The hobby of collecting baseball cards is ever-evolving, with new stars emerging each season and vintage legends from years past still holding significant value in the marketplace. With the 2022 MLB season now underway, here’s a look at some of the top baseball cards to target for your collection this year based on player performance and popularity, rookie cards to watch, and vintage gems that could appreciate in the coming years.

Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm RC #162) – The reigning AL MVP put together one of the most unique and impressive seasons in baseball history in 2021, hitting 46 home runs and posting a 3.18 ERA on the mound. As a true two-way player, Ohtani is capturing the attention and admiration of fans worldwide. His rookie cards have skyrocketed in value and will likely continue to rise as he establishes himself as one of the game’s brightest stars. The 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm rookie card is arguably his top card to chase.

Juan Soto (2018 Topps Chrome RC #US300) – At just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as one of MLB’s best hitters and is consistently in the conversation for NL MVP. He hits for both power and average and plays for one of baseball’s most prominent franchises in the Nationals/Dodgers. Soto’s rookie cards have been hot commodities since he broke into the league and will remain at the top of want lists for collectors. The 2018 Topps Chrome refractor is one of his most coveted RCs.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC #BCPA-RA) – When healthy, Acuña is one of the game’s most exciting and dynamic young stars. Unfortunately, a torn ACL ended his 2021 season prematurely, but he’s expected back at full strength in 2022 looking to pick up where he left off. The 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC remains extremely scarce and will hold tremendous long-term value as Acuña continues racking up All-Star appearances.

Wander Franco (2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire RC #171) – Franco had one of the most hyped MLB debuts in recent memory in 2021 and backed it up by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games as a 20-year-old. He’s considered a true five-tool talent and the future face of the Rays franchise. Franco’s rookie cards skyrocketed after his call-up and the Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor is the pinnacle card from his impressive rookie set.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2018 Topps Chrome Yellow RC #123) – After several years of hype and anticipation, Vlad Jr. finally broke out in a big way in 2021 by leading the AL with 48 home runs in just his third MLB season at age 22. He’s established himself as the new face of the Blue Jays and a true superstar in the making. The 2018 Topps Chrome Yellow refractor remains his flagship rookie card and is a strong long-term hold.

Fernando Tatis Jr. (2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire RC #165) – When healthy, Tatis is one of the most exciting players in baseball and a budding superstar on a rising Padres team. Injuries limited him to just 90 games in 2021, but he’s still considered a true five-tool talent at just 23 years old. His 2019 Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor RC is one of the most coveted modern cards and will be a mainstay in want lists as Tatis’ career progresses.

Rookies To Watch In 2022:

Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals) – The top overall prospect from the 2019 draft made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately showed why he’s so highly touted. Witt’s power/speed combo and pedigree as the son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt make him one to watch.

Adley Rutschman (Orioles) – As the top catching prospect in baseball and #1 overall pick in 2019, Rutschman has been one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. He made his debut in 2022 and will be a centerpiece for the O’s rebuild.

Spencer Torkelson (Tigers) – The top pick from the 2020 draft, Torkelson has plus raw power and should slot into Detroit’s lineup quickly. He has the potential to be a perennial All-Star and is generating buzz as one of the game’s top prospects.

Julio Rodriguez (Mariners) – Rodriguez has five-tool talents and was one of the breakout stars of the 2021 MLB playoffs. He made his debut in 2022 and will be a cornerstone for the Mariners moving forward.

Riley Greene (Tigers) – Greene was the 5th overall pick in 2019 and is Detroit’s other big-name hitting prospect. He made his debut in 2022 and could be the Tigers’ new star outfielder.

Vintage Cards To Target:

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 (est. value $150,000+) – The Mick is the most iconic name in baseball history. High-grade versions of his legendary 1952 Topps rookie card are among the crown jewels of the hobby.

1957 Topps Hank Aaron PSA 8 ($100,000+) – Before breaking Babe Ruth’s home run record, Aaron was already one of the game’s best. His 1957 Topps rookie is highly coveted, especially in high grades.

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner PSA 8 ($500,000+) – The rarest and most valuable trading card in existence. Even in low-end PSA 8 condition, it would be the prize of any collection.

1969 Topps Nolan Ryan PSA 8 ($30,000+) – Ryan’s rookie card captures him pitching for the Mets before he became Mr. 300 Wins. It remains one of the most iconic and valuable vintage cards.

1948 Leaf Jackie Robinson PSA 5 ($50,000+) – Robinson’s first card as a Dodger is hugely significant as the first card of MLB’s first Black player in the modern era. Highly sought after by collectors.

1975 Topps Cal Ripken Jr. RC PSA 8 ($5,000+) – Ripken went on to break Gehrig’s consecutive games played record and was a career Oriole. His rookie card remains a popular and affordable vintage option.

1956 Topps Sandy Koufax PSA 8 ($15,000+) – Capturing Koufax in one of his early Dodgers seasons before he emerged as a Hall of Fame ace. Highly collectible vintage Dodger card.

1987 Topps Mark McGwire RC PSA 9 ($2,000+) – McGwire’s rookie card from his early A’s days before breaking the single-season home run record. Still affordable for a high-grade vintage RC.

Modern stars like Ohtani, Soto, Acuña Jr., Franco, Vlad Jr. and Tatis continue to lead the way in popularity and demand. But proven veterans, rookies to watch and iconic vintage legends from Mantle and Aaron to Robinson, Ripken and Koufax offer something for every budget and area of focus within the hobby. With new stars emerging each season, baseball cards remain one of the most entertaining collectibles in sports.