The 2022 Topps Update Baseball set was released on September 7th, 2022 and contains cards highlighting the second half of the MLB regular season. As with any Topps baseball product, the Update set provides collectors a chance to add newly acquired players, rookie debuts, statistical updates and more to their collections. Given that the season was already underway when Update was released, many of the top rookie cards and stars saw increased stats, milestones and accomplishments reach be captured in card form. Several factors influence the value of cards in the 2022 Topps Update set, but many of the top rookie cards and stars hold significant value.
Perhaps the most valuable card in the entire 2022 Topps Update set is the Spencer Strider rookie card. Strider had a breakout season for the Atlanta Braves, going 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings as a rookie. His dominance down the stretch helped propel the Braves to another NL East title. The prized Strider rookie card, which captures his early season stats and Braves debut, has sold for well over $100 for PSA 10 Gem Mint examples on the secondary market. Given Strider’s potential as a future ace, his rookie could continue to appreciate in value in the years to come.
Another hugely valuable rookie card is that of Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. After a midseason call up, Pena had a stellar rookie campaign in which he helped lead the Astros to a World Series title while earning MVP honors. The Pena Update rookie, which features his stats from the regular season before postseason heroics, has sold for $50-75 raw and over $150 for PSA 10 examples. As the current Astros starting shortstop and 2022 rookie of the year, Pena’s rookie card stands out as one of the prized possessions from this set.
Staying in Houston, the Yordan Alvarez Update card holds great value as well. Alvarez put together another monster season in 2022 where he slashed .306/.406/.613 with 37 home runs and 97 RBI’s. The Alvarez Update card, which features his new stats from the first half of the season, has sold for $10-15 raw but jumps up to the $30-40 range once graded PSA 10. As one of the game’s premier sluggers, Alvarez cards continue to be highly sought after.
Two other rookie cards that command significant value from 2022 Topps Update are those of Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Atlanta Braves pitcher Michael Harris II. Rodriguez, the AL Rookie of the Year, slashed .284/.345/.511 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI’s in a breakout season for Seattle. His Update rookie has sold for $15-20 raw but over $50 once graded PSA 10. Harris, meanwhile, emerged as a star for the Braves batting title winning outfield and his Update rookie has sold for $10-15 raw but also over $50 for PSA 10 examples. Both Rodriguez and Harris look to be franchise cornerstones, making their rookie cards prized long term holdings.
In addition to the top rookie cards, several star veterans see their Update cards hold strong value as well. For example, the Aaron Judge Update card, featuring his updated 62 home run single season record breaking stats from 2022, has sold for $15-20 raw but over $40 once earning a PSA 10 grade. The Mike Trout Update, capturing his continued excellence with a .997 OPS, 40 home runs and career high 123 RBI’s, has sold for $8-12 raw but $25-30 graded PSA 10. Even veterans like Mookie Betts, whose Update highlights his 2nd career World Series win and MVP caliber season, have sold for $5-8 raw but $15-20 PSA 10.
Beyond the biggest stars, several other factors influence the value of 2022 Topps Update cards. Players who had breakout seasons, earned All-Star nods, reached career milestones or had strong postseason performances often see their Update cards carry a premium as well. Rookies who had flashes of success but may not have fully broken out yet, like Oneil Cruz, Bobby Witt Jr. or Adley Rutschman, tend to sell in the $5-10 raw range or $15-25 PSA 10. Parallel and autographed rookie variations can be much rarer and more valuable too. And of course, cards of players on contending teams tend to hold added value given playoff runs.
While most base 2022 Topps Update cards sell in the $1-3 raw range, the top rookie cards, biggest stars and players who excelled in the second half regularly command much stronger prices. Being able to capture statistical updates, milestones and accomplishments makes the Update set an integral product for any baseball card collection. With the continued growth and popularity of the hobby, many of these prized rookies and stars could appreciate significantly over the long run as well. For collectors seeking valuable modern cards, the 2022 Topps Update set offers several highly coveted pieces to target.
