The 2022 MLB rookie class was one of the most exciting in recent memory with several rookies making an immediate impact on their teams and in the baseball card collecting hobby. While it’s still early in their careers, some rookies from this class have already produced at such a high level that their rookie cards have skyrocketed in value and demand. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from 2022 that collectors should be targeting.
Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners – Rodríguez had one of the greatest rookie seasons in MLB history and immediately established himself as a true five-tool superstar. The 21-year-old outfielder slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs, 75 RBI, and 25 stolen bases. He was selected to the All-Star team and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rodríguez’ Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card is easily the most coveted of 2022 and has reached prices over $1000 already. His Topps base paper rookie and Topps Fire variations also hold significant value. With Rodríguez looking like a future MVP candidate, all of his rookie cards are sure to appreciate greatly over the long run.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had massive expectations that he largely met in his rookie campaign. He hit .254 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI and stole 30 bases while playing stellar defense at third base and shortstop. Witt’s athleticism, power, and five-tool upside have collectors excited about his long-term potential. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is another highly sought after card, trading for $400-500 currently. The Topps Fire Variation and Topps Gold Label parallels are also popular among Witt collectors.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – Strider exploded onto the scene as a rookie, using his blazing fastball to strike out 202 batters over 131.2 innings with a 2.67 ERA. The flamethrowing righty quickly became a fan favorite in Atlanta and showed ace-like stuff. While Strider only has a few months of MLB experience, the rarity and mystique surrounding his rookie cards has driven prices up significantly. His Topps Chrome Refractor auto-patch sits at around $800-1000 already. Strider cards remain hot and will likely keep appreciating as he establishes himself as a frontline starter.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – As the top prospect in baseball for several years, Rutschman faced immense expectations that he largely delivered on after debuting in late May. He hit .254 with 5 home runs in 35 games but showed excellent plate discipline and leadership skills behind the plate. While Rutschman’s stats were modest, collectors recognize his all-world talent and believe his best seasons are ahead of him. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is one of the most coveted catcher cards ever, valued at $400-500 currently. Rutschman’s prospect cards from 2019-2021 also hold great long-term potential.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Cruz exploded onto the scene in late July and immediately wowed fans with his incredible combination of size and power. The 6’7 shortstop slugged 9 home runs in just 85 at-bats while showing off a rocket arm. Cruz’s monstrous raw tools have collectors excited about his long-term superstar potential. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is valued around $300 currently and should keep rising as he continues developing. Cruz will be one of the most watched young players in 2023 as he aims to lock down an everyday role.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – Suzuki brought five-tool star power with him from Japan and hit .262 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in his first MLB season. While those stats may not jump off the page, Suzuki showed smooth lefty swing skills and proved he can produce in the big leagues. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is a sound long-term hold around the $150-200 mark. Suzuki will be a core piece of the Cubs rebuild and has All-Star caliber ability.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – Harris shot up prospect lists after a monster 2022 campaign that saw him hit .297 with 19 home runs split between Double and Triple-A. The Braves wasted no time calling him up, and Harris proved he belonged by slashing .297/.339/.514 with 19 steals in the majors. His combination of five-tools and immediate MLB impact have collectors excited about Harris’ long-term potential. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie sits around $150 currently and should keep appreciating as Harris establishes himself as a future star.
Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins – Jax emerged as a reliable swingman for the Twins in 2022, posting a 3.47 ERA with 91 strikeouts over 84 innings between the rotation and bullpen. The 6’6 righty uses an explosive fastball-slider combo to overmatch hitters. While Jax doesn’t have the name recognition or prospect pedigree of others, his stuff and dual-role versatility make him a breakout candidate in 2023. His Topps Chrome Refractor auto sits around $75 currently and offers solid risk/reward for collectors given Jax’s continuing development.
While the full careers of these rookies are still being written, Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Strider, Adley Rutschman, Oneil Cruz, Seiya Suzuki, Michael Harris II and Griffin Jax all showed immense promise and produced at a high level in their debut seasons. Their rookie cards, especially the prized Topps Chrome Refractors, offer long-term upside as these players aim to become franchise cornerstones and future stars. For collectors looking to invest, targeting these rookies from one of the most exciting MLB rookie classes in recent memory could yield great rewards down the road.
