The 2022 Topps Chrome baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues of the year. Topps Chrome has developed a reputation as one of the premier modern baseball card products, featuring sharp photography, colorful refractors, and parallels that attract serious collectors. While hunting for cards, here are some of the top rookies, stars, and short prints to keep an eye out for in the 2022 Topps Chrome release.
Rookies To Watch:
Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals SS): As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft and top prospect heading into 2022, Witt has the potential to be a true superstar. His rookie cards are hot commodities, and Topps Chrome cards could gain value longterm if he lives up to the hype.
Julio Rodriguez (Mariners OF): Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2021 and showed tantalizing all-around tools that could make him a future star. His rookie cards continue gaining steam, with Chrome versions primed to be strong longterm holds.
Spencer Torkelson (Tigers 1B): The #1 overall pick in 2020 and a consensus top 3 prospect, Torkelson has a beautiful lefty swing and should be a mainstay in the Detroit lineup for years. His rookie cards could surge if he has a hot MLB start.
Adley Rutschman (Orioles C): Considered the top prospect in baseball, Rutschman brings elite catching defense and offense to Baltimore. He’ll be a cornerstone for the franchise, and his Topps Chrome rookies should only increase in value.
Established Stars To Target:
Shohei Ohtani (Angels SP/DH): Ohtani’s two-way talents make him must-own for any collection. His Topps Chrome refractors and parallels remain some of the most coveted cards in the hobby.
Mike Trout (Angels OF): Simply put, Trout is arguably the greatest player of this generation. Any Trout card is a strong hold, but Topps Chrome versions have a certain prestige that drives collectors.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves OF): When healthy, Acuña is a dynamic five-tool talent and the face of the Braves franchise. His rookie season established him as one of the marquee stars in the game today.
Juan Soto (Nationals OF): Still just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as a generational slugger and hits monster home runs. His cards command top dollar.
Short Prints To Target:
Bowman Prospects: Top prospects like Oneil Cruz, C.J. Abrams, and Corbin Carroll receive coveted short print rookie cards in the Bowman Prospect subset.
Gold Parallels (/50): Ultra-short print gold parallels of stars and prospects can be true chase cards.
Sepia Parallels (/25): Highly limited sepia parallels drive avid collector chase of the toughest parallels.
Refractors (/123): Low serial numbered refractors of big names like Trout, Ohtani, Soto are elite collector pieces.
Color Shifts: Trout, Acuña Color Shifts showcase incredible photography transitions and command top dollar.
Green Shimmer Parallels (/99): Highly coveted green shimmer parallels present a fun collector challenge.
Baseball Card Investing With 2022 Topps Chrome:
While the hobby is ultimately about enjoyment, Topps Chrome cards can also provide growth opportunities for patient investors. Rookie cards of rising stars like Witt, Rodriguez and Torkelson are strongholds if those players blossom into superstars. Parallels and short prints of existing franchise cornerstones like Trout, Acuña and Soto have proven resilient to market fluctuations. By maintaining a watchlist of these rookies and proven talents across Chrome, collectors can build future-proofed portfolios. Always remember to collect cards you personally enjoy—smart investments often follow passion for the game and its greatest players.
The 2022 Topps Chrome release continues the storied tradition of providing beautiful, investment-grade cards for enthusiasts and investors alike. With a proven track record of stardom and scarcity, chasing rookie sensations, luminaries and coveted parallels offers enjoyment and possibilities for collection value gains down the road. For serious collectors, Topps Chrome remains a pinnacle way to build lifelong collections.
