The 2022 MLB season saw another highly-touted rookie class make their debuts, with several young stars quickly establishing themselves as franchise cornerstones. As with any rookie class, the 2022 group brought plenty of excitement and intrigue to the baseball card collecting hobby. While it’s still early, some rookies are already producing at a level that suggests their rookie cards could become extremely valuable long-term holdings. Here’s a look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season to consider adding to your collection.
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: It’s hard to imagine a rookie making a bigger splash in their first season than Julio Rodriguez did for the Mariners in 2022. Rodriguez burst onto the scene by hitting impressive home runs and making highlight-reel catches in the outfield on a near-daily basis. The 21-year-old finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting while slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases – elite production for any player, let alone a rookie. Rodriguez possesses true five-tool talent and is seen as the future face of the Mariners franchise. His flagship Topps Chrome rookie card has already surpassed $100 and has significant long-term upside as one of the premier rookies in the hobby right now.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals: While Rodriguez may have had the bigger statistical season, many scouts saw Bobby Witt Jr. as the best overall prospect heading into 2022. The son of former big leaguer Bobby Witt lived up to the hype by hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases as one of the few bright spots on a struggling Royals team. Witt showed all-around tools and athleticism that could allow him to become a perennial All-Star and the cornerstone of Kansas City’s rebuild. His Topps Chrome rookie is also already a $100+ card and should be a mainstay in virtually every high-end baseball card collection going forward.
Spencer Strider, SP, Atlanta Braves: Not many expected a rookie to become such an impact pitcher for the defending champion Braves in 2022, but that’s exactly what Spencer Strider did. The flame-throwing righty struck out more than a batter per inning on his way to an 11-5 record and 2.67 ERA for the season. Strider’s electric fastball that touches 100+ MPH was must-see TV every time he took the mound. While his playing time may be limited going forward as Atlanta manages his innings, Strider has the raw stuff to develop into an ace. His Topps Chrome rookie card reached $50-75 by season’s end and could climb much higher if he continues developing.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Adley Rutschman came into 2022 with immense expectations. While it took him some time to adjust to MLB pitching, he finished strong by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 46 games after his midseason promotion. More importantly, Rutschman showed elite defense behind the plate and the leadership skills that have scouts projecting him as a future All-Star and captain. As the future cornerstone of Baltimore’s rebuild, Rutschman’s Topps Chrome RC hit $50 by season’s end and could be a blue-chip investment for collectors.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6-foot-7, Oneil Cruz is a sight to behold on a baseball field. But it’s his immense raw power that has scouts and fans alike drooling over his potential. Cruz launched 9 homers in just 75 games in 2022 while showing off a rocket arm from shortstop. He still has plate discipline issues to refine, but if Cruz can make more consistent contact, 60-homer seasons might not be out of the question for the hulking infielder. His autographed Topps Chrome rookie jumped up near $100 by the end of the season based on his massive upside.
Hunter Greene, SP, Cincinnati Reds: As one of the hardest throwers in baseball, Hunter Greene was a must-see rookie all season long for Cincinnati. He struggled with his command at times but still managed to strike out 86 batters in 71 innings pitched. More importantly, Greene showed no signs of arm trouble after returning from Tommy John surgery. If he can stay healthy and refine his secondary pitches, 100+ MPH heat and a power arsenal could make Greene a true #1 starter for the Reds. His Topps Chrome RC reached $50-75 by season’s end.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves: On a loaded Braves team, Michael Harris II still managed to stand out as one of their best rookies. The 21-year-old centerfielder hit .297 with 19 homers and played Gold Glove-caliber defense, showing why he was such a highly-regarded prospect. Harris looks like a budding star who could be a long-term fixture in Atlanta’s outfield for years to come. His Topps Chrome RC is already a $50+ card based on his all-around contributions as a rookie.
Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers: As the #2 pick in 2021, Jack Leiter came into 2022 with immense expectations on his shoulders. While basic stats like a 5.72 ERA don’t jump off the page, Leiter still showed electric stuff with a mid-90s fastball and biting slider when healthy. Command issues are to be expected for such a young pitcher, and Leiter’s arsenal and makeup have scouts salivating over his ceiling. If he can stay on the mound, Leiter may have one of the highest upsides of any rookie pitcher. His Topps Chrome RC has already reached the $50-75 range.
Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: Seiya Suzuki brought his five-tool talents to Chicago after starring in Nippon Professional Baseball. The 28-year-old outfielder hit .262 with 14 homers and 43 RBI in his MLB rookie campaign, showing why he was one of the most coveted international free agents. Suzuki looks like a building block as the Cubs transition to contention mode. While not a true rookie by age, his MLB debut cards still carry value and long-term potential if he continues producing at an All-Star level stateside.
While it’s still very early, rookies like Rodriguez, Witt, Strider, Rutschman, Cruz and others look poised to become the new faces of baseball and cornerstone investments for collectors. Their rookie cards from 2022 already carry significant value and have the potential to become true blue-chip investments if any of these young stars ascend to the elite ranks of perennial All-Stars and MVP candidates. For collectors looking to invest, focusing on flagship rookies from this exciting rookie class could pay major dividends down the road.
