The 2022 Topps baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues in recent memory. With stars like Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. continuing to dominate on the field, there is no shortage of exciting rookie and veteran cards to chase. With so many great options to consider, it can be tough to decide which 2022 Topps cards are truly worth targeting. Here are some of the best bets that collectors should keep an eye out for.
Shohei Ohtani Base Rookie Card – As one of the most unique two-way talents in MLB history, Ohtani’s cards always hold value. His 2021 MVP season only increased demand for his rookie cards from 2018 Topps. While the true rookie from BBM or Bowman will cost thousands, his affordable Topps base is a great way to add the face of baseball to a collection. With Ohtani’s star power and dual talents as a hitter and pitcher, this card should continue appreciating over time.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Base Rookie Card – Like Ohtani, Vlad Jr. is one of the faces of the next generation of MLB superstars. His powerful bat and exciting play make him a fan favorite. His rookie season was impressive and he has only gotten better. With a MVP-caliber 2021 campaign and his best years still ahead, Vlad Jr.’s rookie cards are a solid investment. The affordable Topps base provides exposure to one of the game’s brightest young talents.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Base Rookie Card – When healthy, Tatis is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in baseball. He has established himself as a true superstar and perennial MVP candidate. His rookie cards skyrocketed in value after back-to-back great seasons. The Topps base provides a relatively cheap entrance point for such an elite talent who is still just 23 years old. Even after recent injury issues, Tatis’ long-term upside keeps this a card to target.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Base Rookie Card – Acuña burst onto the scene with an electrifying rookie year in 2018 and has established himself as one of the game’s best all-around players. Unfortunately, a torn ACL ended his 2021 season early and he may miss time in 2022 as well. He is still just 23 and will likely have a long, productive career ahead. His Topps rookie remains affordable compared to higher-end versions from Bowman or Topps Chrome. It provides exposure to a true five-tool talent who could return to MVP form soon.
Wander Franco Base Rookie Card – The hype around Franco is massive after a phenomenal debut season where he slashed .288/.347/.463 as a 20-year-old. He has drawn comparisons to Mike Trout and could be a true superstar in the making. Franco mania is real and his rookie cards have skyrocketed up collector want lists. The Topps base is still attainable for most collectors and will prove a wise long-term hold. As Franco develops into the perennial all-star many expect, this card’s value should keep climbing.
Juan Soto Rainbow Foil Refractor – Soto has established himself as one of the game’s most feared hitters at just 23 years old. He consistently posts elite stats and will likely win multiple batting titles when his career is over. The Rainbow Foil refractors from Topps are some of the most visually striking cards in the set. For such an established young superstar, these parallel cards hold appeal for both collectors and investors. Soto’s talent ensures his cards will remain relevant.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Chrome Refractor – As mentioned above, Acuña is a true five-tool talent who could return to MVP form soon. His refractor parallels from Topps Chrome are always in high demand due to the product’s prestige. These cards feature stunning refracted colors and Acuña’s star power makes them a great long-term hold. Even after injury, his upside is immense and Chrome refractors are built to appreciate significantly with time. This is a card that could pay off handsomely for patient collectors.
Bobby Witt Jr. Rainbow Foil Refractor – Witt had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named AL Rookie of the Year. He showed five-tool ability and should be a perennial all-star as long as he stays healthy. The Rainbow Foil parallel from Topps is a visually stunning card showcasing one of the game’s brightest young talents. Witt could be a true superstar and these exclusive parallels are sure to rise in value as he develops his game. It’s a great long-term spec play on a cornerstone player.
Julio Rodriguez Gold Refractor /69 – J-Rod electrified in his rookie campaign and looks like a budding star in Seattle. He has five-tool ability and is already developing power. The low-numbered Gold Refractor parallel captures his star potential in a highly coveted short-printed parallel format. At just /69 copies, it will hold significant allure for high-end collectors. Rodriguez has true superstar potential and this exclusive card will appreciate substantially if he continues ascending.
When considering the best 2022 Topps baseball cards to invest in, focusing on the rookies and stars with the most long-term upside such as Ohtani, Guerrero Jr., Tatis Jr., Acuña Jr., Franco, Witt Jr. and Rodriguez looks to be a smart play. Their base rookies as well as short-printed parallels like refractors, rainbow foils and low-numbered inserts provide affordable exposure to talented players who should remain relevant and valuable for years to come.
