The 2022 MLB rookie class featured many highly touted prospects who made their debuts and started their careers off strongly. As a result, their rookie cards have already gained significant value on the collecting market. While it’s still early and careers can change dramatically, here are some of the most valuable 2022 baseball rookie cards based on the hype around the players and current sale prices:
Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles: As the top prospect in baseball for several years who debuted in 2022, Rutschman’s rookie cards were some of the most sought after. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 pulled straight from a retail blaster box recently sold for over $1100. Low-numbered parallels like Gold /10 and Orange /50 have sold for anywhere from $3000-$6000. Even his common retail rookies sell for $50-100 now. Rutschman looks like a future star and anchor for the Orioles, keeping fan and collector interest high in his cards.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals: The number two overall pick in the 2019 draft who reached the majors in 2022, Witt immediately made an impact with impressive power and speed. His Topps ChromeYellow Refractor /299s have sold for around $800-900 already. Low numbered refractors in Pink /50 and Gold /10 have gone for $2000-$4000. Given his all-around skills and star potential as the future face of the Royals, Witt’s cards hold massive long term value potential.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers: As the number one pick in 2020 out of Arizona State who debuted in 2022, Torkelson carries great hype. He struggled early but started to find his zone towards the end of the season. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299s sell for around $500 currently. Low serial numbered refractors like Orange /50 and Pink /25 have sold for $1200-$2000 already based on his pedigree and expectation to be a 20+ home run hitter for Detroit.
Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners: Rodriguez electrified baseball with his explosive play after debuting mid-season in 2022. He’s now considered a potential future superstar. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells in the $500 range. Higher end refractors like Pink /50 and Orange /50 have realized prices of $1200-$2500 due to all the buzz around his outstanding all-around talent. Rodriguez is poised to be the new face of the Mariners and his cards are skyrocketing.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6’7″, Cruz is a true freak athlete with a combination of size and skills never seen before. He showed electric raw power in his limited 2022 debut. His Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells for $350-400 now purely based on hype from his mammoth home runs and potential impact. Limited serial numbered refractors in Pink /50 and Gold /10 have sold upwards of $1000-1500 already despite not playing a full season yet. Cruz may be a superstar in the making and the sky is the limit for his cards if he delivers.
Nick Lodolo – Cincinnati Reds: The seventh overall pick in 2019 was especially impressive in his 2022 debut, flashing a plus fastball-changeup mix and clean mechanics. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells around $300 currently. Lower numbered refractors in Orange /50 and Pink /50 range from $500-1000 based on expectations he’ll be a frontline starter for Cincy. If Lodolo takes the next step as expected, his cards could really appreciate over the next few years.
Grae Kessinger – Chicago White Sox: Drafted in the first round in 2019, Kessinger exploded onto the scene with a huge 2022 debut showing a polished bat and impressive glove at shortstop. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor sells for $200-250 already despite limited playing time. Rarer parallels like Gold /10 and Orange /50 have realized over $500. Kessinger has earned top prospect status and more playing time in 2023 would further fuel the rise in his card values.
Mark Vientos – New York Mets: As one of the Mets’ top prospects who debuted in 2022, Vientos showcased big power potential. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /299 sells in the $150 range currently. Higher end refractors like Pink /50 and Gold /10 have closed for $300-500 given buzz he may develop into a middle of the order threat. Vientos has star attributes if he puts it all together long term, keeping collectors active on his cards.
Andrew Painter – Philadelphia Phillies: The 13th overall pick in 2021 who skipped over to reach the majors briefly in 2022, Painter has huge potential as a future ace. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor commands over $150 currently. Low numbered refractors like Gold /10 and Orange /50 have sold up to $500 based on his projection as a frontline starter. Painter has garnered comparisons to hall of famer Sandy Koufax, ratcheting up anticipation for his cards.
Garrett Mitchell – Milwaukee Brewers: Taken 20th overall in 2018, Mitchell made his big league debut in 2022 and showed well with his speed, defense, and developing power. His Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor sells around $100 currently. Finer refractors like Pink /50 and Gold /10 have closed for $150-300 as Mitchell looks like a core outfield piece for years. If Mitchell hits to his potential, his cards stand to gain substantially.
This rookie class features many stars and future stars who have already made an impact on the field and seen their cards gain significant value. While some volatility exists, cards from players like Rutschman, Witt, Rodriguez and others seem posed for especially high long term values assuming they fulfill their immense talents. This class may end up defining the next era of MLB superstars.
