The 2022 Topps baseball card release is one of the most anticipated in recent memory. With record-setting prices still being paid for iconic rookie cards from years past, collectors are eagerly awaiting what rookie phenoms and star veterans might emerge in the new season. Topps’ flagship baseball release as always provides a full representation of the current MLB landscape as well as a look back at history. Here are some of the top 2022 Topps cards collectors will be seeking:
Riley Greene Detroit Tigers Rookie Card: The #2 overall prospect finally made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately impressed with his advanced approach and above-average power toolset. Greene’s prospect card value had already begun to climb before his call-up and his rookie Topps cards are sure to be some of the most sought-after from the set as Tigers’ fans hope he can be a franchise cornerstone. Graded 10 versions of his base card could feasibly command four-figure prices by year’s end.
Bobby Witt Jr Kansas City Royals Rookie Card: Similar to Greene, Witt was arguably the most MLB-ready of all the 2021 draft prospects and showed why immediately by making the Royals’ roster out of spring training. His rare combination of five-tools and pedigree as the #2 pick in the draft had already generated widespread buzz around his cards. His Topps rookie offerings, especially any parallels or numbered cards, will be must-owns for modern collectors.
Julio Rodriguez Seattle Mariners Rookie Card: Rodriguez didn’t quite get the Opening Day call-up that Witt and Greene did but seemed destined to join them soon in the majors with his elite tools and production. His hype had collectors scrambling for any of his 2021 Bowman products they could find. Topps rookies will not only satisfy mainstream collectors but also fuel the frenzy around this likely future superstar.
Adley Rutschman Baltimore Orioles Rookie Card: After years of having one of the best farm systems in baseball but poor major league results, the Orioles look poised to turn a corner with Rutschman leading the way. The switch-hitting catcher was the consensus #1 pick in 2019 and lived up to it by launching his MLB career in 2022. His is one of the highest-profile rookie debuts in years and a true anchor card for any Orioles PC.
Nootbaar/Gorman/liberatore Cardinals Rookies: While not quite the household names that some top prospects have become, this trio helped fuel excitement around a Cardinals farm system that’s been regaining its reputation in recent years. Dylan Carlson established himself as the new star but these under-the-radar talents broke out in 2022. With their MLB debuts, Topps rookies take on added significance as likely PC staples for Cards collectors.
Aaron Judge Home Run Chase: After hitting an AL-record 62 home runs in his walk year with the Yankees, Judge established himself as one of the faces of the league. Collector interest was already surging around his 2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks auto, but his 2022 Topps cards could reach new heights if he’s able to back up his huge season. Short prints and parallels have potential to explode in value.
Shohei Ohtani Superfractor: As the first true two-way player of the modern era, Ohtani continues to capture people’s imagination with his historic feats on the mound and in the batter’s box. His 2018 Topps Update superfractor, a 1/1 printing plate autograph, set a record at auction. New short print Ohtani cards in 2022 could fuel more frenzied bidding from collectors fascinated by his unique talents.
Mike Trout Retro Variations: After another dominant season cemented him as the best player of his generation, interest has only grown in Trout’s earliest Topps cards from his rookie year onward. Retro variations in 2022 featuring Trout would immensely boost the already high collector demand for anything related to his early career and LA Angels tenure.
Ken Griffey Jr. Throwback: Topps often pays tribute to legends of the game, and recently debuted a style mimicking 1988 Topps. A retro parallel of “The Kid” in this style would be a universally beloved parallel and an instant blockbuster among Griffey collectors from the late 80s/90s heyday and today.
That covers some of the biggest rookie cards and star veterans to watch for as the 2022 Topps series gets released. As always, standout short prints, parallels and autographs of the game’s current stars and future hall of famers are sure to emerge as highly sought investments. Combined with compelling rookie classes and popular call-ups, 2022 Topps has all the ingredients to be one of the most significant baseball releases in collecting history.
