The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball set was released on September 7th, 2022 and contained a wide variety of exciting rookie cards and veteran stars. As with every year, Topps Chrome highlights the best players in the league with shiny refractors that pop on card. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards collectors were eager to pull from packs and boxes of the 2022 edition.
One of the most coveted rookie cards in the set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2021 that saw him hit .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. He established himself as one of the brightest young stars in baseball at just 20 years old. The Wander Franco chrome rookie card /499 was hotly anticipated and did not disappoint collectors with its eye-catching refractor design. With Franco expected to be a perennial All-Star and future MVP candidate, this card is sure to increase in value as his career progresses.
Another outstanding rookie to debut in 2022 Topps Chrome was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a breakout season where he slashed .284/.345/.511 with 28 home runs between the minors and majors. He established himself as a five-tool talent and the future centerpiece of the Mariners. The Julio Rodriguez chrome rookie card /499 is considered by many to be the top rookie card in the entire set due to his unlimited upside. Rodriguez has a strong case for AL Rookie of the Year and with a bright future ahead, this card is a great long term investment for collectors.
For Houston Astros fans, one of the prized cards from the set had to be shortstop Jeremy Pena. Pena took over as the Astros starting shortstop in 2022 after Carlos Correa departed in free agency. In his rookie season, Pena helped lead Houston to another AL West title while hitting .253 with 16 home runs and 48 RBI. His performance in the postseason was even better where he was named World Series MVP. The Jeremy Pena chrome rookie card /499 perfectly captures the excitement around the young shortstop who looks to be a long term piece for the Astros.
Veteran superstars also received shiny refractors acknowledging their place among the game’s elites. For Los Angeles Dodgers fans, the Mookie Betts chrome refractor /499 had to be an automatic add to any collection. Betts is fresh off his second World Series title with LA and is still in his prime as one of the best all-around players in baseball. The New York Yankees were well represented by Aaron Judge, who is coming off a historic 62 home run season. The Aaron Judge chrome refractor /499 is a standout card showcasing the American League single season home run king.
Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani also received an awe-inspiring refractor as the face of the Los Angeles Angels franchise. In 2022, Ohtani followed up his AL MVP season by continuing to dominate on the mound and in the batter’s box. The Shohei Ohtani chrome refractor /499 encapsulates his otherworldly talents and status as one of the most unique and exciting players in the history of the game. For Atlanta Braves fans, the Dansby Swanson chrome refractor /499 was a must-have after he helped lead the team to another World Series title with clutch performances throughout the postseason.
Rookies and veterans weren’t the only players to receive top refractors, as several all-time greats close to retirement also had standout cards. For San Diego Padres fans, the Fernando Tatis Jr. chrome refractor /499 was a highly sought after card representing their superstar shortstop when healthy. For St. Louis Cardinals fans, the Yadier Molina chrome refractor /499 paid homage to the future Hall of Famer who spent his entire 19-year career with the franchise. The same applied to New York Mets pitcher Max Scherzer, who at 38 years old is still performing at an elite level represented by his chrome refractor /499.
The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball set featured a loaded rookie class along with refractors honoring the games superstars both young and old. With so many exciting talents like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Jeremy Pena just starting their careers, their rookie cards hold immense long term potential. Veterans like Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge continue to produce at the plate and on the mound, making their refractors strong holds for any collection. For fans of teams who won it all like the Astros and Braves, cards like Pena and Swanson hit even closer to home. Overall, 2022 Topps Chrome had no shortage of cards that will stand the test of time for savvy collectors.
