The 2022 baseball season saw the rise of rookie superstars and career years from established veterans. As a result, the 2022 baseball card season featured some of the most coveted rookie cards in recent memory as well as big hits from star players. With the hype around this year’s rookie class and performances on the field translating to strong card sales, 2022 marked another successful year for the baseball card industry.
One of the biggest rookie card stories of the year was Houston Astros’ shortstop Jeremy Peña. After winning American League Championship Series and World Series MVP honors in his first full MLB season, Peña skyrocketed up prospect rankings and his rookie cards became hot commodities. His Topps Chrome Sapphire refractor rookie, numbered to /50, fetched over $10,000 on the secondary market. Even his base Topps Series 1 rookie card jumped up over $300 at the height of his postseason success. With his elite defense and clutch hitting on baseball’s biggest stage, Peña established himself as a future star and his cards reflected that hype.
Another rookie who had baseball card collectors buzzing was Seattle Mariners’ outfielder Julio Rodríguez. From making highlight-reel catches in center field to showing prodigious power at the plate, Rodríguez had one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory. His Topps Series 1 Chrome refractor rookie, numbered to /150, sold for over $3,000. Even his common base cards rose up over $100 as Rodríguez’ electrifying play helped lead the Mariners back to the postseason. With his five-tool talent and marketability, Rodríguez looks poised to be one of the faces of baseball for years to come and his cards are already reflecting superstar status.
Along with the rookie sensations, veteran superstars like Aaron Judge continued producing at an elite level which translated to strong sales for their flagship rookie cards. After smashing an AL record 62 home runs, Judge mania took over the sports card world. Sales of his ultra-rare 2007 Topps Chrome Draft Picks refractor rookie, numbered to /50, exceeded $50,000. Even his common 2007 Bowman Chrome rookie jumped up over $1,000 as collectors scrambled to add a piece of baseball history to their collections. With Judge cementing himself as one of the game’s true titans, his rookie cards solidified their place among the most valuable in the hobby.
Another veteran who had a career year was St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. In addition to leading the NL in batting average and on-base percentage, Goldschmidt also had one of the best all-around seasons of his decorated career. This success led to increased attention on his early career cards, like his 2009 Topps Chrome Draft Picks refractor rookie, numbered to /150. This coveted card sold for over $4,000 as collectors looked to capitalize on Goldschmidt’s dominant ’22 campaign before he potentially declines in his mid-30s. Even his common base rookie cards rose up over $100 as a testament to his standout season reviving interest in his early career cardboard.
Rookies and veterans weren’t the only players whose cardboard benefited from on-field success. San Diego Padres’ shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was one of the most hyped young stars in baseball before a PED suspension derailed his ’22 season. That didn’t stop collectors from snatching up his Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor, numbered to /50, for around $8,000. Even his common Topps Series 1 rookie held strong around $150 as fans waited for Tatis’ return still believing in his potential as a franchise cornerstone. While his suspension stalled his development, Tatis’ prodigious talent and highlight-reel plays kept the hype alive for his early career cards.
In addition to individual star cards, several key vintage and modern sets also had breakout years. Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects parallels like refractors and autos of stars like Rodríguez, Peña, and Padres’ shortstop C.J. Abrams sold for thousands. The ultra-premium Topps Chrome Sapphire set containing short prints of the biggest rookies and prospects moved boxes above $1,000. And vintage sets like 1957 Topps, 1969 Topps, and 1987 Topps enjoyed heightened demand as collectors sought out affordable vintage cards featuring legends like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Nolan Ryan.
The 2022 baseball season and postseason saw new young stars emerge while established names like Judge enjoyed career years. This translated directly to the sports card market where the best rookie cards of Peña, Rodríguez, and others exploded in value. Flagship cards of superstars like Judge, Goldschmidt, and Tatis also held or increased in demand. And certain premium modern parallels as well as affordable vintage sets attracted strong collector interest. With another exciting season of baseball in the books, 2022 marked another successful year for the baseball card industry. Rookies like Peña and Rodríguez established themselves as future stars, while veterans like Judge and Goldschmidt reminded us why they remain among the game’s biggest names – moves which all greatly impacted the baseball card market.
