The 2022 Topps baseball card set was released in February 2022 and features current Major League Baseball players. As with every new Topps release, collectors and investors are eager to see which rookie cards and star players will gain value over time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 2022 Topps set and analyze their potential for future appreciation.
One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2022 Topps set is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. As the #1 pitching prospect in baseball entering 2022 by MLB Pipeline, Baz has a very high ceiling and could potentially be an ace if he stays healthy. His base rookie card can currently be found for around $10-15, but that price is likely to rise significantly if Baz emerges as an All-Star caliber player over the next few seasons. The Baz rookie autograph and memorabilia cards command much higher prices already, in the $100-300 range based on his prospect pedigree and hype alone. If Baz develops into the ace many scouts foresee, those high-end cards could appreciate into the thousands of dollars.
Another rookie generating a lot of buzz is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a future superstar by many talent evaluators, Rodriguez’s prospect status and five-tool skillset have already pushed his base rookie card up near $20-25. Like Baz, his autographed and memorabilia rookie cards fetch prices well above $100 due to his star potential. Rodriguez could be a perennial All-Star and if he develops into the player many think he will become, his rookie cards from the 2022 Topps set stand to increase greatly in value over the long run.
Two other rookies to watch are Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Adam Kloffenstein. Jobe was the #1 pick in the 2021 MLB Draft and has electric stuff on the mound, while Kloffenstein has a power arsenal and was a top prospect in the New York Yankees’ system prior to being traded. Their base rookie cards can currently be found for $5-10 but have plenty of upside for appreciation if either pitcher pitches well as they move up the minor league ladder in 2022.
Veteran superstars usually command the highest prices in any Topps release and the 2022 set is no exception. Cards of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper regularly sell in the $50-75 range for his base card and significantly more for autograph/memorabilia versions. The same is true for fellow outfielder Mike Trout, who remains one of the most coveted and valuable players in the hobby. Trout’s base card trades hands between $75-100 currently.
Shohei Ohtani is another modern superstar generating immense interest, and for good reason – the Angels two-way player is the first true two-way star since the days of Babe Ruth. Not surprisingly, Ohtani’s cards have exploded in value during his breakout 2021 season and continued ascent. His 2022 Topps base card sells in the $50-75 range already. Fellow young superstars Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. also have base cards valued at $40-60 given their established star power at a young age.
Looking at pitchers, cards of Yankees ace Gerrit Cole command top prices as one of the game’s premier hurlers. His 2022 Topps base sells in the $50-75 range. Fellow ace Jacob deGrom also has a very desirable card valued around $50 despite missing much of 2021 and 2022 due to injury, showing how beloved of a player he remains. Other sought-after veteran arms include Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander.
While rookies and stars drive the most attention, collectors should also keep an eye on value appreciating for players who break out or are traded to major market teams. For example, if Rafael Devers has a monster 2022 season and helps lead the Red Sox to success, his 2022 Topps cards could rise significantly from their current $10-15 range. The same logic applies if players are traded to teams like the Yankees, Dodgers or Mets and experience heightened exposure and popularity.
The 2022 Topps set features numerous rookies like Baz, Rodriguez, Jobe and Kloffenstein who have star potential and their cards could appreciate greatly over the next 5-10 years if they emerge as the superstars many foresee. Established veterans like Trout, Ohtani, Harper and deGrom will likely remain some of the most coveted and valuable cards in the set. But as always, breakouts and career years and team changes can lead to previously unknown players seeing their 2022 Topps cards rise in value as well. For collectors and investors, it will be exciting to watch the 2022 rookie class and veteran stars over the coming seasons.
