Topps Chrome is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year. The shiny refractors and prospects make for an exciting rip during the baseball season. The 2022 edition was no exception, featuring some of the game’s biggest stars and top prospects on shiny cardboard.
Perhaps the biggest star featured in Topps Chrome 2022 was Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani. After an unprecedented 2021 season where he was both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani was one of the most sought after rookies in the set. His base refractors could be pulled in every hobby box and his autographed and memorabilia cards were highly chase cards. Many consider his base refractor to be the most valuable card in the entire set.
Another huge star and one of the faces of baseball is New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. After struggling in his first season in Queens, Lindor broke out in 2022 and helped lead the Mets to the NL East title. His refractors were hot cards out of the product and his autographed parallels really stood out to collectors. Many believe Lindor has re-established himself as a true superstar, making his Topps Chrome cards very desirable long term holds.
Rookies are always a big draw for Topps Chrome collectors and 2022 did not disappoint. Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez had a phenomenal rookie campaign that culminated in him winning AL Rookie of the Year. His paper rookie cards skyrocketed but his Topps Chrome refractors really popped on the secondary market. Rodriguez looks like a future star and his Chrome cards are considered core pieces for any collection.
Another rookie who shined in 2022 and had strong Chrome cards was Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. After an injury to Carlos Correa, Pena stepped in and not only helped the Astros reach the World Series but was named MVP of that Fall Classic. His on-field performance created huge buzz for his rookie cards, with his Topps Chrome parallels among the most popular. Pena looks to have a bright future as the Astros’ shortstop and his cards hold great value.
While rookies and stars get much of the attention in Topps Chrome, prospects are also a big draw. One of the most sought after young players in the set was Detroit Tigers phenom Riley Greene. The young outfielder had a strong debut in 2022 and is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. His Chrome prospect cards, including autographed and memorabilia versions, were hot commodities for collectors. Greene looks like a future superstar and his prospect cards could pay big dividends long term.
Another elite prospect and one of the biggest names in the 2022 draft class was Druw Jones. The son of baseball legend Andruw Jones, Druw was taken second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks and immediately became one of the most hyped prospects in the game. His prospect cards, especially autographed versions from Topps Chrome, were some of the most expensive cards in the entire set. Jones is considered a true five-tool talent who could be a future MVP, making his prospect cards a strong long term investment.
While stars and prospects drive most of the hype in Topps Chrome, solid major leaguers still have desirable cards that hold value. St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt continues to be one of the most consistent hitters in baseball and his Chrome refractors were popular pickups. Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez had another outstanding season and his on-card autographs were highly sought after cards. Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich also had a bounce back campaign, making his Chrome cards solid holds. These types of proven major leaguers add depth to any collection.
In terms of parallels and serial numbered cards, the Topps Chrome set had plenty of exciting short print and memorabilia options that created chase cards. The prizm refractors, especially of stars, were some of the most valuable parallels in the set. Numbered to only /99 copies or less, these parallel cards really popped on the secondary market. Autographed jersey and bat cards of stars like Ohtani, Lindor and Rodriguez in low serial numbers also created a buzz. For high-end collectors, 1/1 printing plate autographs were true crown jewels in the product.
Whether collecting stars, rookies, prospects or proven major leaguers, Topps Chrome 2022 had something for every type of baseball card enthusiast. The shiny refractors and exciting rookie class made it one of the most anticipated releases of the year. With the long term potential of cards like Ohtani, Rodriguez and Jones, sets like this are strong foundations for any collection with an eye on the future. Topps Chrome continues to be the pinnacle of the modern baseball card hobby each year.
