The 2022 MLB season saw an exciting new crop of rookies make their big league debuts and begin to make their mark on the sport. Several of these young players had monster performances that have vaulted their rookie cards to the top of want lists for collectors. With strong play that could continue them on a trajectory for stardom, these rookie cards stand to gain even more value as these athletes careers progress. Here’s a look at some of the hottest rookie baseball cards on the market from the 2022 rookie class.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers – 2020 Topps Chrome RC – While he struggled at the plate in his first MLB season, batting just .197, Torkelson has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star for the Tigers as he continues to adjust to big league pitching. He showed impressive power with 11 home runs in 2022 and was one of the top prospects in all of baseball prior to his debut. As the number one overall pick in 2020, his rookie cards remain some of the most sought after on the market, with the 2020 Topps Chrome refractor rookie card being the pinnacle. Graded examples have fetched upwards of $1000 or more in recent months.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – 2021 Bowman Chrome Purple RC – Witt wasted no time making an impact, taking home AL Rookie of the Year honors while proving himself as a franchise cornerstone for the Royals. He slashed .254/.290/.482 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in his first MLB campaign. His prospect pedigree and exciting all-around game make Witt one of the biggest stars in the sport moving forward. His prized 2021 Bowman Chrome Purple refractor rookie card has cracked the $2000 mark and is sure to keep climbing in the years ahead as he cements his stardom.
Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners – 2021 Bowman Chrome Orange RC – J-Rod burst onto the scene with fantastic power and speed, hitting 28 home runs while stealing 25 bases for the up-and-coming Mariners. He finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting and gives Seattle a cornerstone outfield bat for the future. The 2021 Bowman Chrome Orange refractor is one of his most sought-after rookies, with PSA 10 examples demanding $1000-1500 currently due to its flashy color and relative rarity versus normal refractors. Rodriguez looks poised for superstardom to continue pumping value into this prized rookie.
Adrian Hernandez – Baltimore Orioles – 2022 Topps Chrome Green RC – While he only got a brief September cup of coffee in the majors, Hernandez tantalized in his debut by slugging a dramatic walk-off grand slam. The talented young shortstop is on the fast track and could debut full-time in Baltimore next season. His shiny green refractor from 2022 Topps Chrome has become a hot ticket for Orioles collectors, with PSA 10s already reaching the $150-200 range due to scarcity and buzz surrounding the young lefty power bat.
C.J. Abrams – San Diego Padres – 2021 Bowman Chrome Orange RC – Traded to Washington midseason, Abrams showed off elite speed and defense after being regarded as a top-5 prospect. The switch-hitting middle infielder started slow at the plate but displayed line-drive power potential late. His prospect pedigree and hype have the coveted orange refractor from his draft year Bowman Chrome set poised to follow other big-name rookies upward, even after leaving San Diego. PSA 10s currently run $500-700 with room to grow as Abrams establishes himself.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – 2020 Bowman Chrome Green RC / 2021 Topps Chrome Pink RC – At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a monster at the plate when he connects, launching mammoth home runs with startling raw power. He flashed potential in his late-season debut to help accelerate his card values. Both his shiny green refractor from 2020 Bowman Chrome and eye-popping pink refractor from 2021 Topps Chrome have become must-haves for Pirates collectors. PSA 10 examples of the green run $250-350 while the scarce pinks top $500 already due to Cruz’s imposing tools and future lineup cornerstone potential in Pittsburgh.
Brent Honeywell Jr. – Tampa Bay Rays – 2015 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor RC – After years of injuries derailed his career progression, Honeywell finally made his MLB debut late in 2022. Long regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball before Tommy John surgery, collectors never gave up on his talent. His flagship orange refractor rookie from 2015 Bowman Chrome skyrocketed back into collectors minds following his call-up. PSA 10s recently traded hands at auction for more than $1200 due to renewed optimism for Honeywell finding success with the Rays.
Jack Leiter – Texas Rangers – 2021 Bowman Chrome Orange RC – The number two overall pick possessed electric stuff in the minors, with some comparing him to legendary father Al Leiter. Jack made a cameo late in the majors but is expected to lock down a rotation spot in 2023. His premiere Orange refractor continues gaining steam, with multiple auctions seeing PSA 10s eclipse the $1000 mark. If Leiter delivers on his potential as a frontline starter, this prized rookie could end up a true long-term gem.
While the struggles of some like Torkelson give pause, the breakouts of stars like Witt Jr. and Rodriguez thrust several dazzling rookie cards from the 2022 MLB season onto the list of the hobby’s hottest new prospects. With strong continued play, these rookies stand to gain standard bearers in collections for years down the road. But savvy investors would be wise to strike sooner than later before the cards appreciate up out of reach for the average fan. Exciting rookie classes always lead to new card collecting legends being born.
