The 2022 MLB season saw an exciting new crop of rookie talent make their debuts. As always, Topps captured these rising stars with cards in their various baseball card products throughout the year. With the season now over, here’s a look at some of the top rookie cards from 2022 Topps releases that collectors should be on the lookout for.
Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles – Topps Chrome Purple Refractor Auto /99 – Considered the top prospect in baseball prior to his call up in May, Rutschman had a strong rookie campaign and looks to be the future star catcher for the Orioles. His Topps Chrome Purple Auto, limited to just 99 copies, is one of the most coveted rookie cards on the market right now. Expect this card to gain value as Rutschman’s career progresses.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto – The number two overall pick from 2019 lived up to the hype with a solid rookie season in KC. Witt flashed five-tool potential and will be a cornerstone for the Royals going forward. His Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto features one of the most photogenic designs in the set and is attracting lots of attention from collectors.
Spencer Strider – Atlanta Braves – Topps Fire Red Auto /199 – Strider emerged as one of the top rookie pitchers in 2022, showcasing an electrifying fastball. His Topps Fire Red Auto is a true chase card limited to just 199 copies. With Strider poised to play a big role on a perennial contender, this card could appreciate significantly with a few more great seasons.
Julio Rodríguez – Seattle Mariners – Topps Chrome Refractor Auto – “J-Rod” took the baseball world by storm, winning the AL Rookie of the Year award with a spectacular all-around season. His Topps Chrome Refractor Auto is arguably the top rookie card on the market right now. With his five-tool skill set and marketability, Rodríguez has superstar potential that will drive this card upward.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto /150 – At 6-foot-7 with electrifying power, Cruz was one of the most exciting rookie call-ups of the season. His Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto, limited to just 150 copies, stands out with its flashy color. As Cruz develops into a cornerstone for the Pirates, this card will gain traction.
Jack Leiter – Texas Rangers – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto – The second overall pick from 2021 made his MLB debut late in the season. Leiter brings ace potential to the Rangers with a mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider. His Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto is a sharp looking card that will appreciate significantly if Leiter lives up to his lofty prospect status.
Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs – Topps Chrome Refractor Auto – Signed out of Japan in the offseason, Suzuki had a solid first MLB campaign and looks to be a core piece for the Cubs moving forward. His Topps Chrome Refractor Auto features a crisp photo and design that will hold value long term as Suzuki’s career progresses.
Steven Kwan – Cleveland Guardians – Topps Chrome Refractor Auto – Kwan turned heads with an impressive rookie season, showcasing elite bat-to-ball skills. His Topps Chrome Refractor Auto highlights one of the feel-good rookie stories of 2022. As Kwan establishes himself as a mainstay in Cleveland’s lineup, this card will gain traction.
George Kirby – Seattle Mariners – Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto /150 – Acquired in the trade that sent Edwin Diaz to the Mets, Kirby had a strong MLB debut late in the year. His Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto, limited to 150 copies, stands out with its flashy color. Kirby has the potential to be a frontline starter, making this a card to watch.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – Topps Finest Auto Rainbow Foil /25 – Cruz’s top rookie card is undoubtedly his ultra-short printed Topps Finest Auto Rainbow Foil, of which there are only 25 copies in existence. This exclusive 1/1 style card captures the excitement around Cruz’s enormous upside. It’s already one of the most valuable rookie cards on the market.
In summary, Topps captured another exciting rookie class with their 2022 baseball card releases. Cards like Adley Rutschman, Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. are already gaining traction as those players cement themselves as future stars. Keep an eye on short prints and higher-end parallels of players like Jack Leiter, Oneil Cruz and Spencer Strider as well. This rookie class looks poised to produce many memorable careers, making their Topps rookie cards worth following in the years ahead.
