The release of Topps Baseball 2022 Series 2 in July 2022 brought with it a new batch of rookie cards, star players, and coveted short prints. While the base design remains relatively simple compared to past years, there are still gems to be found within this 126 card series. As with any modern baseball card product, condition and serial numbering play a huge role in long term value. Here are some of the most valuable and desirable rookie and star player cards investors and collectors are targeting from Series 2:
Julio Rodriguez, Mariners Rookie Card – At just 21 years old, Rodriguez had a breakout rookie season with the Mariners in 2022 that saw him selected to the All-Star game. His slick defense, power hitting, and five tool potential have cemented him as one of the brightest young stars in baseball. Not surprisingly, his Series 2 rookie card /249 is among the most sought after in the set. Expect this card to appreciate significantly over time as Rodriguez’s career progresses, especially if kept in pristine mint or better condition. A PSA 10 example could eventually be worth thousands given his superstar trajectory.
Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Rookie Card – Like Rodriguez, Witt exploded onto the MLB scene in 2022 and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His /249 rookie from Series 2 is a high value card for Kansas City collectors and those investing in the future of the franchise. Witt’s smooth fielding at multiple positions and elite power/speed tool set have many projecting him as a perennial all-star for years to come. In flawless gem mint condition, this rookie could net upwards of $500 today but grow much higher with continued success on the diamond.
Riley Greene, Tigers Rookie Card – After injuries delayed his MLB debut, Greene showed why he was Detroit’s top prospect by posting an .816 OPS in 2022. The 5-tool outfielder has superstar potential and his Series 2 rookie /249 will be one to watch long term. Already selling for over $100 in PSA 10, this is a card that could really pay off for patient collectors. Greene will be a centerpiece for the rebuilding Tigers.
Adley Rutschman, Orioles Rookie Card – As the top pick in the 2019 draft and consensus #1 overall prospect for years, expectations were immense for Rutschman. While injuries slowed his path to the majors, he showed in 2022 why the hype was real by providing steady defense and offense as Baltimore’s everyday catcher. His /249 rookie will be a cornerstone for any O’s PC and holds strong long term value, particularly if he fulfills his ceiling as an all-around star.
Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves Superstar – After tearing his ACL in mid-2021, Acuña reminded the baseball world of his 5-tool brilliance with a stellar comeback campaign. The 24-year-old reignited his already sky-high popularity and this /249 flagship RC from 2018 Series 1 re-entered the stratosphere, climbing above the $1,000 threshold in top grades. Acuña is a franchise cornerstone and likely MVP candidate for years to come in Atlanta.
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins Ace – In a breakout, Cy Young worthy 2022, Alcantara emerged as Miami’s unquestioned staff leader and one of the game’s premier workhorses. His excellence and durability make this hurler a constant threat for over 200 innings and sub-3.00 ERAs. The Dominican native’s Series 2 /249 flagship RC is a solid long term piece for any collection, especially with Alcantara still in his arbitration years.
Wander Franco, Rays Phenom – After an electrifying 2021 rookie campaign, injuries slowed Franco’s sophomore season with Tampa. The 21-year-old switch hitter’s unique talents and precocious skillset leave no doubt he will be an anchor for the Rays franchise well into the next decade. Franco’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect RC auto remains one of the crown jewels for the player collector.
Aaron Judge, Yankees Slugger – Following a record-setting 62 home run 2022 and run at the Triple Crown, Judge has cemented himself as arguably the game’s top player. His already valuable 2012 Bowman Chrome Draft RC autograph skyrocketed to new heights above $10,000 PSA 10. Even his modest /249 flagship from 2012 Series 2 holds substantial value long term as one of the game’s true megastars remains in pinstripes.
Cody Bellinger, Dodgers Star – Major injuries limited Bellinger to just 95 games over the past two seasons after winning NL MVP in 2019. The two-time All-Star is still just 27 and owns a dazzling career 119 OPS+. If he can get healthy and recapture his pre-2020 form, cards like this /249 flagship RC from 2016 Series 1 will regain lost lustre for Dodgers diehards.
Ken Griffey Jr., Mariners Legend – Over 30 years after his iconic 1989 Upper Deck RC, cards from “Junior’s” early career remain awe-inspiring collector pieces. This spry 22-year-old on his /249 flagship from 1990 fleer is a vintage masterpiece at anaccessible price point compared to high-ends like 1989 UD. His smooth lefty swing and grin made Griffey a fan favorite for a generation.
Those are some of the headline cards with best long term outlook from the latest Topps Series 2 baseball release. As always, condition is king for invaluable vintage and modern pieces. But for savvy investors, selecting rookies of emerging stars and parallels of established all-time greats in pristine shape can yield strong returns with patience. The thrill of the hunt also lies in finding hidden gems to curate the ideal team or player collections.
