The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball set was released in late August/early September and contains some of the sport’s top rookies and stars in shiny refractors. As one of the premier insert sets released each year by Topps, Chrome is highly anticipated by collectors both for its photo variations and coveted parallels. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout rookie and veteran cards from the 2022 edition.
One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2022 Topps Chrome set is Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named to the All-Star team and finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His base Chrome card is popular on its own due to his breakout campaign, but collectors are also hunting parallel and photo variations that make already valuable cards even more desirable. Some key Julio Rodriguez cards from 2022 Topps Chrome include the Orange /199, Green /50, and Gold /10 parallels as well as the coveted Refractor, Negative, and Printing Plate 1/1 variations. Expect Rodriguez’s rookie cards, especially top parallels, to continue appreciating in value as his career progresses.
Another rookie generating tremendous buzz in the 2022 Topps Chrome set is Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby. While he didn’t post the flashy stats of teammate Julio Rodriguez in his debut season, Kirby showed elite control and promise to be a future frontline starter. His base rookie card is still obtainable but gaining traction as collectors bet on his future success. Top parallels like the Orange /199, Green /50, and Gold /10 are much harder to find and hold premium value already. Like Rodriguez, Kirby parallels and photo variations from Chrome are some of the best long-term investments in the class.
Rookies Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II of the Atlanta Braves had breakout rookie campaigns that translated to strong demand for their Topps Chrome cards as well. Strider dominated as a starter after debuting and looks like a future ace, while Harris proved to be a five-tool star in center. Their base rookie cards are plentiful but highly regarded, with the top color parallels and variations carrying true trophy card status. Cards like Strider’s Negative refractor and Harris’ Printing Plate 1/1 automatically make any Braves collection more desirable. Both players have All-Star potential, making 2022 Topps Chrome cards a can’t-miss addition for Savannah Bananas fans.
On the veteran side, superstar Aaron Judge’s cards from 2022 Topps Chrome are among the most sought-after in the entire set after his historic 62-home run season. While his base card holds value on its own due to his elite play, parallel and photo variations are the true blue-chip cards. The prized 1/1 Printing Plate and Negative refractor are nearly impossible to find and command enormous premiums from collectors. But even parallels like the Orange /199, Green /50 and Gold /10 carry immense desirability and value. With Judge entering free agency this offseason, his 2022 Topps Chrome cards, especially rare parallels, are sure to be long-term keepers.
Another veteran generating huge interest in 2022 Topps Chrome is Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals after he surpassed 700 career home runs this season. Pujols’ return to the Cardinals for his final season added extra sentimental appeal to his cards. While his base card is obtainable, his top parallels and variations are already out of reach for most collectors. Rarities like the Printing Plate 1/1, Negative refractor, and even the Orange /199 parallel hold tremendous nostalgic appeal and value. With Pujols cementing his Hall of Fame legacy, his 2022 Topps Chrome cards are a must for any Cardinals PC.
The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball set features some of the best rookie cards of Julio Rodriguez, George Kirby, Spencer Strider and Michael Harris II that are sure to appreciate over time as their careers progress. Meanwhile, veteran standouts like Aaron Judge and Albert Pujols delivered huge seasons that translated to skyrocketing demand for their Chrome cards, especially coveted parallel and photo variations. For collectors chasing the top modern cards in the hobby, 2022 Topps Chrome offers a treasure trove of investment-worthy pieces featuring both emerging stars and established greats.
