The 2022 Topps baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors due to rumors of short prints and parallels that could become extremely valuable in the coming years. While every year features rare and valuable cards, the 2022 release seemed primed to take collectibles to new heights with innovative designs and limited edition parallel inserts.
With tech advancements in scanning and printing, Topps was able to create intricate photo variations and numbering techniques that spawned dozens of parallel versions of core cards. From popular parallels like Sapphire and Rainbow Foil to limited numbered editions and one-of-one artist proofs, collectors found themselves on a quest to track down and complete parallel rainbow sets of their favorite players.
Some of the rarest 2022 Topps baseball cards emerged from these parallel inserts, with several keys fetching huge sums shortly after release. One of the most coveted was a Luis Robert Rainbow Foil parallel numbered to /25 copies. Graded mint by PSA at a pristine Gem Mint 10, an unmatched example sold for over $12,000 – a stunning price tag for a base parallel of a young star.
Ronald Acuña Jr. also commanded huge dollars due to his superstar status and serious knee injury that sidelined him for 2022. One of Acuña’s Rainbow Foil /99 parallels certified PSA 10 moved for over $8,000, while his rare 1/1 Gold Parallel artist proof smashed speculation by bringing in more than $25,000 at auction. Prints of this magnitude fueled intense fever around locating and grading early valuable rainbow parallel pulls from the flagship set.
While many eyes focused on parallels, some of the rarest and valuable cards emerged from the base set itself. Each year, Topps produces short printed or scarce variations of base rookie cards that become highly sought after. Perhaps the biggest 2022 rookie short print was that of Julio Rodríguez, who emerged as the front-runner for American League Rookie of the Year. His main base card was sharply limited, with PSA 10 examples regularly achieving $1,000+ each.
Collectors soon recognized Rodríguez’s true short printed variation when it began to surface – featuring an alternate photo vs his main base design. Graded examples of this elusive SP variation with a PSA 10 grade soared over $4,000, making it one of the most expensive 2022 Topps rookies on the nascent market. It’s clear this card will continue gaining value as Rodríguez’s star rises.
One of the other strongest potential key rookies is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. Like Rodríguez, Baz’s main base design saw a limited printing. But an even rarer SP variation with a second different photo was nearly impossible to locate. The hunt began in earnest, with finders of this elusive Baz SP touting its value at $3,000 PSA 10 raw or more. With Baz’s electric stuff and youth, this short print looks poised as a long term blue chip.
Across the set, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett also emerged as a popular short print chase from the football side. Piloting the Pittsburgh Steelers offense, Pickett mania took hold amongst collectors hunting his scarce main base and exceedingly rare SP variation. With a formidable Steelers pedigree and strong start to his NFL career, examples of Pickett’s main base graded PSA/BGS/CGC Gem Mint 10 were reaching $1,000+ each. That price point appeared a bargain compared to a single verified example of his thought-to-be 1 of 1 SP variation – which stunningly traded hands for around $15,000.
On the veteran side, legendary Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw held immense value throughout the year and his inserts became premiere chase cards. Any parallel or SP pull of Kershaw flew off the shelves, but two keys towered above the rest – his 1/1 Gold Rainbow Foil parallel and speculated 1/1 SP variation. After months of fruitless searches, both ultra-rare Kershaw hits finally surfaced to authenticated sellers. The Gold cleared $25,000 while his unconfirmed 1/1 SP was conservatively estimated at $40,000 for a PSA 10 example if/when discovered. At this rate, Kershaw parallels may eventually push six figure territory.
As the year wrapped and cards cleared grading, the true scale of 2022 Topps short prints became evident. The widespread quest for rare parallels and SP variations made completing rainbows or finding the biggest hits nearly impossible for most. With young stars like Rodríguez, Baz and Acuña leading the way, this flagship release proved to spawn some of the most valuable modern rookie cards. Veterans like Kershaw cemented strong legacy value as well. As these players careers progress, so too may appreciation for their seminal 2022 Topps issue – cementing it as one of the most influential and investment-worthy modern issues from the hobby’s governing brand.
