The 2022 rookie class in Major League Baseball has produced several talented young players who are already making an impact in their rookie seasons. As a result, their rookie cards have become some of the most sought-after and valuable cards on the current baseball card market. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season that collectors are buzzing about.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – Rodriguez has taken the MLB by storm in his rookie campaign with the Mariners. The 21-year-old center fielder has showed five-tool talent by hitting over .270 with 15 home runs and 23 stolen bases through his first 80 games. This has turned his 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie card into one of the most coveted on the modern market. Examples in pristine Near Mint to Mint condition have sold for over $1,000, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples bringing prices around $3,000 so far. As Rodriguez continues to make his case for American League Rookie of the Year honors, his card values should only climb from here.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – Highly-touted prospect Witt lived up to the hype by making the Royals’ roster out of spring training. The son of 16-year MLB veteran Bobby Witt, the 21-year-old shortstop has dazzled with his power-speed combo while playing stellar defense. Witt’s flagship 2022 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor rookie card has taken off in value, with PSA 10 examples changing hands for $1,500-2,000. Even raw condition copies in Near Mint shape are commanding $500-700 due to demand. Collectors are betting on Witt becoming the next superstar player for the Royals.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – Starting the year in Atlanta’s rotation, the flame-throwing Strider has been one of baseball’s top rookie pitchers. With a blazing fastball that’s touched 103 MPH, the 23-year-old righty has racked up over 100 strikeouts in just 75 innings pitched. Strider’s prized 2022 Topps Chrome Orange Refractor rookie card has become a set favorite, with PSA 10 editions selling for $800-1,000 and raw Near Mint copies bringing $300-400. Strider has positioned himself to be a long-term franchise ace, making his card an excellent young investment.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – After years of hype as the top prospect in baseball, Rutschman has finally made his big league debut with the rebuilding Orioles in 2022. Regarded as a potential All-Star caliber catcher, the 24-year-old switch hitter has shown both offensive prowess and defensive talents in his first months in the show. Rutschman’s flagship 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie has been one of the most stable sellers, with PSA 10s bringing $700-900 and raw NM/MT versions trading for $300-500. He seems poised to be the franchise cornerstone Baltimore has been waiting for.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with electric tools, Cruz is among the most physically gifted young players in the game. Since being called up from Triple-A in June, the 23-year-old shortstop/outfielder has tantalized with prodigious home run power. Cruz’s flagship 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie has taken the hobby by storm, as near-perfect PSA 10 editions have commanded $600-800. Even raw copies in pristine condition fetch $250-350 due to Cruz’s all-world upside. He could end up being the new poster boy for Pittsburgh’s rebuild.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – After starring in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan, Suzuki made a seamless transition to Major League Baseball in Chicago. The 27-year-old outfielder has shown savvy bat-to-ball skills with a .281 average and 13 home runs through his debut campaign. Suzuki’s 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie card has held strong values, with PSA 10 versions trading hands for $500-650. Raw Near Mint copies also demand $200-300 given Suzuki’s proven track record of excellence.
Nestor Cortes, New York Yankees – Cortes had flown under the radar for years before emerging in 2022 as a key rotation member for the powerhouse Yankees.Nicknamed “Nasty Nestor”, the 27-year-old lefty relies on offspeed pitches and deception to outsmart hitters. This breakout campaign has made Cortes’ first Topps cards quite collectible, headlined by his 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie fetching $300-450 graded PSA 10. Raw Near Mint copies exchange hands for $125-175.
Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers – Slick-fielding lefty Skubal has become Detroit’s de facto ace in Year 3, honing his stuff and control into dangerous form. The 25-year-old frequently racks up double-digit strikeout games and has cemented himself as a future star in Motown. Skubal’s 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie can net $225-350 graded mint and $75-125 raw Near Mint as collectors believe strongly in his future.
Roansy Contreras, Pittsburgh Pirates – Acquired from the New York Yankees in a blockbuster deadline deal, Contreras has electrified Pirates fans with his power arsenal in 2022. The 22-year-old Dominican boasts a triple-digit fastball and biting slider that’s made him a strikeout machine this year. Contreras’ flagship 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie card has caught fire, with PSA 10s demanding $250-350 depending on supply that day. Raw Near Mint copies trade hands for $100-150.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – The highest-drafted player from the 2021 class, Harris smashed his way onto Atlanta’s playoff roster in spectacular fashion. Playing stellar defense in center while showing elite raw power and speed, the 21-year-old looks like a budding superstar. Harris’ coveted 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie card has seen PSA 10s fetch $200-300 early, with NM raw copies at $75-125 with potential to infinitely rise.
Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals – Acquired in the huge Juan Soto/Josh Bell deal, Cavalli was this year’s top pitching prospect adding another blue chip arm to the Nats’ loaded system. The 24-year-old flamethrower debuted with promise in September, flashing 100-101 MPH heat. Cavalli’s loaded 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie has become hot, with PSA 10s selling for $150-225 and raw Near Mints going for $50-100 based on his dazzling tools.
Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros – Though overshadowed early by mega-prospect Korey Lee, low-key Peña won Houston’s starting shortstop job in spring and never let go. The 25-year-old Costa Rican defender filled in superbly after Carlos Correa’s free agency departure, hitting multiple huge playoff homers en route to 2022 World Series MVP honors. Peña’s rookie stock exploded, with Topps Chrome Red Refractor PSA 10s now $150-225 and raw Near Mints $50-100.
Gavin Michel, Los Angeles Dodgers – A late 2nd round 2021 pick who rose rapidly, Michel forced his big league debut at age 21 thanks to otherwordly command skills. Logging just 61 minor league innings, the righty confounded MLB hitters by keeping his 90-94 MPH fastball at the knees with diving changeups and sliders. Michel’s prized 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie card has gained respect, with PSA 10s fetching $125-175 and Near Mint raw copies around $50.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers – As the second overall pick from the 2021 Draft, Leiter possessed ace potential from the start. A two-way star for Vanderbilt, the 22-year-old flamethrower’s promise was shown strongly in his September cup of coffee with Texas. Leiter’s flagship 2022 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie card remains quite scarce in high grades, allowing PSA 10s to sell between $100-150. Near Mint raw copies trade for $40-75.
Rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman and Spencer Strider are carrying some of the highest valued 2022 rookie cards at the moment. Several other promising young talents like Oneil Cruz, Seiya Suzuki and Nestor Cortes also have cards that collectors are buzzing about. As the careers of these players progress, their rookie cards offer appealing opportunities for both collecting and long-term investment. With Major League caliber performances straight out of the gate, this 2022 rookie class has produced some of the hottest cards on the current baseball card market.
