The release of 2022 Topps Series 1 baseball cards brought with it many highly sought after rookie cards and star players. As with any new Topps release, collectors were eagerly hunting these packs hoping to find gems that could gain significant value over time. Several months after the initial release, here are some of the most valuable baseball cards from 2022 Topps Series 1 based on current auction prices:
Riley Greene #76 – As one of the prized prospects in baseball, Riley Greene’s rookie card was highly anticipated. The Detroit Tigers outfielder is considered a potential future star and his autographed rookie now consistently sells for $250-$300. For the standard base rookie card, PSA 10 gem mint versions have sold for around $80-100, showing strong early demand. Greene’s talent and hype make this a card to watch for potential future appreciation.
Adley Rutschman #234 – Similar to Greene, Adley Rutschman was seen as one of the elite prospects heading into the 2022 season. After a strong debut for the Baltimore Orioles, hisautographed rookie card now sells for $150-$200. The standard base rookie in a PSA 10 currently fetches between $60-80. As the potential future star catcher and face of the Orioles franchise, Rutschman cards should remain highly collectible in the years ahead.
Bobby Witt Jr. #180 – Despite playing in Kansas City, Bobby Witt Jr. captured the attention of fans and analysts with an impressive MLB debut for the Royals. His autographed rookie card has sold for over $300 recently. In top PSA 10 condition, his standard base rookie has reached the $100 range, among the most valuable from the Series 1 release. Witt could develop into a annual All-Star and perennial MVP candidate, making his rookie card an intriguing long term hold.
Julio Rodriguez #134 – While not quite as established as some rookies this year, Julio Rodriguez brought excitement as he helped lead the Seattle Mariners back to the playoffs. His autographed rookie has also surpassed $300. PSA 10 examples of his base rookie have reached $80+ already, showing belief in his budding superstar potential. Rodriguez looks poised to be one of the faces of baseball for years to come.
Oneil Cruz #180 – Sporting perhaps the most awe-inspiring physical tools in the game, Oneil Cruz broke out for the Pittsburgh Pirates down the stretch. His autographed rookie has sold for $150+. The standard PSA 10 base rookie has hit the $60 range, with upside if Cruz becomes an annual highlight reel infielder. Questions remain over his plate skills but the raw ability makes him one to watch.
Jack Leiter #196 – As the No. 2 overall pick in 2021, expectations were sky high for Rangers pitching prospect Jack Leiter. His autographed rookie has reached $125+, with the PSA 10 base rookie settling in the $50 area currently. Leiter dominated in his first Double-A stint and appears on the cusp of the majors. If he lives up to the hype as a frontline starter, his rookie card value should climb significantly.
Spencer Strider #394 – Although not a rookie, Spencer Strider emerged as one of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2022 for the Atlanta Braves. His dominance as both a starter and reliever has driven value of his rookie card upwards. Autographed versions now sell for $150+, while the standard PSA 10 has climbed to around $80. If Strider solidifies himself as a budding ace, he may have one of the best non-rookie riser cards from the set.
Francisco Alvarez #210 – Considered the top catching prospect in baseball, Francisco Alvarez made his highly anticipated Mets debut late in 2022. Even after just a handful of games, his rookie card market is active. The autographed card now fetches $150+, while the PSA 10 base sells for $70-90 based on upside potential alone. Should Alvarez take over as the Mets everyday catcher soon, this could eventually become their most valuable card from the release.
Other notable short prints and parallels have also emerged as valuable pieces from 2022 Topps Series 1. Low numbered autographs and refractors of the top rookies consistently sell well on the secondary market. With many of these players in the early stages of what could be exciting careers, there is potential for their rookie cards to appreciate significantly if they meet lofty expectations on the field. The diversity of star talent and prospects makes 2022 Topps Series 1 one of the most intriguing baseball card releases in recent memory from an investment perspective.
The 2022 Topps Series 1 release featured several star rookies and breakout players who are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Cards like Greene, Rutschman, Witt Jr., Rodriguez and others offer the upside of capturing a potential superstar’s earliest cardboard. Strong early performers like Strider and established prospects such as Leiter and Alvarez also provide value. For savvy long term collectors, Series 1 presents opportunities to acquire cards from what could be the next generation of franchise cornerstones before they become truly expensive. Whether holding short term or for years to come, this year’s Series 1 release established an exciting foundation for the future of the baseball card market.
