2022 is shaping up to be another exciting year for new baseball cards as the hobby continues to experience a renaissance in popularity. Let’s take a look at some of the top new card releases collectors can look forward to in the upcoming year across the major brands.
Topps remains the industry leader and will be launching several new high-profile sets in 2022. The flagship Topps Series 1 release will come out in late winter/early spring as always and feature rookie cards of players who made their MLB debuts in 2021 like Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. They’ll also do a Topps Series 2 release later in the season with additional new players.
Topps Update is also typically released in summer/fall and provides updated rosters and any mid-season statistical changes. 2021 Update featured cards of phenoms like Rays rookie Wander Franco that collectors eagerly snapped up. 2022 Update will likely showcase breakout players from this upcoming season.
Another anticipated Topps release each year is Archives, which reproduces cards from Topps’ iconic vintage archives in a modern parallel format. The 2022 edition will feature cards reprinted from the 1970s-1990s. Topps also does limited parallels and autograph variations of key cards that are highly sought after by high-end collectors.
Fan-favorite brand Panini Prizm is also expected to launch new MLB products this year led by their 2022 Prizm baseball release. Over the past few years, Prizm has gained popularity among collectors for their on-card autographs, dynamic photo selection, and coveted refractors that showcase vivid colors. Their releases tend to feature more contemporary photo variations and style compared to traditional brands.
Panini also produces higher-end products under the Chronicles and National Treasures brands. Chronicles 2022 will have intricate patch and memorabilia cards while National Treasures aims to release one of a kind relics and autographs including rare 1/1 parallels. Cards from these ultra-exclusive releases can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
Another notable brand, Leaf, will shine a spotlight on current MLB stars with their 2022 Lineage release which has a retro aesthetic. Leaf Metal Universe continues their metallic parallels focusing on prominent players. Additionally, Leaf Trinity football has garnered interest so a Leaf Trinity baseball version is rumored for 2022.
Donruss and Bowman remain strong independent brands as well. Donruss will push their “Bangers and Blasters” concept focusing on power hitters with their 2022 release. Meanwhile, Bowman is the sole brand with rookie cards and prospects before they make the majors through their Draft, Prospects, and Chrome releases which feed the chase for the next big stars.
From a collector’s perspective, 2022 shapes up to be another amazing year to pursue new baseball cards from both the established flagship brands as well as innovative upstarts. With a fresh crop of future Hall of Famers just starting their MLB journey, this season is primed to produce cards that reminisce about the early careers of stars for decades to come. With renewed cultural passion for the hobby, these new 2022 baseball cards are sure to excite collectors young and old for years to come.
