The 2022 Topps baseball card release featured many highly anticipated rookie cards after an exciting MLB season. With young stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman making their debuts, collectors were eager to get their hands on these new prospects. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 Topps set that have potential to be valuable long-term holdings.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – Arguably the biggest rookie sensation of 2022 was Julio Rodriguez of the Mariners. J-Rod dazzled with his power, speed and defense en route to an AL Rookie of the Year award. Not surprisingly, his Topps rookie card is one of the most sought after from the set. The standard base card can be pulled fairly regularly in packs but the parallel and autographed versions command a premium. The Topps Chrome Sepia Prizm refractor parallel /99 has already eclipsed $1,000 in recent sales. Long term, Rodriguez has perennial All-Star and MVP caliber potential, making any of his rookie cards a solid foundation for any collection.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – After much hype as the #2 overall pick in 2019, Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to expectations in his rookie campaign with the Royals. He showed five-tool ability while playing a solid third base. Witt’s Topps base rookie is plentiful but the parallels hold greater value. The Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has sold for over $500. With his all-around skills and being the centerpiece of the Royals’ rebuild, Witt could develop into a true superstar. His rookie cards have the chance to gain exponentially in value in the coming years.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman was arguably the best prospect in all of baseball entering 2022. He made his MLB debut toward the end of the season and showed why the hype was justified. Behind the plate, his defense, leadership and offensive abilities were immediately evident. Rutschman’s Topps base rookie is common but parallel versions like the Topps Chrome Gold refractor /2022 have brought over $300 at auction. He has the makings of a perennial All-Star and could become the face of baseball in Baltimore for years to come.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – One of the biggest breakout stars of 2022 was Braves’ flamethrower Spencer Strider. The undrafted righty skyrocketed from Double-A to dominate in Atlanta’s rotation and finish 4th in NL Rookie of the Year voting. Strider’s Topps base rookie is plentiful but the Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has sold for over $500 already. With his triple-digit heat and strikeout stuff, Strider looks poised for stardom if he can stay healthy. His rookie cards have plenty of potential upside.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw power, Oneil Cruz was one of the most physically gifted prospects in baseball. He received an extended late-season audition with the Pirates and showed why he’s such an exciting talent. Cruz’s tools make his Topps rookie cards an intriguing long-term speculation. The Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has brought over $300. If Cruz can tap into his huge upside, any of his rookie cards could pay off handsomely down the road.
Gavin Stone, Colorado Rockies – An 11th round pick in 2020, Gavin Stone rocketed through the minors and made his MLB debut in 2022. The hard-throwing righty flashed dominance during his brief cup of coffee with Colorado. Stone’s Topps base rookie is obtainable but the Topps Chrome Gold refractor /2022 could be a bargain at around $100 currently. With his stuff and pedigree as a late-rounder, Stone has an intriguing relief ace profile if he can stick in the Rockies’ bullpen long-term.
Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds – The #2 overall pick from 2017, Greene brought his triple-digit heat to Cincinnati’s rotation in 2022 with impressive results, especially considering his injury history. The Topps base rookie is widely available but parallels hold more appeal. The Topps Chrome Gold refractor /2022 has sold for over $200. Greene has the pure stuff to develop into an ace if he stays healthy. His rookie cards offer solid long-term upside.
C.J. Abrams, San Diego Padres – Highly touted as a five-tool shortstop, Abrams got his first extended MLB taste in 2022 while also seeing time at 2B and in the outfield. He showed tantalizing athleticism and speed but still has development left offensively. Abrams’ Topps base rookie is plentiful but the Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has brought over $300. If he puts it all together, Abrams has All-Star potential that makes his rookie cards a solid long-term gamble.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw power, Oneil Cruz was one of the most physically gifted prospects in baseball. He received an extended late-season audition with the Pirates and showed why he’s such an exciting talent. Cruz’s tools make his Topps rookie cards an intriguing long-term speculation. The Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has brought over $300. If Cruz can tap into his huge upside, any of his rookie cards could pay off handsomely down the road.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers – As the #2 overall pick in 2021, Leiter brought his power arsenal to Arlington in 2022 with impressive results when healthy. He flashed frontline stuff while battling some injuries. Leiter’s Topps base rookie remains obtainable but parallels carry greater upside. The Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has sold for over $500 already based on his ace potential if he stays on the mound.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – A 5th round pick in 2019, Harris rocketed through the minors and became an everyday player for the World Series champs as a 21-year-old rookie. He showed five-tool ability while playing all three outfield spots at a high level. Harris’ Topps base rookie is plentiful but parallels like the Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 could pay off long-term at around $300 now.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – In his first MLB season after starring in NPB, Suzuki showed why he was one of the top international free agents from the 2017-18 class. The 27-year-old outfielder hit for average and power while playing solid defense. Suzuki’s Topps base rookie remains obtainable but the Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has sold for over $400 based on his all-around game and experience.
Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians – An unknown 5th rounder in 2018, Kwan forced his way onto the Guardians’ roster in 2022 and never looked back. He hit for average and got on base at an elite clip while playing stellar defense. Kwan’s Topps base rookie is plentiful but parallels carry upside. The Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor /150 has brought over $300 so far. Kwan has the makings of a perennial Gold Glover and batting title contender.
While the 2022 Topps base rookie cards of these talented players can be obtained for affordable prices, the parallel and autographed versions carry far greater long-term potential. Collectors would be wise to speculate on stars of the future like Rodriguez, Witt, Rutschman, Strider and more, as their on-field success could exponentially increase the value of their rookie cards in the years ahead. With such a talented rookie class, 2022 Topps looks primed to produce numerous valuable cards for dedicated collectors.
