The 2022 MLB rookie class featured many highly touted prospects making their big league debuts. While it’s still early, some have already started to impress on the field. As collectors, it’s always fun to target rookies with breakout potential. Their rookie cards stand to gain significant value if they live up to expectations. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season to consider adding to your collection.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome / Topps Chrome Update): As the top prospect in baseball entering 2022, Rutschman was one of the most anticipated debuts. He didn’t disappoint, showing off his elite skills behind the plate and at the plate. His Bowman Chrome rookie from 2020 remains one of the pricier modern rookie cards, but his Topps Chrome Update RC from this year provides a more affordable option for collectors. As the future face of the Orioles franchise, Rutschman has superstar potential and his cards could skyrocket if he continues developing.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome): Like Rutschman, Witt lived up to the hype as the second overall pick in the 2019 draft. He made his presence felt right away with exceptional power and speed. Witt’s Topps Chrome rookie from this year is one of the most coveted modern rookie cards on the market due to his breakout potential carrying the Royals for years to come. His Bowman Chrome RC from 2021 also remains a strong long-term hold. Witt looks like a perennial All-Star and his cards could explode in value.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome): After a disappointing debut in 2021, Torkelson showed why he was the top pick in 2020 this season. He flashed prodigious power and improved patience at the plate. Torkelson is a cornerstone piece for the Tigers’ rebuild and his rookie cards from 2021 Topps Chrome and 2020 Bowman Chrome are solid speculative adds. If he continues developing, Torkelson has MVP-caliber upside that could make his rookie cards extremely valuable long-term holdings.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome): Rodriguez wasted no time making an impact in Seattle, showcasing five-tool talent that has him looking like a future star. While injuries slowed him late in the year, J-Rod’s electrifying plays and prodigious raw power were must-see TV. His 2021 Bowman Chrome RC remains one of the more expensive modern rookie cards on the secondary market, but his 2022 Topps Chrome RC provides collectors a more budget-friendly option for a player who could be among the game’s best. Rodriguez has true superstar potential.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome): At 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw power, Cruz was one of the most physically imposing rookies in 2022. He showed why with some mammoth homers in limited action. Cruz still needs refining, but his rare blend of size and athleticism gives him massive upside. His rookie cards from 2021 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome remain affordable for now. But if Cruz puts it all together, those early RCs could pay off in a big way for patient collectors.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome): Suzuki brought his five-tool skill set from Japan’s NPB over to the majors, where he settled in quickly as the Cubs’ new right fielder. While he tailed off in the second half, Suzuki showed why he was one of the top international free agents in recent years. His 2022 Topps Chrome RC is a strong, affordable option for a player who looks ready to be an all-around star for Chicago for years. His early Bowman Chrome RCs from prior to signing also remain solid long shots.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome / Bowman Chrome): Harris burst onto the scene for the defending champs, showing plus defense and surprising pop from the left side of the plate. While he may not develop into a superstar, Harris looks like a solid, all-around contributor for a perennial contender. His 2022 Topps Chrome RC provides an affordable play on a player who could have a long, productive career in Atlanta. Harris may not be a future MVP, but he has the makings of a valuable role player on a winning team.
Rookie cards from breakouts like Alek Thomas, Hunter Greene, Joe Ryan and more: While they didn’t make as much of an immediate splash as the headliners above, players like Thomas, Greene and Ryan showed enough in their debuts this year to warrant keeping an eye on moving forward. Thomas looks like a future top-of-the-order hitter for Arizona, Greene has electric stuff when healthy in Cincinnati and Ryan brought poise and polish to the Twins’ rotation. Their 2022 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome rookie cards remain very affordable for now. With continued development, any could pop and make for shrewd long-term investments.
The 2022 rookie class featured many impact talents beginning to establish themselves in the big leagues. While it’s still early, players like Rutschman, Witt, Torkelson and Rodriguez appear poised for stardom. Their flagship rookie cards from this year and last provide a fun opportunity to speculate on future potential. Meanwhile, less heralded rookies such as Harris, Cruz, Suzuki and others made solid first impressions deserving of keeping an eye on down the road. With patience, any of these 2022 rookie cards could pay major dividends for collectors.
