The 2022 Topps Series 2 Baseball release contained several rookie cards and parallels that have already proven to be some of the most valuable modern cards on the market. While Series 1 is usually the flagship set that contains the true rookie cards for many of the top prospects, Series 2 often features valuable rookie variations and short prints that drive collector demand.

One of the most sought-after rookies from 2022 Topps Series 2 is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and 2020 AL Rookie of the Year Wander Franco. Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 that saw him become the youngest player to hit in his first career game and finish with a .288 batting average, seven home runs, and 39 RBI in 70 games. His base rookie card from Series 2 isn’t overly valuable at around $10-15, but several parallel and short print variations have exploded in value due to his star potential.

The Wander Franco Rainbow Foil parallel (#162) is one of the biggest hits to come out of Series 2 so far. With a print run estimated around 1 per case, these ultra-short print refractors have sold for $1,000 raw and up to $3,000 graded Gem Mint 10. Another short print parallel gaining buzz is the Wander Franco Gold Wave (#162)/50. These sell for $300-500 raw but over $1,000 graded. Even his Black Border parallel (#162)/2021 has increased to $50-75 raw due to the limited 2021 print run tying to Franco’s rookie season.

While Franco may be the biggest name, several other top rookie short prints have also emerged as valuable cards from 2022 Topps Series 2. One is the Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Wave parallel (#290)/50. As the #2 overall prospect and starting third baseman for the Kansas City Royals, Witt Jr. has lived up to the hype so far. His Gold Wave sells for $300-400 raw but over $1,000 PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10.

Another short print parallel gaining traction is the Adley Rutschman Rainbow Foil (#290) out of Baltimore Orioles. As the top catching prospect who has now taken over as the everyday catcher in Baltimore, Rutschman is a centerpiece for their rebuilding plans. His ultra-short print refractors sell for $400-600 raw but have reached the $1,500-2,000 range graded. Even Rutschman’s Gold Wave parallel (#290)/50 fetches $150-250 raw with a strong chance to increase further if he continues his early success.

While the short prints tend to generate the biggest buzz, some base rookies have also shown promise. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez had a breakout 2021 season between High-A and Double-A at age 20 and entered 2022 as one of the top prospects. His base rookie card from Series 2 (#290) sells for $15-25 raw but is a candidate to increase significantly if he makes an impact for the rising Mariners.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, the #1 overall prospect in 2021, has a similar base rookie (#290) valued around $15-20 raw after debuting late last season. Greene has the potential to be a star player for the Tigers and his card could jump up alongside any early success. Even Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena, who took over as the everyday shortstop after Carlos Correa’s free agency, has a base that increased to $10 due to his role on a contender.

While the rookies tend to drive initial collector interest, veterans can also produce valuable parallel short prints. For example, the Mike Trout Rainbow Foil parallel (#161) from Series 2 is one of the biggest modern Trout short prints available. With an estimated print run around 1 per case, PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples have reached the $3,000-4,000 range. Even his less scarce Gold Wave parallel (#161)/50 fetches $400-600 raw.

Shohei Ohtani, arguably the biggest star in baseball today, also has short prints gaining traction. The Shohei Ohtani Gold Wave parallel (#161)/50 has increased to $150-250 raw as collectors look to add one of the top 50 printed versions of one of the game’s icons. His Rainbow Foil is sure to shatter records if one ever surfaces. Other star veterans like Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuna Jr. all had desirable short prints that add value to their respective rookie classes as well.

While the rookies and stars will always drive headlines, value can be found across the set if savvy collectors identify undervalued parallels and short prints. For example, the Yordan Alvarez Gold Wave parallel (#161)/50 has room to increase given his star power and the Astros’ success. The same logic applies to emerging young stars like Gavin Lux (#290)/50, Jonathan India (#290)/50, and Seiya Suzuki (#290)/50 – their short prints present affordable opportunities ahead of potential breakouts.

While the 2022 Topps Series 2 release may not have had the true rookie class of Series 1, it still featured several valuable short prints and parallels across rookies and veterans that have proven to be smart long term investments. With the season ongoing, cards like Franco, Witt Jr., Rutschman and others continue to gain traction – especially graded examples of their ultra-short print refractors. Series 2 often gets overlooked compared to the flagship Series 1 release, but savvy collectors are finding value by identifying the hidden gems within.