The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball card release was highly anticipated by collectors and provided some massive hits. Topps Chrome is one of the premier modern baseball card products known for its sharply photographed rookie cards and refractor parallels. This year’s offerings did not disappoint in terms of high-value rookie cards and parallels that have already climbed up the ranks of the most expensive modern baseball cards on the secondary market.
One of the biggest rookie card hits from 2022 Topps Chrome was Julio Rodriguez. The Seattle Mariners outfielder had a phenomenal inaugural season that saw him finish second in American League Rookie of the Year voting. His base Topps Chrome rookie card is already quite valuable, with PSA 10 Gem Mint copies regularly selling for $300-400 raw on eBay. It is some of the scarce parallel versions that have exploded in price. The prized black border refractors #/25 and gold refractors #/2021 have brought tens of thousands at auction. A PSA 10 black border refractor recently realized $42,000, while a gold refractor fetched over $30,000. With Rodriguez poised for superstardom, these rare parallels could appreciably outpace other modern rookies in value as his career progresses.
Another breakout star whose Topps Chrome rookie cards took off was Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. Following a postseason run where he was named World Series MVP, interest and prices for his Topps Chrome base rookie skyrocketed. PSA 10 copies now sell for $500-1000, a massive increase from just a few months ago. Parallel versions like the redemptive rainbow foil #/2022 and gold #/2021 parallels have also gained significant ground. A Pena rainbow foil refractor recently brought over $11,000 in auction while a BGS 9.5 gold refractor realized close to $9,000, showcasing his rising demand and potential long term as a cornerstone player for the Astros.
Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby also enjoyed a strong debut campaign that has vaulted the value of his 2022 Topps Chrome rookie cards. While not the household name that Julio Rodriguez became, Kirby showed dazzling stuff as a potential future #2 starter. His base rookie in a PSA 10 now fetches $150-250, with precious parallel versions like the black border refractor #/25 and gold refractor #/2021 among the most costly. An ultra-rare Kirby gold refractor BGS 9.5+++ recently sold for a stunning $57,500, a princely sum for a modern pitcher card despite his talent and role with a rising Mariners franchise. As Kirby further establishes himself, these special parallels could appreciate significantly from already lofty prices.
Two other 2022 rookie sensations whose Topps Chrome cards hold immense value are Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker. While Harris and Walker did not experience the same breakout stardom as Rodriguez or Pena right away, their unparalleled tools and potential made their Topps Chrome rookie cards instant hits. Harris II base PSA 10 rookies have settled around $200-300 in recent months as he won NL Rookie of the Year honors. Walker saw lesser playing time but demonstrated eye-popping power that has his base PSA 10 rookie trading hands for $100-150. Scarce parallels like Harris II’s black border refractor #/25 ($14,000 PSA 10) and Walker’s gold refractor #/2021 ($11,500 BGS 9.5) exemplify how valued premium versions remain. As both continue developing, their sky-high ceilings could lift all Topps Chrome cards progressively higher.
While rookie sensations claimed a significant portion of the most costly 2022 Topps Chrome cards, some established stars also saw premium parallels reach astronomical prices. For instance, superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. had one of his early career refractor parallels from 2018 Topps Chrome skyrocket past $100,000 this year. The black border refractor #/25 achieved a record setting $101,500 sale price from early hype around his return from injury. Also, two-way phenomenon Shohei Ohtani had one of his scarce Ohtani batting practice jersey parallel cards from 2018 Topps Chrome break six figures, realizing over $120,000. Established elites like Mike Trout and performance achievements like Ohtani continue propelling special cards from years past to new heights annually.
The 2022 Topps Chrome release housed an abundance of emerging talents and special parallels that have already achieved incredibly high values on the collector market. Rookies like Rodriguez, Pena, Kirby and more delivered astonishing hits. Premium parallel versions of their base rookies as well as stars like Acuna Jr. and Ohtani demonstrated the ceiling for modern cards. As the careers of young stars continue unfolding, their coveted Topps Chrome rookies—especially 1/1s and low-numbered parallels—are poised to appreciate exponentially from today’s already steep prices. The 2022 class established itself as one with potential for both immediate and long-term value growth.
