft Picks base is an ideal representation of what he brings to the table. His true rarity comes in the form of his incredible black /15 numbered parallel, sure to gain acclaim as a ultra-limited Texas Rangers gem.
Dylan Lesko – Lesko entered the 2022 draft as the consensus top high school pitcher available. His four plus pitches and powerful 6’4 220 pound frame made scouts drool. An injury concern caused him to fall to the Diamondbacks 17th overall, but his upside remains immense. His Prizm base is a core holding for any D-Backs PC, but truly standout is his coveted green parallel /99, a tremendously rare capturing of his arm talent. A true one-of-one holy grail for any 2022 draft enthusiast.
Cam Collier – One of the hardest players to get a read on in this draft, Collier’s tools and batted ball data screamed five-tool upside but his production was more modest at Chipola JC. The Reds selected him 18th overall based on that tantalizing talent and believe in his projection. While riskier than others, Collier’s athletic tools shine through perfectly in his vivid Prizm Draft Pick base card. Collectors will be keeping close tabs to see if his game takes off.
Dylan Beavers – A late riser who completed a dream junior season at California as a physical 6’4 outfielder showing patience and gap power. The Giants nabbed him 25th overall based on his track record of improvements. While he may not have the flashiest tools, Beavers seems a safe bet to develop into a productive pro. His cheerful Prizm Draft Picks base captures why he’s an ideal prospect for savvy collectors.
While the 2022 MLB Draft class features many future stars still coming into their own, Panini Prizm Draft Picks provides a snapshot of these young prospects at a pivotal moment. For discerning collectors, the standout rookies profiled here represent the true crown jewels – potential franchise cornerstones immortalized in prizm in either base, parallel, or serial numbered forms. With so much talent and intrigue still ahead, cards from this set are sure to gain prestige as scouting reports come to fruition. Savvy collectors would be wise to invest in the best of the best while they can still be acquired.
