Baseball card collecting is one of America’s favorite hobbies, with millions of collectors around the world seeking out the rarest and most valuable cards from the past and present. As we enter 2022, there are several exciting rookie cards and prospects that collectors will be hunting for in the new year. With highly anticipated rookies like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. making their MLB debuts in 2021, their rookie cards are sure to be hot commodities. Here are some of the top baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for in 2022.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (2021 Bowman Chrome / 2021 Topps Chrome) – Considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Rodriguez had a breakout season in 2021 that was cut short due to injury. Still, the 21-year-old outfielder showcased why he’s such a special talent, with power, speed and defense that has drawn comparisons to Mike Trout. His rookie cards skyrocketed in value last year and will remain some of the most sought-after modern cards. The Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome parallels will be the big hitters.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (2021 Bowman Chrome / 2021 Topps Chrome) – Like Rodriguez, Witt burst onto the scene in 2021 after being selected 2nd overall in the 2019 draft. At just 21 years old, he made his MLB debut and didn’t look out of place, showing why he’s such an elite talent. His smooth swing and athleticism have many projecting him as a perennial all-star. His rookie cards mirror Rodriguez in terms of demand, with the Chrome variations holding the most value long-term.
Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (2022 Topps / 2022 Bowman) – While Greene missed time due to injury in 2021, he remains one of the top prospects in baseball and is poised for a full season in Detroit in 2022. The left-handed hitting outfielder has tantalizing power potential and could be a franchise cornerstone. His rookie cards will be hot commodities for Tigers collectors.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (2022 Topps / 2022 Bowman) – As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is arguably the best catching prospect of the last decade. While injuries slowed his debut, he looks ready to take over as Baltimore’s everyday catcher in 2022. At just 24 years old, he has the talent to be an all-star for years to come. His rookie cards will be a must-have for O’s fans and prospects collectors alike.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome / 2021 Bowman Chrome) – The number one pick from 2020, Torkelson struggled in his MLB debut but has the bat to be a perennial 30+ home run hitter. He’ll look to bounce back and cement his status as the Tigers’ first baseman of the future. His rookie cards dipped after his struggles but still hold value long-term.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021 Topps Chrome / 2021 Bowman Chrome) – At an incredible 6-foot-7, Cruz is one of the most physically imposing players in the game. He made his debut in 2021 and showcased why he’s such an intriguing talent, with plus power and speed for his size. Still just 23, he’ll look to lock down the Pirates shortstop job full-time in 2022.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (2022 Topps / 2022 Bowman) – The second overall pick in 2021, Leiter is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. With a blazing fastball that sits in the upper 90s and a nasty curveball, he has true ace potential. He’ll make his professional debut sometime in 2022 and his rookie cards will be hotly anticipated.
Nick Gonzales, Pittsburgh Pirates (2021 Topps Chrome / 2021 Bowman Chrome) – A first round pick in 2020, Gonzales had a breakout 2021 campaign that vaulted him up prospect rankings. He has a polished hit tool and gap power that should translate well to the majors. He’ll compete for the Pirates second base job in spring training and could debut sometime in 2022.
Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks (2022 Topps / 2022 Bowman) – A fifth round pick in 2018, McCarthy has developed into a potential everyday center fielder with speed, defense and an improving bat. He made his MLB debut in 2021 and will compete for playing time in 2022. His prospect status and Arizona fandom make his rookie cards ones to watch.
Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds (2022 Topps / 2022 Bowman) – Blessed with perhaps the best fastball in the minors, Greene is working to develop his secondary pitches to remain a starter long-term. He made his debut in 2022 and will continue his development, with the upside of being a true ace if everything clicks. His prospect hype keeps his cards relevant.
For 2022 some of the top baseball cards to look out for include the rookie cards of Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Greene, Rutschman, Torkelson, Cruz, Leiter, Gonzales, McCarthy and Greene. With so much young talent debuting, 2022 shapes up to be another exciting year for collectors hunting those future star rookies. Keep an eye out in retail and hobby packs throughout the upcoming season.
