The baseball card market continues to surge in popularity, especially with the rise of digital platforms like eBay that make collecting more accessible. With another season on the horizon, many collectors are looking to the 2022 season to add exciting new rookies and prospects to their collections. This guide will explore some of the best baseball cards to target in the new year based on player performance, hype, and long-term investment potential.
Rookie Cards of 2021 Standouts
One of the smartest investments collectors can make is snapping up the rookie cards of young stars who broke out in their first MLB seasons. Cards like these often appreciate the most in value as players cement their place in the league. Some top 2021 rookie cards to look out for include:
Jonathan India (Cincinnati Reds): As the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year, India had a phenomenal debut season and established himself as a core piece for the Reds moving forward. His flagship Topps Chrome rookie refractor is a must-own for any collection.
Trevor Rogers (Miami Marlins): The Marlins’ lefty flashed ace potential in 2021 with a stellar 2.64 ERA. His autograph and memorabilia rookie cards will be hot commodities.
Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays): “Randy” took the postseason by storm and looks like a budding superstar. His Update and Chrome rookie refractors are solid long-term bets.
Shane Bieber (Cleveland Guardians): An elbow injury slowed the reigning AL Cy Young winner in 2021, but his cards dipped in value and he’ll rebound strong.
Dylan Carlson (St. Louis Cardinals): The young outfielder started to put it all together last year and will be a centerpiece in St. Louis for years.
Top Prospects on the Verge
While rookie cards offer proven production, collectors can also get in early on prospects on the cusp of a big league breakthrough. Here are some top-rated prospects to watch in 2022:
Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals): The #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft had a monster 2021 campaign and is poised to take over as the Royals’ new face of the franchise at shortstop. His Bowman Chrome autos will moonshot.
Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners): J-Rod has five-tool star potential and should debut in Seattle this year, making now the time to grab his flagship rookie issues.
Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers): As the #1 pick in 2020, Torkelson has a smooth lefty swing and could be the next great Tiger slugger at first base. His Bowman Chrome autos will explode if he rakes in the show.
CJ Abrams (San Diego Padres): Abrams is a potential superstar with his speed, defense, and developing power. He’ll be a Padres starter in 2022 and is a breakout pick.
Brennan Davis (Chicago Cubs): Davis has all the tools to be the Cubs’ next great corner outfielder. His Bowman Chrome autos could pay off in a big way.
Veteran Stars Poised for Bounce-Back Years
Some veteran stars had down seasons in 2021 but are primed for a rebound that could pump up interest in their vintage cards again. A few names to watch include:
Aaron Judge (New York Yankees): Injuries have slowed the massive right fielder, but a healthy 2022 campaign would send his flagship Topps Chrome rookie skyward.
Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels): Even for the best player of this generation, 2021 was a letdown by Trout’s lofty standards. Due for a vintage season that lifts all his older RC’s with it.
Chris Sale (Boston Red Sox): The lefty’s return to form after Tommy John could reignite the market for his earlier Bowman Chrome and Topps Chrome RCs from 2010.
Jacob deGrom (New York Mets): Arm issues limited the superstar ace, but a vintage deGrom season would boost his older PSA 10 rookies.
Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres): Injuries slowed the phenom SS too, making 2022 a bounce-back opportunity that lifts his already sky-high card values higher.
Vintage Stars With Anniversary Years
Major anniversary years for legendary players can also drive renewed collector interest and pricing for their vintage cards. A few to watch in 2022 include:
Ken Griffey Jr. (50th birthday): One of the most beloved stars ever, collectors will want to commemorate Jr.’s golden anniversary with purchases of his iconic 1989 Upper Deck RC.
Cal Ripken Jr. (60th birthday): The Iron Man’s hallowed career will be toasted, sending his classic 1981 Fleer and 1983 Donruss RCs back into the spotlight.
Derek Jeter (Hall of Fame induction): Now in Cooperstown, collectors will pay tribute to the Captain with purchases of his iconic 1992 Bowman RC and other early Yankees cards.
Mariano Rivera (Hall of Fame induction): The greatest closer ever will see renewed demand for his fantastic 1993 Classic Best RC and other early Yankees cardboard.
Barry Bonds (25th anniversary of record 73 HR season): One of the most hallowed single-season records in any sport, collectors will want to own cards from Bonds’ epic 1997 campaign.
Top Modern Prospects to Watch
While vintage stars drive nostalgia, the hobby’s future lies with emerging young talent. A few of the most hyped modern prospects to keep an eye on in 2022 include:
Jackson Jobe (Detroit Tigers): The #3 overall pick in 2021 has electric stuff and his Bowman Chrome RCs will be white hot.
Marcelo Mayer (Boston Red Sox): As the #4 pick, Mayer has impressive all-around skills and his Bowman Chrome autos will surge.
Brooks Lee (Minnesota Twins): Lee fell to the Twins at #8 but has huge offensive upside that will attract collectors to his rookie cards.
Termarr Johnson (Atlanta Braves): Considered a “toolsy” prospect, Johnson’s autographed cards from 2021 Draft could pay off in a big way.
Elijah Green (2022 draft class): The high school outfielder is already generating first-round buzz and will be a name to know on draft night.
While there’s always risk in any investment, targeting some of the above players is a smart strategy for collectors looking to add excitement and long-term appreciation potential to their portfolios in the new year. With another fun MLB season ahead, 2022 shapes up to be a great year for the baseball card market.
