The 2022 Topps Prizm baseball card set was released in September of this year and like previous years, it features some of the hottest young rookies and star players in the game. Prizm has become one of the most popular and desirable modern card sets due to the innovative “prismatic” design that makes photos shimmer and shine in different lighting. This addedcollector appeal has driven up prices dramatically for the short prints and star rookies in recent Prizm releases.
While it’s still early and the market is developing, here’s a look at some of the most expensive 2022 Topps Prizm baseball cards that have sold so far on the secondary market:
Soto Rainbow Foil Prizm #128 – Juan Soto is a true superstar at just 24 years old and his rare rainbow foil parallel from this year’s Prizm set is the current undisputed champion. As of early November 2022, the highest sale price is an unbelievable $15,900. This parallel has a print run estimated at around 1/20 of a traditional base Prizm and features extra vivid colors and iridescent refractor-like properties that make it extremely sought after by high-end collectors. With Soto’s status in the game and the extremely low pop of this parallel, prices will likely remain astronomical.
Acuña Jr. Rainbow Foil Prizm #5 – Ronald Acuña Jr is another very young superstar talent and his rare rainbow Prizm has exchanged hands for over $10,000 already. The prized parallel carries an estimated print run of around 1/20 of a base Prizm and provides and absolutely mesmerizing visual experience with the color-morphing and refractor effects. Acuña has proven himself as a true five-tool offensive and defensive force, is just 25, and figures to be a perennial MVP candidate for years to come, ensuring sustained high demand for his exclusive parallels.
Vlad Jr. Green Sparkle Prizm #138 – It may surprise some fans that Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s green sparkle Prizm currently ranks as the 3rd most valuable at $7,450. Vladdy has established himself as an elite slugger in just a few seasons and at age 24, still has room to grow. His green sparkle parallel carries a slightly higher print run around estimated 1/10 of a base Prizm, but provides a unique green color morph look that collectors eagerly pay up for. With Guerrero’s elite talent and youth, this parallel captures his star power very well.
Ohtani Rainbow Foil Prizm #67 – Shohei Ohtani is arguably the single greatest talent in baseball as a true five-tool player who is an ace pitcher and hitter. Not surprisingly, collectors are shelling out big bucks for his rare Ohtani rainbow foil Prizm which last traded in the $7,300 range. This stunning parallel may only have a print run of 1/20 like the Soto and Acuña, making it extremely tough to pull and highly valuable for any collection. Ohtani continues to redefine what is possible on the baseball field and his special Prizms will hold value as long as he plays.
Witt Jr. Rainbow Foil Prizm #253 – Bobby Witt Jr. exploded onto the MLB scene in 2022 with his elite power, skills, and polish as just a 21-year old. While still early in his career, Witt’s immense talent and potential have collectors betting big on his rare rainbow foil Prizm, which has sold for as much as $5,600 already. This exclusive parallel captures Witt’s breakout potential perfectly with its flashy and colorful design suited for a rising star. Given his huge popularity, young age, and ascending abilities, Witt’s top parallels like this rainbow should only rise in value in upcoming years.
After Witt Jr., the next most valuable 2022 Prizm rookies based on sales so far include:
Adley Rutschman Green Sparkle Prizm #109 – $4,000
The potential franchise catching savior for Baltimore had his breakout 2022 season and green parallels are carrying a premium.
Julio Rodriguez Orange Sparkle Prizm #156- $3,800
The 21-year old Mariners star had a huge rookie campaign and his short printed oranger parallels draw big bids.
Michael Harris II Purple Sparkle Prizm #210 – $3,500
The Braves young centerfielder had an electrifying debut and vibrant parallel cards are highly sought after.
Spencer Strider Gold Prizm #70 – $3,200
The upstart Braves ace had an amazing rookie season and his appealing gold parallel remains a hot commodity.
Oneil Cruz Green Prizm #53 – $2,900
The toolsy Pirates prospect showed off with is huge debut and has collectors loading up on his green parallel’s.
While there is always unpredictability in the trading card market, one thing is for certain – the stars, short prints and parallels from Topps Prizm each year seem to gain value much faster than standard card releases. 2022 was no exception, featuring a new crop of rookies and talent capturing the attention of today’s card enthusiasts. With beautiful designs and innovation year over year, Prizm remains the premium modern baseball card product that moves the biggest money for the biggest names in the game.
