The 2022 Major League Baseball season saw a talented wave of rookie players make their debuts and many lived up to expectations by having strong seasons. As is always the case when rookies succeed, their rookie cards skyrocketed in popularity and value among collectors. Below is a look at some of the best rookie cards from the 2022 MLB rookie class that collectors targeted.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – The 21-year-old Rodriguez burst onto the scene by making the Mariners’ Opening Day roster and quickly established himself as one of the top rookies in baseball. Playing center field for Seattle, Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs, 75 RBI and 25 stolen bases. His performance landed him third place in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Among collectors his flagship rookie card is the 2021 Topps Archives Blue Refractor Parallel (#131) which holds significant value due to its low print run. PSA 10 Gem Mint copies of this card have sold for over $1,000. Other top Rodriguez rookies include his 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto Yellow Refractor (#BDA-JR) and 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto Green Refractor (#BDA-JR).
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – At just 21-years-old, Witt became the youngest player in the AL when he made the Royals’ roster out of Spring Training. He did not disappoint in his debut campaign, batting .254 with 20 home runs, 80 RBI and 30 stolen bases. Considered a future superstar, Witt’s rookie cards were hot commodities for collectors. His 2021 Topps Chrome Green Refractor Autograph (#150) holds the most value as PSA 10 copies have sold for over $2,000. Other notable Witt rookies include his 2021 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Auto (#21) and 2022 Topps Series 1 Gold Label Auto (#86).
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – After being selected first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft, Rutschman was among the most hyped prospects to debut in 2022. And although offensive numbers did not blow anyone away (.254 average, 5 HR for Baltimore), his defense behind the plate and elite play-calling abilities were evident from day one. For collectors, his low serial numbered rookie cards remain icons. The 2020 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Autograph (#76) and 2020 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Auto (#10) hold immense value in PSA 10, often selling for thousands of dollars each. Other top Rutschman rookies worth noting are his 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome Green Refractor Auto (#BDA-2) and 2022 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil Photo Variation Auto (#123).
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – Arriving in Atlanta as an unheralded prospect, Strider, 23, tapped into his immense potential by transforming into one of the best young starters in baseball. In 31 games started, he posted a 2.67 ERA with 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings pitched while helping the Braves reach the postseason. For collectors, his affordable standard rookie cards in 2022 Topps and Bowman became hot tickets to buy. As his popularity and production grew, so did the value of his rarer rookie parallels. His 2021 Bowman Sterling Silver Auto (#150) increased tremendously in value, with high-grade examples selling for over $1,000 each this winter. Other top Strider cards include 2021 Bowman Chrome 1st Auto Blue Refractor (#79) and 2022 Topps Fire Rainbow Foil Auto (#176).
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – With enormous raw power and standing an incredible 6-foot-7, Cruz completely dominated the minor leagues in 2022 before an August call-up to Pittsburgh. While he struggled initially upon joining the Pirates, hitting just .199 in 57 games, Cruz flashed the mammoth power that had teams drooling. He belted 5 home runs in limited action and collected 15 RBI, all the while tantalizing with his limitless potential. Among collectors, his 2020 Bowman Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto (#149) became extra coveted, with PSA 10 copies well north of $1,000. Other top Cruz rookies are his 2021 Bowman Chrome Green Refractor Auto (#B-20) and 2022 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil Auto (#39).
Nolan Gorman, St. Louis Cardinals – After a spring hot streak vaulted the 22-year-old third baseman to St. Louis out of camp, Gorman settled in to club 19 home runs and drive in 38 RBI over 70 games. His raw pop was undeniable and added another power threat to a potent Cardinals lineup. Gorman’s rarer parallel rookie cards from his prospect days gained traction among collectors betting on his future. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Green Refractor Auto (#30) and 2021 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Auto (#37) quickly vaulted north of $1,000 in top condition. Other quality Gorman rookies include his 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor Auto (#273) and 2022 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil Photo Variation Auto (#141).
The 2022 MLB rookie class featured several breakout talents whose performances translated to newfound popularity and demand for their early career cardboard. From affordable standard issue rookies to low serial numbered parallels, collectors rushed to acquire the top rookies while betting on continued success down the road. As these players further their careers, their rookie cards could prove to be among the smartest long-term collectibles from this season.
