The baseball card market continues to boom, with prices reaching record highs over the past couple years. As we enter 2022, there are certain baseball cards that appear poised to appreciate significantly or have breakout seasons that could skyrocket their value. For collectors looking to make smart investments or find cards of potential future stars, here are some of the best baseball cards to target in the new year.
Juan Soto Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – At just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as one of the game’s brightest young stars and best hitters. He continues to improve and put up monster numbers for the Nationals. Soto’s rookie cards from 2018 Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome remain two of the most coveted on the market. With another MVP caliber season, these cards could explode even higher in price. Graded gem mint 10 copies of the Topps Chrome currently sell for over $1,000, showing strong potential for future appreciation.
Wander Franco Rookie Cards (2020 Bowman Chrome RC, 2021 Topps Chrome RC) – Franco took the baseball world by storm in 2021 as one of the most hyped prospects ever. At just 20 years old, he looks like a perennial all-star in the making for the Rays. Franco’s ultra-short print rookie from 2020 Bowman Chrome remains extremely scarce in high grades. But his more widely available 2021 Topps Chrome rookie also shows promise, currently hovering around $100-$200 for a PSA 10. Franco could be a true superstar, making his rookie cards solid long term investments.
Rafael Devers Rookie Cards (2017 Bowman Chrome RC, 2017 Topps Chrome RC) – Still just 25, Devers has emerged as one of baseball’s best all-around hitters for the Red Sox. He’s coming off back-to-back 200+ hit seasons and is in line for a huge contract extension. Devers’ rookie cards have already 4x-5x’ed in the last year alone. If he can stay healthy and put up another MVP caliber campaign in 2022, his rookies might break the $1,000 mark for top graded copies. At his age and talent level, Devers has Hall of Fame potential.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – After a breakout 2021 season that saw him claim the AL batting title, Guerrero is now a bonafide superstar for the Blue Jays. The sky seems to be the limit for the 23-year-old slugger. His rookie cards already sell for $500+ in PSA 10 condition, but another MVP caliber campaign could catapult them even higher. Guerrero looks poised for many more all-star and award winning seasons, cementing these cards as long term blue chip investments.
Shohei Ohtani Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – It’s hard to put into words just how unique and talented Ohtani is as a two-way player. After a historic 2021 season where he was the best pitcher and hitter in the AL, collectors have taken notice of his rookie cards. PSA 10 copies of the Topps Chrome now sell for over $1,000. If Ohtani can stay healthy and repeat as the best of the best in 2022, demand will only grow stronger for these one-of-a-kind cards. He’s already proven to be a generational talent – investments in his rookies could pay off big time.
Trevor Story Rookie Cards (2016 Topps Chrome RC, 2016 Bowman Chrome RC) – Story is now a free agent coming off his best season yet, where he clubbed 24 home runs for the Rockies. At just 29 years old, he’ll land a huge contract and could be primed for the best years of his career in 2022 with a new team. His rookies have steadily climbed in the $300-$500 range for top condition. If Story signs with a big market contender and puts up another all-star caliber campaign, his rookie cards could surge past the $1,000 mark like so many others.
Luis Robert Rookie Cards (2020 Topps Chrome RC, 2020 Bowman Chrome RC) – Injuries slowed Robert’s ascent in 2021, but the 24-year-old White Sox star remains one of the most electrifying young outfielders in baseball when healthy. His rookie cards already sell for $300+ in PSA 10 despite the missed time last season. If Robert can stay on the field and recapture his 2020 AL ROTY form, these cards are set up for a breakout year. With his five-tool talent and potential for 30/30 seasons, Robert’s rookies look like a bargain at current prices.
Michael Kopech Rookie Cards (2018 Topps Chrome RC, 2018 Bowman Chrome RC) – After missing two full seasons due to Tommy John surgery and opting out of 2020, Kopech returned strong in 2021 to establish himself as the White Sox ace. At just 26 years old and with elite stuff, he looks poised for stardom as a frontline starter for years to come. His rookies have risen steadily in the past year to $150-$200 range for top grades. With continued success and development, Kopech could emerge as the next big name pitcher – making his rookie cards a solid speculative add.
Bobby Witt Jr. Rookie Cards (2021 Topps Chrome RC, 2021 Bowman Chrome RC) – The #2 overall pick from 2019 lived up to the hype by debuting with the Royals in 2021 at just 21 years old. Witt showed off plus power, speed and defense while flashing all-star potential. He’s already among the favorites for AL ROY in 2022. Witt’s rookie cards have taken off, with the Topps Chrome PSA 10 pushing $400. As one of the new faces of baseball, expect Witt’s star to continue rising – along with strong future gains for these ultra popular cards.
Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards (2021 Bowman Chrome RC, 2021 Topps Chrome RC) – Rodriguez made a splash in his September debut with the Mariners and looks ready to claim an everyday role in 2022 at just 21 years old. With five-tool talent and hype as one of the game’s best prospects, J-Rod’s cards have followed suit – the Bowman Chrome PSA 10 recently cracked $500. He’s poised to be Seattle’s next superstar. Another strong showing could catapult Rodriguez to stardom, taking these in-demand rookies along for the ride.
Focusing on the rookie cards of emerging young stars like Soto, Franco, Devers, Guerrero Jr., Ohtani, Story, Robert, Kopech, Witt Jr. and Rodriguez looks to be a winning strategy for the 2022 baseball card market. With another step forward on the field, any of these talents could produce huge returns on their earliest cardboard. For savvy collectors, these cards offer an opportunity for both short and long term gains.
