Tag Archives: 2022

2022 METS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 season marked a turnaround year for the New York Mets franchise. After several disappointing seasons, the Mets emerged as serious contenders in 2022 behind new owner Steven Cohen’s substantial financial investment in the team. As a result, collector interest in 2022 Mets cards is high. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the key Mets cards from sets released in 2022.

Topps released several sets focused on the 2022 Mets, headlined by their flagship Topps Series 1, Topps Series 2, and Update Series releases. Francisco Lindor’s base card in Topps Series 1 saw early demand, as Lindor bounced back from a poor 2021 season to hit .270 with over 20 home runs and drive in over 100 runs. Another hot rookie card was catcher Francisco Alvarez’s base card in Topps Series 1. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Alvarez made his MLB debut in September and hit his first career home run, generating buzz around his rookie card.

The true star of Topps’ 2022 Mets releases was Max Scherzer. The three-time Cy Young award winner was dominant after being acquired by the Mets at the 2021 trade deadline, going 11-5 with a 2.54 ERA and pitching to a 0.86 WHIP. As a result, his Base Autograph Parallel card from Topps Series 1 skyrocketed in price, routinely fetching over $100 on the secondary market. His Topps Series 2 Orange Refractor Parallel /150 also commands a premium, around $75-100 due to Scherzer’s dominant season and star power.

While Topps dominated the mass-produced card market, higher-end sets like Panini Flawless, Leaf Trinity, and Bowman’s Best offered exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards of Mets stars. Flawless’ 1/1 Rainbow Foil autographs of Scherzer, Lindor, and Pete Alonso retailed for thousands and would be crown jewels for any collection. Meanwhile, Lindor’s dual-signature cards with manager Buck Showalter in Leaf Trinity saw early interest due to the duo leading the Mets back to the playoffs in 2022.

Rookies like Brett Baty, adley rutschman baseball cards, and Jaylen Palmer also attracted attention from collectors with their debut cards in flagship Topps sets and Bowman releases. Baty hit 3 home runs after being called up in September and could be the Mets’ third baseman of the future. As a result, his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor /499 parallels currently sell in the $50-75 range on the secondary market. Meanwhile, Palmer’s Bowman Autograph cards were hot out of the gate after he was selected 12th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft.

Perhaps the biggest postseason star for the Mets was reliever Edwin Diaz. Signed to a record-setting contract in the offseason, Diaz dominated as the Mets’ closer, notching 32 saves with a 1.31 ERA during the regular season. In the playoffs, he was nearly unhittable, throwing 5 scoreless innings with 8 strikeouts across 4 appearances. As a result, Diaz’s Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor parallel /499 and Topps Fire Green Refractor parallel /99 parallels jumped to over $100 each after the Mets’ playoff run. Collectors are banking on Diaz to continue his dominance for years to come.

Beyond current players, relic and autographed cards of Mets legends also hold value. In particular, cards featuring Tom Seaver continue to garner six-figure prices. Seaver won the Cy Young three times as the face of the Mets franchise and remains their greatest player of all time. As such, his exquisite 1/1 Game Uniform Relic card from Topps Tribute commands upwards of $15,000. Meanwhile, signed photos and game-used bats of hometown hero and Hall of Famer Mike Piazza can fetch $500-1000 depending on condition. Cards that memorialize the Mets’ golden eras in the 1960s and 1980s have enduring appeal.

The 2022 season reinvigorated interest in Mets cards across all levels. Top rookies, established stars, and legends alike saw strong collector demand driven by the team’s resurgent playoff run. With Cohen’s financial commitment, the future remains bright for this franchise, which should continue to boost card values in the years ahead. For Mets collectors, 2022 provided an exciting new crop of cards documenting the team’s rise, led by names like Scherzer, Lindor, Diaz and the rookie class. The 2022 season will be remembered as a turning point that revitalized the team and reignited passion from its dedicated fanbase of card collectors.

2022 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS JUMBO BOX

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The 2022 Topps Update baseball card set was released on September 7th, 2022 and brought fans another chance to collect some of the biggest names and top rookies from the current MLB season. As with every year, the Update set serves as Topps’ opportunity to include players who made their debuts or had significant accomplishments after the flagship Series 1 and Series 2 sets were already finalized and printed.

The 2022 Topps Update Baseball Cards Jumbo Box offers collectors an exciting way to rip packs in search of star rookies and key inserts at a great value. Each jumbo box contains 30 packs with 12 cards per pack, meaning a massive 360 total cards in each box. That massive volume of cards provides collectors with a much better chance of pulling coveted rookie cards compared to just buying loose packs or a hobby box with only 10 packs.

Some of the top rookies featured in the 2022 Topps Update set that jumbo box hunters are chasing include Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. Rodriguez in particular has exploded onto the MLB scene in 2022 and is widely considered the favorite for American League Rookie of the Year. His rookie cards have skyrocketed in value throughout the season.

Aside from the star rookies, Update sets also provide collectors the opportunity to obtain base cards and parallel variations of players who were traded or changed teams during the season. Notable names in the 2022 Topps Update set who were on the move include Juan Soto (traded from Nationals to Padres), Luis Castillo (traded from Reds to Mariners), and Josh Bell (traded from Nationals to Padres). Parallels and autographs of these newly minted Padres are hot commodities for collectors.

In addition to the base rookie and traded player cards, Topps loads Update jumbo boxes with various exciting insert sets to find. Some of the top inserts in the 2022 release include All-Star Cards, League Leaders, Topps Now Moments, and Topps Heritage parallels. The All-Star Cards pay tribute to players who excelled in the Midsummer Classic. League Leaders highlight statistical champions at seasons end. Topps Now captures iconic regular season moments frozen in card form. And Topps Heritage parallels recreate classic designs from the archives.

Perhaps the most coveted insert for collectors to pull from a 2022 Topps Update jumbo box is the three-card Rainbow Foil parallel set. Featuring a red, blue, and green parallel of the same player, these ultra-short printed parallels are true chase cards. Other highly sought after rare parallels include Gold Foil, Silver Foil, and Refractors. Autograph and memorabilia cards of star players also make exciting hits.

In addition to the excitement of the chase, jumbo boxes offer several advantages over other products for collectors on a budget. With 30 packs equating to a massive 360 total cards, the odds of completing large portions of the base set are very high. Jumbo boxes also eliminate much of the randomness of loose packs by guaranteeing a large sample size in each purchase. This allows collectors to methodically work through the set at an efficient pace.

The value proposition of a 2022 Topps Update jumbo box is also very strong compared to other options on the secondary market. While individual hobby boxes can be quite expensive due to low print runs, jumbo boxes maintain a more affordable price point of around $100-125 on release. This provides a budget-friendly way to rip a ton of packs and make headway in the set without breaking the bank. As an added bonus, the large volume also increases odds of scoring valuable short prints, autographs, and other big hits versus smaller products.

The 2022 Topps Update Baseball Cards Jumbo Box offers collectors an exciting and affordable way to chase down the hottest rookies and key inserts from the season while making quick progress through completing the base set. With 30 packs equating to a massive 360 total cards per box, the value is unbeatable. The thrill of the hunt for stars like Rodriguez, Harris II, and Rutschman, as well as coveted parallels and memorabilia cards makes these jumbo boxes one of the most enticing annual releases on the baseball card calendar.

2022 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year. As a refractor parallel to the flagship Topps set, Topps Chrome offers fans the chance to collect their favorite players in a shiny, chrome-like format. The 2022 checklist features a full roster of current MLB stars along with prospects and veterans from all 30 teams.

Some of the biggest names featured in the 2022 Topps Chrome set include Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts. Rookies such as Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and Julio Rodriguez are also included to capture the next generation of baseball stars. Veterans like Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, and Albert Pujols round out the checklist as well.

As with each year, Topps Chrome offers multiple parallel and insert sets within the base checklist. The most common and desired parallel is the traditional Chrome Refractor parallel, featuring a full-foil treatment on each card. Other parallels include Gold Refractors, Rainbow Foil Refractors, Black Refractors, and more. These parallels range from 1 in every 10 packs to extremely rare 1 in every case hits.

Some of the popular insert sets found in 2022 Topps Chrome include All-Star Cards, Top Prospects, Hall of Fame Autographs, and Chrome Update cards. The All-Star Cards highlight the top players who were selected to the Midsummer Classic game. Top Prospects focuses on the up-and-coming minor leaguers. Hall of Fame Autographs includes swatches or autographs of Baseball legends. Chrome Update cards are inserted periodically throughout the season to feature new players or performances.

In addition to base cards and parallels, 2022 Topps Chrome also features several highly sought after autograph and memorabilia inserts. The Chrome Autographs set includes on-card signatures of current MLB stars. The Memorabilia cards offer game-used pieces of uniforms, bats, or other equipment embedded within the protective sleeve. Numbered parallels and serially numbered versions of these inserts make the chase exciting for collectors.

The release of 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball was met with much fanfare, as it has become a staple of the modern collecting season. Hobby boxes, blasters, and hangers flew off the shelves at release in late May 2022. While the print run was larger than years past, demand remains high for this iconic brand. Singles, lots, and unopened wax continue to trade hands in the secondary market as well.

For collectors, 2022 Topps Chrome provides an opportunity to build full team sets featuring today’s top talent in shiny refractors. Chasing rare parallels and hits adds another layer of excitement to the experience. With its classic design and focus on current stars, Topps Chrome endures as a premier modern baseball card product year after year. Whether collecting for enjoyment or long-term investment, the 2022 checklist has something for all types of hobbyists. As one of the marquee card releases, Topps Chrome remains a staple and highly anticipated set during the baseball card season.

INCEPTION 2022 BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 baseball season saw the highly anticipated debut of Inception baseball cards from Panini America. Panini is a major player in the sports card industry known for its licenses with the NFL and NBA, but this marked their first foray into producing official MLB trading cards since acquiring the license back in 2020.

As the name implies, Inception cards were aimed at capturing the very beginning of players’ careers in the major leagues. Only rookies and prospects from the most recent MLB Draft made the cut for inclusion in packs. The base card design highlighted a action photo on the front with team logo and player info, keeping it clean and simple. On the reverse, more stats and a short bio provided background on each rising star.

While the base cards supplied the backbone of the set, collectors were eager to pull the short printed parallels and autographs that could become extremely valuable as players developed. Red and blue parallel versions of the base cards existed at a ratio of 1:12. Even rarer were the Inception /25 green parallel and ultra-short printed black parallel, limited to a mere 5 copies each.

The true big ticket items were the autographs. Panini acquired Samples from prospects prior to their first MLB season. On-card autographs featured vibrant yellow signatures on a white base for maximum legibility. Serialized versions numbered to /25 in gold and an exceptionally rare black parallel numbered to an absurdly low /5 rounded out the autograph checklist. Landing one of those black autos of a future superstar could result in a card worth thousands down the road.

While the Prospect side of Inception delivered exciting RCs of players just starting their journey in The Show, the Set Rounds also appealed to collectors chasing established major leaguers. Multi-category Stars Round cards grouped together the season’s biggest performers and award winners on a single card. Meanwhile, Team Round cards put a single club’s core players together to capture a snapshot of that year’s roster.

Even with the MLB license, Panini faced serious competition from longtime incumbent Topps. As such, they loaded Inception packs with value by including silver Prizm parallels of base cards alongside the standard cardboard. The foil adds some flash and appeal to entice collectors used to Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome. Additionally, Inception introduced Mini Cards sized down to fit more content in blasters and hangers at a lower overall cost.

Upon release, Inception faced mixed reviews. While the look of the cards and various parallels offered compelling chase cards for collectors, quality control proved an early issue. Some reports emerged of miscuts and poor centering marring otherwise desirable RCs. Additionally, Panini was still establishing distribution channels versus the wider availability of Topps through hobby shops and rack packs. These factors may have held initial sales back from reaching full potential.

For patient collectors, the long term potential of Inception remained very intriguing. With ongoing player development and a full MLB season of stats and highlights, interest in the rookies should rise over time. In their second year, Panini was sure to address production and distribution expanding the product’s footprint. Much like the players just starting their MLB careers, for the Inception brand, year one was really the inception of something with room to grow into an impactful and collectible annual release. Only time will tell if Panini can gain serious traction, but early signs suggest Inception has stayed power to become a fixture in the baseball card world for years to come.

2022 CHRONICLES BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Chronicles Baseball set was released in February 2022 and contained some of the top rookie cards and prospects from the previous season. While not as highly anticipated as some of the larger flagship releases, Chronicles offered collectors a highly affordable and fun way to chase the latest rookie class and star players.

The basic retail blaster boxes contained 8 packs with 5 cards each, while hobby boxes held 24 packs. Each pack featured a combination of base cards, parallels, inserts and the all-important rookie cards. The set totaled 432 base cards and included a wide array of inserts that added to the excitement of each break. While base rookies could be pulled in each pack, the true big ticket cards were found through Ultra Rare Parallels and Special Inserts.

Some of the top rookie cards from 2022 Chronicles Baseball included:

Spencer Torkelson – The number 1 overall pick from 2020 and top Tigers prospect had another strong showing. His base is plentiful but colored parallels remain quite scarce and command high prices. The 1/1 Printing Plate parallels are the true crowning achievement.

Julio Rodriguez – The emerging Mariners star had a breakout campaign in 2022 and it has translated to rookie card demand. His base is still affordable but special parallels command top dollar. The /199 Green parallel remains a popular, attainable option.

Bobby Witt Jr. – After an impressive MLB debut, the Royals youngster is one of the more desired rookies. His base holds steady value and the lower numbered parallels can fetch over $100.

Jeremy Peña – As the ALCS MVP, Peña rocketed up prospect lists. His base rookie remains under $10 but some of the early 2021 parallels are pricier.

Adley Rutschman – As the top prospect, his cards were chased all year.Base is around $5-7 while early Chrome parallels can reach $100-200.

Riley Greene – The Tigers centerfielder had a strong debut and his cards reflect it. Base hovers around $10 while /99 Orange parallels approached $50-75.

CJ Abrams – Called up late in the year, the Padres speedster made an impression. Base is around $5-7 while early Topps Chrome parallels reached $40-75.

In addition to the top rookies, 2022 Topps Chronicles also featured a variety of fun inserts including Color Colorful Ink, All-Star Rookies, Hallmarks which honored former greats, and Star Rookies. The Chrome Refractors were also highly sought after parallel inserts.

Two of the most valuable insert sets from 2022 Chronicles Baseball included:

Superfractor parallel – Numbered to /10, these were the ultimate short prints pulled at an insanely low rate. Top names like Acuña Jr. and Soto commanded well over $1000 raw for their elusive Superfractors.

1/1 Printing Plates – Featuring the true 1/1 parallel where the printing plate is visible, these singular copies of stars like Trout, tatis Jr. and Guerrero Jr. sold for thousands upon being pulled. The rare rookie printing plates fetched upwards of $5000-10000 based on the player.

While base cards from Chronicles remain very affordable, savvy collectors recognized the value to be found in chasing some of the scarcer parallels and inserts. The low per pack price and fun factor of breaking made it a popular casual release. But for those patiently ripping boxes with an eye on the biggest hits, 2022 Chronicles proved to have yielded some true modern rookie gems and 1/1 masterpieces for the right collectors. With the rise of many young MLB stars, demand for these cards is poised to remain strong in the coming years. Overall, Topps Chronicles Baseball delivered another fun and value driven entry into the yearly baseball card landscape.

2022 PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Chronicles baseball card set was released on January 25th, 2022 and contained a variety of insert cards showcasing the past, present, and future stars of Major League Baseball. As the follow up to their successful 2021 release, Panini delivered another well designed set that incorporated retro styling with fun photographic cards to excite collectors both young and old.

In its sixth year as one of Panini’s flagship baseball releases, Chronicles has grown to become highly anticipated yearly release amongst enthusiasts. The base cards once again featured a simple yet classic look with team logos and player names on a simple white bordered design. Ranging in parallels from the standard base to shinier prizm and spectrum variants, collectors had plenty of choices to track down their PC guys at different levels.

Rookies remained a major highlight as fans could chase stars of tomorrow like Bobby Witt Jr, Adley Rutschman, Julio Rodriguez and more in their major league uniforms for the first time ever on cardboard. Panini did well incorporating snapshots that captured the excitement of these players joining the big leagues along with fun action shots showcasing their athletic talents. Rookie cards in Chronicles maintained strong resale value in the secondary market.

The veteran collection was just as strong with legends from across eras represented including Hank Aaron, Mike Piazza and Juan Soto. Panini did well selecting photos that honored their accomplishments both on and off the field. For example, a Hank Aaron card showed him in his later years at an award ceremony paying tribute to his illustrious career.

In continuing their retro style, Panini incorporated various inserts calling back to specific seasons over baseball’s rich history. Their “Diamond Kings” paralleled the classic 1968 Topps design while “Chronicles Classics” mimicked 1972 and 1975 Topps styles among others. Popular insert sets like “Triple Threads” focusing on triple relics of the same player and “American Originals” honoring iconic stars were included as well.

Fan favorite “Flawless” stayed as one of the premier insert sets offering 1/1 printing plates. “Downtown” showed player headshots on a flashy neon colored backdrop perfect for anyone collecting modern parallels. “Cutouts” created unique silhouettes of current players. Overall the insert variety allowed collectors to build sets within the larger set or focus on specific chase cards.

As in years past, robust autograph and memorabilia cards provided premium hits for those buying higher end boxes or packs. “On Card Autographs”, “Dual Autographs” and “Triple Relics” made for some exciting pull possibilities. Rarer 1/1 autograph parallels kept the high-end exciting with potential six figure paydays for special signed rookie cards. Memorabilia cards incorporated unique pieces of jerseys, bats and more to thrill collectors.

Panini Chronicles gave collectors another fun filled year chasing current stars, beloved veterans and future phenoms on a classic designed release. While base cards provided budget options, high-end parallels, autographs and memorabilia inserted ensured exciting chase for those investing more heavily in the modern hobby. Between the retro styling, fun photos and robust selections at various collector levels, Chronicles continues establishing itself as one of the premier baseball releases each winter. With its widespread popularity amongst both casual and serious collectors, 2022 Panini Chronicles proved once again why it remains a major pillar in the yearly card calendar.

CARDINALS BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The 2022 baseball season was another successful one for the St. Louis Cardinals franchise. Under veteran manager Oliver Marmol, the Redbirds went 93-69 and clinched a playoff spot with a National League Central division title. While the team fell short of a World Series championship, there were many outstanding individual performances that baseball card collectors celebrated.

Top rookies Brendan Donovan and Andre Pallante had breakout seasons that made their 2022 rookie cards highly sought after. Donovan, a versatile utility player, hit .281 with an .806 OPS in his first full MLB season. Pallante emerged as a reliable starting pitcher or long reliever, going 7-5 with a 3.24 ERA in 57 innings pitched. Their Topps Chrome Update rookie refractors and Topps Finest rookie parallels became hot commodities on the secondary market.

Veteran stars Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado continued their all-star caliber play. Goldschmidt led the NL with a .317 batting average and hit 35 home runs, cementing his status as a perennial MVP candidate. His autographed Topps Finest patch cards and Topps Chrome Update refractor parallels were highly coveted by collectors. Arenado smacked 30 home runs of his own while playing Gold Glove defense at third base. His Topps Fire autographs and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors maintained strong collector demand.

Pitchers Adam Wainwright and Miles Mikolas anchored the Cardinals rotation all season long. The ageless Wainwright went 11-12 with a 3.71 ERA in 32 starts at age 41. His longevity and success have made his older cards from the 2000s and 2010s very valuable for vintage collectors. Mikolas bounced back from an injury-plagued 2021 with a 12-13 record and 3.57 ERA. His Topps Fire autographs and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors were popular pickups.

Reliever Ryan Helsley emerged as the Cardinals’ shutdown closer, notching a career-high 18 saves with a sparkling 1.25 ERA. The flame-throwing righty saw his rookie cards from 2021 jump in value, while his 2022 Topps Finest autographs and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors became must-have cards. Young outfielders Dylan Carlson and Lars Nootbaar also had breakout seasons at the plate that increased interest in their 2021 rookie cards and 2022 prospect cards.

Veteran catcher Yadier Molina played his final MLB season in 2022 at age 40. In his 19-year Cardinals career, Molina established himself as perhaps the greatest defensive catcher in baseball history and a beloved franchise icon. Collectors eagerly snapped up his Topps Finest 1/1 printing plates, Topps Fire autographs from his final season, and Topps Chrome Update negative refractors to commemorate his legendary tenure in St. Louis. Molina’s retirement has also driven renewed collector interest in his older rookie cards from the early 2000s.

While the Cardinals fell short of a World Series title, their 2022 season under Marmol brought renewed optimism that the team could remain competitive for years to come behind their talented young core. The performances of stars like Goldschmidt, Arenado and newcomers Donovan and Pallante excited collectors and led to strong early demand for their 2022 cards on the secondary market. Veterans Wainwright, Molina and Mikolas also saw collector enthusiasm for documenting their careers. As the offseason progresses, 2022 Cardinals cards will remain a focus of hobby enthusiasts tracking this storied franchise.

2022 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS COMPLETE SET

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The 2022 Topps baseball card set was released in January 2022 and contains several exciting features for collectors. As with past Topps flagship sets, the 2022 edition includes base cards for every Major League Baseball player as well as various insert sets honoring individual players and achievements. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included in this year’s complete set.

The base set contains a total of 712 cards spanning all 30 MLB teams. Each club receives between 22-26 cards to represent the players on their 40-man rosters at the start of the new year. Some rookies and prospects that hadn’t yet reached the majors were also included based on their future potential. The vast majority of the base cards feature a single player per card, but there are also a handful of double or triple “dual photos” cards showcasing teammates.

In addition to the standard base cards, Topps included several exciting insert sets that collectors love to chase after. Themed inserts in 2022 recognize accomplishments like Rookie of the Year candidates (80 cards), All-Star shots (35 cards), Milestone Tracker cards (10 cards), and Legacy cards (30 cards) spotlighting retired legends. Autograph and memorabilia cards of current stars can also be pulled randomly in packs or bought in hobby boxes of the set.

For the first time, Topps incorporated augmented reality technology into 5 of the insert sets. Using the Topps AR app on mobile devices, collectors can scan specially marked cards to unlock 3D animations and bonus content celebrating the featured players. AR-enabled sets this year are Rookies (80 cards), Stars of the Future (40 cards), Milestone Performers (40 cards), HR Kings (30 cards), and All-Time Greats (20 cards) bringing history to life like never before.

Another unique element in 2022 Topps were the 85 Tracker cards highlighting key stats throughout each MLB team’s season. From home runs to wins and everything in between, fans can stay up to date on how their favorite club is progressing. There are also 50 Fan Favorite Moments cards recreating iconic playoff scenes from the past which collectors enjoy reminiscing about.

Completists will want to hunt for all 54 Parallels inserted throughout the base set at different rarities. This includes the popular Silver Pack parallels as well as Holiday parallels in red and green, Independence Day cards, and more. Topps also released a special 149-card Team Set exclusive to each MLB franchise containing extra parallels and hits for devoted club collectors.

Of course, no Topps release would be complete without inclusion of the highly regarded Topps Designs set. This year contains 75 unique artistic renditions of current MLB stars. Past editions have proven to be a favorite for their creative twists on the traditional baseball card aesthetic. The 2022 checklist wraps up with 30 retail-exclusive Traded cards to represent midseason player moves between teams.

When all is said and done, the total card count clocks in at a whopping 1,798 unique cards spanning all 30 organizations. For the true completist,racking up the full 2022 Topps baseball set presents quite the challenge. Between the extensive base checklist, numerous innovative inserts packed with bonus content through AR, beloved parallels, and special team sets, there’s tons for enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy from this flagship release. Whether piecing together individual teams or going all in, the 2022 Topps set delivers the excitement that baseball card fans crave each season.

2022 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set pays homage to the classic design styles of the 1960s and 1970s. While it may not have the flashiest cards or biggest stars of other modern sets, Heritage often features cards that appreciate significantly in value over time. Let’s take a look at some of the standout rookie and star player cards from the 2022 Topps Heritage release that could be worth money for collectors in the years to come.

Bobby Witt Jr. Base Rookie Card (#156)

As the number two overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and top prospect in baseball, Bobby Witt Jr. became an instant star when he debuted with the Kansas City Royals in 2022. His base rookie card from Topps Heritage is one of the most sought-after cards from the set. While it doesn’t have any special parallels or inserts, Witt Jr.’s on-field performance and star potential make this a rookie card to hold onto. As long as he continues developing into the all-star many project, this card could be a great long-term investment. Many sold for $50-75 upon release but expect that price to steadily increase over the next few years.

Spencer Strider Rookie Ticket Autograph (#RT-SS)

While not a true rookie card since he debuted in 2021, Spencer Strider’s breakout 2022 season with the Atlanta Braves has made him one of baseball’s top pitching prospects. His autograph card from the Heritage Rookie Ticket subset is extremely scarce, with reports of it only appearing around 1 in every 10 hobby boxes. Strider’s electric fastball and dominant strikeout numbers have made him a fan favorite in Atlanta. With continued success, his autographed rookie card could become quite valuable in the years to come. Most sold in the $300-500 range upon release but there is plenty of upside left with this coveted rookie auto.

Riley Greene Base Rookie Card (#157)

Like Witt Jr., Riley Greene was one of the top prospects in baseball and became an instant star for the Detroit Tigers in 2022. Also like Witt Jr., Greene’s base rookie card is the card to own from his Topps Heritage set. While not as scarce as some short print parallels, it remains one of the prized rookie cards from the release. Greene showed impressive power and hit tool skills in his debut season that have Tigers fans excited for his future. As long as he continues developing into the all-star caliber player he’s projected as, this rookie card will hold and gain value in collectors’ portfolios. Upon release it sold in the $50-75 range but expect a long-term uptrend.

Aaron Judge Base Card (#99)

After smashing the AL home run record with 62 dingers in 2022, Aaron Judge had arguably the greatest single season for a Yankee ever. Not surprisingly, anything related to Judge skyrocketed in value, including his base card from Topps Heritage. While not short printed, Judge mania took over and it became one of the most sought-after vintage-style cards on the market. With another big contract likely coming his way this offseason, Judge has cemented himself as a true Yankee icon and star of the game. This card will remain a hold for any collector given his sustained superstardom. Upon release it sold in the $10-15 range but short-term could reach $50-75 with no signs of slowing down.

Sandy Alcantara Base Card (#43)

While not a household name yet, Sandy Alcantara quietly put together one of the best pitching seasons in baseball in 2022 for the Miami Marlins. In addition to leading MLB in innings pitched and starts, he finished with a stellar 2.28 ERA. Alcantara is still just 27 and signed long-term, making him a great young anchor for the Marlins staff for years to come. His dominance and durability make him a prime breakout candidate for more recognition. For collectors, his base card from Topps Heritage makes for a great value hold. Upon release it sold in the $3-5 range but his continued success could push it up significantly with time.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Base Card (#84)

While he missed much of 2022 recovering from a torn ACL, Ronald Acuña Jr. remains one of the most electrifying players in baseball when healthy. The 24-year-old is already a two-time All-Star with 40-40 potential when right. His base card from Topps Heritage is always in high demand given his superstar status. With continued health, Acuña will return to being one of the game’s brightest young stars carrying the Braves offense. This vintage-style card of a perennial MVP candidate is a no-brainer hold that sold for $10-15 upon release but should only increase as Acuña reasserts himself.

Juan Soto Base Card (#158)

At just 23 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as arguably the best young hitter in baseball. After contract drama overshadowed his 2022 season with the Nationals, Soto still managed to hit .246 with 27 home runs and 91 RBI in a “down year.” Wherever he ends up long term, Soto is a surefire future Hall of Famer and one of the faces of the league. His base card from Topps Heritage remains one of the most sought-after young star cards on the market. Even selling at $15-25 upon release, this is an absolute must-hold card that will steadily climb with Soto’s continued superstardom.

Christian Yelich Base Card (#99)

Christian Yelich’s career took a step back in recent years after back-to-back MVP caliber seasons in 2018 and 2019 with the Brewers. The 30-year-old still managed a .251 average with 16 home runs in 2022 and has a chance to rebound in 2023. When right, Yelich is one of the game’s most complete hitters and a perennial All-Star caliber outfielder. His vintage-style base card remains a solid long-term hold, selling for $7-10 upon release. Yelich has the talent to bounce back into superstar form again, making this card a quality upside play.

While it may not have the flashiest rookie cards or biggest stars, Topps Heritage often features players who develop into true studs with sustained success. Many of the top rookie cards and star players from the 2022 release have the potential to significantly increase in value as those players’ careers progress and popularity grows. For patient collectors, holding onto cards like Witt Jr., Greene, Strider, Judge, Acuña Jr. and Soto long-term could yield strong returns as their on-field performance drives demand and appreciation over the years.

TOPPS BASEBALL TRADING CARDS 2022

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Topps released its flagship 2022 baseball card set in January 2022 at the start of the new year. Since Topps has been the major manufacturer and distributor of Major League Baseball cards since the 1950s, its 2022 offering was one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases of the year. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the biggest highlights and storylines surrounding Topps 2022 baseball cards.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of Topps 2022 was the sheer size and scope of the base set. For the first time ever, Topps included 750 base cards in the standard release. Previous years had seen base sets peak around 500 cards, so this major expansion to 750 provided collectors with far more players and teams to collect. Ranging from current superstars to depth roster players and prospects, having nearly twice as many base cards gave enthusiasts more comprehensive coverage of the sport.

Along with beefing up the base set from a numbers standpoint, Topps also infused the 2022 design with a retro aesthetic. Paying homage to 1960s and 1970s cardboard, the new bordered and framed style with layered numbers and foil lettering had plenty of old school flair. This retro design approach was a huge hit among collectors, many of whom felt it had been lacking in recent years in favor of more graphic and bold designs. The classic yet modern look struck the right balance of nostalgia and visual appeal.

In addition to the landmark base set, Topps also rolled out parallel and short print variations that added exponentially to the overall collecting possibilities and chase factor. Some of the most coveted included the Green Shimmer parallel (/50), Gold (/10), and Red (/5) parallels with drastically lower print runs. Atomic Refractors and 1/1 Auto Orange parallels took rarities to the extreme. Foilboards, Printing Plates, and 1/1 Magnazone parallels captivated high-end collectors chasing the most exclusive cards.

Rookies were also a major storyline in Topps 2022, as the set shipped on the cusp of a new rookie class headlined by players like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and catcher Adley Rutschman. While they didn’t make base set appearance in paper form, their rookie cards were highly popular in alternative parallel formats. Topps also featured rookie debuts for 2021 call-ups like Seattle pitching prospect George Kirby and Cincinnati starter Hunter Greene. First bows for top prospects created an early buzz around the release.

Autograph cards remained a celebrated aspect of Topps Flagship sets and 2022 was no exception. Featuring on-card autos from current stars and legends alike, the sought-after signed inserts included parallels like Gold (/10), Orange (/5), and 1/1 rainbow foil autos. Topps also introduced redemptions for autos of bigger stars, assuring their signatures would be delivered down the road. Between the hits themselves and intrigue of redemptions, autographs sustained collector excitement post-release.

Speaking of post-release, many consider one of Topps’s strongest aspects to be the checklist evolution and longevity the flagship set provides. As the season unfolded, Topps issued ongoing checklist updates, team bag variations, holiday parallels and other supplemental releases extending the 2021 collecting experience well into 2022. Later checklist additions included All-Star cards, printing plate parallels, and World Series highlights inserts extending enjoyment of the product line beyond the initial January release date.

Of course, another pivotal driver of interest was the performance of players throughout the season. Early standouts like Cards’ Nolan Arenado and Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman made their base rookie cards much tougher to find. Rookies like Witt, Rodriguez and Rutschman showed promise, boosting value of any early parallels pulled. Injuries, slumps or breakouts also impacted demand. This performance factor maintained relevance and speculation around Topps releases well after packs hit shelves.

While the standard release had enormous appeal straight out of the gate, it was Topps Chrome that emerged as perhaps the true crown jewel among the 2022 offerings. Sporting the highly coveted refractors and parallels like Gold, Silver, and 1/1 Rainbow Foils, Chrome occupied a high-end stratosphere of the collecting hierarchy. Rated on average 40 points higher than base on the Beckett scale, coveted Chrome rookie cards like Rodriguez and Greene proved among the most valuable cards pulled all year. Between its on-card aesthetics and elite status among collectors, Topps Chrome established itself as one of the premier modern sports card products year after year.

When setting out to encapsulate the impact and story of Topps 2022 baseball cards, it’s also important to acknowledge the surrounding market conditions that elevated interest and collecting activity to new heights during the year in question. Shortly after the start of the global pandemic in 2020, the sports card industry found new life as an at-home hobby to engage in while sheltered. Bolstered by younger generations entering the scene, values skyrocketed across the board even for common late 80s and 90s era cards. The conditions created a “perfect storm” making Topps 2022 one of the most commercially successful modern flagships as overall card values remained inflated. The release tapped into this robust, growing market of new and returning collectors.

In summary, Topps 2022 baseball cards succeeded in delivering an expansive flagship offering with something for every level and kind of collector. Between the sizable base set, plentiful parallels, coveted rookie additions, autographed inserts, and robust checklist longevity, it established itself as the premier collecting set of 2022. When factoring in the backdrop of the booming overall market as well, Topps 2022 emerged as one of the most commercially successful sports card releases in modern history. For both nostalgic veterans and burgeoning new hobbyists, it captivated the imagination and sparked collecting passion among a reinvigorated baseball card community. Its legacy will undoubtedly be felt in the hobby for many collecting seasons to come.