The 2022 Topps Series 1 baseball card set was released on February 16th, 2022 and contains a variety of rookies, stars, and veterans from both the American and National Leagues. As one of the flagship baseball card releases each year from Topps, Series 1 is always highly anticipated by collectors. This year’s set contains several chase cards that have already started to generate a lot of buzz in the hobby. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best and most valuable 2022 Topps Series 1 cards to collect based on rookie status, autographs, parallels and more.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Considered by many to be the top prospect in baseball heading into 2022, Witt Jr. has a chance to be a true star for the Kansas City Royals. His base Topps Series 1 rookie card is hotly sought after and should be a long-term hold. Look for 1st edition parallels and autographs to carry premium value.
Julio Rodriguez – As the Mariners’ top prospect, Rodriguez has five-tool talent and could make an immediate impact in Seattle this season. His Topps Series 1 rookie is another must-have for collectors. Higher end parallels and autographs will be big money cards.
Spencer Torkelson – The #1 overall pick in 2020, Torkelson is expected to start at 1B for the Detroit Tigers in 2022. His rookie card is a strong long-term investment, with the prized 1st edition and autograph versions being especially valuable.
C.J. Abrams – Acquired by the Padres in the Tatis trade, Abrams is a potential star shortstop. As one of the top prospects in the game, his Topps Series 1 rookie is a solid addition for any collection.
Riley Greene – Greene was called up late last season by the Tigers and could play a big role in 2022. He has a beautiful swing and his rookie card is poised to rise in value if he breaks out.
Adley Rutschman – Considered the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman is likely to make his MLB debut with the Orioles in 2022. His Topps Series 1 rookie card is already in high demand.
Francisco Álvarez – As the Mets’ top catching prospect, Álvarez could see MLB time in 2022 and has star potential. His rookie card is an intriguing long-term prospecting option.
Oneil Cruz – With his incredible size and power potential, Cruz has turned heads in the Pirates system. At just 23, his rookie card is an exciting flier pick.
Bryce Harper – As one of the biggest stars in the game, Harper’s base Topps Series 1 card is always in high demand. Look for short printed parallels and autographs to carry huge premiums.
Sandy Alcantara – After a breakout 2021 season for the Marlins, Alcantara is poised for stardom. His base Topps Series 1 card value should rise steadily.
Aaron Judge – As the face of the Yankees franchise, Judge’s cards are always hot commodities. His base Topps Series 1 sells well above typical veteran cards.
Ronald Acuña Jr. – Returning from injury in 2022, Acuña is one of the most exciting players in MLB. His Topps Series 1 cards hold strong long-term value.
Juan Soto – Still just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as a true superstar. Any Soto cards, especially short prints, carry immense value.
Fernando Tatis Jr. – Despite off-field issues, Tatis is one of the most dynamic players in the game when on the field. His Topps Series 1 cards remain in high demand.
Luis Robert – After a breakout rookie campaign in 2020, Robert battled injuries in 2021 but has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star for the White Sox.
Wander Franco – Franco had a phenomenal rookie season and is already being hailed as the next big thing in baseball. All of his Topps Series 1 cards are must-owns.
Trevor Story – Now with the Red Sox, Story will look to rebound from an injury-plagued 2021. His Topps Series 1 cards hold strong value.
Shane McClanahan – The AL Cy Young favorite had a stellar rookie season for the Rays in 2021. Look for his Topps Series 1 rookie card to rise rapidly.
Jasson Dominguez – Still just 19, Dominguez is one of the most hyped international prospects ever. His Topps Series 1 rookie card is a huge longshot, but could pay off immensely down the road if he reaches his potential.
In addition to these standouts, keep an eye out for short printed parallels and autographs of the above rookies and stars. Numbered parallels like Gold /50, Red /10 and especially the elusive 1/1 cards hold immense value. Topps Series 1 is also known for hit variations like photo variations, ink variations, and more that can be quite valuable when found. The 2022 Topps Series 1 set offers a great mix of established stars, top prospects and hidden gems to collect. With its classic design and wide array of chase cards, it’s sure to remain one of the premier baseball card releases each year.
