The 2022 MLB season saw another talented crop of rookies make their debuts and begin to establish themselves in the big leagues. While it’s still early, some have already shown star potential. As collectors look to the future, these players’ rookie cards have become some of the hottest prospects on the hobby market. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2022 rookie cards to watch.
Julio Rodríguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: It’s hard to find a more hyped rookie card than Julio Rodríguez’s. The 21-year-old center fielder had a phenomenal debut campaign, slashing .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He made the All-Star team and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rodríguez’s flagship rookie is his Topps Chrome Refractor, which has already surpassed $200 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. His Topps base is also a strong long-term hold, sitting around $50 graded. With his five-tool skillset and marketability in Seattle, Rodríguez has true superstar potential.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS/3B, Kansas City Royals: The number two overall pick from 2019, Witt lived up to expectations in his first full season. He smacked 20 home runs and stole 30 bases while playing stellar defense up the middle. Witt’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has cracked $100 in a PSA 10, though his base Topps can still be had for under $20 graded. The switch-hitting infielder has established himself as a cornerstone for the Royals and looks primed for stardom. His cards could appreciate significantly with continued production.
Spencer Strider, SP, Atlanta Braves: As a late-blooming prospect, Strider came out of nowhere to dominate MLB hitters in 2022. The flame-throwing righty struck out 202 batters in 131.2 innings with a 2.67 ERA. Strider’s rookie cards popped off accordingly – his Topps Chrome Refractor now commands over $150 in a PSA 10. Even his common base Topps has eclipsed $20 graded. With elite stuff and durability questions, Strider carries risk but huge upside that makes his cards enticing long-term holds.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: The number one pick from 2019 and consensus top prospect, Rutschman lived up to the hype in his debut. He showed off his elite bat-to-ball skills and defensive chops behind the plate. Rutschman’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has already reached $150 in a PSA 10 despite his late season call-up. As the future face of the Orioles, he has true franchise player potential. His cards remain affordable but could explode with a breakout 2023 campaign.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a physical marvel who tantalizes with his combination of power and speed. He mashed nine home runs in just 58 games and stole four bases. Cruz’s calling card is his mammoth 505-foot home run, one of the longest ever recorded. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie has cracked $100 in a PSA 10 grade. Cruz is still raw but possesses superstar upside that makes his cards can’t-miss holds, especially for Pirates fans.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves: A five-tool talent, Harris made an immediate impact with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases as a 21-year-old rookie. He started in center field for the NL East champion Braves. Harris’ Topps Chrome Refractor has already eclipsed $100 in PSA 10 condition. As a potential long-term staple in Atlanta, Harris has strong potential to follow Acuna and Riley as star Braves outfielders. His cards could climb significantly with continued production.
Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: The 27-year-old Japanese import lived up to his big-money free agent deal, slashing .262/.344/.436 with 17 home runs in his MLB debut. Suzuki brings a mature all-around game and should be a core piece as the Cubs rebuild. His Topps Chrome Refractor has cracked $50 graded while his common base is around $15 PSA 10. Suzuki has proved himself on the big stage and could blossom into an All-Star if he continues adapting stateside.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Houston Astros: Stepping in for Carlos Correa, Peña had a dream rookie campaign with 22 home runs and excellent defense to help lead the Astros back to the World Series. The 25-year-old switch-hitter looks like Houston’s long-term answer at shortstop. Peña’s Topps Chrome Refractor has climbed north of $75 in a PSA 10 while his base is around $20. As the new face of the Astros, Peña has strong potential to become a perennial All-Star and see his cards rise accordingly.
Matt Brash, SP, Seattle Mariners: A hard-throwing righty, Brash made his debut at age 23 and showed why he was such an intriguing prospect with his mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider. He posted a 3.19 ERA in 16 starts. Brash’s Topps Chrome Refractor has cracked $50 in a PSA 10 while his common base can still be found for under $10. With his electric stuff and Seattle’s growing contention window, Brash has breakout potential that could vault his cards up.
Brennan Davis, OF, Chicago Cubs: A former top-100 prospect, Davis flashed five-tool skills in his late-season MLB debut with three home runs in 15 games. The left-handed hitting Davis has 30-homer, 30-steal upside at age 23. His Topps Chrome Refractor has eclipsed $30 PSA 10 while his base remains affordable. As the Cubs rebuild, Davis could blossom into a core piece with continued refinement. His cards offer breakout upside at palatable prices.
Jake McCarthy, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks: Acquired from the Yankees in a deadline deal, McCarthy impressed down the stretch with his on-base skills and speed. He slashed .284/.368/.405 with seven steals in 47 games. The left-handed hitting McCarthy has a mature approach and could blossom into an impact top-of-the-order piece for Arizona. His Topps Chrome Refractor has cracked $30 PSA 10 while his base can still be found for under $5.
Steven Kwan, OF, Cleveland Guardians: A sparkplug leadoff man, Kwan made the AL All-Star team and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting with a .298 average. He showed plus contact skills and plate coverage. Kwan’s cards have cooled from their peak but still hold long-term appeal, especially for Cleveland fans. His Topps Chrome Refractor sits around $30 PSA 10 while his base remains affordable for a potential impact player.
Jack Leiter, SP, Texas Rangers: The second overall pick from 2021, Leiter made his debut at age 22 and showed why he was such a coveted prospect with a mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider. He posted a 2.88 ERA in 11 starts. Leiter’s Topps Chrome Refractor has cracked $30 in a PSA 10 while his base can still be found for under $5. As a future ace, Leiter has true ace potential that could vault his cards up with continued success.
Drew Waters, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers: Acquired from Atlanta at the deadline, Waters showed five-tool promise by slashing .284/.360/.484 with three homers and five steals in 26 Dodgers games. The 23-year-old has battled injuries but brings elite speed and defense to the table. Waters’ Topps Chrome Refractor has eclipsed $25 PSA 10 while his base remains quite affordable. As a potential long-term piece in L.A., Waters carries breakout appeal.
Joey Bart, C, San Francisco Giants: The number two pick from 2018, Bart showed why he was such a coveted catching prospect by hitting nine homers in 56 games. He flashed above-average power from both sides of the plate. Bart’s Topps Chrome Refractor has cracked $20 PSA 10 while his base can still be found for under $5. As the potential long-term answer behind the plate in SF, Bart carries significant upside.
Ezequiel Tovar, SS, Colorado Rockies: Still just 20, Tovar reached the majors in September and tantalized with his tools and advanced approach. He slashed .323/.367/.419 in 15 games. Tovar has true five-tool potential and could develop into a perennial All-Star. His Topps Chrome Refractor has already eclipsed $15 PSA 10 despite limited action. As a homegrown star for Colorado, Tovar’s cards hold immense long-term appeal.
Gabriel Moreno, C, Toronto Blue Jays: A consensus top-five prospect, Moreno made his debut at age 22 and showed why he was so highly touted by hitting .293 in 36 games while displaying solid defense. He should continue to develop into an impact two-way catcher. Moreno’s Topps Chrome Refractor has cracked $15 PSA 10 while his base remains quite affordable. As a future core piece for Toronto, More
