2022 Topps Chrome Baseball was one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases of the year. As a refractor parallel of the flagship Topps set, Topps Chrome is known for its eye-catching color variations and prospects of finding valuable rookie cards in brilliant refractors. This year’s Chrome offering did not disappoint, delivering several standout rookie cards and parallels of star veterans. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors sought after from the 2022 Topps Chrome release.
Bobby Witt Jr. Chrome Refractors
Perhaps the biggest rookie star of 2022 was Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt. Witt Jr. had a phenomenal debut season that saw him finish second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. His rookie cards from Topps Chrome, particularly the prized refractors, were some of the set’s most coveted. The standard Chrome refractor /499 was highly sought after, but collectors were also on the hunt for rare parallels like the Gold refractor /50, Rainbow foil refractor /25, and Ultra rare Black 1/1. Any Witt Jr. refractor pulled from a pack carried a high perceived value given his immediate superstar potential. Many believe his rookie cards could become some of the most valuable from the entire 2022 baseball card class when all is said and done.
Spencer Torkelson Chrome RCs
The number one overall pick from 2020, Detroit Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson also had a noteworthy rookie campaign in 2022 after a slow start. His Topps Chrome rookie cards, especially the refractors, gained value as he started to heat up offensively in the second half. The standard Torkelson Chrome refractor /499 remains a key rookie to own from the set. Like Witt Jr., collectors also targeted rare parallels and serial numbered versions of Torkelson’s RC, such as the Gold /50, Rainbow /25, and 1/1 Black. With his promising power bat and pedigree as the top draft choice, Torkelson has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star, making his 2022 Topps Chrome rookie cards a solid long term basketball.
Julio Rodriguez Chrome RCs
Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez had a breakout rookie season that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. As one of the set’s biggest stars, Rodriguez’s Topps Chrome rookie cards were in high demand across the board. The standard Chrome refractor /499 remains a core card to own. But collectors also prized parallels like the Gold /50, Rainbow /25, and coveted 1/1 Black parallel. Rodriguez’s electrifying play and five-tool skill set have cemented him as a future face of the league, making his Topps Chrome rookie cards an anchor investment in any collection. With his budding superstardom, Rodriguez parallels from 2022 Topps Chrome are poised to become some of the most valuable modern rookie cards in the hobby.
Riley Greene Chrome RCs
While injuries limited his playing time as a rookie, Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene still generated plenty of buzz in the hobby thanks to his tools and pedigree as a former number five overall draft pick. Greene’s Topps Chrome rookie cards, especially the prized refractors, found their way into many collectors’ PC’s in hopes of landing a future star at a reasonable price point. The standard Chrome refractor /499 remains an affordable Greene RC option. But more valuable parallels like the Gold /50, Rainbow /25, and 1/1 Black also circulated on the secondary market. As Greene’s career progresses and he stays healthy, these early Topps Chrome rookie cards could emerge as steals in retrospect given his all-around skills and potential impact bat.
Two-Sport Stars Chrome RCs
2022 Topps Chrome featured the rookie cards of several athletes who starred in multiple sports, generating crossover appeal. One of the most sought-after was that of Twins shortstop Royce Lewis. Lewis was a highly touted prospect and first overall pick who also played quarterback in high school. His Topps Chrome rookie cards, especially the prized refractors, captured collectors from both the baseball and football card hobbies. Giants catcher Joey Bart, a former top baseball prospect and state champion quarterback, also saw strong demand for his Topps Chrome rookie cards. And Diamondbacks pitcher Drey Jameson, an former elite high school hoops player, turned heads with his dual-sport pedigree reflected in his 2022 Topps Chrome rookie card offerings.
Star Veterans Chrome Parallels
While rookies drove much of the hype, 2022 Topps Chrome also featured several valuable parallel cards of veteran baseball stars. The prized 1/1 Black parallel Autographs and Memorabilia cards of household names like Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, and Mookie Betts commanded top dollar on the resale market. But collectors also targeted more attainable parallels like the Gold /50, Rainbow /25, and lower-numbered refractors of superstars. Parallels of emerging young stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Wander Franco also gained traction. For set builders and star collectors, finding a sought-after numbered parallel of a favorite player in Topps Chrome added tremendous rainbow appeal.
In conclusion, 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball delivered several standout rookie cards and parallel hits that have already proven to be long-term keepers in collections. From prized Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez refractors to dual-sport stars like Royce Lewis, this year’s Topps Chrome release featured several keys for rookie PC’s. Add in coveted parallel cards of established veterans and rising talents, and it’s clear why 2022 Topps Chrome remains one of the most collected modern issues in the hobby today. For both investments and rainbow-building purposes, many of the top cards from this release are sure to gain even more value and popularity in the years to come.
