With the 2022 baseball season well underway, many collectors are looking to add to their collections or start investing in baseball cards. While there are countless options available, focusing on the right cards can yield great returns both financially and for enjoyment. This article will explore some of the best baseball cards to consider buying in 2022 based on player performance, rookie status, parallels and more.
Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm RC /99): Arguably the most exciting player in baseball today, Shohei Ohtani had a record-breaking 2021 season as a two-way star pitcher and hitter for the Angels. His rookie cards skyrocketed in value as a result and remain some of the hottest commodities on the modern baseball card market. The 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Prizm rookie card, numbered to just 99 copies, is extremely scarce and holds tremendous long-term upside as Ohtani’s career progresses. Expect his rookie cards, especially rare parallels, to continue gaining value in 2022 and beyond.
Juan Soto (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299): Still just 23 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s best young hitters as a cornerstone of the Nationals. His 2018 rookie cards were hot commodities out of the gate and some, like the ultra-short printed Bowman Chrome Auto, have exploded in value since. With a bright future ahead of him and rarity on his side, Soto’s rookie autos remain a can’t-miss acquisition, even at today’s lofty prices.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /299): Similar to Soto, Ronald Acuña burst onto the scene as an electrifying rookie and his cards followed suit. While recovering from a torn ACL suffered last season, Acuña is still just 24 and will likely have many elite seasons ahead. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto RC parallels remain some of the most coveted modern rookie cards and their value shows no signs of slowing down.
Wander Franco (2021 Topps Chrome RC /99): Widely considered the top prospect in baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games as a 21-year-old rookie for the Rays in 2021. His cards skyrocketed and will likely continue gaining in value as he establishes himself as a perennial All-Star. The ultra-short printed Topps Chrome Refractor RC is nearly impossible to find and holds tremendous upside.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /99): While his production dipped a bit in 2022, Vlad Jr. is still just 23 and has all the tools to be a superstar for years to come as the Blue Jays’ franchise cornerstone. His rookie cards, especially the scarce Bowman Chrome Auto RC, remain solid long-term investments given his pedigree and youth. Don’t be surprised to see his cards surge again if he has a big 2023 season.
Mike Trout (2009 Bowman Chrome Draft RC /99): Widely considered the best all-around player of his generation, Mike Trout is still in his prime at age 30 for the Angels. His 2009 rookie cards were hotly sought after even before he reached the majors and remain some of the most valuable modern baseball cards. The ultra-rare Bowman Chrome RC parallel is one of the true holy grails for collectors but carries immense long-term value as Trout marches towards the Hall of Fame.
Jacob deGrom (2010 Bowman Chrome RC): When healthy, Jacob deGrom is arguably the best pitcher in baseball today. His 2010 rookie cards flew under the radar for years but have surged along with his dominance on the mound. The standard Bowman Chrome RC remains obtainable for most collectors and holds great long-term value as deGrom continues racking up Cy Young awards and chasing 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts.
Aaron Judge (2016 Topps Chrome RC): As the face of the Yankees franchise, Aaron Judge broke out as a true superstar in 2017 and has established himself as one of the game’s best power hitters. His rookie cards were hot commodities right away and remain so today. The flagship Topps Chrome RC is iconic and recognizable to any collector or fan. As Judge enters his prime, these cards hold great long-term value.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (2019 Topps Chrome RC /99): One of the most exciting players in baseball, Fernando Tatis Jr. burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old sensation for the Padres in 2019. Injuries slowed him in 2022 but he’s still just 23 with likely many All-Star seasons ahead. His rookie cards, like the scarce Topps Chrome Refractor RC, exploded in value and remain blue-chip holdings that can gain significantly more as Tatis’ career progresses.
Yordan Alvarez (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /99): A true slugging force for the Astros, Yordan Alvarez broke out as one of baseball’s best hitters in 2019 as a 22-year-old rookie. His prospect cards surged that year and have held strong value since. The ultra-rare Bowman Chrome Auto RC parallel is one of the most coveted modern prospect cards and holds immense upside as Alvarez continues mashing in Houston’s lineup for years to come.
Riley Greene (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC /99): Considered baseball’s top prospect heading into 2022, Riley Greene had a strong debut for the Tigers and looks ready to anchor their outfield for years. His 2021 rookie cards surged last season and will likely continue gaining value in 2023 and beyond as he establishes himself as a star. The scarce Bowman Chrome Auto RC is a true long-term blue-chip holding.
Bobby Witt Jr. (2021 Bowman Chrome Auto RC /99): After a strong debut for the Royals in 2022, Bobby Witt Jr. looks like a future perennial All-Star and the future face of the franchise. His 2021 rookie cards exploded in value last season and the ultra-rare Bowman Chrome Auto RC parallel holds immense long-term upside as Witt develops into a superstar.
When looking to invest in the best baseball cards to buy in 2022, focusing on star players and top prospects like Ohtani, Soto, Acuña, Franco, Vlad Jr., Trout, deGrom, Judge, Tatis Jr., Alvarez, Greene and Witt Jr. provides the highest upside. Specifically, their rarest rookie card parallels like Topps/Bowman Chrome Refractors and Autos numbered to 99 copies or less are the true blue-chip holdings that can yield huge long-term returns.
