The 2022 MLB season saw the debut of many highly touted prospects and future stars. These rookie players made an immediate impact on the field in their first season in the majors. As a result, their rookie baseball cards from 2022 have become some of the most sought after and valuable modern cards on the market. Below is an in-depth look at some of the best rookie cards from this past season that collectors should be targeting.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – Considered a true five-tool talent and one of the top prospects in all of baseball, Rodriguez did not disappoint in his rookie campaign with the Mariners. The 21-year-old outfielder slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rodriguez’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card has skyrocketed in value, currently averaging over $500 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. His Topps Opening Day base card and Topps Chrome Update rookie cards are also highly coveted, with PSA 10 copies selling for $300-400 each. Rodriguez established himself as a true superstar in 2022 and his cards hold immense long-term potential.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – As the number two overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had enormous expectations entering his rookie season. He lived up to the hype by slashing .256/.305/.436 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Witt’s impressive all-around play helped energize the Royals’ rebuild. His Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card is one of the most sought after modern cards, averaging over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition. Witt’s Topps Opening Day and Topps Chrome base rookie cards in a PSA 10 also sell for $300-500 each. At just 22 years old, Witt looks poised to be a perennial all-star for Kansas City and his cards could appreciate significantly with continued success on the field.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – A 6th round draft pick in 2020, Strider emerged as one of the top rookie pitchers in baseball in 2022. The flame-throwing righty went 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts in 131.2 innings. His eye-popping K/9 rate of 14.1 led all of MLB. Strider’s Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card has seen its value skyrocket, with PSA 10 copies selling for $800-1000. His Topps Opening Day and Topps Chrome base rookie cards in gem mint condition also average $300-400. At just 25 years old, Strider looks poised for stardom as a frontline starter for the Braves. His cards hold immense long-term potential as his career progresses.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – The number one overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman was the consensus top prospect in all of baseball entering 2022. He did not disappoint in his first full season, slashing .254/.362/.430 with 7 home runs in 85 games. Rutschman established himself as an elite defensive catcher and showed why he is a true franchise cornerstone. His Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card averages $500-600 in PSA 10 condition, with the prices steadily rising. Rutschman’s Topps Opening Day and Topps Chrome base rookie cards in gem mint also sell for $200-300 each. At just 25 years old, Rutschman looks to be an all-star caliber player for years to come in Baltimore.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – Standing an imposing 6-foot-7, Cruz turned heads in his rookie campaign with the Pirates by showing off rare power and speed for a player of his size. He slashed .233/.256/.454 with 9 home runs and stole 9 bases in just 58 games. Cruz also tantalized with his cannon for an arm in the field. His Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card has seen a meteoric rise, with PSA 10 copies selling for over $400 on average. Cruz’s Topps Opening Day and Topps Chrome base rookie cards in gem mint also average $150-250. At just 23 years old, Cruz looks to be a true five-tool star for Pittsburgh if he can refine his plate discipline.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – Harris burst onto the scene for the defending champion Braves and never looked back in his rookie season. The 21-year-old outfielder slashed .297/.339/.514 with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Harris established himself as an immediate impact player and looks to be a long-term fixture in Atlanta’s outfield. His Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card averages $300-400 in PSA 10 condition. Harris’ Topps Opening Day and Topps Chrome base rookie cards in gem mint also sell for $150-250 each. With continued production, Harris’ cards hold immense long-term upside as he develops into a true star for the Braves.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – After starring in Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan for nine seasons, Suzuki made a seamless transition to MLB in 2022 with the Cubs. The 27-year-old outfielder slashed .262/.336/.436 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in his first season stateside. Suzuki showed why he was one of the most coveted international free agents. His Topps Chrome Update Refractor rookie card averages $150-250 in PSA 10 condition. Suzuki’s Topps Opening Day and Topps Chrome base rookie cards in gem mint also sell for $75-150 each. As Suzuki continues to adjust, his cards hold strong long-term value given his established track record overseas.
The 2022 rookie class featured many future stars who immediately made an impact on the field in their debut MLB seasons. As a result, their rookie cards have exploded in popularity and value among collectors. Heading the class are the spectacular debuts of Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Strider and Rutschman. But rookie cards of breakout players like Harris, Cruz and Suzuki also hold immense long-term potential. This class looks poised to produce many perennial all-stars and potential Hall of Famers for years to come. Their rookie cards from 2022 will be among the most iconic and valuable modern baseball cards in the hobby going forward.
