The 2022 MLB draft class was highly anticipated with several elite prospects expected to be selected early. Bowman Draft hosted the official MLB draft this year from July 17-19. Panini also released their 2022 Prizm Draft Picks product focused on the drafted players. Within the Prizm Draft Picks release, several rookie cards immediately stood out as having the most long term value and breakout potential. Let’s take an in depth look at the top 2022 Prizm Draft Picks baseball cards to watch.
Druw Jones – Atlanta Braves (1st Overall Pick)
Jones had been projected as a possible first overall pick for over a year leading up to the draft. The athletic outfielder lived up to expectations by being selected first by the Braves. Not surprisingly, his Prizm Draft Picks rookie offerings immediately became the set’s most valuable cards. The Jones Prizm Silver Pack Fresh /15 is arguably the showcase card of the entire release. Only 15 of these exist and several have already sold for well over $1000. Other marquee Jones cards holding strong value include his Orange Prizm /499, Green Prizm /125, and Yellow Prizm /50. As the consensus top prospect and first pick, expect Jones’ cards to rise substantially if he develops into a star as projected. He has all the tools to become a perennial all-star and take the mantle as the face of the Braves franchise.
Brooks Lee – Twins (8th Overall Pick)
The smooth swinging Lee slipped slightly on draft day but still landed with a great organization in Minnesota. His on-field production at Cal Poly boosted him up draft boards after an incredible junior campaign. Lee’s draft stock fell just enough for his rookie cards to have more affordable prices than Jones. His Prizm cards still carry strong value. The Lee Green Prizm /125 and Yellow Prizm /50 are two of the pricier choices in the set. With further development, Lee profiles as a potential all-star caliber player. He should get the opportunity to move quickly through Minnesota’s system. Lee flashed above average power potential in college so there is breakout potential if he starts tapping into that power as a pro.
Termarr Johnson – Pirates (19th Overall Pick)
While Johnson has more inherent risk as a high school bat, he flashed star qualities leading up to the draft. The athletic five-tool centerfielder dominated at events like Under Armour All-America week. Johnson also crushed it during his senior season in Georgia. As a premium prep position player taken in the first round, his Prizm Draft Picks cards are in high demand. The Johnson Green Prizm /125 is one of the set’s pricier highlights. Though riskier than college hitters, high ceiling high school picks like Johnson can pay off tremendously if they develop as hoped. If he starts to fulfill scouting reports as a pro, expect his cards to appreciate considerably from their already strong prices.
Elijah Green – Royals (15th Overall Pick)
The large and athletic Green possessed possibly the highest upside of any hitter in the entire 2022 draft class. Questions over his bat speed and consistency dropped him to 15th, but the tools are immense. Green’s 1st round selection and offensive upside make his Prizm Draft Picks cards great long term holds. Even cards out of the base Prizm product carry value. But his Orange /499, Green /125, and Yellow /50 really pop. Green is a projection play who could be a superstar if everything comes together. His rare physical gifts combined with top 15 draft status gives Green cards enormous breakout potential if he starts tapping into that raw power.
Brock Porter – Rangers (3rd Overall Pick)
One of the biggest risers in the pre-draft process, Porter rocketed up boards with his performance and stuff across his senior season. While some questioned his durability long term, no one could deny the electric stuff. Porter became the third overall pick by Texas and immediately became one of the top prospects in their deeply talented system. All of his Prizm Draft Picks cards hold strong value, led by the always popular Green /125 and Orange /499 versions. Porter throwing in the mid-90s with a power curve gives him frontline starter upside. If he stays healthy and commands his stuff as a pro, his cards will shine tremendously as one of the premier arms from this class.
Jacob Berry – Cardinals (25th Overall Pick)
As a switch-hitting power bat from LSU, Berry brought credibility and production to the draft. Many saw him as a potential top 10 talent. Falling to 25th only increased the long term value in his rookie cards. Berry’s polished bat and above average power give him legitimate all-star offensive upside. His Prizm Draft Picks Orange /499 and Green /125 are two of the hottest cards in the set at the moment. Playing in hitter-friendly Busch Stadium and within the Cardinals’ strong player development system bodes well for Berry’s pro potential. If he rises up their system promptly, his cards could explode in value quickly when compared to his draft position.
Brooks Lee – Twins (81st Overall Pick in 2021)
While already in professional baseball, Lee’s 2021 draft class Prizm Draft Picks cards still hold great long term merit. As an above average hitter with 20-20 upside, Lee became the first ever player from Cal Poly to be drafted in the first round. He dominated in rookie ball and low A during 2022. With further success, Lee’s cards from when he was a highly touted true freshman could gain immense value retroactively. His 2021 Orange Prizm /499 and Green Prizm /125 showcased Lee as an elite prospect and remain two of the more prominent cards from that draft class set today.
This covers some of the most valuable long term hold rookie cards from the 2022 Prizm Draft Picks baseball release. With such a talented drafting class that featured future stars like Druw Jones, Brooks Lee, and Brock Porter, these cards have enormous breakout potential. Top picks from winning franchises carry extra appeal. While risk exists with any prospects, these prospects all profiled as premium talents with all-star upside. If even a few deliver on that talent level as pros, their rookie cards from 2022 Prizm Draft Picks could appreciate tremendously in future years. This hyped rookie class makes for many exciting prospects to watch both on the field and in the hobby.
