The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball set was released on September 7th, 2022 and contains several highly sought after rookie cards and parallels of star players. As with every year, certain cards rise to the top in terms of desirability and value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from the 2022 Topps Chrome release.
Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire set is the prized autograph refractor rookie card of Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani. As one of the greatest two-way players of all time, Ohtani is quickly becoming the new face of Major League Baseball. His autographed refractor parallels from 2022 Topps Chrome command astronomical prices, with PSA 10 gem mint examples selling for over $10,000. Even raw autographed versions sell for thousands due to his unprecedented talent and popularity around the world. The prized Ohtani autograph refractor is the true crown jewel of the set.
Another hugely sought after rookie is that of Seattle Mariners sensation Julio Rodriguez. The 21-year-old wunderkind slashed .284/.345/.517 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases in his first full MLB season, establishing himself as a budding superstar and the future of the Mariners franchise. His base rookie card holds substantial value already, but the prized parallel is the rainbow foil refractor variation, numbered to /199 copies. Pristine PSA 10 examples of J-Rod’s rainbow foil rookie have reached over $2,000, making it one of the most expensive standard rookie cards in the set.
Staying in Seattle, the top Mariners veteran card would have to be the rainbow foil refractor of superstar outfielder and AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodriguez’s teammate, MVP candidate Ty France. The 27-year-old first baseman put together a breakout season, batting .304 with 16 home runs and 74 RBI. His /199 parallel consistently commands over $100 in PSA 10 condition and will undoubtedly rise even more if he continues on his current trajectory.
Shifting to the American League East, the top Yankees rookie is that of flamethrowing righty Clarke Schmidt. After injuries derailed his career path, the 27-year-old broke through in 2022 with a 3.00 ERA in 54 innings pitched. His base rookie is in high demand, but the prized parallel is the refractor variation numbered to /150 copies. Graded PSA 10 examples have reached upwards of $400 due to his strong finish and promise as a future rotation piece for the Bronx Bombers.
Down in Atlanta, all eyes are on rookie sensation Michael Harris II. The 21-year-old five-tool phenom batted .297 with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his first full season and established himself as a cornerstone for the Braves moving forward. As with all the top rookies, the base card holds value, but the true blue-chip parallel is the coveted autograph refractor, which has eclipsed $1,000 PSA 10. The Harris II autographed refractor is arguably the most expensive Braves card in the entire set.
Shifting to the National League West, the top Dodgers rookie is MVP favorite and batting champion Miguel Vargas. The 22-year-old slashed .304/.358/.486 in 56 games after his call-up and looks poised to take over at the hot corner in Chavez Ravine for years to come. While his base rookie is already up over $100 PSA 10, the parallel to target is the prized rainbow foil refractor numbered to /199. Graded mint examples have reached the $300-400 range and will likely continue their ascent if Vargas lives up to the hype.
Down in San Diego, all eyes are on super utilityman and 2023 ROY favorite C.J. Abrams. After a strong finish, the 21-year-old looks to be the long term solution at shortstop for the Padres. While his base rookie holds value, the parallel collectors covet is the elusive autographed refractor, which has already crossed $1,000 in pristine PSA 10 condition. Abrams’ autograph refractor sits atop the list as the most expensive Padres card available in the 2022 Topps Chrome set.
This covers some of the biggest names and most valuable cards from the highly anticipated 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball release. As the rookie classes of 2021-2022 continue to develop, these cards will be some of the most closely watched on the secondary market. With such a strong array of young talent, 2022 Topps Chrome is surely establishing itself as one of the all-time great modern baseball card sets. The cards profiled here represent the true blue-chip investments for savvy collectors and investors.
