The 2022 Topps baseball card set was released in February 2022 and features current MLB players from all 30 teams. As with most modern baseball card releases, collectors have been sending prized rookie cards and other valuable parallels to PSA to be professionally graded. PSA grading adds value by authentically verifying a card’s condition and protecting its integrity in a hard plastic slab. This ensures collectors know exactly what they are getting. Several 2022 Topps rookie cards and parallels have already gained significant value since release based on strong player performances and demand from collectors seeking PSA-graded versions. Here is an in-depth look at some of the top 2022 Topps cards that are gaining value with PSA slabs:

Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card – The #1 prospect in baseball heading into 2022, Witt lived up to the hype by making the Royals roster out of spring training. His stellar play further increased hype around his rookie card. PSA 10 examples of his basic Topps base rookie currently sell for $500-600 raw, but in a PSA 10 slab consistently sell for $800-1000. PSA 9s go for $400-500 raw but $600-700 slabbed. Witt’s star potential means this card could appreciate significantly if he becomes a perennial all-star.

Julio Rodriguez Mariners Parallel Rookies – J-Rod had a breakout rookie season that helped lead the Mariners back to the playoffs. His Topps parallels like the Sepia (#/199) and Rainbow Foil (#/75) have gained the most with PSA. PSA 10 Sepias now sell for $800-1000 raw but $1200-1500 slabbed. Rainbow Foils have seen a similar premium, with PSA 10s around $2000-2500 raw but $3000-3500 or more in the protective slab. Rodriguez looks like a future superstar and his short printed parallels could really take off.

Adley Rutschman Base Rookie Card – As the top prospect in baseball and the new starting catcher for the Orioles, Rutschman arrived with high expectations that he’s begun to meet. While still early in his career, his basic base rookie has gained value with PSA too. PSA 10s sell for $300-400 raw but reach $500-600 and up in a professional grade. Even PSA 9s have seen their values increase from $150-200 raw to $250-300 or more slabbed. Rutschman could be a franchise cornerstone and his rookie card remains highly sought after.

Spencer Strider Rainbow Foil Rookie – One of the biggest rookie surprises of 2022 was Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider. After dominating as a reliever initially, he joined the rotation and hasn’t looked back. His short printed Topps Rainbow Foil rookie parallel (#/75) has exploded in value for PSA 10 examples, which now reach $3000-4000 raw but an even more impressive $5000-6000+ in the protective case of a PSA 10 holder. This is an example of a card that could appreciate substantially longer term if Strider continues his success.

Oneil Cruz Base Rookie Card – The mega-prospect debuted with the Pirates in 2022 and immediately began smashing home runs with his massive power. His Topps base rookie card shot up in the process, with PSA 10s now selling for $300-400 raw but $500-600+ in a PSA holder. Even PSA 9s have seen their values increase from under $100 to $200-250 or more slabbed as collectors want authenticity guarantees on this budding star’s first Topps issue. Cruz could be a perennial all-star and his rookie card may have plenty more room to grow.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Rainbow Foil / Topps Chrome Update – Returning from an ACL injury that cost him 2021, Acuña picked up in 2022 right where he left off as one of baseball’s most dynamic young stars. His Topps Rainbow Foil parallel (#/75) from the base set and Topps Chrome Update base rookie from that set have seen strong gains with PSA, with 10s reaching $3000-4000+ raw but $5000-6000+ or more in PSA holders. Acuña’s all-around excellence makes him one of the most valuable modern players and these parallels could appreciate significantly if he stays healthy in the long run.

While still early in the 2022 season, several key rookies like Witt, Rodriguez, Rutschman and Cruz have seen their Topps rookie cards gain significant value already through PSA grading. Short printed parallels for breakout players like Strider have exploded in value with authentic PSA slabs as well. Established stars like Acuña also continue to see strong premiums for high-grade PSA versions of their valuable rookie issues. As always with investments in trading cards, risks remain that players may get injured or not reach their potential. But PSA grading adds certainty and protects value for collectors seeking top condition and authentic examples of the hottest 2022 Topps rookies and stars.