Baseball card collecting is a beloved hobby for many, and 2022 offers collectors opportunities to add some truly special cards to their collections. With another season underway, here are some of the top baseball cards collectors should target in the new year across various players, sets and price ranges.
Perhaps the biggest card on everyone’s wish list is the coveted 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle in pristine condition. Widely considered the holy grail of baseball cards, high grade PSA 10 examples of Mantle’s iconic rookie card have sold for over $5 million. While most collectors can only dream of owning such an elite piece of sports memorabilia, the card’s mystique and Mantle’s legendary status ensure it remains hugely desirable.
For collectors working with more modest budgets, there are plenty of affordable options from the modern era to build around. One such card is rookie star Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s 2019 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel. As Guerrero continues cementing himself as a true superstar for the Blue Jays, his cards have seen a major uptick in demand and value. Yellow refractors number less than 10 copies, so they offer significant scarcity alongside Guerrero’s rising star power.
Staying in Toronto, Bo Bichette’s 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel also presents an attainable modern gem. As a short print parallel numbered to just 10 copies, the card captures Bichette as he broke out in his first full MLB season. He’s developed into an all-star caliber player, and his rookies have plenty of room for growth as his career progresses. At around $1,000 in top-grade, it’s an affordable investment that could yield strong returns.
Juan Soto may be the game’s brightest young star not named Shohei Ohtani. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Green Refractor rookie has taken off in a big way, as the Nationals’ outfielder has established himself as a true generational talent. Priced around $3,000-$5,000 for a PSA 10, it’s a card that could end up being looked at as quite a bargain in the years ahead as Soto continues shattering records.
For collectors seeking a true vintage gem, Mickey Mantle’s 1952 Topps is out of reach for most budgets. His 1956 Topps rookie in high grade still offers a coveted piece of cardboard history at a fraction of the ’52’s cost. Graded examples in the $10,000-$15,000 range present a rare and iconic rookie that any collection would be lucky to own.
Shifting gears to the modern era, collectors would be wise to target Ronald Acuña Jr.’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor rookie. Numbered to just 5 copies, it captures Acuña as one of baseball’s brightest young stars and has already proven to be an astute long-term investment. While pricier north of $20,000, upside could be massive given Acuña’s all-world talent and age (just 24 years old).
Mike Trout may go down as the greatest player of all time when all is said and done. His 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Superfractor rookie, numbered to just 5 in the world, is the undisputed holy grail of Trout cards. One recently changed hands for a staggering $3.9 million, but collectors seeking a more affordable piece of Trout history could look to his 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Refractor rookie. Consistently trading in the $5,000 range for PSA 10s, it’s a true trophy card that seems poised only to gain in value as Trout continues etching his name among the all-time greats.
For collectors pursuing vintage cardboard, a high grade example of Mickey Mantle’s 1951 Bowman PSA 8 offers a beautiful and historically significant piece. Mantle’s rookie season may be out of reach price wise for most, but his sophomore Bowman presents attainable vintage Mantle history. Consistently trading in the $15,000 range, it’s a true “affordable” vintage icon.
Switching eras, collectors would be remiss not to target Wander Franco’s 2020 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor rookie. Numbered to an ultra-short print run of just 5 copies, it captures the Rays’ uber-hyped prospect as one of the game’s most exciting up-and-comers. Franco has lived up to the hype thus far, and his cards have followed suit – with PSA 10 examples recently changing hands north of $50,000. At just 21 years old, his future is extraordinarily bright.
For a true modern masterpiece, collectors would be wise to pursue Shohei Ohtani’s 2018 Bowman Chrome Sapphire Refractor rookie. The Japanese two-way star’s sole sapphire refractor captures him as one of the game’s true unicorns. Numbered to an unprecedented one-of-one, it’s the crown jewel of Ohtani’s already skyrocketing rookie class. With no true comp sales yet given its singular printing, its value is anyone’s guess – but it’s guaranteed to be one of the most coveted and valuable modern cards ever made when Ohtani hangs up his cleats.
In summary, 2022 offers collectors of all budgets opportunities to target cards from rookies like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Wander Franco to living legends like Mike Trout and icons from baseball’s golden era like Mickey Mantle. For collectors pursuing the right modern pieces to target, rookies like Acuña, Soto and Ohtani seem like sure bets to exponentially rise in value as their careers progress. With another baseball season underway, the hobby remains as strong as ever – making 2022 a great time to grow any collection.
