The 2022 Topps baseball card release featured several young superstars and veteran legends that have cards holding significant value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2022 Topps baseball cards that are worth money for collectors.
One of the most desired rookies from the 2022 set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a breakout season in 2021 at just 20 years old, batting .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games. He is considered a true five-tool player and future star. Franco’s base rookies from 2022 Topps can fetch $10-15 in near mint condition. His autograph and numbered parallels have sold for over $100. As Franco continues to develop into a perennial all-star, his rookie cards will likely appreciate greatly over the long run.
Another top rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a sparkling debut in 2022 at age 21, batting .284 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI. He also showed elite defense and speed. J-Rod’s base rookie is around $10-15, while autographed and numbered versions have sold for over $200. Rodriguez has true superstar potential and his cards should hold strong value for years. Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II also had a breakout rookie season, hitting .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI at age 21. His base rookie values around $10 and his best parallels over $100.
On the veteran side, legendary New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had one of the most prolific offensive seasons in history in 2022. Judge clubbed an AL record 62 home runs while battling for the Triple Crown. His base 2022 Topps cards are around $15-20 due to the massive popularity of his record-breaking season. Autographed or short printed Judge rookie cards from 2014 have sold for over $1,000. Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani also had a historic year, hitting 34 home runs while going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA on the mound. Ohtani remains one of the most unique talents in baseball. His 2022 Topps cards value around $12-15.
Two of the biggest names continuing to drive value are Mike Trout and Mookie Betts. Trout has established himself as the best player of his generation over the past decade with the Los Angeles Angels. His base 2022 Topps cards hold steady around $15-20. Low-numbered parallels and autographed versions can sell for over $200. Trout rookies from 2009-2011 also remain highly sought after investments. Meanwhile, Mookie Betts just won the 2023 World Series with the Dodgers and is a perennial MVP candidate. His 2022 Topps cards value around $12-15 and his best 2018 Red Sox parallels over $100.
Rookies of promising young stars also hold strong long-term value, including Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby ($5-10), Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. ($8-12), Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman ($10-15) and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene ($8-12). Solid veterans like St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt ($8-12), Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper ($10-15) and Houston Astros aces Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez (both around $10) round out players with 2022 Topps cards retaining value.
Collectors can find value in young prospects leading their teams like Franco, Rodriguez and Harris, as well as legends cementing their legacies like Judge, Trout and Betts from the 2022 Topps baseball release. The highest price points will always be autographs, rare parallels and short prints of these most desirable players. But there are solid long-term investing opportunities among several of the rookies and veterans profiled here. With patience, their 2022 Topps cardboard could appreciate nicely depending on on-field performance and career arcs in the coming years.
