2022 Topps Chrome Baseball was released in late August and is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year. The Chrome parallels and refractors are highly sought after by collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookies and stars featured in this year’s set that are commanding high prices in the current market.
One of the biggest rookie cards in 2022 Topps Chrome is Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie season that saw him selected to the All-Star game and finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His base rookie card is selling in the $50-75 range, but it’s the Chrome parallels that are highly valuable. The prized orange refractor parallel /50 has sold for over $1,000. The green refractor /99 and blue refractor /150 are also highly sought after and selling for $300-500. Even the base Chrome rookie card is valued around $150-200 given Rodríguez’s breakout season and star potential. He’s considered one of the faces of the next generation of MLB stars.
Another top rookie is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. Peña had a stellar rookie campaign that culminated in him winning World Series MVP honors. His base rookie card from Chrome sells for $75-100. The prized orange refractor /50 has sold for over $800 given his postseason heroics. The green /99 and blue /150 refractors also command $200-300. Peña proved he can perform on the biggest stage as a rookie, making his rookie cards highly valuable long term holdings.
Two other rookies that have seen their Chrome cards gain value are Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby and Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. Kirby’s base rookie sells for $50-75 with his refractors in the $150-250 range. Harris II has a $50-75 base card with his refractors valued around $100-150. Both rookies had solid debut seasons and play for franchises with winning cultures, adding to the long term potential of their rookie cards.
Moving beyond the rookies, superstar cards like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani lead the way in 2022 Topps Chrome. Judge is coming off an historic 62 home run season and is poised to shatter the single season HR record. His base Chrome sells for around $75-100. The prized orange refractor /50 has sold for over $1,000 given his record setting 2022. Ohtani is the face of baseball and a two-way sensation as a hitter and pitcher. His base Chrome sells for around $50-75 with refractors in the $150-300 range depending on parallel. Both Judge and Ohtani have a chance to become the faces of the league for years to come.
Other top stars that command premium prices include Ronald Acuña Jr., Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, and Juan Soto. Acuña is looking to return to MVP form in 2023 after two injury plagued seasons. His base Chrome sells for $50-75 with refractors around $150. Betts is a perennial MVP candidate for the Dodgers and his Chrome base is $40-60 with refractors $75-150. Trout remains the best all-around player when healthy and his Chrome base is $30-50 with refractors valued $75-150. Soto was traded to the Padres in an August blockbuster and should produce in San Diego for years. His Chrome base is $30-50 with refractors priced $75-150 as well. All four stars have the ability to be cornerstones of any collection for the long haul.
Beyond the biggest names, 2022 Topps Chrome also features rising young stars like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals, Adley Rutschman of the Orioles, and Joe Ryan of the Twins. Their base Chrome rookies sell in the $30-50 range while their top refractors can reach $100-200 depending on the parallel. Veterans like Bryce Harper of the Phillies and Yordan Alvarez of the Astros also have desirable Chrome cards selling in the $20-40 range for base with $50-100 refractors.
In conclusion, 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball delivered another outstanding crop of rookies along with chase cards of franchise stars both young and old. Rookies like Rodríguez, Peña, Kirby and Harris lead the way while Judge, Ohtani, Acuña and others hold elite veteran status. With its eye-catching refractors and parallels, Topps Chrome remains the pinnacle release each year for high-end baseball cards. The top rookies and stars from this year’s set are sure to retain and gain value for dedicated collectors and investors.
