The 2022 Topps baseball card release was one of the most anticipated in recent memory. After a couple years of the pandemic limiting card production and distribution, Topps came roaring back with a huge offering for collectors. With so many great rookie cards, parallels, and inserts to chase, it was hard to narrow down the best of the best. Here are some of the cream of the crop from the 2022 Topps baseball card set that any collector would love to add to their collection.
Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card – The number one prospect coming into the 2022 season, Witt lived up to the hype by making the Royals roster and becoming an everyday player as a 21-year-old. His base rookie card is the key rookie to own from the set. Expect this card to be one of the hottest on the secondary market for years as Witt’s career progresses. Graded gem mint 10 examples have already sold for well over $1000.
Julio Rodriguez Base Rookie Card – J-Rod exploded onto the scene for the Mariners and was arguably the best rookie position player in baseball in 2022. His speed, power, defense and electric play made him a fan favorite. Like Witt, his base rookie is the one to get. High-grade versions could become extremely valuable long term.
Spencer Strider Base Rookie Card – One of the biggest breakout stars of 2022 was Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider. Posting a sub-3.00 ERA out of the bullpen as a rookie, he looks like a future ace. His base is the key rookie card for a pitcher who could develop into a true star.
Adley Rutschman Base Rookie Card – After years of hype, Rutschman finally made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2022 and didn’t disappoint. His defense and patience at the plate showed why he was the top prospect. As the future cornerstone catcher in Baltimore, his base rookie will be a must-have.
Oneil Cruz Base Rookie Card – At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a giant at shortstop for the Pirates and has electrifying raw power. He showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie season and could develop into a superstar. His size and potential alone make this an intriguing rookie card to track.
Rookie Flashbacks Parallels – Topps paid homage to classic designs with the Return of the Mac, Photo Proofs, and Stadium Club parallels for top rookies. The Strider and Cruz versions of these scarce inserts are some of the most coveted rookie parallels around.
Topps Chrome Rainbow – Completing the primary color parallel rainbows of the top rookies in Topps Chrome, which includes the super-short printed Sapphire, is a major achievement for collectors. Doing so for Witt, Rodriguez or Strider would be an incredible feat.
Topps Fire Parallels – The red hot parallel designs in Topps Fire, which include a 1/1 Printing Plate, take the base cards to another level. Pulling a big rookie like Witt or J-Rod in the Fire parallel is a true collector’s dream.
Topps Archives Parallels – Topps paid tribute to its own rich history with the retro-styled Archives parallels. Finishing the primary color rainbows of top rookies like Witt or Rodriguez in this nostalgic design is extremely satisfying.
Topps Inception Autographs – The futuristic Inception design combined with coveted on-card autographs make for truly one-of-a-kind rookie cards. Pulling the prized autograph of a future star like Witt or Strider in Inception is a massive hit.
Topps Definitive Collection Patches/Autos – As one of the high-end products, Definitive featured exquisite memorabilia cards of top rookies. Multi-relic and on-card autograph cards of the likes of Witt, Rodriguez and Strider in this luxury release are endgame pieces.
Topps Transcendent Autographs – As the true pinnacle release, Transcendent one-of-one autograph cards of superstar rookies like Witt and Rodriguez would be the crown jewels of any collection. Pulling a true 1/1 is the stuff of legend in the hobby.
While there are certainly many other standout rookie cards, parallels, and inserts from the 2022 Topps release, these represent some of the most coveted and collection-worthy cards that will retain value long term. With so much excitement around rookies like Witt, Rodriguez, Strider and others, their Topps rookies from this year’s flagship set and parallels in high-end products are sure to be some of the keys to chase. Collectors who can secure these prized cards now will likely be very happy with their long term investment. The 2022 Topps baseball release gave collectors a huge bounty to chase, and these represent some of the true gems from the set.
