Panini Select is one of the most popular and prestigious modern baseball card sets released each year. The 2022 edition was no exception, featuring some of the biggest stars and top rookies in the game. With its elegant design, sharp photography, and focus on on-card autographs, Select has become a must-have product for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best cards from the 2022 Panini Select release.
Shohei Ohtani Base Autograph (#SA-SO) – As the reigning AL MVP and one of the most unique talents in baseball history, Ohtani is undoubtedly the biggest star in the sport right now. His base autograph card in Select perfectly captures his iconic two-way abilities. The simple yet stylish design lets Ohtani’s autograph take center stage. With his continued dominance and popularity, this card is sure to be a long-term blue chip. Graded gem mint 10 copies have already sold for well over $1000.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Green Ice Autograph (#SA-RA-GI) – Acuña was well on his way to superstardom before injuries derailed his 2021 season. Still just 24, he has MVP-caliber talent and will be one to watch as he returns to full health. The Green Ice parallel looks incredible, with Aquña’s signature standing out beautifully against the vivid green backdrop. Numbered to only 10 copies, these rare autographs carry extra prestige and will hold significant value for dedicated Braves and Acuña collectors.
Spencer Strider Base Autograph (#SA-SS) – As one of the breakout pitching stars of 2022, Strider’s prospect stock skyrocketed with a dominant rookie season for the Braves. The 23-year-old flamethrower showed ace potential and will be a core piece of Atlanta’s rotation for years to come. His base autographed rookie card perfectly captures the moment and will appreciate nicely as Strider’s career progresses. Even ungraded copies in good condition have already doubled in price since release.
Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Foil Autograph (#SA-BW-GF) – As the top prospect in baseball making his big league debut with the Royals, Witt took the league by storm with prodigious power and athleticism at just 21 years old. The Gold Foil parallel of his autographed rookie card really pops with its rich gold coloring. Numbered to only 10 copies, these exclusive versions will be the crown jewels for any Witt or Royals PC in the future. Early graded gem mint 10 examples have sold for over $5000, showing Witt’s star potential.
Julio Rodriguez Emerald Green Wave Autograph (#SA-JR-EGW) – J-Rod took home AL Rookie of the Year honors after an electrifying debut season with the Mariners that saw him emerge as a budding superstar. The Emerald Green Wave parallel of his autographed card is breathtaking, with the vivid color and on-card signature combining to form one of the most visually striking cards in the entire set. Numbered to only 5 copies, these ultra-rare versions will hold immense long-term value for serious PC and investment collectors.
Riley Greene Gold Wave Autograph (#SA-RG-GW) – As a top Tigers prospect who made his MLB debut in 2022, Greene showed why he is such an exciting young talent. The Gold Wave parallel of his autographed card is a stunner, with the rich gold coloring accentuating his signature perfectly. Numbered to only 10 copies, these rare versions will appreciate nicely as Greene’s career progresses in Detroit. Already a fan favorite, his cards hold special significance for Tigers collectors.
Adley Rutschman Emerald Green Wave Autograph (#SA-AR-EGW) – After years of hype as the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman finally made his big league debut with the Orioles in 2022 and did not disappoint. The Emerald Green Wave parallel of his autographed card is a true spectacle, with its brilliant emerald hue. Numbered to an ultra-low 5 copies, these rare beauties will hold immense long-term value as cornerstone pieces of any Rutschman or Orioles PC. Early graded PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples have already sold for over $10,000, a testament to Rutschman’s immense star potential.
Aaron Judge Gold Wave Autograph (#SA-AJ-GW) – As one of the game’s biggest stars who is chasing the AL home run record, Judge had a season for the ages in 2022. The Gold Wave parallel of his autographed card perfectly captures the Yankee slugger at the peak of his powers. Numbered to only 10 copies, these rare versions hold immense prestige and value. Graded gem mint 10 examples have already sold for well over $3000, showing the enduring demand for one of baseball’s modern icons.
Rafael Devers Emerald Green Wave Autograph (#SA-RD-EGW) – As one of the game’s best all-around hitters, Devers has emerged as a perennial All-Star and the heart of the Red Sox lineup. The Emerald Green Wave parallel of his autographed card is a true spectacle, with its brilliant emerald hue accentuating Devers’ signature beautifully. Numbered to the ultra-rare quantity of only 5 copies, these premium versions will hold immense long-term value as cornerstones for any Devers or Red Sox PC.
Giancarlo Stanton Gold Wave Autograph (#SA-GS-GW) – When healthy, Stanton remains one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. The Gold Wave parallel of his autographed card is an opulent work of art, with the rich gold coloring providing the perfect backdrop for Stanton’s imposing signature. Numbered to only 10 copies, these exclusive versions hold immense prestige and value for Yankee fans and collectors focused on the game’s premier sluggers. Graded gem mint 10 copies have already sold for over $3000.
Wander Franco Emerald Green Wave Autograph (#SA-WF-EGW) – Still just 21 years old, Franco has already established himself as the face of the Rays franchise and one of the brightest young stars in baseball. The Emerald Green Wave parallel of his autographed card is breathtakingly beautiful. Numbered to the ultra-limited quantity of only 5 copies, these rare beauties will hold immense long-term value as true centerpieces for any Franco or Rays PC. Early graded PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 examples have sold for over $15,000, showing the immense value already placed on Franco’s generational talent.
Mike Trout Gold Wave Autograph (#SA-MT-GW) – As arguably the greatest player of his generation, Trout is the undisputed face of the Angels franchise. The Gold Wave parallel of his autographed card perfectly captures the perennial MVP candidate at the peak of his immense powers. Numbered to only 10 copies, these rare and prestigious versions hold immense value for any Trout super collector. Even early ungraded examples in good condition have sold for over $5000, showing the enduring demand for one of the game’s true modern icons.
Juan Soto Gold Wave Autograph (#SA-JS-GW) – Still just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as one of the most complete hitters in baseball and a true generational talent. The Gold Wave parallel of his autographed card is opulence personified. Numbered to the ultra-limited quantity of only 10 copies, these rare beauties will hold immense long-term value as true centerpieces for any Soto or Nationals PC. Early PSA/BGS Gem Mint 10 graded examples have sold for over $10,000, capturing the immense promise of Soto’s continued superstardom.
The 2022 Panini Select set featured some true one-of-a-kind gems through its exclusive autograph parallels and focus on the game’s biggest stars and top rookies. While prices have already risen significantly for the set’s most coveted cards, their value is sure to continue appreciating for years to come as the careers of players like Ohtani, Acuña, Witt, Rodriguez, Rutschman, Franco and more further unfold. For serious collectors and investors, Panini Select annually delivers some of the most visually striking and investment-worthy modern baseball cards on the market. The 2022 edition was no exception.
