Panini Absolute has become one of the most coveted and collectible modern baseball card releases each year. The 2022 edition was no exception, featuring a variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that captured the attention of the hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards collectors were chasing from this year’s Absolute release.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards in 2022 Absolute was Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. Baz had a breakout season in 2021 that was cut short due to injury but showed why he has one of the highest ceilings among pitching prospects. His base rookie card featured a sharp photo and borderless design that gave it a very clean and modern look. Collectors were really chasing the parallel and autographed versions of Baz’s rookie. The green /99 parallel brought some added rarity, while his autographed rookie patch card numbered to just 15 copies became one of the set’s biggest hits. Expect Baz’s Absolute rookie to continue gaining value as he develops further in the major leagues.

Another rookie that captured lots of attention in this year’s Absolute was Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby. Kirby made his MLB debut in 2022 and immediately showed why he was such a highly-regarded prospect with his plus fastball and command. His base rookie card had a nice on-theme photo but it was the parallel and autograph versions that held the most appeal. The red /50 parallel brought some added scarcity, while his autographed rookie patch card numbered to just 10 copies became a true short print. With Kirby entrenched in the Mariners’ rotation long-term, these Absolute rookies should age very well for collectors.

No list of top 2022 Absolute cards would be complete without mentioning the rookie cards of Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson. After being taken number one overall in 2020, Torkelson made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed flashes of why he was such a coveted prospect. His base rookie card featured a perfect action shot but the parallels and autographs captured the most attention. The orange /25 parallel increased the rarity factor, while his autographed rookie patch card numbered to a minuscule 5 copies became one of the set’s biggest hits. With Torkelson poised to be a cornerstone player for the Tigers for years, these Absolute rookies are primed to gain value as his career progresses.

In addition to rookie stars of the present and future, 2022 Absolute also featured some of the game’s established superstars. One of the most sought-after veteran cards was Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw. Despite some recent injury issues, Kershaw remains one of the best pitchers of his generation when on the mound. His base card highlighted his legendary changeup but collectors were chasing the parallel and autograph variations. The gold /10 parallel took things up a notch in terms of rarity, while his autographed “A Cut Above” patch card numbered to just 3 copies became one of the set’s true short prints. For Kershaw collectors, these Absolute parallels and autographs were must-owns.

Another established star that collectors were chasing in 2022 Absolute was New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Coming off an epic 62 home run season in 2022, Judge had arguably the biggest year of his career and captured plenty of attention from the hobby. His base card featured a great action shot but the parallels and autographs really stood out. The silver /25 parallel increased the rarity factor, while his autographed patch card numbered to a tiny 3 copies became one of the set’s biggest hits. With Judge cementing himself as a true superstar and cornerstone of the Yankees, these Absolute cards are sure to gain value as his Hall of Fame career progresses.

In addition to young stars and veterans, 2022 Absolute also featured some exciting international talent with cards of Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. After a breakout 2021 season that saw him finish second in MVP voting, Guerrero looked like a budding superstar at just 23 years old. His base card highlighted his impressive power but the parallels and autographs held more appeal. The black /10 parallel maximized the rarity, while his autographed patch card numbered to only 5 copies became one of the set’s true short prints. With Guerrero poised to compete for MVP awards for years, these Absolute parallels and autographs are sure to appreciate nicely for collectors.

While rookies and stars drew plenty of attention, 2022 Absolute also featured some exciting veteran talent like Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani. Coming off an unprecedented 2021 season where he was the unanimous AL MVP, Ohtani had arguably the biggest year of any baseball player. His base card captured his two-way talents but collectors were chasing the parallels and autographs. The orange /25 parallel increased the scarcity, while his autographed patch card numbered to a tiny 3 copies became one of the set’s true short prints. With Ohtani doing things on the diamond that have never been seen before, these Absolute cards are sure to gain value as his unique career progresses.

In addition to current stars, 2022 Absolute also paid tribute to baseball legends with fantastic vintage-style throwback cards. One of the most sought-after legends cards was of New York Mets icon Tom Seaver. Seaver remains one of the all-time great pitchers and his vintage-style Absolute card in a Mets uniform was a true work of art. While the base card was impressive on its own, collectors sought out the scarce parallels and autographs. The red /10 parallel maximized the rarity, while his autographed “A Cut Above” card numbered to only 2 copies became one of the set’s most valuable hits. For vintage Mets collectors, adding these special Seaver Absolute cards was a must.

Another legends card that captured plenty of attention was of Boston Red Sox slugger Ted Williams. Widely considered the greatest hitter of all-time, Williams’ vintage-style Absolute card in a Red Sox uniform was a true work of art paying homage to his incredible career. While the base card was a work of art on its own, collectors sought out the scarce parallels and autographs. The gold /5 parallel was extremely limited, while his autographed “A Cut Above” card numbered to only 1 of 1 copy became one of the set’s true crown jewels. For vintage Red Sox collectors and those who admire Williams’ hitting prowess, adding this 1/1 Absolute was a true prize.

In addition to rookies, stars and legends, 2022 Panini Absolute also featured some exciting insert sets that provided collectors fun chase cards. One popular insert set was “Diamond Kings” which paid tribute to franchise cornerstones for each team. Parallels like the green /99 and autographs like the ones numbered to 10 copies became hot commodities. Another popular insert was “Stars of the Game” which highlighted some of the sport’s biggest superstars. Short prints like the orange /25 parallels and autographed versions numbered to only 3 copies were true chase cards. Overall, 2022 Panini Absolute provided a fun mix of content to satisfy collectors across all areas of the hobby.

The 2022 edition of Panini Absolute Baseball once again delivered a premier high-end product that was a must-have for serious collectors. Featuring top rookies, stars, veterans, legends and fun inserts, the set had something for everyone. It was the scarce parallels and tiny autograph editions that really captured the most attention from the hobby. Rookie cards of Shane Baz, George Kirby and Spencer Torkelson led the way, while veterans like Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani also impressed. Tributes to legends like Tom Seaver and Ted Williams showed the vintage flair of the set. With the on-card autographs, patches and serial numbering, 2022 Panini Absolute Baseball delivered the true hand-crafted high-end experience serious collectors crave. It’s sure to remain one of the premier modern baseball releases to collect for years to come.