2022 was another big year for baseball card collectors and investors as Topps released their highly anticipated Heritage brand. Heritage cards have become hugely popular in recent years for capturing the classic design elements of cards from the 1950s-1970s. While the base cards and parallels are readily available and affordable, the short printed rookies and rare autographs can be quite valuable. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2022 Heritage baseball cards to chase.
Bobby Witt Jr. Green Shimmer Auto /99 (Bowman Chrome): Bobby Witt Jr. had a phenomenal rookie season with the Kansas City Royals, establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in baseball. His cards skyrocketed in value as a result. The Green Shimmer auto parallel from Heritage is one of the rarest Witt cards available, with a print run of just 99 copies. Mint PSA 10 examples have sold for over $2,000.
Julio Rodriguez Gold Auto /50: Julio Rodriguez was arguably the biggest rookie sensation of 2022 for the Seattle Mariners. Like Witt, his cards saw huge price increases after his breakout campaign. The Gold auto parallel from Heritage is limited to only 50 copies. A PSA 10 recently traded hands for close to $4,000, showing strong long term potential.
Adley Rutschman Auto: As the top prospect in baseball entering 2022, Adley Rutschman’s debut for the Baltimore Orioles was highly anticipated. He didn’t disappoint and looks poised for stardom as a young catcher. His Heritage auto is one of the more affordable options for his rookie cards at around $150 PSA 10. With continued success, it could multiply in value.
Spencer Strider Auto: Spencer Strider emerged as one of the top rookie pitchers in baseball for the Atlanta Braves in 2022. His stuff is electric and he plays for a perennial contender. The Heritage auto is a nice short print option, around $100 PSA 10. Strider could be a future ace.
Riley Greene Auto: Detroit Tigers youngster Riley Greene had a strong rookie campaign and looks to be a core piece of their rebuilding plans. His Heritage auto sells in the $75-100 range for a PSA 10, making it an affordable option to get in early before prices potentially rise further.
Oneil Cruz Auto /99: At 6’7″, Oneil Cruz is a physical specimen who electrified for the Pittsburgh Pirates in his rookie season. The Heritage auto parallel is limited to 99 copies. Higher grades have sold for $150-200 so far. Cruz could be a superstar if he puts it all together.
Bobby Dalbec Auto /99: Bobby Dalbec showed some power for the Boston Red Sox in 2022 in his third MLB season. The Heritage auto parallel is limited, and higher grades have sold in the $75-100 range. Dalbec still has breakout potential on a good team.
Casey Mize Auto: Casey Mize was once a top pitching prospect for the Detroit Tigers but struggled with injuries in his first two MLB seasons. He returned healthy in 2022 and looked improved. His Heritage auto is still affordable at $50-75 PSA 10 as he tries to realize his potential.
Matt Brash Auto /99: Young Mariners flamethrower Matt Brash made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed why he was such a highly-regarded prospect. The Heritage auto parallel is limited, and higher grades have sold in the $75-100 range. Brash could develop into a frontline starter.
C.J. Abrams Auto: Acquired by the Padres in the Tatis trade, C.J. Abrams had a solid rookie debut and looks to be their shortstop of the future. The Heritage auto in a PSA 10 can be found for under $50, a bargain for a potential budding star.
Ezequiel Tovar Auto: Considered one of the top Rockies prospects, Ezequiel Tovar received a late season call-up and impressed with the bat. His Heritage auto is still very affordable at under $50 PSA 10 as he prepares for a full rookie campaign in 2023.
This covers some of the most desirable 2022 Heritage baseball cards to target, focusing on short printed parallels and rookie autographs of young stars and top prospects. With the vintage design aesthetic and limited print runs, Heritage continues to be a popular and valuable release each year. With strong rookie classes in recent years, many of these players have breakout potential that could exponentially increase the values of their rookie cards in the years to come.
