The hobby of collecting baseball cards has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past couple of years. With the rise of online selling platforms like eBay and increased media coverage of big-ticket baseball card sales, more people are getting back into the hobby or entering it for the first time.
If you’re looking to start or expand your baseball card collection in 2022, there are plenty of intriguing options worth considering. With a mix of modern rookie stars, all-time greats, and iconic vintage issues, here are some of the best baseball cards to buy this year based on player, set, and investment potential.
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1/2, Bowman Chrome)
The two-way Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani has taken baseball by storm since debuting with the Angels in 2018. His rare ability to excel as both a pitcher and hitter makes his rookie cards some of the most sought-after on the market. The 2018 Topps Series 1 and Series 2 issues as well as his Bowman Chrome rookie are all great options that will likely hold and increase in value as Ohtani’s career progresses. Look for PSA 10 graded versions of these to potentially double or triple in price over the next few years.
Juan Soto Rookie Cards (2018 Bowman Chrome, Topps Series 1/2)
At just 23 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars and best hitters. Like Ohtani, his rookie cards remain hot commodities for collectors. The 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto parallel and Topps Series 1/2 issues are considered the premier Soto rookies. Even in raw form, these can be had for under $100 now but have strong long-term appreciation potential.
Wander Franco Rookie Cards (2021 Topps Series 1/2, Bowman Chrome)
Touted as the best overall prospect in baseball history, Wander Franco lived up to the hype by winning AL Rookie of the Year in 2021 with the Rays at age 21. His rookie cards exploded in value last year but still offer growth potential given his immense talent and long career ahead. The Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome parallels especially hold collector and investor appeal for those bullish on Franco’s future stardom.
Mike Trout Rookie Cards (2009 Topps, Bowman Chrome)
Widely regarded as the best all-around player of his generation, Mike Trout continues to produce at an MVP level for the Angels in his early 30s. His rookie cards from 2009 Topps and Bowman Chrome are true modern classics that will stand the test of time. High-grade Trout rookies in PSA 10 are valued in the tens of thousands but provide a safe long-term investment for any collection. Even well-centered raw copies can be found for under $500.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1/2, Bowman Chrome)
Like father, like son – Vlad Jr. has lived up to immense expectations as one of baseball’s most feared power hitters. As a former #1 overall prospect, his rookie cards remain some of the most coveted issues for Blue Jays fans and investors. The Topps Chrome Autograph parallel especially holds strong potential returns considering Guerrero’s age-25 season production and Toronto’s competitive window opening.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Series 1/2, Bowman Chrome)
Few players have burst onto the MLB scene quite like Ronald Acuña Jr. did for Atlanta in 2018. Even after missing the 2021 season due to injury, his star power and talent level give his rookie cards staying power. The Topps Chrome Autograph parallel stands out for its scarcity and Acuña’s established superstardom at just 24 years old. These can still be found graded for under $1000 with room to more than double or triple from there.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Rookie Cards (2019 Topps Series 1, Bowman Chrome)
When healthy, Fernando Tatis Jr. plays the game with as much flash and excitement as any player in the league. That magnetic style has made his rookie cards some of the most popular on the market. The Topps Chrome Autograph parallel especially holds appeal because of its rarity, Tatis’ all-around ability, and his place as the future face of the Padres franchise. Even after recent injury issues, these rookies still offer strong long-term upside.
Vintage Mickey Mantle Cards (1952 Topps, 1953 Topps, 1956 Topps)
No player captivates the collectibles space quite like the “Commerce Comet” Mickey Mantle. His classic 1950s-era Topps issues never seem to lose relevance or value. The 1952 Topps is truly iconic for its scarcity and place in card history. High-grade ’53s and ’56s can also be considered for long-term investment holdings given Mantle’s eternal popularity. Even well-centered raw copies from these classic sets carry recognizable value.
Vintage Sandy Koufax Cards (1956 Topps, 1957 Topps, 1963 Topps)
As one of the most dominant pitchers who ever lived, Sandy Koufax captivates collectors to this day. His 1950s rookie issues as well as later 1960s Topps cards represent important pieces of the hobby’s history. Condition is especially key for Koufax, so be very selective with graded examples from flagship sets like 1956, 1957, and 1963 Topps if investing longer term. Still, raw copies provide affordable access to a true icon of the game.
1986 Topps Traded Set (Complete Set, Single Cards)
Often called the “Holy Grail” of sets for its star power and iconic designs, the 1986 Topps Traded set endures as one of the most coveted issues ever produced. A complete set would represent the pinnacle of any collection but can cost tens of thousands. For most budgets, snapping up singles of stars like Gooden, Strawberry, and Clemens provides an affordable way to hold a piece of cardboard history with proven returns.
1957 Topps Complete Set (Raw or Graded)
Representing a high point for design innovation and the post-WWII boom in the hobby’s popularity, a 1957 Topps set is the crown jewel that many collectors strive for. Completing it raw would be a monumental achievement, while finding one graded and encapsulated by a reputable service like PSA or SGC enters ultra-premium territory valuation-wise. Either way, this set’s place in the hobby’s DNA gives it unparalleled long-term collectibility.
Vintage Rookie Cards of All-Time Greats (Mantle, Mays, Aaron, etc.)
While the above examples showcase some of the most universally renowned rookies, the early 1950s also birthed the formative issues of legends like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and Roberto Clemente among others. Their Bowman and Topps rookie cards from that groundbreaking decade hold immense historical significance and, in high grades, can fetch five or even six figures depending on the player. Condition is ultra-critical but these allow affordable access to true pioneers.
In summary, 2022 shapes up to be another big year for the baseball card market as interest and prices remain high across the board. Focusing collections on emerging stars, proven greats, and iconic vintage issues represent a balanced approach with staying power. Doing thorough research, selectively targeting key cards in optimal condition, and thinking long-term will serve collectors and investors well in this thriving yet unpredictable space. With some savvy shopping, any of the above suggestions could make for great baseball card pickups this year.
