The 2022 Topps baseball card collection features several exciting rookie cards of Tampa Bay Rays superstar Wander Franco. The 21-year old Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 that has card collectors and baseball fans excited about his future. Some of the top Wander Franco rookie cards from the 2022 Topps set include:
2022 Topps Chrome #TRA-WF Wander Franco Refractor Auto RC (Traded / Rookie Autograph): This is one of Franco’s prized rookie autograph cards. It features his signature on the front along with the Chrome refractor parallel coating that makes the card shimmer and shine. Only 99 of these were produced, making it one of his scarcest autographed rookie cards. Expect this card to sell for well over $1,000 given Franco’s star potential and the rarity of the parallel.
2022 Topps Chrome #TCC-WF Wander Franco Refractor RC (Traded / Chrome): A step up from the base rookie card, this refractor parallel version is numbered to /499. It doesn’t contain an autograph, but the Chrome coating and lower print run make it substantially rarer than the standard rookie. Prices have been around $200-300 for this card due to Franco’s hype and the desirability of Chrome parallels among collectors.
2022 Topps Series 1 #132 Wander Franco: This is Franco’s base rookie card, featuring his first photo in a major league uniform. While plentiful in Series 1 hobby boxes, this card remains one of the most iconic from his rookie season. It’s likely to remain one of his most affordable cards long-term since so many were produced. Still, prices have been $50-75 given the excitement surrounding Franco’s debut.
2022 Topps Series 2 #132 Wander Franco: Released midway through Franco’s stellar rookie campaign, this Series 2 card captured him as he was cementing his status as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. The second base card carries a premium over the Series 1 issue since fewer boxes of Series 2 were produced. Values have ranged from $75-150 depending on condition and parallel.
2022 Topps Fire #WF Wander Franco Red Foil /499: Topps Fire inserts feature a foil treatment on the front. This parallel version of Franco’s Fire card is limited to just 499 copies. It’s one of his scarcest mainstream rookie cards and has sold for $300-500 due to the low print run and flashy foil design. Fire parallels tend to be highly sought after by collectors.
2022 Topps Allen & Ginter #166 Wander Franco: While not a “true” rookie card since it doesn’t feature him in a major league uniform, Franco’s A&G card remains popular due to the vintage-style design of the set. It captures him at the Rays’ alternate spring training site and is numbered to just /499 copies. Prices have ranged from $150-250 depending on parallel and condition.
Franco had an incredible debut season in 2021. In just 70 games, he slashed .288/.347/.481 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI. He finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting at age 20, demonstrating why he’s considered a true five-tool talent and possible future superstar. Franco’s rare autographed rookie cards from 2022 Topps Chrome and other low-numbered parallels seem like sound long-term investments given his all-star potential. While prices have risen quickly, his mainstream rookies from Topps Series 1 and 2 remain reasonably affordable for most collectors. Franco’s cards are some of the most sought after from the 2022 season and will be for years to come as he continues to develop into one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
