The 2022 Topps Baseball card set was released in January of 2022 with 582 total base cards divided into several different series. This includes the base set, all-star subset, photo variations, and more. The 2022 Topps set features current MLB players from all 30 teams and provides collectors a fun way to obtain new cards of their favorite players as the season begins.
While most 2022 Topps cards can be found for under $1 per card, some rookies and stars are already gaining value due to early season performance and popularity. The overall price and value of any given 2022 Topps card will depend on several factors, including the player featured, parallels/variations, quantities printed, and long term performance and career outlook. Topps baseball cards remain one of the most widely collected products in the hobby and provide an accessible entry point for both new and seasoned collectors.
Rookies and top prospects tend to have the most upside for gaining value quickly in new Topps sets. In 2022, some names that have already started to increase in price include Seattle Mariners outfielders Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic. Rodriguez has been one of the best rookies so far and is likely headed for ROY honors. His base rookie card now trades around $15-20 compared to just a few dollars when the set released. Another notable rookie, Detroit Tigers catcher Eric Haase, has also seen his stock rise given early success at the MLB level.
Beyond top rookies, superstar veterans can hold strong value in new sets as well. For example, Shohei Ohtani’s base card has remained one of the most expensive in the 2022 Topps set, selling in the $30-50 range due to his unique two-way talents and 2021 AL MVP award. Other top position players like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Mookie Betts also command higher prices in new condition from $10-25 for their base rookies.
Topps Update and Topps Chrome are two popular variants that release later in the year and often provide additional cards and photo or parallel variations that can generate early buzz and price action. Last year, rookie parallels like Luis Robert in Topps Chrome helped drive interest and demand that has carried into 2022 valuations. Look for Julio Rodriguez and other top prospects to gain added momentum if featured prominently in Chrome and Update offerings this season.
For investors and collectors seeking high value long term holdings in 2022 Topps, focusing on rookies of future Hall of Famers remains a strategy that has proven successful over the decades. Top prospects like Cardinals catcher and 2020 #1 overall pick Austin Riley will be ones to watch closely given their future superstar potential if career arcs continue upward. Veteran stars signed to long term deals are also arguably “safer” long term bets to maintain value barring injury.
The pandemic boom for sports cards has faded a bit in 2022 which could make near term price gains slower across the board compared to the past two seasons. For those willing to hold Topps cards, especially rookies, for 5-10 years the prospects for high appreciation remain strong historically. Topps baseball as the standard flagship trading card product benefits from strong brand recognition amongst both collectors and investors which further supports future value across the set as a whole.
While 2022 Topps cards are quite affordable for most players at current prices, select rookies, prospects, and proven veteran stars are demonstrating early value upside that often follows strong on-field performances. For investors taking a long term outlook, focusing on future Hall of Fame talents along with key parallels and variations should provide solid returns with patience. Overall the 2022 Topps set once again offers accessible vintage cardboard that can be an enjoyable collectible for fans and potentially lucrative holdings for those able to hold for the long run.
