As baseball season gets underway in 2022, collectors are keeping an eye out for exciting rookie cards and prospects that could become the next big stars. While veterans still hold value, the hottest modern baseball cards tend to be those of up-and-coming young players just starting their MLB careers.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor RC PSA 10) – Widely considered the top prospect in baseball, Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 at age 20. He hit .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games and showed why he has potential superstar ability. Franco’s rookie cards have skyrocketed in value since his call up and the 2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor is one of the most coveted cards on the market right now for collectors. Graded gem mint 10 copies have sold for over $10,000.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor RC PSA 10) – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt has tantalizing power and speed that could make him a perennial all-star. He had a strong showing in AAA in 2021 and is expected to break camp with the big league club. The 2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor is Witt’s flagship rookie and pristine PSA 10 examples have already eclipsed $1,000 in value prior to his MLB debut.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto Refractor RC PSA 10) – Rodriguez has five-tool potential and was considered one of the top prospects in baseball entering 2022 after hitting .325 with 13 home runs between AA/AAA last season. The 2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor is his prized rookie card and condition-sensitive PSA 10 copies have reached $2,000-3,000 based on his rising prospect status and anticipation for his MLB arrival.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor RC PSA 10) – As the #1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is a switch-hitting catcher with excellent all-around abilities and leadership intangibles. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and will be looked to as a cornerstone player for the rebuilding Orioles. The 2019 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor is his flagship rookie and a true gem PSA 10 example could appreciate significantly if he develops into the superstar many project.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor RC PSA 10) – The #1 overall pick in 2020 out of Arizona State, Torkelson has plus raw power from the left side of the plate and should be an impact bat in the middle of the Tigers order. He held his own in his 2021 MLB cameo and will likely start 2022 in Detroit. The 2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor is his coveted rookie card, with PSA 10s recently selling in the $800-1,000 range prior to his expected full-time role.
C.J. Abrams, San Diego Padres (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor RC PSA 10) – Acquired from the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto/Josh Bell trade, Abrams is an electric middle infielder with impressive speed, defense, and developing offensive skills. He made his MLB debut in 2022 and will be an integral part of San Diego’s future. The 2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor is his flagship rookie and a true gem PSA 10 could take off if he fulfills his potential.
Rookies from the 2022 MLB Draft like Druw Jones (Braves), Termarr Johnson (Orioles), and Elijah Green (Royals) may also emerge as future stars and their earliest signed cards could become valuable long-term holds. For vintage collectors, high-grade examples from the pre-war era to the late 1980s still attract strong prices led by iconic stars like Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Mike Trout. Focusing on emerging young talent with franchise-changing upside tends to lead to the biggest rewards in the modern baseball card market.
