The Los Angeles Dodgers had another extremely successful season in 2022, winning 111 games to finish with the best record in Major League Baseball. As such, collectors can expect some highly sought after rookie cards and stars cards from the Dodgers’ roster to be included in the 2022 baseball card releases from companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf and others. Let’s take a look at some of the key Dodgers players who should have valuable rookie or showcase cards coming out over the next year.
Freddie Freeman (1B) – Arguably the biggest free agent acquisition of the offseason, Freeman hit .325 with 21 home runs in his first season with the Dodgers after leaving Atlanta. As a former MVP and longtime Braves star, Freeman brought recognition and leadership to the Dodgers lineup. His rookie cards with the Dodgers should be some of the prized releases from 2022 sets.
Trea Turner (SS) – Acquired along with Max Scherzer from the Nationals at the 2021 trade deadline, Turner had another outstanding season in 2022 with 21 home runs and 100 runs scored. He remains one of the game’s most exciting all-around players and his Dodgers cards, especially any flashy parallels or autographs, will be on the radars of collectors.
Mookie Betts (OF) – A perennial MVP candidate who continues putting up huge numbers, Betts hit .269 with 35 home runs and 88 RBI in 2022. As one of the faces of the franchise, Betts rookie cards and any special insert cards showing his elite skills will demand high prices.
Julio Urias (P) – The 26-year old lefty had a breakout season in 2022, going 17-7 with an ERA under 2.50 as the Dodgers’ ace. Urias has All-Star and World Series hardware already but 2022 could mark his true superstar emergence. His rookie cards have always been popular and that will continue as collectors anticipate a huge year.
Tony Gonsolin (P) – Gonsolin went 16-1 with a tiny 1.62 ERA for the Dodgers and should have received more Cy Young consideration. As a relatively unknown pitcher prior to 2022, Gonsolin rookie cards from past years could spike in value now that he’s having his breakout season. New 2022 cards will also be hot.
Brusdar Graterol (P) – The hard-throwing reliever went 3-1 with a 2.66 ERA in 2022 and is becoming a bullpen cornerstone. As a former top prospect, Graterol’s rookie cards hold value but breakthrough seasons like 2022 tend to make subsequent cards much more desirable.
Miguel Vargas (1B/3B) – Vargas received his first extended MLB playing time in 2022 and hit .304 in 57 games, showing why he was once a top-100 prospect. The rookie cards of prospects who debut and produce are always collectors’ favorites and Vargas could gain steam.
Eddie Rosario (OF) – Acquired midseason due to injuries, Rosario hit .267 in 44 games for LA and his past success makes him a candidate for rebound. Veterans who change teams often get new cards that can spike based on performance.
Andrew Heaney (P) – The injury-prone Heaney had a solid first year with the Dodgers, going 4-4 with a 2.66 ERA in 16 games before an injury in September. When healthy, Heaney shows top-of-the-rotation stuff and Dodgers collectors will be eyeing his cards.
Craig Kimbrel (P) – The veteran closer had some hiccups in 2022 but still posted 23 saves for LA. Kimbrel cards tend to hold value based on his track record and any Dodgers parallels could gain due to the team’s popularity.
In addition to base rookies and stars cards, watch for popular Dodger inserts like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, Topps Fire, Topps Inception and Topps Archives. Autograph and memorabilia cards of the Dodgers stars like Betts, Turner and Freeman should be big ticket collector items. With another deep postseason run likely, 2022 could be remembered as the year several Dodgers players like Urias, Gonsolin and Vargas burst onto the national scene for good – making their rookie cards from this season among the most sought after in the hobby.
