The Major League Baseball rookie card market is always an exciting space for collectors. Each year, a new crop of top prospects make their MLB debuts and have their rookie cards released for the first time. While it’s impossible to truly know which rookies will become the game’s next superstars, here are some of the best and most promising rookie cards from the 2022 season that collectors should keep an eye on.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Topps Chrome Refractor Auto /99): As the top overall pick in the 2019 draft and consensus #1 prospect in baseball, Rutschman’s debut was one of the most anticipated of 2022. He didn’t disappoint either, slashing .254/.362/.439 with 5 home runs in 57 games and showing why he has franchise cornerstone potential. His rookie cards jumped in value as a result, and his Topps Chrome refractor autograph, limited to just 99 copies, is one of the true high-end Rutschman rookie cards to own. Expect it to gain value as he continues developing in Charm City.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil /50): Like Rutschman, Witt was considered a can’t-miss prospect and the #2 pick in the 2019 draft. He made his presence felt right away with 20 home runs in the majors, showing five-tool star upside. His Topps Chrome rainbow foil parallel is an ultra-short print parallel out of just 50 copies. With his exciting play and as a cornerstone of the Royals’ rebuild, Witt’s cards could explode in value with a few more strong seasons.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Sapphire /50): A 6th round pick in 2019, Strider came seemingly out of nowhere to dominate as a rookie, striking out 202 batters in 131.2 innings with a 2.67 ERA. His Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel is extremely limited at /50, making it one of the true high-end rookie cards for the flamethrower. Strider has closer stuff but started in the playoffs, so he has ace potential if he can stay stretched out.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Topps Gold Label /5): J-Rod was the #3 prospect in baseball and lived up to the hype with a 28 home run, 25 stolen base rookie campaign. He looks like a perennial all-star and the centerpiece of the Mariners’ young core. His Gold Label parallel is the true short-print, limited to just 5 copies. It’s an ultra-premium card that could become one of the most valuable modern rookie cards in the long run.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Topps Chrome Auto Rainbow Foil /50): Standing an incredible 6’7″, Cruz is one of the most physically imposing players in the game. He showed why in his rookie stint with some mammoth home runs. At just 23 years old, he has superstar potential if he can stay healthy and refine his game. His Topps Chrome auto rainbow foil /50 parallel is extremely limited and a true high-end card to own of the towering shortstop.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs (Topps Chrome Sapphire Auto /50): Suzuki was a star in Nippon Professional Baseball and among the most MLB-ready international free agents on the market last winter. He hit .262 with 14 home runs in his rookie campaign. His Topps Chrome Sapphire auto /50 parallel is one of the true short-print, high-end cards to own of the Cubs’ new right fielder and future cornerstone.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /50): Harris was a 5th round pick in 2019 who exploded onto the scene with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his rookie year. He looks like a perennial all-star center fielder for the Braves for years to come. His Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto parallel out of just 50 copies is extremely limited and could become one of the most valuable Harris cards long-term.
Brendan Donovan, St. Louis Cardinals (Topps Chrome Sapphire Auto /50): A late bloomer as a 13th round pick in 2019, Donovan made the Cardinals’ roster out of spring training and became a valuable super-utility player, slashing .281 with solid defense at multiple positions. At just 25, he has breakout potential as an everyday player. His Topps Chrome Sapphire Auto /50 parallel is extremely limited and a nice card to own of the potential breakout.
Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks (Topps Chrome Sapphire Auto /50): McCarthy was a 4th round pick in 2018 who became the D-Backs’ starting center fielder in the second half, hitting .283 with excellent defense. He looks like a core piece of Arizona’s future as a potential five-tool player. His Topps Chrome Sapphire Auto /50 parallel is among the true short-print, high-end cards to own of the 24-year-old.
Some of the top new rookie cards to watch based on 2022 performance and long-term upside include Rutschman, Witt Jr., Strider, Rodriguez, Cruz, Suzuki, Harris II, Donovan and McCarthy. While it’s impossible to predict the future, these rookies showed five-tool talent and the makings of impact big leaguers. Their short-print parallels, autos and refractors offer collectors a chance to get in early on cards that could become some of the most valuable modern rookie cards in the years to come.
