The 2022 Topps GQ Baseball set was released in December 2022 and contained some highly sought after rookie cards and veteran star cards. As one of the premium flagship releases from Topps each year, GQ always includes some of the most visually striking and valuable cards in the hobby. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the 2022 offering.
One of the biggest rookie cards in the set is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered the top prospect in baseball heading into 2022, Rodriguez did not disappoint in his rookie campaign. He slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases, finishing third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His autograph and memorabilia cards from Topps flagship products like Bowman and Topps Chrome are already fetching big money on the secondary market. The Julio Rodriguez rookie card from GQ is sure to be one of the most sought after cards from the entire release long term. It features a clean design with Rodriguez in a Mariners batting stance, which will appeal to collectors. Expect this card to steadily gain value as Rodriguez’s career progresses.
Another exciting rookie to highlight is Detroit Tigers pitcher Jackson Jobe. As the #3 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft, Jobe was one of the highest profile pitching prospects in minor league baseball last season. He made his pro debut and showed tantalizing stuff while pitching in Low-A. Jobe’s autographed rookie card from GQ is bound to be a hot commodity for Tigers fans and prospect collectors alike. The card has a classic design that will age well as Jobe hopefully develops into a frontline starter for Detroit. If he fulfills his potential, this could be a true gem in collections years down the line.
Shifting to veteran superstars, one of the most iconic cards in the set features Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. As the reigning AL MVP and one of the most unique two-way talents in baseball history, Ohtani is capturing attention from fans worldwide. His GQ card depicts him in an Angels batting stance, highlighting his skills at the plate. But what truly sets it apart is the exquisite embroidery work on the uniform. GQ is known for its threadwork embellishments, and they outdid themselves with the detailed stitching that makes Ohtani’s jersey and pants really pop off the card. This will be a must-have for any Ohtani PC and is sure to gain value as his legendary career progresses.
Another superstar with an outstanding GQ card is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Having one of the best and most consistent careers of any active position player, Goldschmidt is a perennial MVP candidate and the heart of the Cardinals lineup. His GQ card features him in a classic Cardinals batting stance with intricate threadwork on his uniform and bat. Goldschmidt is signed through 2024, so collectors can feel confident this card will retain its value for years to come as he continues producing at an All-Star level for St. Louis. It’s a no-brainer addition for any Cardinals or Goldschmidt collection.
Rounding out some of the other top veteran cards, New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom also has an outstanding GQ issue. When healthy, deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in baseball and a surefire Hall of Famer. His card depicts him mid-windup with phenomenal attention to detail on the stitching of his Mets uniform. Of course, the big question with deGrom is always health and whether he can stay on the mound. But for Mets fans and those who believe in his ability, this will be a blue chip card in collections for years to come if he can get and remain healthy.
Another great veteran GQ card comes from Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper. Having one of the best and most lucrative contracts in MLB history, Harper is undoubtedly one of the faces of the league. His GQ card features him in an iconic Phillies batting stance with exquisite threadwork that makes his uniform really pop off the card surface. Harper just led the Phillies to their first World Series title since 2008, cementing his status as a Philadelphia sports legend. This card is sure to be a long-term hold for any Harper PC or Phillies collection.
The 2022 Topps GQ Baseball release included some truly outstanding rookie cards like Julio Rodriguez and Jackson Jobe that are already gaining value. But veteran stars Shohei Ohtani, Paul Goldschmidt, Jacob deGrom, and Bryce Harper also had phenomenal cards that will hold value for years as their careers progress. The intricate embroidery work and classic photography elevate GQ above other products. For serious collectors, investing in some of these top cards from the 2022 set could really pay dividends long term.
