The 2022 Panini Diamond Kings baseball card set has generated a lot of excitement among collectors since its release in January. Panini always does a great job with their high-end licensed baseball products, and Diamond Kings has become one of their most coveted annual sets in recent years. Let’s take an in-depth look at how the values of specific 2022 Diamond Kings cards have fluctuated since release and what collectors can expect long-term.
One of the top rookies in the 2022 set is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. His base rookie card has been valued around $50-75 since release. Greene had a stellar minor league career and is considered a future Tigers star. As he gets more playing time in Detroit this season, his rookie cards could rise up to $150-200 by the end of the year if he performs well. Another highly sought-after rookie is Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene. His base is $60-80 currently. Reds fans are excited about Greene’s electric stuff and his cards may reach $150-250 by next spring if he has a strong rookie campaign.
Superstar veterans command the highest prices in Diamond Kings as expected. A Mike Trout base card ranges from $250-350 right now due to his sustained excellence year after year. His autos and memorabilia cards easily sell for thousands. A recent Trout jersey card fetched over $4,000 on eBay. A card of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper typically sells between $150-250 in a PSA 10 gem mint. Harper always sells well commercially and on the secondary market. Expect his 2022 Diamond Kings values to continue rising as long as he continues Producing at an MVP level for the Phillies.
Prominent veterans on contending teams also tend to hold strong value. A Fernando Tatis Jr. base car sells for around $150-250 despite his injury issues last season. If he can stay healthy and lead the Padres back to the playoffs, his cards could surpass $500 due to his immense star power. Similarly, Ronald Acuña Jr. Braves cards in a PSA 10 gem mint generally sell in the $150-250 range. If Acuña continues dominating after returning from his ACL injury and leads Atlanta back to the top of the NL East, interest will remain high and his cards may approach $500-750 long run. Health is obviously crucial for these two elite young stars.
Standout rookies and veterans aren’t the only cards worth noting. Popular veterans on winning teams can also retain steady growth in value over time. Cards of Giants 1B Brandon Belt and Astros CF Jake Meyers currently sell between $75-150. Demand for top veterans on perennial contenders like these two clubs should maintain the floor. Their cards could potentially rise up to the $250-500 range if either player has an All-Star caliber year helping his club in 2022 and beyond.
Probably the safest Diamond Kings investments long term are legendary veterans who are close to retirement. A Derek Jeter base card in a PSA 10 gem now sells for $250-400 due to his iconic career and forthcoming Hall of Fame induction. As one of the best ever and most respected Yankees, interest in Jeter cards will remain high for decades after he hangs up his cleats. Similarly, a PSA 10 David Ortiz card hovers around $150-300. Big Papi is a surefire Cooperstown inductee whose legendary postseason heroics for the Red Sox ensure steady collector demand. These type of cards typically don’t lose value over many years after retirement.
While rookies and stars excite collectors short term, seeking out undervalued veterans primed to retire can yield steady growth. Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright and Giants pitcher Johnny Cueto, both likely playing their final season, have PSA 10 base cards selling for $75-150 now. But collecting future Hall of Famers in their swan song year is very low risk, and their cards could 2-3x or more in value after hanging it up. Looking ahead a few years, 2022 may end up being a golden buying opportunity for talented aging veterans on the cusp like Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Justin Verlander. Their Diamond Kings rookies have already appreciated handsomely and another solid season could fuel strong future demand.
The 2022 Panini Diamond Kings set has provided a tremendous investment opportunity for collectors. Rookies, young stars and veterans playing key roles on contenders seem poised to appreciate the most in the short and mid-term. Targeting respected aging vets closing in on retirement may yield the most consistent long-term returns. Overall, 2022 Diamond Kings looks to have provided highly collectible cards across the board for years to come, with values largely tied to on-field success and career accomplishments. For those who invested early, this year’s set profiles as an outstanding vintage holding with room for growth.
