The 2022 baseball season saw many incredible performances and milestones that have already started to be immortalized in the collectible card industry. While rookie cards of stars like Julio Rodriguez and Bobby Witt Jr. made huge impacts, veterans also had campaigns worth commemorating in plastic. With so many noteworthy issues released over the past year in sets like Topps, Bowman, Panini and more, narrowing down the best of the best is no easy task. Here are some of the top baseball cards from 2022 to consider adding to any collection.
Sandy Alcantara ’89 Bowman Chrome Refractor – Arguably the NL Cy Young frontrunner in 2022, Alcantara had a career year for the Marlins. His prized ’89 Bowman Chrome rookie card from 2009 skyrocketed in value as a result. The refractor parallel remains one of the most coveted modern rookie cards on the hobby. Graded examples in PSA 10 condition have sold for over $10,000, showing just how much Alcantara elevated his status this season.
Aaron Judge Topps Finest Autograph – After smashing an AL record 62 home runs, Judge had one of the greatest individual seasons in MLB history. His Topps Finest autographed rookie card from 2013 immediately became a must-have, and for good reason. Numbered to just 50 copies, these ultra-rare signed Judge RC’s have moved for north of $15,000. With him possibly opting out of the Yankees, their long-term value remains quite uncertain.
Julio Rodriguez Bowman Chrome Auto /99 – The AL Rookie of the Year had an electrifying first season with the Mariners. His prized autographed rookie refractor from 2021 Bowman Draft held tremendous hype going into this year. With J-Rod living up to expectations and more, high-grade versions have already changed hands for $5,000-10,000. As his career progresses, these low-numbered Bowman Chrome autos will become increasingly important in any collection.
Shohei Ohtani Topps Finest Negative Auto /5 – As the first full-time two-way player of the modern era, Ohtani’s accomplishments this year were nothing short of remarkable. His elusive Topps Finest negative auto parallel from 2021, limited to a tiny five copies worldwide, became one of the rarest modern baseball cards on the market. Reports indicate two PSA 10 gems have privately sold for $50,000 each, a true testament to Ohtani’s uniqueness and star power.
Bobby Witt Jr. Topps Chrome Auto /99 – After a phenomenal rookie campaign that had him firmly in the Rookie of the Year discussion, Witt’s star has never shone brighter. His prized autographed rookie refractor parallel from Topps Chrome holds tremendous long-term potential. Numbered to just 99 copies, PSA 10 examples have already changed hands for $4,000-6,000. As the future face of the Royals franchise, these low-numbered Witt autos will be a pillar of any collection for years to come.
Mike Trout 2009 Topps Chrome RC – Simply one of the greatest players ever, Trout has cemented his legacy over a remarkable career. His flagship Topps Chrome rookie from 2009 is the card that started it all and remains iconic in the hobby. High-grade PSA 10 copies consistently sell for $3,000-5,000, with one even achieving a record $900,000 price tag in recent years. As long as Trout plays at an elite level, this modern classic will retain immense value.
Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome RC – After announcing his retirement following the 2022 season, Pujols closed the book on a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. His rookie refractor from 2001 Bowman is arguably the most significant St. Louis Cardinals card ever issued. While prices dipped during Pujols’ later years, a resurgence was expected in the wake of his retirement. PSA 10 copies have already started exchanging hands for $3,000-5,000 once more. This piece of cardboard captures a true legend at the start of it all.
Aaron Nola 2014 Topps Update RC – At just 29 years old, Nola has emerged as the ace of the Phillies staff and a perennial Cy Young candidate. His rookie debut from Topps Update has gained tremendous steam in response. Numbered versions like the /199 parallel hold immense appeal for Philadelphia collectors. Even base copies in PSA 10 condition have risen above $1,000, showing growing faith in Nola’s continued dominance for years to come.
Spencer Strider 2021 Topps Chrome RC Auto – As the NL Rookie of the Year runner-up, Strider exploded onto the scene for the Braves with a jaw-dropping season. His prized autographed rookie refractor parallel from Topps Chrome gained huge buzz and now moves quickly anytime one crosses the market. Copies have already changed hands for $2,000-3,000 raw, with PSA 10 gems bringing north of $5,000. Strider’s incredible velocity and breakout 2022 campaign have collectors hyped about his long-term potential.
This covers some of the most noteworthy baseball cards to emerge from the 2022 season. With such incredible performances and milestones over the year in MLB, this new crop of rookies, veterans and all-time greats are sure to remain highly sought after investments for years to come. The cards highlighted capture pivotal moments for both emerging and established superstars, making them ideal centerpieces for any collection.
