The 2022 Donruss baseball card release has been highly anticipated by collectors and provides an exciting mix of rookie cards, star players, parallels, and inserts. Donruss is known for its classic design aesthetic and focus on on-field action photography. This year’s set delivers with some of the top rookies and prospects from the 2021-22 baseball season as well as longtime stars of the game.
One of the most sought-after rookie cards in the 2022 Donruss set is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. Baz made his MLB debut in 2021 and showed flashes of dominance, striking out 21 batters over 13.1 innings while maintaining a 2.03 ERA. He is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and his card is a must-have for any collector. Another highly valuable rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a breakout season in 2021 hitting .309 with six home runs in Double-A and was called up to the majors at the end of the year. He is expected to be an impact player in 2022 and his Donruss rookie card will likely gain value as he establishes himself.
Two other rookies that have already generated buzz in the early going of 2022 are Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Greene was called up to Detroit in June and has shown five-tool potential while batting .302 so far. Rutschman, the top overall pick in the 2019 draft, made his MLB debut in May and is living up to the hype as one of the best catching prospects of the last decade. Both Greene and Rutschman possess rare combinations of power, speed, defense, and patience that make their Donruss rookie cards can’t-miss prospects for collectors.
Beyond the rookie class, the 2022 Donruss set is stocked with stars of the present and future. Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani leads the way as the reigning American League MVP. Ohtani’s ability to dominate as both a pitcher and hitter makes him a must-own for any collection. Other elite position players include Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr., and Blue Jays third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. On the pitching side, collectors will want cards of Mets ace Max Scherzer, Dodgers star Clayton Kershaw, and Mariners rookie sensation George Kirby. These players are established superstars and likely to continue producing at an elite level for years to come.
In addition to base rookie and star player cards, Donruss also delivers exciting parallels and inserts to chase after. Some of the most sought-after parallels for 2022 include the Gold /50, Silver /199, and Refractor /499 versions of top rookies and stars. These parallel cards have sharply limited print runs that increase scarcity and value. Two highly popular insert sets are Donruss Origins and Donruss Franchise Feats. Origins highlight the early years and origins of star players, while Franchise Feats commemorate iconic single-game performances from baseball’s greatest players. Parallels and inserts add variety and excitement to the base set by focusing on specific accomplishments, milestones, and production levels of today’s top talents.
When it comes to design, Donruss continues delivering sharp, action-packed photography on a clean white card stock. Rather than layered graphics or effects, the set lets the photos do the talking. This photography-first approach is a throwback to the classic Donruss sets of the 80s and 90s that are so beloved by collectors today. The photos capture the intensity and drama of America’s Pastime in a way that makes each card an authentic slice of on-field history. From diving catches to towering home runs, every image tells a story that brings back memories for long-time fans and introduces new ones to the greats of the game.
The 2022 Donruss baseball release is stocked with can’t-miss rookies, superstars, and parallel/insert chase cards that make it an essential set for any collector. With its classic white-bordered design and sharp action photography, Donruss continues to deliver on its reputation for authenticity and nostalgia. Rookies like Baz, Rodriguez, Greene, and Rutschman represent the future of the game, while stars like Ohtani, Judge, Guerrero Jr. and more ensure this set will hold value for years to come. Whether starting a new collection or adding to an existing one, the 2022 Donruss release is a must-have that baseball card fans will enjoy for its on-field moments, prospect potential, and investment opportunities.