The 2022 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated issues in recent years. While rookie cards of players like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. generated a lot of hype leading up to the release, there are several other key cards collectors are searching for that could become valuable long-term holds. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from the 2022 Topps baseball release collectors should consider adding to their portfolios.
Sandy Alcantara Rainbow Foil Variation #171 – One of the biggest rarities in the 2022 Topps set is the Sandy Alcantara rainbow foil parallel. Only 10 of these were produced and inserted randomly in hobby boxes. Alcantara had a breakout season in 2022 and could be in line for a Cy Young award. With such a limited print run, this parallel could gain significant value if Alcantara continues his success. It’s already one of the most expensive 2022 Topps cards on the secondary market.
Aaron Judge Autograph #181 – After hitting an American League record 62 home runs in 2022 and contending for the Triple Crown, Aaron Judge is sure to be one of the biggest stars in baseball for years to come. His autograph card from Topps is always in high demand. While it isn’t scarce like some 1-of-1 parallels, Judge’s autographed rookie card is positioned very well long term as one of the premier modern baseball autographs in the hobby.
Julio Rodriguez Rookie Debut #132 – Julio Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie season that was cut short due to injury but showed why he has superstar potential. His Topps rookie debut card is one of the standouts from the 2022 set as the Mariners’ young star looks to build on his success. Rodriguez has five-tool talent and marketability that should lead to strong, long-term demand for this rookie card. It’s already one of the priciest first-year cards on the secondary market.
Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Debut #149 – Like Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr. had an electrifying debut campaign that was derailed by injury but displayed why he’s a future cornerstone player. As the #2 overall pick in 2019 and son of former big leaguer Bobby Witt, Witt Jr. has pedigree and pop that make this rookie debut a blue-chip investment. He has superstar upside that could drive this card to new heights if realized in Kansas City.
Spencer Strider Autograph #183 – Closer to the back of the base set, Spencer Strider’s autographed rookie card flew under the radar at release but could be a sneaky long-term gem. The Braves’ flamethrower broke out as a starter in 2022 and proved himself as a future ace, posting a 2.67 ERA with 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings in just his first full season. Strider’s autograph is relatively affordable now but his ability and role with Atlanta portend strong future demand.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Update #177 – After missing over a year due to a torn ACL, Ronald Acuña Jr. returned in 2022 and looked like his old self down the stretch for Atlanta. As one of the game’s most exciting young stars when healthy, Acuña’s update issue card from Topps serves as an affordable option to regain exposure to his superstar talents. If he can stay on the field, this update issue could outperform expectations.
Two other notable base rookie cards include Seattle outfielder George Kirby (#144) and Milwaukee catcher Victor Caratini (#149). Both had solid debut campaigns on competitive clubs and their rookie cards present longshot lottery ticket potential. In parallels, look out for rare printing plates and 1-of-1 autos that could yield enormous long-term returns with the right players. The 2022 Topps release offers several candidates to hold for the long haul as the next generation of baseball stars emerges.
