2022 was another exciting year for baseball card collectors and investors. Panini’s Select brand continued to gain popularity and produce some of the hottest rookie cards on the market. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the best 2022 Select baseball cards that stood out and could hold long term value.
Bobby Witt Jr. Green Prizm /99 (Kansas City Royals)
Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to the hype by making his MLB debut in 2022 for the Kansas City Royals. The ultra-talented shortstop/third baseman showed off plus power and speed at just 21 years old. Witt Jr.’s rookie cards from 2022 Select exploded in value after his call up. The Green Prizm parallel /99 became one of the most coveted rookie cards on the secondary market. With his 5-tool potential and marketability as the new face of the Royals franchise, Witt Jr.’s rookie cards have a great chance to appreciate significantly over the long run if he continues developing into a perennial all-star. Graded gem mint 10 examples of this scarce parallel were selling for well over $1000 by the end of the season.
Julio Rodriguez Aqua Prizm Auto /99 (Seattle Mariners)
Another rookie who made a huge splash in 2022 was Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. The 21-year old Dominican wowed fans with his do-it-all abilities after getting called up in June. Rodriguez finished 4th in AL Rookie of the Year voting and looks primed for stardom. His Aqua Prizm Auto /99 from Select became one of the most sought after modern rookie cards on the secondary market in 2022. Only 99 copies of this parallel exist and it features Rodriguez’s elegant autograph in aqua ink. Pristine PSA 10 examples sold for over $2000 by season’s end, showing strong long term potential if Rodriguez continues developing into a perennial all-star and the Mariners remain competitive.
Adley Rutschman Red Prizm Auto /99 (Baltimore Orioles)
After a long wait in the minors, top catching prospect Adley Rutschman finally made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 at age 25. While he struggled at the plate initially, his defense and leadership skills were evident right away. Rutschman’s rookie cards exploded in value after his call up, especially the scarce Red Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies. This coveted rookie card features Rutschman’s signature in vibrant red ink and became one of the hottest modern Orioles cards on the resale market in 2022. Pristine PSA 10 examples were selling for over $1500 by season’s end, a strong return for collectors who picked this up early. Rutschman has all the tools to be a perennial all-star and if he puts it all together at the plate, this rare parallel could appreciate significantly long term.
Spencer Strider Refractor Auto /99 (Atlanta Braves)
One of the biggest rookie sensations of 2022 was Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider. The 25-year old righty burst onto the scene and quickly established himself as a frontline starter, posting a 2.67 ERA with over 200 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings pitched. Strider’s dominance on the mound made his rookie cards some of the hottest on the market in 2022. The Refractor Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies stood out as one of his rarest and most desirable rookie cards. Featuring Strider’s bold signature in refracted ink, PSA 10 examples of this parallel sold for over $1000 by season’s end. With ace-like stuff and the potential to be a Cy Young contender for years, Strider’s rookie cards could appreciate substantially if he continues dominating MLB hitters.
Oneil Cruz Aqua Prizm Auto /99 (Pittsburgh Pirates)
At 6’7 with incredible raw power and athleticism, Oneil Cruz is one of the most physically gifted players in baseball. After a mid-season call up to the Pirates in 2022, the 23-year old switch hitter tantalized fans with mammoth home runs. Cruz’s rookie cards skyrocketed in value, especially the rare Aqua Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies. This eye-catching card features Cruz’s looping signature in aqua ink and became one of the most popular modern Pirates rookie cards on the resale market. Pristine PSA 10 examples were commanding over $1000 by season’s end as collectors recognized Cruz’s superstar potential if he continues refining his plate discipline and defensive skills. With his rare combination of size and skills, this parallel has the potential for huge long term appreciation.
Jack Leiter Green Prizm /99 (Texas Rangers)
The #2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Jack Leiter had huge expectations entering his first full pro season in 2022. The 22-year old flamethrower did not disappoint, posting a 2.88 ERA with 158 strikeouts over 127 innings between High-A and Double-A. Leiter’s dominance on the mound made his rookie cards some of the hottest prospects on the market. The Green Prizm parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies stood out as his rarest parallel. Featuring vibrant green coloring, PSA 10 examples were commanding over $800 by season’s end as collectors recognized Leiter’s ace potential if he continues rising through the Rangers system. With his elite stuff and pedigree as a former Vanderbilt star, this parallel has the makings of a true long term blue chip prospect card.
Jeremy Peña Gold Prizm Auto /50 (Houston Astros)
After longtime Astros shortstop Carlos Correa departed in free agency, rookie Jeremy Peña stepped in and helped lead Houston to another AL pennant in 2022. The 25-year old switch hitter impressed at the plate and in the field, finishing 2nd in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Peña’s emergence made his rookie cards skyrocket in value, especially the ultra-rare Gold Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 50 copies worldwide. This dazzling card features Peña’s signature in rich gold ink on a textured gold background. Only a handful graded PSA 10, examples were selling for over $2000 by season’s end. With his all-around skills and clutch playoff performances, Peña looks poised to be the Astros shortstop of the future. This parallel has the potential for truly massive long term appreciation if he becomes a perennial all-star.
Alek Manoah Green Prizm Auto /99 (Toronto Blue Jays)
At just 24 years old, Alek Manoah has already established himself as the ace of the powerhouse Blue Jays rotation. The 6’6 righty uses his intimidating size and stuff to dominate hitters, posting a 2.24 ERA with 180 strikeouts in 196.2 innings in 2022. Manoah’s dominance on the mound made his sophomore cards some of the hottest on the market. The Green Prizm Auto parallel from Select numbered to just 99 copies stood out as his rarest parallel from 2022. Featuring Manoah’s looping signature in vibrant green ink, PSA 10 examples were commanding over $1000 by season’s end as collectors recognized his ace potential long term. With the Blue Jays primed for October success, Manoah’s cards could appreciate substantially if he continues cementing himself as an elite AL starter for years to come.
In summary, 2022 was another banner year for Panini Select baseball cards. Rookies like Witt Jr., Rodriguez, and Rutschman burst onto the scene while established stars like Manoah and Strider cemented their dominance. The ultra-rare parallels from Select like the Gold Prizm, Aqua Prizm, and Green Prizm numbered to just 99 or fewer copies stood out as some of the hottest modern cards on the resale market. With so much young talent continuing to emerge and teams like the Astros, Dodgers and Yankees primed for continued success, 2022 Select cards like these have the potential for huge long term appreciation if these players live up to their potential. Savvy collectors who recognized the scarcity and investment potential of these parallels early on were well positioned heading into 2023.
