The 2022 baseball season saw rookies and veterans alike make their mark on the diamond. As the season comes to a close, collectors are already looking ahead to the top rookie cards and memorabilia cards that will be hot commodities in the trading card hobby for years to come. These “capstone” cards commemorate milestone achievements and milestones from this past season.
One of the most highly anticipated rookie cards of the year is Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop and 2020 No. 1 overall draft pick Jordan Lawlar. Lawlar had a breakout season, hitting .290 with 10 home runs and 29 RBI between Low-A Rancho Cucamonga and High-A Great Lakes. Lawlar showed off elite defense at shortstop and elite plate discipline for a teenager in pro ball. Lawlar’s Topps Chrome Update rookie card is already a hot item on the secondary market. As Lawlar continues developing in the Dodgers system, this card will be one collectors look to hold long term.
Another rookie who had card collectors buzzing is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.506 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI between Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma. He then got called up to the big leagues in June and showed he was major league ready, hitting .262 with six home runs in his rookie season. Rodriguez’s Topps Chrome Update rookie card is one of the biggest movers on the secondary market in the second half of 2022. As the potential future centerpiece of the Mariners, collectors see Rodriguez as a can’t-miss prospect.
Two of the top pitching prospects in baseball also had strong rookie campaigns. Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards had a breakout season between High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery, slashing .300/.388/.420 with 31 stolen bases. While he didn’t make his MLB debut in 2022, Edwards showed why he is such a highly touted prospect. His Topps Chrome Update rookie card is an affordable option for collectors looking to get in early on a potential future star.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards had a breakout season between High-A Bowling Green and Double-A Montgomery, slashing .300/.388/.420 with 31 stolen bases. While he didn’t make his MLB debut in 2022, Edwards showed why he is such a highly touted prospect. His Topps Chrome Update rookie card is an affordable option for collectors looking to get in early on a potential future star.
The National League Rookie of the Year race was tight, but in the end, Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. took home the honors. Chisholm hit .254 with 23 home runs, 25 stolen bases, and an .807 OPS. He brought energy and excitement to the Marlins on both sides of the ball. Chisholm’s Topps Chrome Update rookie card is a must-have for Marlins PC collectors and NL ROY collectors alike.
While he didn’t win the award, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II made a strong case for NL ROY. Harris hit .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI in just 111 games and provided stellar defense in center field down the stretch as the Braves won the NL East. Harris’ Topps Chrome Update rookie card is flying up the charts and will be a long-term hold for those who believe in his five-tool potential.
Two of the top pitching prospects in baseball also had strong rookie campaigns. Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer dominated between Double-A Pensacola and Triple-A Jacksonville to the tune of a 2.77 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 101.1 innings before an injury ended his season. He showed why he was a top-three pick in the 2020 draft. His Topps Chrome Update rookie card is a bargain for the potential future Marlins ace.
Tampa Bay Rays lefty Shane McClanahan took the league by storm, going 12-8 with a 2.54 ERA and league-leading 191 strikeouts. The 2018 first-rounder proved he is a true ace and the future of the Rays rotation. McClanahan’s Topps Chrome Update rookie card from 2021 is a steal for those who want to own the card of a potential Cy Young winner for years to come.
In addition to the top rookie cards, several star veterans had milestone seasons worth commemorating. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt put together possibly the best season of his career, capturing the NL batting title with a .317 average to go along with 35 home runs and 115 RBI. Goldschmidt’s Topps Finest auto or memorabilia card from 2022 would be a prized PC piece for any Cardinals collector.
Aaron Judge captivated the baseball world in 2022 by chasing the elusive AL home run record. The New York Yankees slugger ended up bashing an AL-record 62 home runs, besting the previous mark of 61 set by Roger Maris in 1961. Judge’s Topps Finest auto from 2022, featuring his hulking frame in a Yankees uniform alongside the historic home run total, will be one of the most iconic baseball cards in history.
Two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani had a season for the ages, winning the AL MVP award. Ohtani hit .273 with 34 home runs and 95 RBI at the plate while also going 15-9 with a 2.33 ERA and 219 strikeouts on the mound. His accomplishments were truly unprecedented. Ohtani’s Topps Finest auto or memorabilia card from 2022 captures a player doing something in baseball that may never be done again at his level.
Rookies, veterans, milestones – the 2022 season provided no shortage of moments for the history books. The cards produced to commemorate these achievements will surely bring back fond memories for collectors for years to come. While prices are high now, cards from the 2022 season featuring today’s emerging stars and yesterday’s legends are sure to retain and grow their value as time goes by.
