The 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball release marked the start of another exciting baseball season. As with every year, Topps included several young stars and veterans on coveted cards that collectors chased. While rookies often drive interest in the hobby, established names still hold value as well. This release featured a nice mix of both.
One of the biggest rookie cards was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Coming off a stellar 2021 campaign that saw him become the youngest player to hit in his first career game, Franco’s hype grew tremendously. His base rookie card quickly became one of the set’s most sought-after. While not numbered, Franco’s autograph and memorabilia cards carried premium price tags. Many believe Franco has a real shot at greatness and his cards already command four-figure sums.
Another rookie generating buzz was Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. The fifth overall pick in the 2019 draft had a breakout 2021 season in the minors and was poised to debut. His base card found its way into many packs but parallel and autographed versions sold for big money. At just 21 years old, Greene has star potential and collectors paid up for any of his rare cards knowing his value could multiply in the years ahead.
On the pitching side, fans were eager to see more from Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer. The third overall pick in the 2020 draft, Meyer made his MLB debut in late August of 2021 and looked the part of a future ace. Despite limited action last season, his cards took off. Meyer’s autograph rookie parallel numbered to /99 brought over $1000 on the secondary market. With his talent and pedigree, Meyer seems a lock for stardom which makes his rookie cards a wise long term hold.
Veteran superstars also had some standout cards in Series 1. Two-time AL MVP Mike Trout remains one of the faces of the league and Topps paid tribute with several parallel and memorabilia cards of the Angels outfielder. Trout’s base card is always a must-have but collectors paid up to $500 or more for rare parallels and memorabilia cards that featured swatches of his game-worn jersey. At just 30 years old, Trout seems a lock for the Hall of Fame which means his cards hold value for years to come.
Another perennial MVP candidate, Shohei Ohtani of the Angels also had some highly sought-after cards. As a true two-way player who both hits and pitches, Ohtani is one of the most unique talents in baseball history. His base card flew off shelves but parallel and memorabilia cards with relic swatches sold for north of $300. With Ohtani still in his prime at just 27, there’s a good chance he adds more accolades that will only serve to increase interest in his already popular cards.
One of the biggest stars of 2021 was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays. In just his third season, Guerrero put up MVP caliber numbers and established himself as a true superstar. His base card was widely available but collectors paid up to $200 or more for rare parallels and memorabilia cards. At just 23 years old, Guerrero seems destined for Cooperstown which means his rookie cards hold tremendous long term value, especially the rarest and most coveted versions.
A couple of veterans who had some standout cards were New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper. Both signed massive contracts in recent years and have established themselves as franchise cornerstones. Lindor’s parallels and memorabilia cards fetched $100-200 while Harper cards in the same vein sold for similar sums. As two of the biggest names in the sport still in their primes, Lindor and Harper cards are always in high demand from collectors.
The 2022 Topps Series 1 release had something for everyone. While the biggest young stars like Franco, Greene and Meyer drove initial interest, established names like Trout, Ohtani, Guerrero Jr., Lindor and Harper ensured there were popular cards for collectors of all levels. With such a mix of present and future talents, Series 1 offered a portrait of where the sport is now and an idea of who may shape its future – making it one of the year’s most anticipated and collectible issues.
