The 2022 Panini Mosaic baseball card set was released in October 2022 and features stars from across Major League Baseball. While the set does not carry the same cache as the flagship Topps flagship products, some key cards from within the 2022 Mosaic set have already started to gain value due to the players and parallels included. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2022 Panini Mosaic baseball cards that collectors believe will continue to rise in worth.
One of the biggest rookie cards in the 2022 Mosaic set is Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered perhaps the top prospect in all of baseball entering 2022, Rodriguez did not disappoint in his inaugural MLB season. Despite some injuries, Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.477 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases in just 122 games. This helped him finish third in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rodriguez’s standard base card from 2022 Mosaic currently values around $15-20, however some of his parallel and autographed versions have already started appreciating substantially. The Silver /199 parallel and Gold /50 parallel both tend to sell in the $75-100 range currently. Rodriguez’s autographed card averages around $250-300 based on recent eBay sales. As Rodriguez continues developing into a true five-tool superstar, these Mosaic cards are likely just the beginning of cards that will gain big in value long term.
Another top rookie with high value Mosaic cards is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. Having won ALCS and World Series MVP awards while helping lead the Astros to a championship in just his first year, Pena immediately inserted himself into the elite shortstop conversation. While his base Mosaic card also runs around $15-20, some key parallels have followed Rodriguez’s cards in beginning to gain value as well. The Jeremy Pena Silver parallel and Gold parallel each sell in the $75-100 range currently according to recent sales. His autographed card averages around $200. As Pena looks to build off his incredible rookie campaign and further cement himself, his 2022 Mosaic rookie cards stand to continue appreciating especially if he can duplicate or surpass his early success.
While rookie cards tend to carry the most hype and potential for growth, superstar veterans like Mike Trout can still produce very valuable Mosaic cards as well. The face of the Los Angeles Angels franchise, Trout is a perennial MVP candidate who is still in his prime at just 30 years old. Despite some injury issues the last two seasons, Trout remains one of the most coveted athletes in the sports card world. His base 2022 Mosaic card sells in the $40-50 range currently. Several parallel and auto variations have begun emerging as clear standouts. Trout’s Silver parallel /199 and Gold parallel /50 have averaged $250-300 in recent sales. But perhaps the true blue chip is his 1/1 Printing Plate auto, which recently sold for over $2,000 on eBay. As Trout looks to bounce back and play close to a full season in 2023, these limited Mosaic cards profile as strong long term holds.
While rookies and superstars typically drive the hype, breakout veterans can also produce surprising valuable Mosaic cards. One such player is Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Having a phenomenal rookie campaign with 19 home runs and stolen base speed while playing elite defense, Harris II established himself as a future star. His base Mosaic card hovers around $30 currently. But limited parallels have already started to boom in value. The Michael Harris II Silver parallel averages $150-200 in sales. Perhaps most impressive is his Gold parallel, which recently sold for over $500 on eBay. As Harris II continues developing and the Braves remain contenders, cards from his breakout rookie year profile well long term.
In addition to young stars, Mosaic often yields surprise valuable cards for veteran All-Stars as well. A case in point is St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Enjoying perhaps his finest season ever at age 35, Goldschmidt led the NL in slugging and OPS while smashing 35 home runs and 115 RBI. As a result, he captured his first career NL MVP award in 2022. While his base Mosaic card is under $20, Goldschmidt parallels and autos have taken off. The Goldschmidt Silver and Gold parallels each sell in the $75-100 range currently. Even more impressive, his auto fetched nearly $400 in a recent auction. For a veteran card to gain that type of premium value reflects how special Goldschmidt’s 2022 season truly was. His Mosaic cards may hold significant long term value in recalling that fantastic MVP campaign.
While the 2022 Panini Mosaic set does not have the same initial mainstream collector enthusiasm as Topps Flagship, savvy investors are recognizing breakout rookies, continuing superstars, and surprise veterans from the set are producing cards already demonstrating budding value. Players like Julio Rodriguez, Jeremy Pena, Mike Trout, Michael Harris II, and Paul Goldschmidt have seen spotlight parallel and auto versions from their 2022 Mosaic rookies cards appreciate substantially in a short time. As these athletes continue building careers that elevate to perennial All-Star or superstar status, their early limited cards from defining seasons profile well long term. The 2022 Panini Mosaic release seems certain to yield multiple seven-figure value cards down the road. Securing top rookies, stars and breakouts in parallel and auto form bodes well as a long term portfolio investment for collectors.