The release of 2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball cards in late January marked the start of another new season and collecting year. As with every year, certain rookie cards, short printed parallels, and star player base cards rise above the rest in demand and value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 2022 Topps Series 1 cards on the secondary market just a few months after release.
Heading the list is undoubtedly the prized rookie card of Los Angeles Angels superstar pitcher and likely 2022 AL MVP Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani’s base rookie card from Series 1 in the standard red border is commanding prices well over $100 for graded PSA 10 copies. Short printed parallels like the gold foil (#/2021) and rainbow foil (#/2023) versions have seen individual sales north of $500 already. The true trophy card remains his autograph parallel, which is extremely rare at just /10 copies. Unsurprisingly, any authenticated Ohtani autograph from 2022 Topps has eclipsed $5,000 with most selling in the $8,000-$12,000 range. With Ohtani’s continued otherworldly dominance on both sides of the ball, his rookie cards will likely only increase in value as long as he stays healthy and producing.
Another rookie sensation grabbing attention in Series 1 is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While not quite reaching Ohtani levels yet, J-Rod’s star is rising fast. His base red border rookie has cracked $50 PSA 10 and the gold foil parallel has changed hands for over $200. It’s his autograph card, serial numbered to /2021, that is the real head-turner. Several authenticated examples have sold for north of $1,000 already, with the card’s future potential sky high if Rodriguez continues on his early breakout path in the majors. His prospect pedigree and five-tool ability have collectors salivating.
Staying in Seattle, pitcher George Kirby’s rookie offerings have also found favor. Kirby made a strong MLB debut in 2022 and has the stuff to be a frontline starter. While his base red is around the $15-20 range PSA 10, the short printed gold parallel (#/2021) has seen bids clear $100. Kirby’s autograph card /2021 also brought over $500 in recent auctions. With continued success, these Kirby rookies could appreciate nicely over the long run.
A couple of star veterans have also emerged as 2022 Topps Series 1 standouts. New York Mets ace Max Scherzer’s base card has remained a steady $20-30 PSA 10 despite his age 37 season. The true winners have been rare parallels like the gold foil (#/2021) and especially the ultra-short printed “Superfractor” parallel numbered to just /10 copies. One such Scherzer Superfractor changed hands for an incredible $3,000, a testament to his Hall of Fame caliber resume and status as a modern day workhorse.
Similarly, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts continues to hold strong collector demand. His base has settled around $15-20 PSA 10 while the gold parallel has reached $100. It’s Betts’ autograph card, serial numbered to /2021, that has really popped – with multiple authenticated copies selling for $500 or more. At only 29 years old and with 4 All-Star and 4 Gold Glove selections already, Betts seems poised to maintain top-tier collector interest for years to come as he chases a Cooperstown plaque.
A few other notable 2022 Topps Series 1 cards generating buzz include Cardinals rookie outfielder and top prospect Jordan Walker. His autograph parallel /2021 has brought six figures already. For the Yankees, rookie shortstop Oswald Peraza’s autograph /2021 has also cleared $500. And for the Red Sox, All-Star third baseman Rafael Devers continues to impress – with his gold foil parallel reaching $150 and autograph /2021 over $400.
While the 2022 season is still young, the rookie cards of budding stars like Ohtani, Rodriguez, and Kirby are understandably at the forefront for collectors. Proven veteran talents like Scherzer and Betts also hold strong long-term appeal. With continued on-field success, short printed parallels and low-numbered autographs seem poised to appreciate the most. The 2022 Topps Series 1 release kicked off another exciting year of collecting – stay tuned as card values are sure to fluctuate all season long.
