The 2022 Topps baseball card release featured some of the most highly anticipated rookie cards in recent memory. After shortened or canceled minor league seasons the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 MLB rookie class was one of the most hyped in years. Topps capitalized on this excitement with premium rookie card products and inserts featuring stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Riley Greene.
Some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 Topps base set and inserts include:
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – Considered a future superstar, Rodriguez had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory with 28 home runs in just 139 games. His base rookie card reached over $100 shortly after release and any parallels or short prints command big money. The Rodriguez Topps Chrome rainbow foil refractor parallel especially stands out.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The number one overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt lived up to the hype by making his MLB debut in 2022. His smooth left-handed swing and elite defense at third base have many projecting him as a perennial all-star. Witt’s base rookie is one of the most popular from the set, along with popular refractors.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers – After a brief debut in 2021, Greene had a full rookie season in 2022 and showed why he’s a future cornerstone. His smooth right-handed swing produced solid power numbers and his cards jumped in value throughout the season. The Greene Topps Fire parallel stands out as one of the most visually striking cards in the set.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – Strider exploded onto the scene as one of the breakout rookie pitchers of 2022. His electric stuff led to over 200 strikeouts in just 131 innings. While not as hyped a prospect as others, Strider’s cards increased greatly in value during his dominant season. His Topps Chrome negative refractor parallel is a short print chase card.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – Considered a “can’t miss” catching prospect, Rutschman lived up to the hype in his rookie season. While offensive numbers were solid and not spectacular, his elite defense and leadership drew comparisons to Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez. Rutschman’s base rookie remains one of the most coveted from the set.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with incredible raw power, Cruz tantalized with moonshot homers in his brief debut. Questions remain about contact and consistency, but his ceiling is enormous. Cruz parallels like Topps Fire remain popular chase cards.
Matt Brash, Seattle Mariners – An under-the-radar pitching prospect, Brash made his debut in 2022 and showed why his fastball ranks among the best in the game. He became an important bullpen piece down the stretch. Brash’s rookies gained value as his season progressed.
In addition to the base set, Topps released several high-end products focused on the top rookies:
Topps Chrome – The flagship Chrome set features the same designs as the base cards but with an eye-catching refracting chrome finish. Top rookies like Witt, Rodriguez and Greene can be found as short printed parallels in this set.
Topps Chrome UPDATE – Released mid-season, UPDATE shines the spotlight on rookies who debuted after the initial Chrome release like Strider and Brash. Colorful refractors abound in this set.
Topps Finest – Long considered the “high-end” Topps offering, Finest features dazzling on-card autographs, patches and memorabilia of the top rookies. A Witt or Rodriguez autograph in this set can fetch thousands.
Topps Fire – This insert set features dynamic photography and designs with a textured “Fire” parallel of the biggest rookie names. Greene, Cruz and Witt Fire parallels stand out.
Topps Inception – A true high-end product, Inception packs are costly but feature dazzling autographs, patches and 1/1 printing plates of the top rookies. A Witt or Rodriguez auto here demands five figures.
While the 2021 rookie class received more pre-release hype, the 2022 rookies like Rodriguez, Witt and Greene have lived up to expectations with their MLB performances. As these young stars continue to develop and put up big numbers, their rookie cards—especially short prints and high-end memorabilia cards—are expected to climb greatly in secondary market value in the years to come. The 2022 Topps baseball release captured lightning in a bottle by spotlighting what may be remembered as one of the most talented rookie classes in recent history.
