The 2022 Topps Update Series baseball card set was released in September and contains updated cards and rookie cards for recent MLB call-ups. As with any new release, certain cards stand out as being more valuable due to various factors like star power, rarity and overall player performance. While values can always change over time, here are some of the most valuable cards from the 2022 Topps Update series based on current sales data and demand:
Spencer Strider #167 – Strider had a breakout rookie season for the Atlanta Braves in 2022, going 11-5 with a 2.67 ERA and 198 strikeouts over 131.2 innings. The 23-year-old righty has become one of the top young pitching prospects in baseball. His Update rookie card has been very popular, with PSA 10 gold label editions selling for $300-500 so far. Expect his prices to rise further if he keeps succeeding at the MLB level.
Bobby Witt Jr. #234 – As the #2 pick in the 2019 MLB draft and top consensus prospect coming into 2022, expectations were high for Witt in his rookie year with the Kansas City Royals. He did not disappoint, slashing .250/.290/.433 with 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His Update rookie card prices reflect his star potential, with PSA 10s trading hands for $250-350. Witt looks poised for stardom, boding well for future value increases on this coveted rookie card.
Matthew Liberatore #238 – Acquired by the Rays in the 2021 trade that sent Tyler Glasnow to the Dodgers, Liberatore made his MLB debut in 2022 to much fanfare. The left-handed starter showed promise in 12 starts, going 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA and good strikeout stuff. As a former top 100 prospect with upside, his Update rookie card attracts interest from player collectors. PSA 10s have sold from $150-200 so far based on his prospect shine and pedigree.
Adley Rutschman #246 – After years of hype as arguably the top prospect in baseball, Rutschman finally made his big league debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. While he struggled at the plate initially, batting just .197 in 92 games, his defensive abilities and leadership shone through. As the future franchise cornerstone, collectors are high on Rutschman for the long run. Low-population PSA 10s of his Update rookie have realized over $300 in sales.
Michael Harris II #305 – A consensus top 50 overall prospect entering 2022, Harris made an immediate impact with the Atlanta Braves after a midseason call-up. The athletic center fielder hit .297 with 19 home runs and 20 stolen bases, finishing second in NL Rookie of the Year voting. His Update rookie card is one of the hottest on the market, with PSA 10s topping out above $400 given his emerging star power combined with Braves fandom. Further breakouts would boost values higher.
Alek Thomas #307 – Thomas cracked the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Opening Day roster in 2022 at age 22 and held his own, batting .235 with 14 home runs and 12 steals in 125 games. The polished outfielder looks like a foundational piece moving forward. His Update rookie card holds strong Collector appeal based on this profile, with even raw copies carrying estimated values upwards of $100 already. Higher grades like PSA 10 could push $200-300.
Emmanuel Clase #315 – Clase emerged as one of the premier relief pitchers in baseball during a dominant 2022 campaign, recording a 1.36 ERA and 42 saves for Cleveland. The fireballing righty sits in the upper 90s with his fastball and owns an electric arm. Given the rarity of truly elite closers, collectors are flocking to his Update issue. PSA 10s have surpassed $500 in auction results, indicative of his ace reliever status driving collectability.
Bobby Miller #337 – Miller headlined the prospect return when the Dodgers traded him to the Cardinals in the transfer of Paul Goldschmidt. The big righty lived up to billing in his MLB debut, showcasing a 100 mph heater on his way to a 1.69 ERA over 29 innings in 2022. Contenders for 2023, Miller’s popularity has transferred to card value – even raw copies sell over $100 based on anticipation for continued success.
Triston McKenzie #348 – McKenzie established himself as Cleveland’s staff ace in 2022, making 31 starts with a 3.24 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 191.2 innings pitched. The lanky right-hander combines plus stuff with workhorse durability at just 25 years old. Collectors recognize his budding ace status, bidding PSA 10 McKenzie Update rookie cards up over $400 routinely online.
Oneil Cruz #364 – Standing an otherworldly 6’7″, Cruz burst onto the scene with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 after posting a 50 ft/sec Statcast exit velocity – the hardest-hit ball on record. While batting just .199 overall, his enormous tools set new standards that captivated fans. Consequently, even base Update Cruz rookies sell over $100 based purely on his freakish physical talents and highlight potential. Higher grades demand over $200 easily.
A player’s on-field performance, prospect pedigree, breakout potential, and intangible superstar shine all factor into what makes certain 2022 Topps Update baseball cards disproportionately more valuable. While the specifics may change going forward based on future results, the above names consistently appear near the top of secondary market sales data for this influential rookie and prospect release. Condition graded versions in particular allow discerning collectors to invest long-term in what could become the biggest future stars from the 2022 MLB campaign.
