The 2022 season was one of transition and emergence of new stars in Major League Baseball. With many rookie players making their MLB debuts and establishing themselves as future cornerstones of their franchises, the 2022 rookie class provided plenty of excitement and investment opportunities for baseball card collectors. Several rookies had monster seasons that have already made their rookie cards some of the hottest investments on the baseball card market. This article will provide an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2022 season and what makes them stand out.
One of the most hyped rookie classes in recent memory featured future superstars such as Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, and Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves. All three had phenomenal debut seasons that have rocketed the value of their rookie cards to new heights. Julio Rodriguez established himself as one of the brightest young stars in baseball by slashing .284/.345/.479 with 28 home runs and 25 stolen bases for the Mariners. The excitement around his debut elevated the prices of his Topps Chrome and Bowman refractors, parallels, and autographs far beyond normal rookie card valuations. As the possible future face of baseball, Rodriguez’s cards could appreciate exponentially if he continues on his current trajectory.
Right behind Rodriguez was Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr., who made an immediate splash by hitting 20 home runs and proving himself as one of MLB’s best young shortstops. Witt thrilled Royals fans all season with jaw-dropping defensive plays and monster home runs in key moments. The excitement around the #2 overall pick from 2019 is palpable in Kansas City and nationwide, driving up values of his Topps Chrome blue refractor RC to around $500 PSA 10 and Bowman’s Best autographs reaching over $1000 raw. Witt looks poised to become a perennial All-Star and if he does, his cards from 2022 will be fondly remembered as affordable pieces from his true rookie year.
One of the biggest surprises of 2022 was Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider. The 2020 4th round pick exploded onto the scene by finishing 2nd in the NL Rookie of the Year vote with an 11-5 record and a sparkling 2.67 ERA over 31 starts and 202 innings pitched. Strider dominated with his dangerous fastball and proved he could thrive in a playoff atmosphere, enhancing his growing stardom. Because Strider was not one of the top Braves pitching prospects, his rookie cards saw limited distribution and popularity heading into 2022. Now, his Topps Chrome Blue Refractor RC and Bowman chrome autographs are selling for $300-500 PSA 10, representing significant gains for savvy collectors who picked them up last year for under $50. If Strider continues improving and helps the Braves defend their title, he could turn into a legitimate ace and his already scarce rookie cards could multiply in value many times over.
While the top MLB rookies received most of the attention, several lesser-known players also broke out with stellar debut campaigns that make their rookie cards worthwhile long-term holds. One such player is Cincinnati Reds outfielder Tyler Stephenson. An unheralded 5th round pick in 2015, Stephenson had a breakout 2022 season by hitting .304 with 11 home runs and 18 doubles over 107 games while providing Gold Glove defense behind the plate. The defensive versatility and offensive production Stephenson showed make him an extremely valuable piece for the rebuilding Reds going forward. His flagship rookie cards like the Topps Chrome Update Red Refractor parallel and 2018 Bowman Chrome autographs are still affordable but have seen noticeable recent increases in secondary market pricing. For collectors who identified Stephenson’s potential before his breakout, his rookie cards offer solid long term gains if he continues progressing.
While offensive superstar performances from rookies like Rodriguez, Witt and Strider dominated headlines in 2022, several rookie pitchers also made strong cases for future stardom. One was Marlins starter Edward Cabrera, who showed electrifying stuff while posting a 5-3 record and 2.53 ERA over 17 starts. His mid-90s fastball and wipeout slider combination give him ace-caliber potential moving forward. Cabrera flew under the radar as a prospect, causing his 2018 Bowman Chrome autograph RCs to retail relatively cheaply last year. But after his impressive debut season, Kabrera autographs have seen a major boost in demand that reflects his growing stature as a future frontline starter for Miami. With continued improvement, Cabrera’s stock could rise exponentially and make his early rookie cards some of the best pitching investments from this class.
Another young arm who blossomed in 2022 was Cardinals starter Andre Pallante. A 22nd round pick out of UC Irvine in 2019, Pallante made the improbable jump from AA to become a stalwart in St. Louis’ rotation down the stretch. In 18 starts for the Cardinals, Pallante went 7-5 with a 3.34 ERA while displaying impeccable control. His rise from unknown prospect to MLB contributor in just a few short years makes Pallante one of the better “value” pitching picks from this rookie class. His Bowman Chrome autographs and Topps Update RCs can still be obtained in the $50-100 range, representing minimal risk with upside for huge gains if Pallante fulfills his newfound potential as a future Cardinals workhorse.
The 2022 MLB season featured many emerging young stars who made their MLB debuts in brilliant fashion. Players like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr, and Spencer Strider dominated the narrative with their Rookie of the Year caliber performances. Lesser-known breakouts like Tyler Stephenson, Edward Cabrera, and Andre Pallante also made strong cases for long term stardom with their own contributions at the MLB level. For baseball card investors, focusing on prospects who achieve early success and show promising long term trajectories offers the highest probability of profiting off well-timed rookie card purchases. The 2022 class appears stacked with future franchise cornerstones, making their flagship rookie cards some of the smartest long term holds in today’s booming trading card market.
