The 2022 MLB season saw the emergence of several highly-touted rookie players who made immediate impacts on their respective clubs. Not surprisingly, the rookie cards of these young stars have gained significant attention from collectors in the months since their MLB debuts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 rookie class that collectors should be watching.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – 2021 Topps Chrome Black Refractor RC /99: The number one overall pick from the 2019 MLB Draft, Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to the hype in his first season with the Kansas City Royals. Witt immediately anchored the Royals lineup while playing stellar defense at third base. He hit 20 home runs and stole 30 bases while posting a respectable .800 OPS for the rebuilding Royals. Witt’s explosive play and five-tool potential has collectors excited about his long-term outlook. His prized rookie cards, like the rare black refractor parallel from Topps Chrome, have skyrocketed in value and are considered blue-chip holdings going forward. Graded PSA 10 copies of Witt’s black refractor have already crossed the $1000 price point, a true testament to his emerging star power.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers – 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor RC /399: The number one overall pick from the 2020 MLB Draft, Spencer Torkelson struggled during his first taste of MLB action in 2022. Collectors remain confident in his long-term potential as one of the game’s premier power hitters. Standing nearly 6’1 and over 200 pounds, Torkelson has a pure stroke to all fields and impressive batting practice displays of raw power. His prospect pedigree and track record of success in the minors have maintained strong interest in his 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie, which is serial numbered to just 399 copies. While Torkelson works to adjust to major league pitching, this prized refractor looks to be a solid long-term investment piece for believers in his abilities.
Julio Rodríguez – Seattle Mariners – 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire /150 RC: Without question one of the true rookie breakouts of 2022 was Mariners center fielder Julio Rodríguez. Rodriguez had a tremendous season for Seattle, making the All-Star team and contending for the AL Rookie of the Year award with a .284 batting average, 28 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and elite defense. His “J-Rod” nickname and dynamic play translated to a huge boost in the hobby. Rodríguez’s coveted sapphire parallel from 2021 Topps Chrome, which is limited to just 150 copies, have become one of the most expensive modern rookie cards on the market today. Graded PSA 10 copies are routinely bringing five-figure prices or more online due to his blossoming superstar status.
Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles – 2022 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Blue Refractor /99 RC: After years of anticipation, top Orioles prospect Adley Rutschman made his MLB debut for Baltimore in 2022. While he missed time with injuries, when healthy Rutschman showed why he is considered a future franchise cornerstone with his mature approach and rare defensive skills behind the plate. The number one overall pick from the 2019 draft, Rutschman’s rainbow foil blue refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome is an exceptional rookie card parallel that is serial numbered to just 99 copies. Despite playing in just over 50 games in 2022, strong demand remains for this rare short-print refractor as collectors stash it away as an early Rutschman flagship card. Grading it and securing a PSA 10 could yield tremendous ROI down the road.
Riley Greene – Detroit Tigers – 2022 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor Auto /50 RC: Slick fielding outfielder Riley Greene had a solid debut campaign for Detroit after battling injuries in the minors. The fifth overall pick in the 2019 draft, Greene showed off an advanced hitting approach and bat speed that could make him a core piece for the Tigers moving forward. His gold refractor autograph parallel from 2022 Topps Chrome is a huge short-print pull numbered to only 50 copies worldwide. Securing an autograph from Greene while he was still a highly-touted Tigers prospect is a coup, and this scarce parallel stands out as his premier on-card rookie auto. Its shimmering gold refractor design and serial numbered scarcity have vaulted PSA 10 graded copies over $2000 already on the modern market.
Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves – 2022 Topps Paper Base RC: One of the true surprises of 2022 was Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Though relatively unknown entering the season, Harris seized an everyday role and emerged as an All-Star caliber player in the Atlanta outfield. A first-round pick in 2019, Harris combined Gold Glove defense with game-changing speed and surprising power. His MLB success has thrilled Atlanta fans and collectors alike. Perhaps the most obtainable and affordable modern Harris rookie on the market is his standard 2022 Topps base card. This highly accessible rookie maintains keen collector interest as Harris remains poised to anchor the Braves outfield for years to come. PSA 10 graded versions still come in under $100, making it the epitome of a low-risk, high-reward modern investment piece.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – 2022 Topps Chrome 1st /99 RC: At 6 feet 7 inches tall and with incredible raw power potential, Pirates infielder Oneil Cruz made waves in his debut campaign. While still very raw, Cruz tantalized with prodigious home runs and an electric arm. His blend of size, strength, speed and upside have comparisons drawn to some of the all-time great athletes. Among modern parallels, the striking blue refractor parallel of Cruz’s 2021 Topps Chrome RC numbered to /99 stands out. With Pittsburgh likely to be patient in Cruz’s development, this premier parallel holds appeal as an early flagship card for the talent that could emerge. Graded PSA 10 versions are still very attainable in the $200-300 range, representing a strong risk-reward proposition.
Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs – 2022 Topps Finest Sapphire Wave /99 RC: The 27-year old Japanese outfielder arrived in Chicago with immense expectations, having been one of Nippon Professional Baseball’s most decorated hitters. Suzuki had an impressive rookie debut by slashing .262/.344/.436 with 14 home runs in just 115 games. His consistent skill set and established track record offshore make him one of the more “sure things” in the 2022 class. Suzuki’s sapphire wave refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Finest, numbered to /99 copies, showcases his skills on one of the set’s most visually striking cards. Finding a PSA 10 graded example of this sharp-looking Suzuki refracto
