The 2022 MLB season saw the debuts of many highly-touted prospects who are poised to become future stars. While it’s still early, some rookie cards from this year’s class are already appreciating in value due to their players’ strong performances and hype around their long-term potential. Let’s take a look at 20 top rookie cards from 2022 that collectors believe are worth picking up as potential future stars continue to emerge.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – The number one overall pick from the 2019 draft finally made his MLB debut in 2022 after a long journey through the minors. He impressed right away with his bat and solid defense behind the plate. His rookie cards have seen huge jumps, with a base Topps Chrome RC selling for around $100-150 already compared to under $20 before the season. Look for these to potentially reach $1000+ long term if he becomes the superstar many project.

Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners – J-Rod took baseball by storm with his combination of elite power, speed and defense that helped the Mariners return to the postseason. His flagship Topps RC rapidly rose to $150+ before settling around $100-120. Sapphire parallels reached $500-600 due to the brand’s popularity. Immaculate RC autograph Patch parallels reached $1500-2500. With the hype around him and Seattle, these may multiply further if he continues production.

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The #2 pick in the 2019 draft and top prospect lived up to expectations with versatile contributions for KC. While injuries slowed him a bit, Witt flashed elite tools. Topps RCs soared to $50-75 range from under $10 in spring. Top end parallels like Printing Plates reached $500+. He will be a superstar if stays healthy – cards could 10X in value long term.

Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – The Braves pitching depth paid off with this flamethrower emerging as an ace. Strider dominated with over 200 strikeouts in limited action. His RCs jumped to $50+ from under $10 before the breakout. Numbered parallels reached $150-250+. With ace potential, these have room to multiply further if he leads Atlanta’s staff for years.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6’7″, Cruz is a rare physical talent who mashed 23 extra base hits in just 50 games. Topps Flagship RCs escalated to $40-60 from $10-15 prior due to his prodigious power. Higher end serial numbered parallels climbed over $100+. Cruz’s sky-high ceiling makes his cards enticing lottery tickets.

Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – After a late season call up, Harris established himself as Atlanta’s new center fielder with standout defense and a strong rookie campaign. His Topps Flagship RCs are in the $30-40 range from under $10 before. Finest parallels reached $100+. Harris has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star, making his rookie cards promising long term holds.

José Miranda, Minnesota Twins – Miranda seized an opening at first base and made the most of regular playing time with moderate power and patience at the plate. Topps RCs escalated to the $25-35 level from under $10 in spring. Top blue parallels reached $75+. Miranda has the bat to be an offensive force if he develops more power as expected.

Griffin Jax, Minnesota Twins – As a 27-year old rookie pitcher, Jax’s journey was unique. But he flashed mid-rotation potential across 16 starts with a solid ERA and more strikeouts than walks. Topps Flagship RCs reached $20-30 compared to $5-10 before. Higher end parallels approached $50+. With Minnesota’s need for arms, Jax could stick as a reliable starter.

Matt Brash, Seattle Mariners – Acquired from San Diego, Brash made an early splash in Seattle’s rotation with over a strikeout per inning in limited duty. Topps Flagship RCs increased to the $15-25 range from $5 prior. Top refractors approached $50+. As a power arm still refining his craft, Brash has sleeper potential if he continues progress.

Brandon Lowe, Tampa Bay Rays – Despite playing parts of 5 seasons already, Lowe qualified as a rookie in 2022 under new MLB rules. He delivered once again in Tampa with pop in his bat. Topps Flagship RCs rose to the $15-20 level from under $10 before. Numbered parallels reached $30+. Lowe has proven himself a reliable slugger in the tough AL East.

Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians – Kwan electrified fans and analysts alike with his old school approach and elite bat-to-ball skills. Topps Flagship RCs climbed to $12-18 range compared to $5 before. Finest rookie auto parallels topped $50. Kwan’s innate hitting ability makes him an anchor for Cleveland’s future – his cards should hold steady value.

Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Cruz flashed awe-inspiring tools and performance in a brief call up last year. But 2022 marked his true rookie status, and he smashed expectations. Topps Flagship RCs are in $12-15 range from under $5 before. Top colored parallels reached $30-40. With MVP caliber upside, Cruz remains a tantalizing long shot.

Shane Baz, Tampa Bay Rays – Injuries stalled Baz’s progress, but when on the mound he flashed a swing-and-miss arsenal. Topps Flagship RCs rose to $10-12 range from under $5 prior. Finest refractors approached $30 as a buy low on his recovery. Baz has the stuff to anchor Tampa’s staff – these cards offer high upside.

Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners – Despite starting 21 games in 2021, Gilbert qualified as a rookie this season based on adjusted rules. He proved himself a capable mid-rotation starter behind Seattle’s young stars. Topps Flagship RCs are around $8-10 compared to $5 before. Finest refractors approached $25. Solid contributors have value.

George Kirby, Seattle Mariners – Kirby made a seamless transition from prospect to reliable starter for Seattle in an impressive rookie campaign. Topps Flagship RCs are in the $8-10 range already from under $5 before. Finest parallels reached $20+ for one of the Mariners’ most promising young arms.

Bryson Stott, Philadelphia Phillies – Stott provided a much-needed boost at shortstop for Philly with excellent defense and a smooth lefty swing. Topps Flagship RCs rose to the $7-9 level from $4-5 in spring. Finest blue parallels climbed over $15. Stott seems primed to anchor the Phillies infield core.

Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds – The hard-throwing Greene lived up to his prospect hype in spot starts, hitting over 100 mph consistently. Topps Flagship RCs escalated to the $7-8 range already from under $5 before. Higher end prospects jumped to $15-20. Greene’s electric stuff gives these cards massive breakout potential.

Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins – In a full season, Ryan established himself as a quality mid-rotation starter with impeccable command. Topps Flagship RCs averaged $6-7 compared to $4 before. Finest parallels reached $12+. As a polished arm, Ryan provides stability to an evolving Twins staff.

Luis Arraez, Minnesota Twins – Arraez accomplished the rare feat of batting title and rookie eligibility in 2022 based on adjusted rules. His contact approach makes him a table setter. Topps Flagship RCs held $5-6 value already from $3-4 before. Finest blue parallels climbed over $10 for the versatile hitter.

Mackenzie Gore, San Diego Padres – Injuries hampered Gore’s development for years, but flashes of frontline stuff returned in 2022 before being shut down. Topps Flagship RCs found $4-5 value already compared to $3 before. Finest parallels stabilized around $8+. Gore remains an ace caliber lottery ticket if he stays healthy.

The 2022 rookie class featured many promising debuts at the MLB level. While performance, health and development all factor into long term value, several of these rookie cards from breakouts like Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Harris II appear poised to multiply further if they continue on an upward trajectory. Patience will be required, but some may prove prudent long term investments.