Topps’ 2022 Prizm Baseball release brought with it a fresh crop of rookie cards and parallels for collectors to hunt. As with any new Prizm release, certain cards rose to the top of want lists due to the hype surrounding promising young players and flashy parallels. While it’s still early and the long-term value of these rookie cards remains to be seen, here’s a look at some of the biggest hits, key rookies, and “prizmful” parallels from the 2022 Prizm Baseball set that have collectors excited.

Bobby Witt Jr. Prizm Refractors (#252)

Perhaps the biggest star of the rookie class, Bobby Witt Jr. fully lived up to the hype in his first MLB season with the Kansas City Royals. Notably, Witt smashed his first career home run on opening day and posted a .790 OPS with 20 home runs in the first half of the season alone. Needless to say, his rookie cards have followed suit, with Prizm refractor versions of his base rookie card (#252) commanding big prices. The upside here is that if Witt continues progressing as expected, his refractor rookies have plenty of room for long-term appreciation.

Oneil Cruz Green Refractor Auto /25 (#202)

While Cruz had a smaller sample size in 2022 compared to other rookies, his immense tools and burgeoning raw power still turned plenty of heads. Standing an incredible 6-foot-7, Cruz brings a unique physical profile and electric arm to the shortstop position. His green refractor auto out of /25 parallels from Prizm is the ultra-short printed parallel collectors covet. With the Pittsburgh Pirates viewed as a team on the rise, Cruz is poised for stardom if he continues tapping into his massive offensive potential.

Spencer Strider Rainbow Foil Auto /99 (#326)

Arguably one of the biggest rookie surprises of 2022 was Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider. The right-hander shot up prospect lists by dominating at the MLB level, posting an incredible 11.5 K/9 across 31 appearances and four starts. As a result, demand for his cards skyrocketed. Strider’s rainbow foil auto parallel checks multiple boxes – he’s a shiny rookie on a contender with electric stuff that could become a frontline starter. At /99 copies, it’s one of his most exclusive inserts.

Julio Rodriguez Orange Ice Refractor Auto /25 (#247)

While the hype was warranted after his impressive debut season with the Mariners, Rodriguez somehow still exceeded expectations in 2022 by slashing .284/.345/.511 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases at age 21. As such, his rookie cards – especially top parallels like the orange ice refractor auto out of just 25 – have ascended near the very top of collector watch lists. This electric rookie’s cards should age extremely well if his early production and toolset are any indication of the perennial All-Star caliber player he’s poised to become.

Adley Rutschman Gold Prizm Auto /10 (#223)

A consensus top prospect and the top pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Rutschman was worth the hype in his first MLB campaign with the Orioles. He established himself as an all-fields hitter by slashing .254/.362/.430, won a Platinum Glove, and flashed why scouts raved about his defensive skills and leadership behind the plate. Rutschman’s gold prizm auto parallel is exceedingly rare at a print run of just 10 copies. For Baltimore believers, it represents the possible future cornerstone and face of their franchise.

Benny Montgomery Green Foil Auto /99 (#294)

While the towering outfielder spent most of 2022 in A-ball, Montgomery’s tools and upside are phenomenal – he has a chance for five plus tools as he develops. Taken eighth overall by Colorado in 2021, the left-handed slugger mashed over .300 with power in his pro debut season. His green foil auto parallel out of 99 presents collectors a chance at an ultra-short printed card from an elite prospect who could rise up big league rankings quickly with continued production.

C.J. Abrams Orange Refractor Auto /25 (#228)

San Diego’s uber-athletic shortstop prospect showed why he was once considered among the game’s top prospects with a strong MLB debut in 2022. Though he struggled at the plate, Abrams flashed plus speed, defense, and an exciting flair for the dramatic with walk-off hits and web gems. The immense tools that made him a consensus top-10 pick in 2019 remain intact. At just 21 years old, his upside alone makes short printed 2022 Prizm parallels like the orange refractor auto very enticing long-term holds.

Jack Leiter Green Ice Auto /25 (#310)

As the number two overall pick in 2021, Leiter came with lofty expectations that he largely met during a steady first full pro campaign split between High-A and Double-A. With a four-pitch mix headlined by a 98 mph heater and lethal 12-6 curve, the high-octane righty flashed frontline starter potential. For Texas Rangers true believers, the green ice auto parallel out of a tiny 25 print run offers a chance at one of baseball’s most coveted pitching prospects.

Adrian Hernandez Gold Foil Auto /10 (#306)

Much less heralded coming out of the international market, Hernandez has begun emerging as a potential breakout prospectpowering his way through A-ball at age 19 with prodigious raw power. Signed by the Cardinals for just $50,000 out of Venezuela in 2021, the righty masher’s massive tools and early production have earned hype. With upside that could skyrocket him up prospect lists, his ultra-short printed 10-copy gold foil auto could pay huge long-term dividends.

Eury Perez Orange Shimmer Auto /10 (#326)

A high-risk, high-reward international signing by the Reds, Perez has incredible bat speed and raw hitting ability but was limited to rookie ball in 2022 due to signing late in 2021. Still just 18, he has all the makings of a lineup cornerstone if his hit tool develops as some scouts project. His orange shimmer auto parallel presents an opportunity on an ultra-toolsy prospect with seemingly unlimited offensive upside at a tiny print run of only 10 copies.

This covers some of the most sought-after rookies, prospects, and parallels from 2022 Topps Prizm Baseball that have emerged as early standouts. Of course, the true values of these cards will be determined by how these young players develop long-term. For savvy investors, however, top Prizm parallels of blue chip prospects and rookie stars provide a chance at holding cards that could appreciate significantly with breakthrough seasons and accolades down the road. 2022 Prizm Baseball gave collectors an exciting new crop to pursue – now it’s a waiting game to see which pan out.