The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set pays homage to the classic design styles of the 1960s and 1970s. While it may not have the flashiest cards or biggest stars of other modern sets, Heritage often features cards that appreciate significantly in value over time. Let’s take a look at some of the standout rookie and star player cards from the 2022 Topps Heritage release that could be worth money for collectors in the years to come.

Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card (#156)

As the number two overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and top prospect in baseball, Bobby Witt Jr. became an instant star when he debuted with the Kansas City Royals in 2022. His base rookie card from Topps Heritage is one of the most sought-after cards from the set. While it doesn’t have any special parallels or inserts, Witt Jr.’s on-field performance and star potential make this a rookie card to hold onto. As long as he continues developing into the all-star many project, this card could be a great long-term investment. Many sold for $50-75 upon release but expect that price to steadily increase over the next few years.

Spencer Strider Rookie Ticket Autograph (#RT-SS)

While not a true rookie card since he debuted in 2021, Spencer Strider’s breakout 2022 season with the Atlanta Braves has made him one of baseball’s top pitching prospects. His autograph card from the Heritage Rookie Ticket subset is extremely scarce, with reports of it only appearing around 1 in every 10 hobby boxes. Strider’s electric fastball and dominant strikeout numbers have made him a fan favorite in Atlanta. With continued success, his autographed rookie card could become quite valuable in the years to come. Most sold in the $300-500 range upon release but there is plenty of upside left with this coveted rookie auto.

Riley Greene Base Rookie Card (#157)

Like Witt Jr., Riley Greene was one of the top prospects in baseball and became an instant star for the Detroit Tigers in 2022. Also like Witt Jr., Greene’s base rookie card is the card to own from his Topps Heritage set. While not as scarce as some short print parallels, it remains one of the prized rookie cards from the release. Greene showed impressive power and hit tool skills in his debut season that have Tigers fans excited for his future. As long as he continues developing into the all-star caliber player he’s projected as, this rookie card will hold and gain value in collectors’ portfolios. Upon release it sold in the $50-75 range but expect a long-term uptrend.

Aaron Judge Base Card (#99)

After smashing the AL home run record with 62 dingers in 2022, Aaron Judge had arguably the greatest single season for a Yankee ever. Not surprisingly, anything related to Judge skyrocketed in value, including his base card from Topps Heritage. While not short printed, Judge mania took over and it became one of the most sought-after vintage-style cards on the market. With another big contract likely coming his way this offseason, Judge has cemented himself as a true Yankee icon and star of the game. This card will remain a hold for any collector given his sustained superstardom. Upon release it sold in the $10-15 range but short-term could reach $50-75 with no signs of slowing down.

Sandy Alcantara Base Card (#43)

While not a household name yet, Sandy Alcantara quietly put together one of the best pitching seasons in baseball in 2022 for the Miami Marlins. In addition to leading MLB in innings pitched and starts, he finished with a stellar 2.28 ERA. Alcantara is still just 27 and signed long-term, making him a great young anchor for the Marlins staff for years to come. His dominance and durability make him a prime breakout candidate for more recognition. For collectors, his base card from Topps Heritage makes for a great value hold. Upon release it sold in the $3-5 range but his continued success could push it up significantly with time.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Base Card (#84)

While he missed much of 2022 recovering from a torn ACL, Ronald Acuña Jr. remains one of the most electrifying players in baseball when healthy. The 24-year-old is already a two-time All-Star with 40-40 potential when right. His base card from Topps Heritage is always in high demand given his superstar status. With continued health, Acuña will return to being one of the game’s brightest young stars carrying the Braves offense. This vintage-style card of a perennial MVP candidate is a no-brainer hold that sold for $10-15 upon release but should only increase as Acuña reasserts himself.

Juan Soto Base Card (#158)

At just 23 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as arguably the best young hitter in baseball. After contract drama overshadowed his 2022 season with the Nationals, Soto still managed to hit .246 with 27 home runs and 91 RBI in a “down year.” Wherever he ends up long term, Soto is a surefire future Hall of Famer and one of the faces of the league. His base card from Topps Heritage remains one of the most sought-after young star cards on the market. Even selling at $15-25 upon release, this is an absolute must-hold card that will steadily climb with Soto’s continued superstardom.

Christian Yelich Base Card (#99)

Christian Yelich’s career took a step back in recent years after back-to-back MVP caliber seasons in 2018 and 2019 with the Brewers. The 30-year-old still managed a .251 average with 16 home runs in 2022 and has a chance to rebound in 2023. When right, Yelich is one of the game’s most complete hitters and a perennial All-Star caliber outfielder. His vintage-style base card remains a solid long-term hold, selling for $7-10 upon release. Yelich has the talent to bounce back into superstar form again, making this card a quality upside play.

While it may not have the flashiest rookie cards or biggest stars, Topps Heritage often features players who develop into true studs with sustained success. Many of the top rookie cards and star players from the 2022 release have the potential to significantly increase in value as those players’ careers progress and popularity grows. For patient collectors, holding onto cards like Witt Jr., Greene, Strider, Judge, Acuña Jr. and Soto long-term could yield strong returns as their on-field performance drives demand and appreciation over the years.