The 2022 baseball season is well underway and the hobby of collecting baseball cards is as popular as ever. With new sets being released regularly, it can be difficult to determine which 2022 baseball cards are the best investments or hold the most collector value. Here are some of the top 2022 baseball cards that experts recommend buying based on factors like star rookies, key veterans, parallels, autographs and more.

2022 Topps Baseball – As the flagship baseball card set each year from Topps, the 2022 Topps Baseball release is a must-have for any collector. This year’s base set features 386 cards with all 30 MLB teams represented. Some key rookies to look for include Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez and more. Parallels like Rainbow Foil, Chrome and Refractors add to the set’s appeal.

2022 Bowman Baseball – The Bowman brand is synonymous with top prospects and future stars. This year’s release features prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson and Elijah Green on their base cards. Autograph and Memorabilia cards of top prospects significantly drive the set’s value. Chrome and Refractor parallels are also highly sought after. The prospect pedigree of Bowman makes it one of the best investments long term.

2022 Topps Chrome Baseball – As one of the “Big 3” modern baseball releases each year along with Topps Base and Bowman, Topps Chrome offers sharp photography on chrome card stock. The base cards feature the same designs as the flagship Topps set but carry a premium due to the material. Top rookies and stars on Chrome parallels like Refractors and Prisms are keys to the set.

2022 Topps Fire Baseball – Topps Fire has become one of the most exciting modern releases with its flashy red color scheme and acetate parallels. The base cards have a retro feel paying homage to the past. Autographs, Memorabilia cards and parallels like Negative, Rainbow and Prism make Fire a fun high-end product. Keys cards include rookies, stars and numbered parallels.

2022 Topps Heritage Baseball – Topps Heritage takes collectors back in time with its retro design aesthetic drawing inspiration from the 1950s-1980s era. The traditional look and feel makes it a favorite among vintage collectors. Rated rookies, stars and parallels signed or numbered to parallel the classic designs are valued most. Heritage is a staple annual release.

2022 Topps Allen & Ginter Baseball – A&G has become one of the most unique modern baseball sets with its mix of players, hitters, pioneers and even non-sports personalities. The vintage designs and inclusion of special cards beyond just baseball make it a novelty. Autographs, Memorabilia cards and parallel short prints are keys to the set’s value.

2022 Topps Archives Snapshots Baseball – Snapshots is a retro-themed subset that has become its own stand-alone highly anticipated release. The black and white “snapshot” style cards pay tribute to the early 20th century. Top rookies, stars and serial numbered parallels are the big hits. The vintage aesthetic and limited print runs drive collector demand.

2022 Topps Finest Baseball – As one of the premier “high-end” products, Finest offers exquisite photography and foil enhanced designs on luxury card stock. Top rookies, stars and short printed parallels signed or numbered are the major keys. Autographs, Memorabilia cards and color Blast parallels significantly boost individual card values.

2022 Topps Museum Collection Baseball – Museum Collection is a true high-end release with an ultra-limited production run and exquisite one-of-one card designs. The hand-drawn artwork and serial numbering to /10 or lower make each card a true work of art. Autographs, Memorabilia cards and 1/1 designs are extremely rare and coveted by advanced collectors.

2022 Topps Definitive Baseball – Definitive is a newer high-end release that has quickly gained popularity with its sharp photography and serial numbered parallels. The base cards feature a clean and modern design. Autographs, Memorabilia cards and short printed parallels signed or numbered are the major hits. Definitive offers a premium product at a lower price point than other ultra high-end sets.

2022 Topps Transcendent Baseball – As Topps’ true flagship high-end release, Transcendent features some of the most exquisite card designs and production quality in the entire hobby. The hand-drawn artwork, intricate embossing and 1/1 serial numbering make each card a collector’s dream. Any major star autographed, Memorabilia or 1/1 parallel would be an incredible addition.

2022 Topps Opening Day Baseball – While not quite on the level of the other Topps flagship releases, Opening Day remains a staple for collectors each year. The base set features all 30 teams and the popular Opening Day subset has become a highlight. Top rookies, stars and parallels like Rainbow Foil are keys to the set.

2022 Topps Tribute Baseball – Tribute is a retro-style throwback set that highlights players from the past and present. The base cards mix current stars with retired greats. Autographs, Memorabilia cards and serial numbered parallels of stars both past and present increase individual card values.

2022 Topps Series 1 Baseball – As the first major release of the year in March, Series 1 is when the new rookie class is debuted. Keys include top prospects like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez on their base cards. Autographs, Memorabilia and short printed parallels significantly boost the value of top rookies and stars.

2022 Topps Series 2 Baseball – The second installment of Topps’ flagship release in June features continuing storylines from Series 1. Top rookies from the first half of the season and stars driving interest are valued most. Short printed parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards increase individual card worth.

2022 Topps Update Series Baseball – Released in September/October, Update Series is the final primary release of the year and a chance to feature players who made impacts in the second half. Top rookies and breakout stars are spotlighted. Short prints, autographs and memorabilia again drive the high-end value.

While the above releases from Topps are among the most sought after, there are also several other notable 2022 baseball card releases worth exploring including 2022 Panini Prizm, 2022 Leaf Metal Draft, 2022 Stadium Club, 2022 Ginter X, 2022 Topps Big League and more. Within each set, focus on top rookies, stars, short printed parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards to maximize returns. Proper storage and care of valuable cards is also recommended to preserve and potentially increase their worth long term. With so many great 2022 baseball card options, savvy collectors and investors can find opportunities across various price points and interests.