The New York Yankees are one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball, owning 27 World Series championships and a passionate fan base around the world. As a new season begins in 2022, collectors and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the release of baseball cards featuring the latest batch of Yankee stars.
Several of the Yankees’ top young position players from the 2021 season can be found on rookie cards in 2022 sets. Shortstop Anthony Rizzo had a breakout first season in pinstripes after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. Rizzo delivered terrific power and clutch hitting down the stretch to help lead the Yankees to the AL Wild Card game. His rookie cards are hot items for collectors interested in a potential future Yankee captain.
Outfielders Joey Gallo and Andrew Benintendi also joined the team via midseason trades and will have rookie cards after splitting the 2021 campaign between different clubs. Gallo showed off his renowned home run power but struggled to hit for average in pinstripes, while Benintendi provided a steady bat towards the top of the order. Both remain pivotal pieces for the Yankees in 2022 as they look to capture the AL East title.
Young prospects like outfielder Estevan Florial, infielders Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera, and pitchers Luis Gil, Ken Waldichuk and Hayden Wesneski could have promising rookie cards if they make their MLB debuts this season. All are considered among the Yankees’ top rising talents and possess untapped potential that makes their cards speculative long-term holdings.
Of course, veterans who have long cemented themselves as franchise icons also appear across 2022 Yankees cards. AL MVP runner-up DJ LeMahieu leads the charge, consistently producing at the top of the order with his versatile, contact-oriented offensive game. LeMahieu inked a six-year extension prior to 2021, cementing his place in pinstripes for the foreseeable future.
Aaron Judge, fresh off narrowly missing out on baseball’s first 60-home run season since 2001, reigns as the heart and soul of this Yankees team. When healthy, the towering right fielder is perhaps the most dominant slugger in the sport – a fact reflected by strong prices for his autographed relic cards. Entering his final year of team control before free agency, 2022 may be Judge’s last chance to chase championships in the Bronx.
On the pitching side, ace right-hander Gerrit Cole anchors a veteran-laden rotation. The long-term Yankee building block is annually among the favorites for the AL Cy Young award and makes for a prized addition to any collection. Reliever Clay Holmes emerged in the Yankee bullpen last season, cruising to a breakout All-Star campaign after being acquired in a small trade. His star continues rising in 2022.
Of course, no review of modern Yankees would be complete without mentioning the longtime face of the franchise, future Hall of Famer Derek Jeter. Though retired, “The Captain” lives on through impressive vintage collections which remain a hot commodity for collectors. Jeter rookie cards from 1996 Topps are iconic specimens that can fetch tens of thousands depending on condition grades.
Between exciting young talent, battle-tested veterans, and legendary alumni, the Yankees franchise offers an unparalleled selection for card collectors and fans each season. As pinstripes country awaits the beginning of another campaign, the 2022 cards are sure to spark renewed interest in following the team’s quest for #28. Whether collecting for investment holding or nostalgia, the storied history of this ballclub translates to cardboard that holds value for years to come.
