The 2022 Topps Baseball Series 2 release delivered another exciting set for collectors to chase after. While not quite as hyped as the flagship Series 1, Series 2 still featured a variety of parallels, short prints, and rookie cards that have already started to gain value on the secondary market. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable cards collectors should be on the lookout for from the 2022 Topps Baseball Series 2 release.

Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card (#156)

Perhaps the biggest rookie card to chase in Series 2 was that of Kansas City Royals star third baseman Bobby Witt Jr. As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and top prospect entering 2022, Witt had huge expectations after making his MLB debut last season. Living up to the hype so far in 2022, Witt’s base rookie card has already started to climb above the $20-25 range it was selling for immediately after release. With Witt’s five-tool talent and potential superstardom, this card could end up being one of the most valuable from the entire 2022 Topps product line and is a must-own for any baseball card investor.

Spencer Strider Base Rookie Card (#336)

Another breakout rookie is Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider. After dominating as a reliever in 2021 with a sub-2.00 ERA, Strider made the jump to the rotation in 2022 and has been lights out so far. His electric fastball-slider combo has helped him compile over 100 strikeouts in less than 70 innings pitched. With the Braves contending again, Strider’s star has risen quickly. His base rookie now sells in the $15-20 range and has plenty of room to appreciate further if he keeps dominating as a starter the rest of this season and beyond.

Adley Rutschman Base Rookie Card (#144)

While he made his MLB debut last season, 2022 is the true rookie card year for Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, considered the top prospect in all of baseball entering the season. A switch-hitter with elite defense and approach at the plate, Rutschman lived up to the hype by hitting .255 with 5 home runs in his first 50 games. As the future face of the Orioles franchise, Rutschman’s base rookie has already jumped up near the $15 mark. With his five-tool skillset and leadership abilities, this card will likely end up being one of the most valuable from the 2022 rookie class when all is said and done.

Oneil Cruz Base Rookie Card (#168)

One of the biggest risers on this list has been Pittsburgh Pirates super-prospect Oneil Cruz. Listed at an imposing 6-foot-7, Cruz made his MLB debut in 2021 but really broke out with his power and athleticism in 2022. With homers regularly traveling over 450 feet, Cruz has wowed with his raw tools if not consistency at the plate. That power upside alone has sent his base rookie skyrocketing up near the $25-30 range recently. If Cruz can put it all together, this could end up being a true monster card in the long run.

Julio Rodriguez Base Rookie Card (#76)

While not quite the bargain it once was, the base rookie card of Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez is still a must-own for any collector. Rodriguez exploded onto the scene in 2022 by hitting over .270 with 15 home runs and 25 stolen bases before the All-Star break. Looking every bit the budding superstar, Rodriguez’ rookie has settled in the $50-75 range, which may seem like a lot but is quite reasonable given his potential to be a perennial All-Star and face of the franchise. This card will likely only continue increasing in value as Rodriguez’ career progresses.

Rookie Flashbacks Parallel (#RF-BOBWITJR, #RF-STRIDSP)

For the rarer parallel chase, two of the most coveted cards from Series 2 have been the Rookie Flashbacks of Bobby Witt Jr. (#RF-BOBWITJR) and Spencer Strider (#RF-STRIDSP). Limited to only /50 copies, these refractors featuring the players’ minor league photos have already skyrocketed in price on the secondary market. Witt’s has sold for upwards of $300-400 raw while Strider’s has also topped $200 given their quick success and limited print runs. For high-end collectors, these remain must-own parallels for any Witt or Strider PC.

Gold Label Parallels (/70)

While more common than the Rookie Flashbacks, the coveted Gold Label parallels found throughout Series 2 have also started to gain value given their attractiveness and low print runs of only /70 copies. Some that have really taken off include the Witt Jr. (#156), Strider (#336), Rodriguez (#76), and Adley Rutschman (#144) Gold Labels. These flashy refractors tend to sell in the $50-150 range depending on the player, with Witt’s and Julio’s pushing near $200-300 already. They make for elite parallels to chase long-term.

Green Shimmer Parallels (/99)

Another parallel that has caught the attention of collectors is the Green Shimmer found scattered throughout Series 2. Limited to /99 copies, these refractors featuring a light green backdrop are starting to gain steam on the secondary market. Some top performers like Witt Jr. (#156), Strider (#336), and Rutschman (#144) have seen their Green Shimmers jump up towards the $75-150 range already. With their attractive designs and limited print runs, these parallels hold long-term value potential.

Black Border SP Variations

For the true short-print chase, collectors found some tough pulls in Series 2 included the Black Border SP variations of players like Witt Jr. (#156S), Strider (#336S), Rutschman (#144S), and Rodriguez (#76S). With their unannounced, much lower print runs compared to the base cards, these black-bordered short prints are highly sought after. While raw prices vary widely based on player and serial number, graded gem mint 10 examples have started selling in the $100-300 range depending on demand. These remain the crown jewels for any player collector’s PC.

While Series 2 may not have had the true superfractor hype of Series 1, it still delivered plenty of valuable cards for collectors to chase, especially focused around the breakout rookies of 2022. With the continued success of players like Witt Jr., Strider, Rutschman, Rodriguez, and others, their base rookies as well as higher-end parallels and variations should only continue increasing in secondary market value in the long run. For investors and collectors alike, Series 2 housed cards that will remain mainstays in collections for years to come.