The 2022 MLB rookie class featured several highly touted prospects who made their major league debuts and showed promise. While it’s still early, some 2022 rookies have stood out and their rookie cards could be worthwhile investments. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season to consider adding to your baseball card portfolio.
Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners – Rodríguez had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory, slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. As the No. 2 overall prospect entering 2022 by MLB Pipeline, Rodríguez had huge expectations and largely lived up to them. His Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor rookie card /499 has already sold for over $1,000 and prices are only expected to rise long-term as he develops into a potential superstar. Rodríguez is one of the safest bets to see a big return on investment from his 2022 rookie cards.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt made his big league debut in April and hit .256 with 20 home runs in his first full MLB season. He showed tantalizing power and defensive skills at shortstop. Witt’s Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor RC /299 has already changed hands for over $800 and his paper rookie cards are in high demand as well. At just 22 years old, Witt looks like a franchise cornerstone and his cards could appreciate significantly if he continues developing.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – Strider broke out as one of the top rookie pitchers in baseball, going 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings. The flame-throwing righty flashed ace upside and will be a key part of the Braves’ plans moving forward. Strider’s Topps Chrome Update Blue Refractor RC /499 has sold for over $700 already. With elite stuff and in a high-profile Atlanta organization, Strider’s cards could be a wise long-term investment.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – As the No. 1 pick in the 2019 draft and top prospect entering 2022, Rutschman faced immense expectations that he largely met with a .254 average, 10 home runs and 40 RBI in 92 games. His superb defense behind the plate and elite bat-to-ball skills have already made him the cornerstone player in Baltimore’s rebuild. Rutschman’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has changed hands for over $500. With his all-around talent and being the face of the Orioles’ future, Rutschman’s cards carry significant long-term upside.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Cruz turned heads with his mammoth home runs, elite speed, and cannon for an arm. The 6-foot-7 shortstop slashed .233/.305/.456 with 10 home runs in just 57 games. Cruz has all the physical tools to be a perennial All-Star if he can refine his approach and consistency. His Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $400 already based on his immense upside alone. Cruz could be a breakout star and his cards a steal at current prices.
Bryce Hall, Atlanta Braves – Hall had a strong showing after a September call-up, posting a 2.70 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 30.1 innings. The hard-throwing righty flashed three quality pitches and good command, showing why he was once a top pitching prospect. Hall’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $300. With the Braves known for developing arms and Hall having closer upside long-term, his cards have solid long-term potential if he sticks as a bullpen anchor.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – Harris made a huge impact after a May debut, hitting .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI in just 127 games. The former top-100 prospect brought speed, defense and power that immediately boosted the Braves. Harris’ Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for $250 already based on his all-around contributions as a likely batting and fielding stalwart for years. Harris looks like a future star and his cards could pay off.
Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians – Kwan won AL Rookie of the Year honors after slashing .298/.373/.400 with 5 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He showed elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline that should allow him to hit for a high average for years. Kwan’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $200 already and his paper cards are highly sought after given his leadoff profile and strong debut. Kwan could be a perennial batting title contender and his cards carry that upside.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers – The No. 2 overall pick in 2021, Leiter made his MLB debut in June and showed why he was such a coveted prospect with a 3.90 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 72.1 innings. His mid-90s fastball and biting slider give him ace potential. Leiter’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $150 already based on his stuff and role as a future Rangers ace if he continues developing. Leiter is a high-upside pitching investment.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – Suzuki had a solid first MLB season after coming over from Japan, hitting .262 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI in 112 games. The 28-year-old outfielder brings a polished, well-rounded offensive game to Wrigley Field. Suzuki’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $150 already based on his immediate MLB production and role as a core piece for the Cubs going forward. Suzuki’s cards have room to appreciate.
Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks – McCarthy impressed after a late-season call-up, hitting .283 with 4 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 47 games. The speedy center fielder flashed an exciting all-around skill set. McCarthy’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $100 already based on his potential as a leadoff/table-setter going forward for Arizona. McCarthy could develop into a star and those cards into a bargain.
Logan O’Hoppe, Philadelphia Phillies – O’Hoppe made his MLB debut in September and showed why he was such an intriguing catching prospect, hitting .333 with 2 home runs in just 15 games. The former first-rounder has serious power and arm strength behind the plate. O’Hoppe’s Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $75 already based on his upside as Philadelphia’s future catcher if he continues progressing.
C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals – Abrams got his first extended MLB action after a midseason trade to Washington, hitting .218 with 4 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 57 games while playing all over the infield. The former top-10 overall pick brings elite defense and speed. Abrams’ Topps Chrome Update Orange Refractor RC /299 has sold for over $50 already based on his tools and new opportunity with the rebuilding Nationals long-term.
Some of the top 2022 MLB rookie cards to consider adding to your investment portfolio based on early production and long-term upside include Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Strider, Adley Rutschman, Oneil Cruz, Bryce Hall, Michael Harris II, Steven Kwan, Jack Leiter, Seiya Suzuki, Jake McCarthy, Logan O’Hoppe and C.J. Abrams. While risk is involved with any rookie card investment, these players showed promise or elite tools that make their cards worthwhile speculations.
