The 2022 MLB season saw an exciting new crop of rookie talent make their debuts. While it’s still early in their careers, some rookies have already shown signs of stardom that could make their rookie cards very valuable long-term holdings. Here are some of the top 2022 rookie cards collectors should keep an eye on in the coming years.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves: Strider had one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory. The flamethrowing righty made his MLB debut in late May and immediately dominated with his elite fastball velocity averaging over 99 MPH. He went 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in just 131.2 innings, setting a Braves rookie record. Strider’s autographed and non-autographed rookie cards have already started to climb in value as his potential superstardom becomes evident. The 23-year-old has ace stuff and could be a top-of-the-rotation starter for years, making his cards a wise investment.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: The No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had massive hype entering 2022 as one of the highest-rated prospects in baseball. He lived up to it by hitting 20 home runs, stealing 30 bases, and showing elite defense at shortstop as a 21-year-old rookie. Witt was even named an AL All-Star, a rare feat for a rookie. While the Royals may struggle to win much in the coming years, Witt is a franchise cornerstone player who could have huge mainstream popularity. His autographed and on-card rookie cards could appreciate tremendously if he develops into the perennial All-Star and star many scouts forecast.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners: Rodriguez exploded onto the scene by hitting 28 home runs with 25 stolen bases and gold glove caliber defense in center field. At just 21 years old, J-Rod showed five-tool star potential that helped energize a rising young Mariners team. His combination of elite tools, youth, and starring for a trendy club in a big market should make his cards very fan-appeal driven long-term. Rodriguez is the type of player whose success could propel his rookie cards to be sought-after keepsakes for Mariners collectors and fans. Signs point to Rodriguez having a long, impactful career that supports strong returns on his 2022 rookie investments.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: The top pick in the 2019 draft and consensus No. 1 overall prospect entering 2022, Rutschman lived up to the hype as an excellent two-way catcher for the rebuilding Orioles. He hit 13 home runs while showing polished defense and leadership behind the plate at just 25 years old. As the centerpiece of the next contending Orioles team, Rutschman has franchise player potential that could carry premium value to his rookie cards, especially autographed versions. While Baltimore may not compete soon, Rutschman seems destined for stardom at a premium position that history shows produces some of the most valuable modern rookie cards.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6-foot-7 with rocket launcher arm strength from shortstop, Cruz was one of the most physically tools gifts prospects ever when he debuted in 2022 at just 23 years old. He quickly demonstrated why by unleashing throws over 100 MPH from deep in the hole. Cruz also showed signs of batting prowess by clubbing 15 home runs in just 85 games. His immense size and talent combination is the stuff highlight reels and baseball card dreams are made of. If Cruz fulfills his superstar ceiling, his enormous physical gifts will demand premium prices for any of his early Cardinals as a must-have collectible for size and strength aficionados.
Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros: Peña had monster shoes to fill replacing franchise cornerstone Carlos Correa at shortstop, but thrived by winning ALCS and World Series MVP awards to help lead the Astros to a title. The 25-year-old rookie showed an advanced offensive approach by hitting .289 with impressive power for a middle infielder. Now the new face of a perennial contender, Peña’s success and brand with the Astros could lock in strong long-term value appreciation for his 2022 Topps Chrome autograph rookie, which is already in high demand. Continued success securing championships for Houston will make his cards highly coveted keepsakes.
Gabriel Moreno, Toronto Blue Jays: Moreno did not make his MLB debut until late June but quickly showed why he was one of baseball’s top-rated prospects. The 22-year-old catcher flashed excellent hitting skills by batting .293 in 46 games for the powerhouse Blue Jays. With Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette starring, Toronto is poised to contend annually for the foreseeable future. Being a part of their exciting young core should lift Moreno’s profile and long-term card values as Blue Jays fans will want to collect stars from this era. His autograph rookie cards could settle in as cornerstone pieces of Toronto collections.
Andrew Painter, Philadelphia Phillies: Painter jumped directly from high school to become the 13th overall pick in 2021. His poise and electric stuff wowed scouts, cementing him as one of baseball’s elite pitching prospects before he even began pro ball. The 19-year-old righty lived up to billing by dominating in the minors in 2022, paving the way for a potential call up in 2023. As a new era dawns for the Phillies, Painter has youthful ace potential that could make his first cards big-time trophies for Philadelphia collectors and those seeking franchise player keepsakes.
Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals: Gorman is already reaping rewards from bettting on his raw power as a first round pick three years ago. He clubbed 19 home runs as an MLB rookie at just 22 years old while showing improved defense at a key position of second base. Playing in baseball’s epicenter of St. Louis, Gorman has a prime platform to become a fan favorite as the Cards annually push for titles. His slugging exploits should keep collectors energized for autographed and on-card versions of his 2022 Topps Gold Label rookie card, a popular high-end product sure to spike in value with Gorman’s continued success.
George Kirby, Seattle Mariners: Like his young teammate Julio Rodriguez, Kirby electrified Seattle’s revival in 2022 as part of a formidable rookie rotation. The 25-year-old righty went 8-5 with a 3.39 ERA in 21 starts, showing poise and swing-and-miss stuff. Playing alongside the dynamic Rodriguez, Kirby is poised to continue gaining prominence that should sustain interest in his first Bowman cards from when he was drafted in 2019. His success positions Kirby as a vital part of the Mariners’ future, ensuring his rookie cards stay relevant and valuable options for collections centered around the rising Northwest club.
Bryce Hall, Atlanta Braves: While not as hyped as Strider entering 2022, Hall emerged as another impressive arm from Atlanta’s vaunted system. The 22-year-old lefty shined as both a starter and reliever, going 2-1 with a 1.95 ERA in 21 games. With frontline stuff and polish beyond his years, Hall seems ready to lock in a big league role for years as the Braves annually compete. His intriguing two-way potential combined with games for a dynasty club bodes well for appreciating values in Hall’s emerging 2021 Bowman Chrome autographs and paper rookies collected while he rises to prominence.
In summary, 2022 saw an incredibly talented crop of rookies begin their MLB careers with success and promise for stardom. While careers can change unpredictably, some young players like Strider, Witt, Rodriguez and Rutschman seem assured buys. Others such as Painter and Moreno represent boom-or-bust speculation. It’s wise for collectors to identify and buy affordable rookie cards from impactful 2022 debutants, as many hold potential for strong multipliers as careers progress. Patience and cherry picking the most likely franchise cornerstones remains a prudent strategy for building value down the road.
