The baseball card market saw unprecedented growth and interest in 2021 as people turned to collecting during the pandemic. As we head into the 2022 season, there are plenty of exciting rookie cards and veteran stars that collectors will be chasing. Whether you’re looking for modern stars or vintage legends, here are some of the top baseball cards to hunt for this year.
Shohei Ohtani 2021 Topps Chrome Superfractor (1/1) – Ohtani had one of the greatest individual seasons ever in 2021 as a two-way player pitching and hitting for the Angels. His rookie cards skyrocketed in value and the ultra rare Topps Chrome Superfractor is the crown jewel. With a print run of just one, it carries an estimated value of over $100,000 making it one of the most expensive baseball cards available.
Juan Soto 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor ($5,000+) – Soto quickly became one of the game’s brightest young stars after debuting in 2018. His prospect cards hold huge value today as one of the top young hitters in baseball. The prized Bowman Chrome refractor auto is his scarcest card from before reaching the majors. With its shiny refractor technology and on-card autograph, it remains one of his most desirable early cards.
Mike Trout 2009 Topps Chrome RC Refractor (#/249) – Trout has established himself as the best player of his generation and one of the all-time greats. While pricier vintage Mike Trout cards exist, his Topps Chrome rookie refractor is still obtainable for dedicated collectors. With its limited print run of only 249 copies and Trout mania still going strong, these fetch thousands in near-mint condition.
Ronald Acuña Jr. 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto ($1,000+) – Acuña ushered in a new era of excitement for the Atlanta Braves when he debuted. Like Soto, his early Bowman prospect issue cards hold tremendous value. The prized auto refractor variation remains one of his rarest and most popular early cards available for avid collectors.
Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome RC Auto Refractor (#/2019) – Tatis quickly became one of baseball’s brightest stars with his electrifying play. While some of his earliest flagship RCs are pricey, his Topps Chrome rookie auto refractor remains affordable for most collectors. The limited parallel to his jersey number makes it one of his most popular modern RCs to chase.
Wander Franco 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto (#/2021) – Franco made an immediate impact when called up in 2021 and looks like a budding superstar. The 21-year-old shortstop’s star is only rising and his cards reflect that. The prized yellow refractor auto parallel from Topps Chrome captures him as one of the game’s top prospects. With a matching print run to his age, it remains one of his scarcest modern hits.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Refractor – Like Acuña and Soto before him, Vlad Jr.’s prospect cards hold substantial value showing his potential. The prized Bowman Chrome refractor auto captured him as one of the minors’ most feared hitters before reaching the bigs. His production since has only increased demand for these early shining star cards.
Albert Pujols 2001 Bowman Chrome RC Refractor (#/150) – Over two decades into his career, Pujols is still producing at an elite level nearing 700 home runs. For vintage collectors, one of his most coveted early RCs remains the ultra-short print Bowman Chrome refractor. Only 150 were produced making each one a true prize for any collection.
Ken Griffey Jr. Upper Deck RC Error (#/100) – Griffey was one of the all-time great five-tool players of the 1990s. While pricier vintage RC examples exist, this error card holds appeal for collectors. The rare printing plate error variant features a missing photo and is limited to only 100 copies adding desirability to any Junior collection.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps #311 – The Mick remains one of the most legendary and popular players in baseball history. High-grade copies of his classic 1952 Topps rookie card remain out of reach for most budgets. Circulated lower-grade examples can still be found with patience as a connection to one of the game’s early eras.
Sandy Koufax 1956 Topps #163 – Koufax’s incredible pitching career was cut short, making his old cardboard that much scarcer. Copies of his rookie card are highly conditioned but still represent an attainable connection to one of history’s most dominant left-handed pitchers during his time. Each one holds an interesting story of the golden era.
Nolan Ryan 1968 Topps Rookie Cup #521 – As one of the games’ greatest power pitchers, examples of Nolan Ryan’s early cardboard remain highly sought. While pricier examples of his true rookie exist, this 1968 Topps issue captures him as a young flamethrower starting his ascent. It provides a connection to one of the record books’ most unbelievable careers.
There are so many other amazing players, rookie cards, and vintage pieces that can make exciting additions to any baseball card collection this year. By focusing on desired players and parallels, budget-minded collectors can still acquire meaningful pieces of the hobby to nurture their interests. The growing enthusiasm around the pastime will likely continue fueling collector demand across all levels of the marketplace. With patience and research, there is no shortage of goals to set for building collections throughout 2022.
