The 2022 Panini Chronicles baseball set was released in late April and featured a variety of rookie cards, autographs, and parallels of some of the game’s biggest stars. While Chronicles is not Panini’s flagship baseball release, the set annually produces several cards that command big prices in the trading card market.
One of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 2022 Chronicles set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a breakout season in 2021 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His autographed rookie parallel cards from Chronicles have sold for over $1,000 each. The Franco rookie autograph parallel market could continue to rise long-term given his star potential and being just 21 years old.
Another rookie generating buzz is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a strong debut in 2022 and is considered a future star. His Chronicles autographed rookie cards have sold for $800-900 each online. With Rodriguez likely to be in the running for AL Rookie of the Year honors, his rookie card prices could climb higher before settling.
Speaking of Rookie of the Year candidates, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman drew rave reviews in his first MLB stint in 2022 and is expected to be the favorite for AL Rookie honors. Rutschman’s autographed rookie cards from Chronicles have sold in the $600-700 range so far. That price seems poised to rise further if he wins the award.
On the National League side, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had a breakout rookie campaign and showed five-tool potential. His autographed Chronicles rookie cards have sold for $400-500 each so far but could rise higher with an award or if he continues developing into a star.
Veteran superstars also have valuable cards in the Chronicles set. Any autographed card of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper would hold value, with his Chronicles autograph parallels selling between $300-400 currently. The same applies to two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani, who continues to amaze on the mound and at the plate. His Chronicles autographs have sold for $250-350 each online.
New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had a historic 2022 season hitting an AL record 62 home runs. Any autographed Judge card from 2022 holds value, and his Chronicles autographs have sold for $200-300 each depending on parallel. His prices may rise even more if he wins AL MVP honors for the breakout season.
Chronicles also features “Hit Parallels” that contain memorabilia swatches or patches. The most expensive Hit Parallel from 2022 was a dual memorabilia card featuring patches of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout that sold for $1,000. Other top-selling Hit Parallels included a Wander Franco jersey card ($800), Julio Rodriguez bat card ($650), and Adley Rutschman patch card ($550).
While rookies and stars tend to have the most valuable cards, Chronicles also features popular veterans that collectors seek. Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, and Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all had autographed parallels from Chronicles sell in the $150-250 range.
In terms of rare parallels and serial numbered cards, the 1/1 parallel rookie autos of Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman would likely be the most valuable Chronicle cards on the market if they surface. Low-numbered parallels of /10 or less for stars like Ohtani, Judge or Harper would also command big prices.
While Panini Chronicles may not have the same cachet as Topps flagship sets, the 2022 edition featured several rookie cards, autographs and memorabilia cards that have already proven to be quite valuable and collectible in the trading card market. Prices for the top rookies like Franco, Rodriguez and Rutschman seem poised to rise further if they continue excelling in MLB.
