The 2022 Topps MLB baseball card release featured some of the most valuable rookie cards in recent memory. Top players like Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Torkelson, and Bobby Witt Jr. had stellar debut seasons that translated to huge spikes in interest and demand for their rookie cards. With another generation of young stars making their mark on the league, the 2022 Topps set is shaping up to have amazing long term potential for collectors. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the most coveted and valuable cards from this year’s Topps flagship release:
Julio Rodriguez – The breakout rookie sensations dynamic play with the Mariners made his cards the clear crown jewels of the 2022 set. His base auto /499 from Series 2 shot to the top of most wanted lists and now regularly trades hands for $500-1000 in Gem Mint condition. The true blue chip grail card though is his /99 SP Autograph purple refractor from Series 1. Only a handful have been offered for sale publicly, with the last few commanding bids well north of $3000. As J-Rod continues to cements himself as a perennial All-Star, these early Topps cards could end up being legitimate long term investments.
Spencer Torkelson – After a slow start, the Detroit 1st baseman found his groove in the second half and showed flashes of why he was the top pick in 2020. While not quite the rookie excitement of Julio, Torkelson turned more than a few heads and his cards rebounded strongly as a result. His base auto /499 from Series 2 has steadily climbed toward $200-300 range in top grades. The real prize is the ultra short printed SP Auto pink refractor /99 from Series 1, with two recently selling in the $800-1000 range. If Torkelson starts 2023 strong, those early Topps RCs could breakout even more.
Bobby Witt Jr. – As one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, Witt did not disappoint Kansas City fans with an electric debut campaign at shortstop. That translated to huge buzz around his rookie cards as well. The base auto /499 from Series 2 broke into the triple digits soon after release. Even more scarce are the SP refractors, with the green /99 and orange /50 models commanding $300-500 in top condition. An absolute stud already, Witt’s long term potential could push these early RCs well past $1000 each down the road.
Adley Rutschman – After wowing in the minors for years, the Orioles backstop finally got his shot in 2022 and showed why he’s considered a true franchise changing talent. That hype extended to collectors paying top dollar for his flagship rookie offerings. The base auto /499 from Series 2 is steadily moving toward $150 in top grades. Far rarer are the color SP refractors like the pink /99 which recently sold for north of $400. With Baltimore on the rise and Adley at the center, these could multiply in value substantially if he blossoms into the perennial All-Star many expect.
Rookie Pitchers – While position players tend to drive most excitement in the hobby, some flame throwing rookie hurlers from 2022 are also making a mark. Cardinals flamethrower Andre Pallante sparked strong demand for his base auto /499 which has climbed past $100. Giants starter Logan Webb also debuted an auto in Series 2 at the same short print run, with nice upside at $75+ currently. Perhaps the most intriguing arm card though belongs to Tigers breakout starter Tarik Skubal – his sepia SP refractor /50 has traded in the $300 range on the secondary market.
Veteran Stars – No rookie class is complete without checks on the all-time greats as well. A rare Aaron Judge autograph patch /5 from Diamond Icon pulled into the low-mid 4 figures. A rare Mike Trout negative ST/SP refractor plate /5 neared $5,000. A /10 Negro Leagues salute patch auto of Buck O’Neil topped $1,500. And a /5 autograph parallel of recently retired Miguel Cabrera remains an 8 figure card as one of his final true RC’s. No release is guaranteed to vault a rookie to such rarified terrorty, but the 2022 class offers some candidates.
As we close out 2022 and look ahead to 2023, the rookies and prospects from this year’s Topps set will continue to shift in value in unexpected ways. Injuries, breakouts, extensions, and Hall of Fame trajectory are just some of the factors that make collecting modern players such a speculative, yet exciting part of the hobby. For savvy investors, targeting short print refractors, autograph parallels and emerging stars from the 2022 Topps flagship holds incredible potential for growth over both the short and long terms. With rookie classes just getting better and more hyped each year, holding onto the true hits from this set could yield major dividends down the road.
