The 2022 MLB season saw the debuts of many highly touted prospects and future stars. While it’s still early in their careers, some rookies have already shown flashes of superstardom that make their rookie cards very desirable for collectors. With players like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Spencer Strider making an immediate impact, here are some of the top rookie cards to watch out for from the 2022 rookie class.
Julio Rodriguez, OF, Seattle Mariners: Considered the top prospect in all of baseball heading into 2022, Rodriguez did not disappoint in his rookie campaign. The 21-year-old slugger slashed .284/.345/.509 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases in just 129 games. He was named an All-Star and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rodriguez’s prized rookie card is his Topps Chrome Refractor rookie from 2022 Topps Chrome. Graded gem mint 10 copies of this card have already sold for over $1,000 and with his superstar potential, this card’s value should only continue rising in the years to come.
Bobby Witt Jr., SS/3B, Kansas City Royals: The number two overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt took baseball by storm in his rookie season with the Royals. He smacked 20 home runs and stole 30 bases while playing excellent defense up the middle. Witt’s prized rookie cards include his Topps Chrome Refractor and Topps Fire Refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome and Topps Fire respectively. Both of these cards showcase his skills and have already eclipsed the $500 price point for PSA 10 copies. Expect Witt’s cards to be long-term blue chip holdings.
Spencer Strider, RHP, Atlanta Braves: As a relatively unknown prospect entering 2022, Strider quickly emerged as one of the best rookie pitchers in baseball. The flame-throwing righty struck out 202 batters in just 131.2 innings while posting a 2.67 ERA for the World Series champion Braves. His prized rookie card is his Topps Chrome Refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome. Graded PSA 10 copies have already sold for over $300 and with Strider looking like a future ace, this card’s stock should keep rising.
Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles: Considered the top prospect in baseball entering 2022, big things were expected of Rutschman in his rookie season. While he struggled at the plate initially, he showed why he’s such a special talent by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 56 games after being called up in late May. The switch-hitting catcher controls the game like few others and has a bright future. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie from 2022 Topps Chrome is a must-have, with PSA 10 copies already eclipsing the $300 mark.
Oneil Cruz, SS, Pittsburgh Pirates: At an immense 6-foot-7, Cruz is a rare physical specimen that wowed scouts with his combination of size and athleticism. He proved he’s for real by slugging 9 home runs in just 58 games for the Pirates in 2022. Cruz’s prized rookie card is his Topps Chrome Refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome. Graded PSA 10 copies have already sold for over $250 and with Cruz’s enticing tools, this card is primed to keep appreciating.
Seiya Suzuki, OF, Chicago Cubs: One of the biggest international signings of 2022, Suzuki brought his five-tool skillset to the Cubs after starring in NPB. The 28-year-old hit .262 with 14 home runs and 44 RBI in his rookie season stateside. Suzuki’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie from 2022 Topps Chrome is a strong long-term hold, with PSA 10 copies currently in the $150-200 range.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves: A fifth round pick in 2019, Harris burst onto the scene by hitting .297 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI for the World Series champs as a 21-year-old rookie. The athletic outfielder looks like a budding superstar and his Topps Chrome Refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome is an enticing buy. PSA 10 copies have already surpassed the $150 mark.
Hunter Greene, RHP, Cincinnati Reds: With a fastball that touches triple digits, Greene was one of the most electric rookie pitchers of 2022. He struck out 86 batters in 71 innings while showing impressive improvement as the season went on. His Topps Chrome Refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome looks like a solid long term investment, with PSA 10 copies currently in the $100-150 range.
Jeremy Peña, SS, Houston Astros: Peña had huge shoes to fill in replacing Carlos Correa at shortstop, but the 25-year-old proved up to the task. He hit .253 with 22 home runs and 63 RBI en route to World Series MVP honors. Peña’s Topps Chrome Refractor rookie from 2022 Topps Chrome looks like a solid pickup, with PSA 10 copies around the $100 mark.
While it’s still early in their careers, these rookies look to be cornerstone players for their franchises for years to come. Their rookie cards provide an opportunity to get in early on what could develop into true superstars. For avid collectors, securing pristine graded copies of these prized rookies now could yield big returns down the road. The 2022 rookie class has provided no shortage of excitement and investment opportunities.
