Aaron Judge had an historic 2022 season with the New York Yankees that is already the stuff of baseball legend. The towering right fielder smashed an American League record 62 home runs, besting Roger Maris’ longstanding mark of 61 set in 1961. Naturally, collectors have taken keen interest in Judge’s 2022 baseball cards, which are sure to become highly valuable keepsakes of one of the great individual seasons in MLB history.
Topps had the MLB trading card license in 2022 and produced various Aaron Judge cards across their base sets, inserts, parallels and high-end products. One of Judge’s most iconic rookie cards comes from his 2017 Topps Series 1 debut. While prices on that card rose due to his breakout season, collectors are now fixated on commemorating his record-setting 2022 campaign. Several Judge cards from 2022 Topps Series 1, Series 2, Chrome, Chrome Update and Allen & Ginter sets have already gained value. Parallel and autographed versions of these are highly sought after by investors.
Panini also had rights to produce MLB cards in 2022 through their Donruss, Contenders and Prizm brands. Judge received plenty of showcase in those sets as well. His Prizm Silver Prizms and Contenders Autographs in particular hold great appeal. Like Topps, Panini parallels on color swatches or with on-card autographs multiply the rarity and price. Many Judge rookies from 2017 Donruss are also back in the spotlight. Both Topps and Panini inserts honoring his 62 home run total, such as Topps Now Moments cards, will be hugely important memorabilia in the decades to come.
Upper Deck had limited MLB involvement but still managed to spotlight Judge’s historic season through their MLB Showdown High Tek brand. The Judge cards feature 3D lenticular technology that adds to their intrigue as collectibles. Additionally, Blowout Cards produced higher-end licensed products centered around Judge’s record-setting accomplishments, such as 1/1 game-used memorabilia cards. These one-of-a-kind pieces will undoubtedly become the most valuable Aaron Judge cards long-term.
Beyond the main sports card companies, several specialty manufacturers crafted their own tribute cards as well. These include companies like Leaf, In The Game, Topps Archives Snapshots and Topps Heritage High Number. While not official MLB licensed product, they still hold significance to completionists. Authenticated memorabilia cards from brands like Steiner Sports featuring game-used bats, jerseys or other equipment will be highly sought after by diehard Yankees/Judge collectors too.
As one would expect, the prices for Aaron Judge’s 2022 cards have already skyrocketed since the season ended. His Topps Series 1 and Series 2 base rookies are selling in the $50-100 range graded, whereas ungraded copies go for $20-50. Parallels and short prints fetch much more, with Topps Chrome Prism Refractors at $300-500. Autograph cards range from $500-5000 depending on rarity and case hits commanding five figures or greater. Prices are expected to steadily rise further as Judge’s 2022 accomplishments are cemented in baseball history books.
For collectors looking to invest, the best long-term Aaron Judge cards will be those that most prominently feature his record-setting season through statistical artwork, memorable photos or on-card autographs. Topps Chrome Update, Blowout Game Used 1/1s and Topps Finest Refractors are all strong contenders to gain the most value over decades. Even common base rookies will hold significance since they are the most accessible way to commemorate such an unforgettable year. With continued Hall of Fame caliber play, Aaron Judge’s 2022 Topps cards have a bright future ahead as some of the most iconic modern baseball collectibles.
In summary, Aaron Judge’s record-shattering 62 home run 2022 campaign for the New York Yankees has turned his baseball cards from that season into highly valuable investments. While prices have already risen dramatically, longer-term his top rookies, parallels, autographs and one-of-one memorabilia cards are poised to become truly invaluable pieces of sports history. Collectors both young and old will be chasing these cards for decades to celebrate one of the single greatest individual seasons the baseball has ever seen. Judge’s 2022 Topps cards have essentially become modern-day versions of the iconic rookie cards of Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle and other all-time greats.
