The 2022 MLB season saw the emergence of numerous highly talented rookies who are poised to have bright futures in the league. Many of these rookies had impressive debut campaigns that have already made their rookie cards quite valuable for collectors. Let’s take a look at the top 10 baseball rookie cards from the 2022 season based on their current prices and the prospects of the players:
Bobby Witt Jr. Kansas City Royals – Bobby Witt Jr. had a solid debut season for the Royals in 2022 in which he slashed .250/.290/.435 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. The #2 overall pick from the 2019 draft showed tantalizing power and speed combo at just 21 years old. Witt’s prizm silver rookie card from 2022 Topps sells for around $70 currently despite the Royals missing the playoffs, showcasing the faith in his future stardom.
Spencer Strider Atlanta Braves – Spencer Strider emerged as a breakout star for the World Series champion Braves, posting a 2.67 ERA and 11.5 K/9 over 31 games, 21 of them starts. The flame-throwing righty reached triple digits consistently with his fastball. Strider’s Topps Chrome rookie card sells in the $80 range as collectors anticipate him having a prominent role in Atlanta’s rotation for years.
Steven Kwan Cleveland Guardians – Steven Kwan was arguably the biggest surprise of 2022, batting .298 with a .373 OBP in his rookie campaign and playing stellar defense for Cleveland. The third round pick in 2018 sparkled at the top of the order from day one. Kwan’s Topps Chrome rookie card sells for around $85 thanks to the potential of him becoming a .300 hitter and leadoff fixture for the Guardians for a long time.
Jeremy Peña Houston Astros – Jeremy Peña had monster shoes to fill in replacing Carlos Correa at shortstop for the Astros, but he rose to the challenge by batting .253 with 22 home runs and winning ALCS MVP. Peña is already one of the top defensive shortstops in baseball. His Topps Chrome rookie sells for $90-100 as Peña seems poised to become a star for Houston going forward.
Julio Rodríguez Seattle Mariners – Julio Rodríguez turned in an electric rookie campaign for Seattle in which he slashed .284/.345/.477 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. The speed and defense complement elite raw power for the 21-year-old, who finished third in AL ROY voting. Topps Chrome rookies of Rodríguez sell in the $110-120 range thanks to his huge upside and the enthusiasm around the up-and-coming Mariners.
Adley Rutschman Baltimore Orioles – After being selected #1 overall in 2019, Adley Rutschman finally reached the majors in 2022 and did not disappoint. The switch-hitting catcher/first baseman hit .254 with 13 home runs down the stretch and looks like a future cornerstone. Topps Chrome Rutschman rookies fetch $130-150 as the promising Orioles begin to take shape around him.
Oneil Cruz Pittsburgh Pirates – Pirates super prospect Oneil Cruz got his first extended look in 2022 and tantalized with his rare blend of 6’7″ size and elite speed/power tools. Cruz slashed .250/.316/.459 with 10 homers over just 58 games to kick off what should be stardom for years in Pittsburgh. His Topps Chrome rookie sells for around $150 with Cruz still just 23 years old.
Shane Baz Tampa Bay Rays – After two injury-plagued seasons, Shane Baz broke out in 2022, posting a 3.55 ERA over 13 games (11 starts). The flame-throwing righty with sharp spin rates has future ace potential for Tampa Bay. Baz rookies from 2022 Topps Chrome will set you back $175-200 based on his excellent pitches and injury concerns behind him.
Hunter Greene Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Greene may have had the best pure “stuff” of any 2022 rookie, averaging 99 mph with his fastball. The fiery righty posted a 4.66 ERA through 91 innings while still learning control at just 22 years old. Greene’s Topps Chrome rookie cards have skyrocketed past $250 as the long-term ace of Cincinnati.
Dylan Carroll Los Angeles Dodgers – Peaking at #6 overall on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, top Dodgers prospect Dylan Carroll shot through the minors in 2022, but did not receive a late-season callup. His first appearance could come in 2023, making his lone 2022 Topps Chrome rookie the most valuable at a whopping $350 due to the elite potential and Dodger connections. Carroll is a potential superstar if he pans out.
The depth of talent from the class of 2022 rookies has translated to enormous value increases for their rookie cards led by future studs like Greene, Carroll and Baz. Many of these rookies look to be cornerstones for their respective franchises for years to come. It will be fascinating to track the continued progression and values of these impressive debut campaigns on the field and in the collecting world.
