The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set brought back the classic design of Topps cards from the late 1960s. As with any retro-themed release from Topps, the Heritage set contained several short printed and rare cards that have become extremely valuable for collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2022 Topps Heritage baseball cards.
One of the biggest hits from the 2022 Heritage set is the Miguel Cabrera short print card. Only 99 copies of the Cabrera SP were inserted into packs, making it an incredibly rare pull. Given Cabrera’s Hall of Fame caliber career and status as an active superstar, there was high demand for this card from collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of the Cabrera SP have sold for over $2,000, with raw copies commanding $1,000 or more as well. It’s clear this Miguel Cabrera stands out as the most valuable single card from the entire 2022 Topps Heritage release.
Another highly sought after short print is the Freddie Freeman SP card. Like Cabrera, Freeman is a modern star player with an impressive career resume who also happened to have an extremely limited short printed card. With only 99 copies in existence just like the Cabrera SP, the Freeman has also proven to be hugely valuable. PSA 10 examples have sold for around $800-1000, showing strong demand for this Atlanta Braves first baseman’s rare Heritage issue.
In addition to short prints of current stars, the big league rookies in the 2022 Heritage set contained several valuable rookie cards. Perhaps the biggest name is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a future superstar, Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign in 2022 that has only increased demand for his rookie cards. His standard rookie in the Heritage set still fetches $50-100 in PSA 10 Gem Mint, but his short print rookie card numbered to 99 copies like Cabrera and Freeman has sold for over $500 in top grades. Rodriguez looks poised to continue increasing in value as his career progresses.
Another rookie to keep an eye on is Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene. Greene brought plenty of hype and triple digit heat to start his career, and collectors have taken notice. While his standard rookie again sells for $50-100 in PSA 10, his short print rookie around $250 shows Greene has staying power. As Greene develops further, his cards — especially the scarce short print — have room to appreciate significantly.
Beyond short prints and top rookies, the Heritage set also contained several valuable vintage player reprints. Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente has always been a fan favorite, and his reprint card has sold for $150-200 in top condition. Iconic 1960s stars like Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays also command $100-150 for their reprinted Heritage cards graded mint. And for collectors looking for a bargain, solid player reprints of stars like Tom Seaver, Hank Aaron and Nolan Ryan can often be acquired in the $30-50 range when in top shape.
The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set lived up to vintage expectations by delivering several valuable short prints and rookie cards that are already proving to be long term keepers in collection. With its retro design paying homage to 1960s Topps, the set also reintroduced classic players to the modern collecting market. While the Miguel Cabrera and Freddie Freeman short prints may hold the record sale prices so far, keep an eye on stars like Julio Rodriguez and Hunter Greene as their careers progress. The Heritage set continues to offer affordable vintage style cards of all-time greats alongside investments in tomorrow’s potential Hall of Famers.
