The year 2022 saw massive growth in the baseball card industry, as the hobby experienced new heights in card values and memorable rookie cards that debuted. With the rise of superstar talents like Mickey Mantle and Tom Brady establishing modern records, collectors raced to acquire the latest rookie cards that could someday reach similar levels of prestige and price tags. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable baseball cards released in 2022 based on their current secondary market valuations.
Perhaps the biggest story of 2022 was the emergence of San Diego Padres superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. After signing a massive 14-year, $340 million contract extension in 2021, Tatis seemed poised for stardom. He did not disappoint on the field in his first full healthy season and became one of the faces of baseball. Tatis’ 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Superfractor auto parallel quickly became the crown jewel card of the year. With a print run of 1 or less copies, any Tatis Jr. prospect auto from 2018 is incredibly rare. Comps show the Superfractor routinely demands 6 figures, with some estimates placing its value at $500,000 or more, making it arguably the most valuable modern era card.
Another Padre who had a breakout season was outfielder Juan Soto. After winning the Home Run Derby, Soto continued his stellar play in the second half and helped lead the Padres to the NLCS. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto S RC has taken off as a result, with PSA 10 examples now ranging between $15,000-20,000. For Soto rookie cards, the prized parallel remains his 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Refractor Auto /50. With its incredibly low print run, yellow parallel autos of Soto’s top rookie card change hands for $50,000+.
Staying in the NL West, Los Angeles Dodger pitcher Tony Gonsolin had a breakout All-Star campaign that has vaulted his rookie cards up the charts. Despite having cards as early as 2016, collectors finally took notice of Gonsolin in 2022. His top cards include his 2016 Bowman Chrome Auto and 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor Auto /50. While still below $10,000 presently, with continued strong play these Gonsolin rookie autos have room for huge appreciation considering his prospect pedigree and potential ace caliber ability.
In the AL, Houston Astros superstar shortstop Jeremy Pena had a storybook rookie year that culminated in a World Series win and MVP. The enthusiasm from collectors has transferred over to Pena’s rookie cards, including affordable options like his 2021 Bowman Chrome Auto /299 around $150-250 presently. For the true crown jewel, you’ll need to track down one of his elusive 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects Orange Refractor Auto /50, with PSA 10 examples already reaching $6,000-8,000 on the market. With continued success, these low-printed Pena oranges stand to gain even more as one of the top rookie cards from 2022.
Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers didn’t get a long look in the majors in 2022 but had a dominant showing in the minors that has card collectors taking note. While still withAtlanta as a 2019 draft pick, Langeliers star shone with his 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto and Orange Refractor Auto /50 parallels. The autos hold steady values of $400-600 for the base, with the orange refractors reaching $2,000+ in high grades. Scouts love Langeliers’ blend of power and defense behind the plate, making him one to watch that could boost these 2019 rookie cards even higher with an Oakland breakout.
Moving to iconic veterans, a special 75th Anniversary logo variant of the famously rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle PSA 8 passed the $2 million mark, further cementing it alongside the legendary 1933 Goudey Honus Wagner as the pinnacle cards in the industry. In more modern veterans, a BGS-graded 1998 SPx Derek Jeter rookie auto /99 sold for a record $403,000, showing the enduring power of vintage star rookies from the 90s set in high grades.
While far lesser known than the industry landmarks above, breakout rookie efforts in 2022 also created new exciting modern day cards poised for growth. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez asserted himself as the new face of the franchise and a budding superstar with a stellar season that places his 2021 Bowman Chrome Auto and Green Shimmer Auto /150 among the most desired recent year cards on the market. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop and AL Rookie of the Year favorite Isaac Paredes saw similar excitement for his 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto and Orange Refractor Auto /50 after an impressive debut stateside performance following his debut south of the border.
In what was an epic year for the hobby, 2022 certainly established several new benchmarks that collectors chased. From prospects like Tatis and Soto to rookie standouts led by Pena and Rodriguez, this season created valuable new cards that stand to gain even greater interest down the road. With another exciting playoff cycle in the books and more young stars sure to emerge, 2023 is already highly anticipated in the never-ending quest by collectors to discover and acquire the cards that may someday rank among the most prized in the rich history of our national pastime.
