The 2022 Topps Archives baseball card release was highly anticipated by collectors looking to get their hands on classic designs from years past. Topps Archives has become one of the most popular retro lines in the hobby. The 2022 set didn’t disappoint with a tribute to the 1987 Topps design. Here are some of the standout cards from the 2022 Topps Archives release.
One of the top rookies and most coveted cards from the 2022 Archives set was Cardinals’ outfielder Dylan Carlson. As one of baseball’s rising young stars, Carlson jumped onto the scene in 2020 and has continued to develop. His card pays homage to the classic 1987 Topps design. While Carlson doesn’t have the name recognition or pedigree of some other top rookies yet, his on-field play and long-term upside make this a card to hold onto. Graded gem mint 10 examples of Carlson’s rookie card have already cracked the $100 price point on the secondary market.
Staying in St. Louis, collectors were eager to pull the Nolan Arenado card after he made his debut with the Cardinals in 2022 after being traded from the Rockies. Arenado has established himself as one of today’s premier third basemen and a surefire future Hall of Famer. His 1987-style card capitalized on the excitement surrounding his new club. With Arenado entering his prime and leading a storied franchise like the Cardinals, this retro variation of his card stood out in the set. Pristine copies could increase substantially in value if Arenado continues his all-world play in St. Louis.
Among the most iconic cards in the entire release was the recreation of Tom Seaver’s seminal 1987 rookie card. Seaver is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats and best pitchers in baseball history after a Hall of Fame career primarily with the Mets. His original 1967 rookie is one of the hobby’s most coveted, so the ’87 version also ranks at the top. While it doesn’t carry the true rookie card label, recreating the Hall of Famer’s iconic pose nearly 40 years later makes this one of the premiere vintage-style cards in the set for serious collectors. Few other players can match Seaver’s resume and legacy in the sport.
Rookies were a major focus of the 2022 Topps Archives release as it paid homage to the 1987 design that featured several first-year stars. As one of baseball’s brightest young talents, Mariners’ outfielder Julio Rodriguez generated great buzz leading up to his debut campaign. He did not disappoint with an electrifying season that has him poised to take home the AL Rookie of the Year award. His 1987-style rookie card became a must-own for investors and J-Rod fans alike. With his five-tool ability and rising star status, this version of his first Bowman card profiled a budding superstar.
One of the most recognized names in sports, Yankees legend Derek Jeter also had his card reimagined in the 1987 design 35 years later. While not his true rookie, it was a rare chance to see Captain Clutch depicted in a vintage Topps set. As a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the greatest shortstops in MLB history, any card featuring Jeter garners attention. With his storied 20-year career spent entirely in pinstripes for the Bronx Bombers also fueling nostalgia, this retro card highlighted one of the true standard bearers of the sport.
Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan blazed onto the scene in 2021 and backed it up with an All-Star campaign in 2022. As a homegrown arm for Tampa leading their rotation, the young lefty has sky-high potential. His 1987 Topps Archives rookie card captured the excitement of a true ace in the making. While injuries limited his stats, McClanahan’s pure stuff and projection make him a focal point on any contending Rays team for years. His retro rookie established him as an emerging face of the franchise.
One of the most iconic MLB franchises, the Boston Red Sox had several standout players featured including Xander Bogaerts and Rafael Devers. As homegrown stars continuing the next generation of great Sox teams, their 1987-style cards attracted Fenway faithful. While neither compete with legendary Red Sox of past like Ortiz or Pedro Martinez, these young position players are building careers to someday reach Cooperstown themselves. Their retro cards highlighted the current core keeping Boston competitive for championships.
In closing, the 2022 Topps Archives release thrilled collectors with its revival of the highly regarded 1987 set design. Featuring young stars, legends, and nostalgia favorites, the cards profiled provided insights into both collectors’ past memories as well as the future path of today’s top MLB players. With the strong player selection and vintage aesthetics, Topps Archives established itself as the preeminent retro baseball card series by paying homage to beloved designs while spotlighting the modern game’s brightest talents. What made this year’s tops particularly special was the perfect balance of revisiting icons alongside embracing promising rising stars just starting their MLB journeys.
