The 2022 MLB season saw the debut of many highly touted prospects and future stars. While it’s still early in their careers, some rookies made a big enough splash that their rookie cards from 2022 are already gaining value and attention from collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from this past season that could end up being valuable long-term holdings.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers – 2021 Topps Chrome RC – Torkelson was the number one overall pick in 2020 and made his MLB debut in 2022. While he struggled at the plate initially and spent time in the minors, Torkelson showed flashes of why he was such a coveted prospect. His smooth left-handed swing and impressive power make him one to watch. The 2021 Topps Chrome rookie card is his main rookie card and will be the one that gains the most value if Torkelson develops into the All-Star caliber player most scouts predicted. Graded gem mint 10 copies have already sold for over $100, indicating collectors have faith in his future.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – 2022 Topps Chrome Yellow RC – Witt lived up to the hype in his first season, showing off elite skills both offensively and defensively at third base. He made the AL All-Star team in his rookie year, a testament to his immediate impact. The Yellow parallel from Topps Chrome is the hottest card from his rookie season. With a print run of just /150, these scarce yellow refractors command over $1000 already. Witt looks like a future perennial All-Star and MVP candidate – his rookie cards could end up being some of the best investments from the 2022 class.
Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners – 2022 Topps Chrome RC – J-Rod exploded onto the scene, showing five-tool talent that helped energize the Mariners’ playoff push. His electric plays and prodigious power have fans in Seattle believing they have a new franchise cornerstone. The Topps Chrome base card remains one of the most affordable options for now at around $50-75 graded. But with Rodriguez likely to rack up awards and accolades in the coming years, this could very well emerge as one of the top rookie cards from 2022’s rookie class.
Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves – 2022 Topps Chrome RC – Harris made a seemingly flawless transition to starting center fielder for the defending champs. He hit for average and power, stole bases, and covered ground in the outfield with ease. The Braves look to have another budding star on their hands. With the franchise’s history of success and Harris’ five-tool ability, his Topps Chrome base RC could appreciate significantly if he fulfills his potential. For now it’s still affordable, making it a solid long-term prospecting card.
Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles – 2022 Topps Chrome RC – After years of being the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman finally made the jump to the majors in 2022. While he had an up and down season statistically, he showed all the skills that made him such a blue chip prospect. As the future cornerstone of the Orioles’ rebuild, Rutschman has franchise player potential that could drive his rookie cards to great heights. The Topps Chrome base remains one of the more affordable options for now at under $50 graded.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – 2022 Topps Chrome Green RC /150 – Cruz exploded onto the scene with his mammoth home runs and laser throws from shortstop. At 6’7″, the toolsy infielder has a rare combination of size and skills that captivates fans. The Green parallel from Topps Chrome is limited to just 150 copies. High grades have already eclipsed $1000, showing Cruz already has a strong collector following. As one of the most exciting rookies of 2022, Cruz’ cards could appreciate significantly if he becomes the perennial All-Star his abilities project.
Griffin Jax – Minnesota Twins – 2022 Topps Chrome Orange RC /199 – Jax had a breakout season as a key member of the Twins’ starting rotation. His power sinker stood out, as did his ability to miss bats with three above average pitches. As a former 3rd round pick who was not as heralded as others on this list, Jax emerged as one of the bigger surprises and success stories of 2022. His Topps Chrome Orange parallel is limited to just 199 copies. For a relatively unheralded prospect, Jax has the makings of a solid mid-rotation starter that could drive appreciation of this scarce parallel card.
George Kirby – Seattle Mariners – 2022 Topps Chrome Blue RC /150 – Kirby made a seamless transition from the minors to anchoring the Mariners’ rotation. His plus fastball and slider showed why he was such a coveted prospect. Playing in Seattle alongside Rodriguez and surrounded by other young stars, Kirby has the opportunity to emerge as the ace of a potential powerhouse pitching staff. The Blue parallel from Topps Chrome is limited, and high grades have already eclipsed $500. Kirby has all the tools to be the next great Mariners starter – making his rookie cards solid long term investments.
Jack Leiter – Texas Rangers – 2022 Topps Chrome Gold RC /50 – Leiter lived up to lofty expectations in his first MLB season. He flashed a plus fastball and showed the poise of a veteran despite being a rookie. As a former number two overall pick with ace upside, Leiter has a high ceiling that could drive his cards to new heights. The ultra rare Topps Chrome Gold parallel is limited to a tiny print run of just 50 copies. Even raw copies have sold for over $1000 due to Leiter’s star potential. This scarce parallel may emerge as one of the true crown jewels from the 2022 rookie class.
While it’s still early in the careers of these rookies, some like Witt Jr., Rodriguez and Harris have already shown the talent to be future superstars. Their flagship rookie cards remain affordable for now but could appreciate significantly with continued success. Other players like Torkelson, Rutschman and Kirby still need more time to develop but have the skills and opportunities to emerge as franchise cornerstones. Their base rookie cards offer prospects at reasonable entry points. Meanwhile, the short printed parallels of Cruz, Jax and Leiter offer scarcity for collectors pursuing rarer options from the 2022 class with breakout potential. All in all, several rookies from this past season have the makings of rookie cards that age very well as long term investments.
