The 2022 Prizm Draft Picks baseball product hit shelves in May and included prospects selected in the 2021 MLB Draft. With rookies like Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker, and Henry Davis launching their professional careers, the 2022 Prizm Draft Picks class featured several emerging stars. Below we analyze some of the most coveted rookie cards from the release based on player performance and expectations.
Undoubtedly, one of the top cards from the set is Jack Leiter’s Prizm Draft Picks White Border Parallel. Leiter was selected second overall by the Texas Rangers in 2021 out of Vanderbilt University, where he established himself as one of the best collegiate pitchers in recent memory. Leiter dominated in his professional debut season between High-A and Double-A, posting a 1.79 ERA with 91 strikeouts over 56 innings. His combination of a mid-90s fastball, wicked slider, and improving changeup have scouts drooling over his future ace potential. Consequently, Leiter’s 2022 Prizm Draft Picks White Border rookie card already commands upwards of $150 in near-mint condition and is a stronghold for any baseball card investor.
Another enticing card is Kumar Rocker’s Prizm Draft Picks Orange Parallel. Originally drafted 10th overall by the New York Mets, Rocker fell to the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2022 MLB Draft due to health concerns over his right shoulder and arm strength. Despite this delay to his professional career, Rocker showed in 2021 with Vanderbilt why he was once considered a top-3 pick, posting a 2.73 ERA with 179 strikeouts in 122 innings. If Rocker can regain his previous form, his prospect stock will surge. Given his immense upside, his 2022 Prizm Draft Picks rookie cards retain value and appeal to collectors willing to take a chance on his recovery. Both his base and Orange Parallel can usually be found for under $50 currently.
Henry Davis’ Prizm Draft Picks Chrome Base is another notable rookie card following his selection first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Davis possesses an advanced approach and strength for his age, slugging .294 with 11 home runs as Pittsburgh’s starting catcher in 2022 across High-A and Double-A. Scouts admire Davis’ plus power potential, above-average arm strength, and solid defensive skills behind the plate. With a clear path to the majors in the next couple years, Davis’ stock remains high in the prospect community. As a result, his 2022 Prizm Draft Picks Chrome rookie continues to circulate for $75-100 among collectors anticipating his big league arrival.
Among lower-round steals, Decatur High School righty Brock Porter has begun turning heads with his 2022 Prizm Draft Picks Base card. Once a late-round senior sign, Porter rocketed up draft boards following an incredible spring and committed to Clemson before the Colorado Rockies drafted him 24th overall. In his pro debut, Porter owned a 2.26 ERA with 51 strikeouts over 33 innings in Low-A before an injury sidelined him. Scouts rave about Porter’s four-pitch mix, athleticism, and 6’4″ frame. He has one of the highest ceilings of any pitcher in the 2021 class. Paying $20-30 now for his base rookie seems a smart long-term investment.
Another under-the-radar gem includes Sal Frelick’s Prizm Draft Picks Chrome Orange Parallel. The Boston Red Sox drafted the speedy and versatile Frelick 15th overall from Boston College after he slashed .370/.453/.533 with 40 stolen bases in 2021. Frelick served as Cape Cod League MVP that summer and continued mashing at High-A in 2022 to the tune of a .286 average with 16 steals. He showcased a complete offensive profile scouts love. While Frelick may top out as a high-floor utility player, the potential for 20-home run speed makes his 2022 Prizm Draft Picks Orange Parallel a relative bargain under $40.
The wealth of future stars featured in 2022 Prizm Draft Picks ensures several rookie cards will retain value in the coming years. While players like Leiter, Rocker and Davis lead the class, values remain reasonable on underrated prospects like Porter and Frelick. For baseball card investors, keying in on emerging talents from the 2021 draft holds strong long-term upside. The 2022 Prizm Draft Picks release provided an early opportunity to acquire the rookie cards of tomorrow’s MLB icons at accessible entry points.
