The 2022 baseball season saw the return of fans filling stadiums after two years impacted by the pandemic. On the collectibles front, Topps released another iconic baseball card set that has become must-haves for players and fans alike. Let’s take a look at some of the best rookie cards, parallels, and inserts from Topps 2022 baseball to help you build an impressive modern collection.
Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card – Bobby Witt Jr. had a phenomenal rookie season with the Kansas City Royals, hitting 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases while playing stellar defense at third base. His base rookie card from Topps is one of the hottest on the market, with PSA 10 gems selling for well over $1000. Witt looks poised for stardom and this will be one of the defining rookie cards of the decade.
Julio Rodriguez Base Rookie Card – Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign and was named an All-Star. He showcased elite power and speed while playing excellent defense. His Topps base rookie is another must-have for any collection, with PSA 10s trading hands for $800-1000 consistently. Rodriguez has superstar potential and this card will be a blue chip for years to come.
Spencer Strider Rainbow Foil Parallel – Braves pitcher Spencer Strider had a phenomenal rookie season out of the bullpen with an 11-5 record and 2.67 ERA. The Rainbow Foil parallel of his base rookie card from Topps Update Series is a true gem, with its iridescent foil adding tremendous visual appeal. Only available in hobby packs, PSA 10 examples have sold for upwards of $1500.
Adley Rutschman Refractor Rookie Card – Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman was the #1 prospect in baseball and didn’t disappoint in his MLB debut. His refractor rookie from Topps is a fan favorite for its vivid refractors. PSA 10s have sold in the $500 range and with Adley’s all-around talent, this card remains a strong long term hold.
Oneil Cruz Gold Label Parallel – Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz had an electrifying September call up with extra-base hits in almost half his at-bats. The 1/1 Gold Label parallel of his Topps base rookie is about as rare and coveted as it gets. Graded examples would shatter records for a modern parallel.
Riley Greene Rainbow Foil Rookie Patch Card /99 – Tigers outfielder Riley Greene showed flashes as a rookie and remains one of the game’s top prospects. The Rainbow Foil Rookie Patch parallel from Topps Update Series inserts is a true spectacle, with its iridescent foil and on-card swatch. Numbered to just 99 copies, PSA 10s have sold for over $1000.
Jasson Dominguez Refractor Auto /499 – As one of the highest touted international prospects ever, Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez remains a mystery waiting to be unlocked in the minors. His refractor autograph from Topps Opening Day is a true blue chip, with its vivid refractors and on-card signature. Numbered to just 499 copies, PSA 10s have traded for $1500-2000.
Aaron Judge Rainbow Foil /70 – Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had another dominant season in 2022, smashing an AL record 62 home runs. The Rainbow Foil parallel of his base card from Topps Update Series is a true spectacle, with its iridescent shine. Limited to just 70 copies, a PSA 10 would be the crown jewel of any modern collection.
Sandy Alcantara Gold Label Auto /10 – Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara had a Cy Young caliber season, leading the NL in innings and wins. His Gold Label autograph from Topps Opening Day is about as exclusive as it gets, with the coveted gold label design and on-card auto. Numbered to a tiny edition of just 10 copies, a PSA 10 would command a huge price.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Rainbow Foil Patch Auto /5 – Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. returned from injury to remind everyone of his 5-tool talents. The Rainbow Foil Patch Auto parallel of his Topps card is the holy grail for Acuña PC collectors, featuring an iridescent foil with bold on-card swatch and auto. Numbered to an ultra-low edition of just 5 copies, this is truly a 1-of-1 style card.
Shohei Ohtani Rainbow Foil Auto /10 – Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani followed up his 2021 MVP campaign with another dominant season at the plate and on the mound. His Rainbow Foil Auto parallel from Topps Update Series is a true spectacle, with its iridescent shine complementing his on-card auto. Limited to just 10 copies, a PSA 10 would command an astronomical price.
In summary, Topps 2022 provided collectors with a wide array of exciting rookies, parallels and inserts featuring the game’s biggest stars. Cards like Witt Jr., Rodriguez, and Greene rookies as well as parallels of Judge, Acuña and Ohtani set the hobby abuzz. With the continued growth of the sport and rising player values, cards from this set profile to appreciate significantly with time. Building a collection centered around the best 2022 Topps cards establishes a true blue chip portfolio primed for long term gains.
