The 2022 Topps Baseball Update release never disappoints when it comes to providing sought-after rookie cards and big star inserts. While Update is traditionally not thought of as flashy as the flagship Series 1 or Series 2 releases, it often contains some of the best cards of the year. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standouts from this year’s Update offering.
One of the most exciting rookies this year is Seattle Mariners slugger Julio Rodríguez. His base rookie card can be pulled in Update packs and it remains one of the hottest rookie cards of 2022. Even the common base version trades for well over $100 now and graded Gem Mint 10 copies have eclipsed $1,000. Rodríguez is the favorite for AL Rookie of the Year and his cards will likely only appreciate from here.
Another huge name that exploded onto the scene this year is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. As the starting shortstop on the World Series winning Astros, Peña’s star shined brightest on the biggest stage. His base rookie card also appears in Update packs and has seen a massive surge in demand and price. Expect Peña’s cards to remain relevant as long as he continues to succeed as the Astros’ shortstop.
Two other rookie pitchers that saw their cards jump in value after strong late-season performances are Atlanta Braves sensation Spencer Strider and Miami Marlins hurler Braxton Garrett. Strider cemented himself as a future ace with his dominating second half and Wild Card round starts. His Update rookie cards fetch a strong premium now. Garrett flashed elite stuff while making his debut for the Marlins and his rookie cards have responded favorably to the excitement.
One of the most sought-afterUpdate inserts is the High Tek 3D parallel. Featuring a raised 3D effect on the player image, these parallel cards number only to 50 copies. The Acuña Jr. and deGrom High Tek 3D parallels seem to be the biggest movers at the moment thanks to their star power and scarcity. But keep an eye out for rookie standouts like Rodriguez, Peña, Strider, or Garrett in the parallel too. Those could explode even more.
Two more inserts that shine bright in Update are the Drawing Board sketch cards and Prism refractors. The fully hand-drawn Drawing Board cards number to just 10 each and highlight some of the game’s top talents like Shohei Ohtani or Freddie Freeman. They feature extremely rare appeal. Meanwhile, the brilliant refractors that shine in the Prism parallels make stars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr. or Juan Soto absolutely mesmerizing to behold.
Veteran stars receive plenty of love too. The popular Topps Fire parallels return again in Update. Favorites from the set like a Bryce Harper or Jose Ramirez Fire parallel command strong trade value. And for the true mega stars, highly limited Printing Plates and 1/1 artifacts abound. A Mike Trout plate or 1/1 would be the crown jewel of any collection.
Finally, Update packs are also where many fans hope to pull that elusive autographed rookie card. Stars of tomorrow like Rodríguez, Peña, Strider and more all have respectable odds at getting pulled with a sweet on-card autograph in packs. Landed autographed rookies from this year’s class would be truly prized possessions.
While the flagship releases get top billing each year, savvy collectors and investors know to pay close attention to Update too. This year’s installment has only enhanced stars of the present and future while giving longtime fans more opportunities to grow their PC of legends. Between the hot rookies, sought-after inserts, and chances at rare hits, 2022 Topps Baseball Update truly delivers value on par with the spring releases. It’s sure to remain one of the year’s most rewarding modern releases to collect well into the future.
