Tag Archives: 2022

BEST BASEBALL CARDS IN 2022

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The hobby of collecting baseball cards has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with the values of vintage cards skyrocketing. While vintage cards will always hold a special place, new sets released each year offer collectors opportunities to add fresh content to their collections. With so many new baseball card products hitting the market regularly, it can be tough to determine which sets stand out as the best of the best for any given year. Here’s a look at some of the top baseball card releases collectors should consider chasing in 2022.

Topps Series 1 (Released February 2022): As the flagship baseball card set each year from the industry leader Topps, Series 1 is always one of the most coveted releases. The 2022 version was no exception, with a fun design paying homage to the brand’s classic look from the 1980s and ’90s. Rookies of high-profile prospects like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julian Merryweather made their Topps debut in this set. Parallels and short prints added to the chase. With its widespread distribution and iconic brand name behind it, Series 1 is a must-have for all collectors.

Topps Chrome (Released April 2022): Topps Chrome has developed a strong reputation as one of the premier modern baseball card products. Featuring a photo-like “chrome” finish on each card, this set shines above the competition in terms of on-card design. Top rookies like Adley Rutschman and Spencer Strider received their flashy Chrome rookie cards here. Serial-numbered parallels and autographs took the chase factor up a notch. Chrome is a collector favorite due to its high-end look and valuable rookie class each year.

Topps Allen & Ginter (Released June 2022): Stepping away from on-field player photos, Allen & Ginter focuses on fun mini-bio cards with historical figures, artists, scientists and more mixed in with baseball stars. The unique concept has kept this set a collector favorite for over a century. The 2022 version was a stunner, with a retro design reminiscent of its early 20th century origins. Top rookies like George Kirby and Bobby Miller had their traditional A&G cards alongside cameos from icons like Jackie Robinson and Babe Ruth. The unpredictable mini-bios and varied parallels created an exciting player/non-player mix for collectors.

Bowman Draft (Released June 2022): As the premier set for showcasing amateur baseball prospects on the verge of turning pro, Bowman Draft is an essential resource for scouting the future stars of the game. The 2022 release featured prospects like Druw Jones, Elijah Green and Jackson Holliday, many of whom went very early in that summer’s MLB Draft. On-card autographs of top draft picks like Jones added tremendous value. Serial-numbered parallels kept the chase going through the entire release period. Bowman Draft is a must for any collector focused on the next generation of baseball greats.

Topps Transcendent Collection (Released August 2022): Topps pulled out all the stops for its ultra-high-end Transcendent Collection, with cards featuring exquisite detailing, embossing, and rare printing techniques. The set paid tribute to icons like Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays with some of the most lavish and limited baseball cards ever created. Serial numbers below 10 copies and custom artwork made each card a true work of art. At prices ranging from $500 to well over $10,000 for 1-of-1 masterpieces, Transcendent was not for the average collector but became the holy grail for serious vintage and modern card investors.

Topps Finest (Released September 2022): With its super-sharp photo quality and vibrant foil accenting, Finest annually raises the bar for on-card baseball card aesthetics. Top rookies like Michael Harris II, Spencer Strider and Bobby Witt Jr. received their best-looking rookie cards to date in this set’s trademark design. Serial-numbered parallels like the 1-of-1 Gold Finest Factors parallels took collector desire to find the rarest cards to another level. Finest satisfied the visual cravings of collectors seeking the best-looking renditions of their favorite players each year.

Bowman’s Best (Released October 2022): As the high-end cousin to flagship Bowman, Bowman’s Best brings that set’s top prospects to life with exquisite on-card autographs and memorabilia cards inserted throughout its case-loaded product. The 2022 version featured rookie stars like Druw Jones and Termarr Johnson affixing their autograph to luxurious embossed cards, alongside jersey and bat cards with even lower print runs. Limited parallels like the Green /25 and Gold /5 versions accentuated each card’s rarity. At prices often over $1000 a box, Bowman’s Best satisfied those seeking the ultimate rookie cards for baseball’s future elite.

Topps Definitive Collection (Released November 2022): Topps raised the bar yet again for its ultra-premium Definitive Collection, which paid homage to iconic players and moments with exquisite detailing and rare parallel versions. Each card in this 150-card set pushed the limits of modern card design. 1-of-1 treasures like a Babe Ruth card containing an actual piece of a 1920s baseball satisfied the most discerning collectors. Limited parallels like the emerald Green /10 versions took the already high-end product to greater heights. At individual card prices often over $1000, Definitive was truly meant for elite collectors only.

While this covers some of the biggest and most desirable baseball card releases of 2022, there were certainly many other excellent products that made their mark as well. The marketplace also saw rising values for vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s, showing the enduring appeal and investment potential that resides within the cardboard collectibles industry. With new technological innovations and creative card designs emerging each year, the future remains bright for this timeless hobby. Savvy collectors will continue to chase the best new releases while also keeping an eye on appreciating classics from generations past.

2022 UPPER DECK BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Upper Deck baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from the legendary card manufacturer. Upper Deck has been producing high-quality baseball cards since 1989 and they continue to push the boundaries of innovation and design with each new release. Here’s an in-depth look at what collectors can expect from the 2022 Upper Deck baseball cards.

Base Set: The base card set will feature over 350 cards focused on the 2021 MLB season. Each card will feature a current photo of the player on a white background. Rookies and stars of the game will have glossy finishes while veterans and role players will have a standard matte finish. The design is clean and focused on clearly showing each player. The set number will be prominently displayed on the lower right corner of the front of the card. On the back, players stats from 2021 will be shown along with a brief career summary. As with all Upper Deck releases, the photgraphs and production quality of the base cards will be top-notch.

Parallels: Upper Deck is known for their extensive parallel card variations within each set. The 2022 release will continue this trend with a wide array of parallels to find. The standard parallels this year include Gold (#/50), Orange (#/25), Red (#/10), Green (#/5), and 1/1 Platinum parallels. There will be “rainbow foil” parallels available in different color combinations for select stars of the game. Upper Deck will also have “negative image” parallels where the photo is inverted in color. These parallels add tremendous chase and collecting fun to the base set.

Rookies: One of the most exciting aspects each year is the rookie cards debuting future MLB stars. The 2022 Upper Deck set will highlight the top rookies from the 2021 season. Cards of players like Bobby Witt Jr, Riley Greene, and Bryson Stott will be coveted additions to any collection. The rookie cards will have a special logo on the front marking them as a rookie card. Top prospects who didn’t debut in 2021 but are expected to in 2022 like Julio Rodriguez will also have cards in the set.

Short Prints: Upper Deck is known to include scarce “short print” cards in their releases to add to the chase. Details on the specific ratios and players chosen aren’t known but these hard to find SP cards of stars will get collectors ripping packs feverishly. The short prints will be indistinguishable in design from the base cards but offer a fun bonus when discovered.

Autographs and Memorabilia: For collectors seeking high-end hits, Upper Deck will have several autograph and memorabilia card inserts throughout the product release. These include on-card autographs, patch cards with swatches of jerseys or other game-used memorabilia, and dual memorabilia cards. Top stars and rookies will be featured at lower serial number printing. Hobby boxes are expected to contain 1-2 of these premium inserts on average.

Additional Insert Sets: Upper Deck always creates several fun and varied insert sets beyond the base cards to provide more collecting opportunities. Some planned inserts for 2022 include “Superstars” highlighting the best current players, “League Leaders” focusing on 2021 statistical champions, and “Hall of Fame” tribute cards. Retired star autographs and jersey cards are also expected to be inserted throughout packs and boxes.

Production and Release: Upper Deck will produce the 2022 baseball cards through their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to ensure flawless quality control. Hobby boxes are expected to retail around $100-120 and will contain 24 packs with 11 cards per pack including the base set, inserts, and autograph/memorabilia chase. Release timing is slated for late Q1/early Q2 2022 to capture the excitement of the upcoming MLB season.

Overall, Upper Deck continues setting the gold standard for modern baseball cards with their 2022 release. The combination of classic photography, innovative parallels, sought-after rookies, and enticing chase cards make it one of the most anticipated sets on the yearly calendar. Whether a long time collector or just starting out, the 2022 Upper Deck baseball cards are sure to be a tremendous addition to any collection with their wide appeal, quality, and fun factor. It’s sure to be another home run from the industry leader when it arrives next spring.

2022 TOPPS FINEST BASEBALL CARDS

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2022 Topps Finest Baseball Cards – An In-Depth Look at the Premium Flagship Set

Topps Finest has long been considered one of the premier baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2022 edition continues this tradition, featuring some of the slickest and most high-end cards in the hobby. With intricate designs, premium materials, autographs and memorabilia, Finest delivers a true collector’s experience. Let’s take a deeper look at what collectors can expect from the 2022 Topps Finest baseball card set.

Design and Materials

Topps Finest cards have always stood out for their unique designs and premium materials. The 2022 set is no exception, with cards cut from a thicker, higher quality card stock than typical Topps base sets. The card faces feature vibrant colors and intricate patterns inspired by stained glass windows. Each player is featured within an ornate border that gives the cards a very regal and elegant look.

The borders on many cards feature a subtle foil treatment that makes the designs really pop under light. Topps also uses various techniques like embossing, debossing, and textured inks to add extra depth and dimension to the cards. The end result is a set with an unmistakably premium and luxurious aesthetic feel.

Rookies and Parallels

Of course, any collector looking to invest in the future knows that a key part of any modern set are the rookie cards. 2022 Topps Finest features base rookie cards for many of the top prospects from the 2021 draft class as well as debuts from the previous season. This includes names like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson and more.

In addition to the base rookie cards, Topps also includes a wide array of parallel and short-print variations that collectors chase. These include parallels like Gold (/50), Silver (/75), Rainbow Foil (/25), and 1-of-1 Superfractors. Top rookies and stars can be found across these rarer parallel subsets at much lower print runs, adding to their allure.

Autographs and Memorabilia Cards

Topps Finest has long been known for its autograph and memorabilia cards inserted throughout packs and boxes. The 2022 set continues this tradition with an array of on-card autographs and unique memorabilia cards showcasing game-used materials.

Some of the top authenticated relics include patches, jersey cards, bat knob cards, and even rare triple relic cards featuring pieces of a jersey, bat and patch all on one card. Top stars and rookie talents alike can be found across these autograph and memorabilia inserts at low print runs.

Boxes, Packs and Odds

The flagship way to collect 2022 Topps Finest is through the original hobby boxes. These retail for around $150-200 each and contain 12 packs with 12 cards per pack. On average, collectors can expect to find around 2-3 hits per box, whether autographs, memorabilia cards, or short-print parallels.

For those looking to sample the set without a full box investment, Topps Finest is also available in blaster and hobby packs sold at most major hobby shops and retailers. These offer a more affordable entry point but with reduced odds at hits compared to a full box.

The Verdict

Topps Finest has long set the gold standard for high-end baseball cards year after year. The 2022 edition continues this tradition with its stunning designs, premium materials, and coveted autograph and memorabilia inserts. Whether a seasoned veteran collector or someone new to the hobby, Topps Finest delivers a true luxury collecting experience at the top of the baseball card pyramid. Its place as one of the premier modern issues is well deserved.

2022 MOSAIC BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2022 Topps Mosaic baseball card set was released in January 2022 and features many of the top active players in Major League Baseball. While still fairly new, the 2022 Mosaic set is gaining popularity due to its distinctive mosaic designs and potential for valuable parallel and short-printed cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies and veterans featured in the set as well as the factors that influence the value of individual 2022 Mosaic cards.

As with any new baseball card release, the rookie cards tend to grab the most attention from collectors. Some of the top rookie cards to watch out for from the 2022 Mosaic set include Julio Rodriguez, Spencer Torkelson, Bobby Witt Jr., C.J. Abrams, and Mark Vientos. Rodriguez in particular has seen his stock skyrocket after a phenomenal rookie season that has positioned him as a early favorite for AL Rookie of the Year. PSA 10 versions of his base rookie card have already exceeded $150. Torkelson and Witt also look primed for stardom after strong MLB debuts and their autos and parallels command premium prices currently in the $50-100 range. Abrams and Vientos will need solid sophomore campaigns to maintain long term value but still offer upside for patient collectors.

In terms of veteran talent, the usual superstar suspects like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Mookie Betts anchor the set with their widespread popularity and success on the field translating to strong demand. Trout remains one of the safest long term investments in the hobby and his base Mosaic card holds steady value around $15-20 PSA 10. Soto and Acuña offer a nice blend of established production and age that continues to push their rookies and prospects higher. Corbin Burnes, Lucas Giolito, and Shane Bieber represent some of the top pitching talents that collectors are high on. Rookie cards for future Hall of Famers like Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera round out the set with nostalgia appeal.

When it comes to parallels and short prints, these are where the big money Mosaic cards will be found. The crown jewels remain 1/1 printing plates and autographed memorabilia cards of star players, which have reached the thousands of dollars already for some 2022 rookies. From a parallel standpoint, the Prismatic (1:12 packs), Violet (1:36 packs), and Gold (1:72 packs) parallels maintain strong multipliers over the base cards depending on the player. Contenders like Rodriguez, Torkelson, and Soto in these parallels could stretch up to several hundred dollars or more in a PSA 10. Beyond that, popular shadow box and mosaic ’21 insert cards as well as rare short prints occupy the high-end spectrum. Condition is always crucial too, as a Mint grade can separate a $20 card from a $200 version of the same parallel.

While still early in its life cycle, the popularity and visual aesthetic of 2022 Topps Mosaic has created a thriving secondary market. As the rookie class and other young standouts cement their big league careers, their base rookies as well as parallel and insert cards from the set should hold and increase in value accordingly. Veterans with proven track records like Trout, Acuña, and Tatis anchor the set with steady demand as well. For collectors and investors, focusing on top talents, parallels, and higher grades represents the best strategy to realize returns on 2022 Mosaic cards in both the short and long run. Several years down the line, a well-preserved complete set may emerge as a coveted vintage release as well.

2022 DONRUSS BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2022 Donruss baseball set was released on February 10, 2022 and contains cards of players from the 2021 Major League Baseball season. While not as high-profile as sets from Topps or Bowman, Donruss baseball cards hold value for collectors due to the brand’s history in the hobby and their focus on on-card autographs and parallels.

Some key things that drive the value of cards in the 2022 Donruss set include star rookies, top performers from 2021, short printed parallels, and relic or autographed cards. Rookie cards of expected future stars like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and C.J. Abrams tend to command the highest prices. Standout 2021 campaigns from players like Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Bryce Harper also boost the value of their base rookies and parallels.

Parallels in the 2022 Donruss set include popular limited editions like Gold (/50), Diamond (/10), and Platinum (/1) which are rarer than the standard base cards. These short printed parallels sell for premium prices, often many times more than the base version. Autograph and memorabilia cards are also highly sought after, with on-card autographed parallels being the most valuable individual cards in the set and regularly reaching prices of $100 or more, with the top rookies signing for even higher amounts.

Some of the biggest risers in the early going have been rookie cards of Houston Astros’ shortstop Jeremy Peña. After winning World Series MVP honors in just his first full MLB season, even his base rookie jumped up to around $10-15 shortly after the championship, compared to just a few dollars for most of his rookie season. Relics and autographs of Peña have seen exponential growth. Cards of Atlanta Braves’ breakout star Michael Harris II have also climbed due to his outstanding rookie campaign and strong playoffs.

Veteran stars with a compelling 2021 continue to hold strong value as well. Ohtani in particular seems to retain interest as a true two-way star, with his base flagship Donruss rookie staying relatively stable around $50 while autographed and memorabilia cards easily climb above $100 still. Guerrero Jr. has settled as a consistent elite slugger which maintains demand. Other veterans like Trea Turner, Shane Bieber, and Brandon Woodruff carry value reflective of their impressive recent play.

Base rookies of top prospects like Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Abrams have stabilized some after initial hype but remain above average at $10-15 so far. As these players make their MLB debuts and begin to perform, their cards have ample room to rise higher if they live up to expectations. Less heralded but successful rookies from 2022 like Seiya Suzuki and Nick Lodolo could see cards appreciate over the long term with continued success.

While individual cards at the true high-end will lose value over time to natural fluctuations, the 2022 Donruss set provides a variety of cost ranges for collectors and maintains relevance as one of the important flagship baseball releases each year. Demand continues for star rookies, short printed parallels, autographed memorabilia and performances of elite existing and rising MLB players. With many top prospects and veterans still in the early days of their careers, the 2022 Donruss set portends sustained collecting interest and value opportunities into the future.

2022 BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR

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The 2022 MLB season is well underway which means new baseball cards are hitting the shelves from the major card companies like Topps, Panini, Leaf, and more. With a new rookie class and star players changing teams, there are plenty of exciting cards to target for your collection from this year’s releases. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2022 baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for.

Rookie Cards – Every year the rookie card chase is one of the biggest draws for collectors. 2022 has no shortage of talented rookies for collectors to pursue. Some of the top rookie cards to target include Julio Rodriguez (Mariners), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), Adley Rutschman (Orioles), Spencer Torkelson (Tigers), C.J. Abrams (Padres), and Jeremy Peña (Astros). These players were some of the most touted prospects and are off to strong MLB starts, making their rookie cards very desirable long-term holds. In particular, Julio Rodriguez has superstar potential and his cards could be worth a fortune if he continues on his current AL Rookie of the Year pace.

Shohei Ohtani – There may not be a more exciting player in baseball right now than Shohei Ohtani of the Angels. A true two-way star as both a top pitcher and hitter, Ohtani continues to dazzle fans on both sides of the ball. His 2022 cards are some of the most sought after, as collectors look to capitalize on his popularity and unique talents. Ohtani’s rookie cards from 2018 also remain hot commodities. Make sure to check for Topps, Bowman, Panini Prizm and other brands featuring the face of MLB.

Aaron Judge – Powerhouse slugger Aaron Judge is coming off an epic 62 home run season with the Yankees that broke the American League single season record. After hitting free agency, Judge’s 2022 cards took on even greater significance as collectors anticipated a possible team change. Now that he’s re-signed with New York, Judge mania is in full effect. His flagship Topps and Bowman rookie cards are steadfast holdings, but even his updated 2022 Yankees cards hold value as a modern star of the game.

Riley Greene – While not a true rookie, Riley Greene was one of the most coveted prospects heading into the 2022 season after missing much of 2021 injured. The dynamic Detroit Tigers outfielder did not disappoint in his first extended MLB stint, showing all five tools that made him a top prospect. Greene’s Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome refractors, along with base rookie cards, have gotten lots of traction from collectors. He’s a breakout second-year player to watch.

Juan Soto – In one of the biggest trades of the 2022 season, superstar outfielder Juan Soto was shockingly dealt from the Nationals to the Padres. This major team change immediately gives Soto’s 2022 cards with his new Padres uniforms much greater collector interest, on top of his already stellar reputation. While Soto’s Topps rookie cards remain untouchable for most, his flagship Topps cards in a Padres uniform attract many collectors looking to capitalize on the high-profile move.

Two-Team Cards – Players that switched teams via free agency or trade in 2022 have two-team cards that are always intriguing to collectors. Some examples include Matt Olson (Braves/Athletics), Tyler Anderson (Dodgers/Mariners), Chris Bassitt (Mets/Athletics), and others. These unique cards commemorating the player on both past and present squads split collector interest but offer something different for the year.

Parallels and Short Prints – While base rookie cards are usually the main attraction, parallel and short printed cards from the major brands add another layer of collector interest. For example, Topps Chrome and Bowman Chrome are renowned for their colorful refractors and parallels that boost rarity and value compared to standard cards. Topps Finest, Topps Sapphire, and Panini Prizm also use parallels and short prints creatively to differentiate hit rates. These rarer versions of star rookies are must-haves for high-end collectors.

Autograph and Memorabilia Cards – Of course, the true high-end treasures remain the autograph and memorabilia cards inserted at ultra-low rates in premium MLB products. Full rookie autographs of the class headliners like Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Rutschman can fetch thousands depending on the brand and design. Sacagawea autographs and 1/1 printing plates in particular capture a massive premium. Catching a signed card of an emerging star is the holy grail for many collectors.

Vintage Players – While the rookie class and active stars draw plenty of attention, collectors should not sleep on updated 2022 cards featuring legends of the game from yesteryear. Players like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, and more usually have nice retro designs made in tribute. These popular vintage players maintain strong collector demand that drives interest in their modern issues as valuable nostalgia pieces.

Player Uniform Updates – Each year, updated team uniforms and City Connect jerseys lead to newly designed base cards showcasing the changes. Examples from 2022 include the Guardians full logo update, Mariners color scheme tweak, and funky City Connect threads donned by many clubs. Collector interest surrounds tracking and acquiring cards reflecting the small but fresh visual changes to established player likenesses.

Additionally, 2022 also saw the debut of the all-new MLB NXT brand by Panini and Topps NIL athlete cards recognizing college stars. Futuristic designs, social media parallels, and cutting edge technologies are pushing the card collecting space forward amid bigger business opportunities off the field.

Hopefully this breakdown of some of the top 2022 baseball cards to watch for from the rookie class, trades, stars and more provides collectors a guide as they hunt new additions to their collections throughout the year. With talented rookies, superstar performances, and surprise roster moves, there is no shortage of compelling cardboard to chase. Following these storylines makes staying atop the ever-changing hobby that much more enjoyable.

2022 BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Major League Baseball season saw plenty of action both on and off the field. As the leagues heated up in the summer sun, collectors were eagerly awaiting the arrival of new baseball cards to commemorate the year. 2022 gave card companies no shortage of stories and performances to highlight.

Top rookies like Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman made their MLB debuts to much fanfare. Entering the season, they were among the most highly anticipated rookie cards. Rodríguez in particular delivered one of the best rookie campaigns in recent memory, hitting 28 home runs for the Seattle Mariners while providing elite defense in center field. He took home the American League Rookie of the Year award. Witt and Rutschman also showed flashes of why they were such hyped prospects, though injuries limited their seasons somewhat. Their rookie cards remain highly sought after.

In another rookie class, Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz made a splash with his enormous strength and rocket throws from shortstop. At 6-foot-7, his unique combination of size and skills captivated fans and collectors alike. Cruz is poised to be one of the breakout young stars that helps energize the Pirates franchise in coming years. His rookie cards picked up steam as his talents were on full display in the second half once called up from Triple-A.

On the veteran side, several familiar faces served up memorable campaigns. Aaron Judge turned in one of the single greatest offensive seasons in baseball history, smashing an AL record 62 home runs for the New York Yankees. He also topped the league in runs, runs batted in, on-base percentage, and slugging. Judge’s dominance has made his 2022 cards the most in-demand modern issues on the hobby market. Many collectors rushed to pickup base rookies or parallels of the American League MVP front-runner

Another slugger, Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, put together arguably the best all-around year of his career at age 35. He led the NL in batting average, on-base percentage and slugging, the first Cardinal to accomplish the trifecta since 1942. Goldschmidt captured the NL MVP and CBM awards, cementing his status among the game’s recent elite. His accomplishment was a pleasant surprise and highlighted the cards of an underrated star enjoying a late career renaissance.

On the pitching side, a trio of aces stood out: Miami’s Sandy Alcantara, Houston’s Justin Verlander, and the Dodgers’ Tony Gonsolin. Alcantara notched a Major League-leading six complete games while leading the NL in innings and WHIP. Verlander returned from Tommy John surgery better than ever, winning 18 games with an AL-best 1.75 ERA at age 39. Gonsolin posted a 2.14 ERA over 30 starts, the lowest ERA among qualified NL starters while helping pitch the Dodgers to 111 wins. Each hurler was among the top candidates for Cy Young awards in their respective leagues.

Beyond the on-field achievements, the 2022 season saw several notable transactions and milestones that collectors followed closely. Shohei Ohtani agreed to a record-setting $30 million contract extension to stay in Anaheim, delighting Angels fans. The Cardinals locked up superstar Paul Goldschmidt through 2028. Albert Pujols launched his 700th career home run. Miguel Cabrera reached 3,000 career hits. The milestones served as a reminder of legends performing at the highest levels as Father Time eventually catches up to all.

For collectors, the cards highlighting these moments created immediate demand. Ripping packs and boxes was a fun way to try and land short printed parallels featuring the achievements. Cabrera and Pujols relic and autographed cards from their milestone seasons carried premium prices atop already illustrious careers. Meanwhile, the long-term deals inked by Ohtani and Goldschmidt signal their clubs’ commitments and raise expectations for sustained success, bolstering interest in investing relatively early in the duo.

Off the field, the excitement of new franchises also heated up the hobby. MLB officially welcomed the Oakland Athletics’ relocation to Las Vegas, debuting as the Nevada Black Knights in 2023. The addition of a new franchise in one of the nation’s top sports betting cities was a boon for collectors looking to get in early. Fanatics also unveiled plans for an MLB expansion team in Portland, Oregon set to begin play in 2026. The unveiling of team names, logos, and uniforms will be collector anticipation points to come. In the meantime, commemorative “Placeholders” cards began appearing as speculative investments ahead of the real franchise product debuts.

Perhaps most notably from a business perspective, Fanatics finalized an exclusive trading card deal with MLB, replacing industry giants Topps. The 10-year contract grants Fanatics rights to baseball, basketball and football starting in 2026/27. It represents the most massive shift in the sports card industry landscape in decades. In the short term, the pending changeovers led to a rush by collectors to acquire any remaining vintage and modern sets from the outgoing companies like Topps, Upper Deck and Donruss before they lose their licenses. Long term, it opens new possibilities for integrating digital technologies, augmented reality, and secondary market platforms into the traditional card collectible space.

All in all, 2022 may go down as a pivotal year that set the table for what’s to come across both the diamonds and in hobby shops. Between breakout stars, achievements immortalized in cardboard, league expansions, and the upcoming transition to Fanatics, there was no shortage of motivations for baseball card collectors eagerly awaiting the 2022 releases. The combination of on-field drama and off-field developments made for an environment primed to drive interest, speculation, and rapid roster changes in personal collections for years ahead. Judging by what transpired in 2022, it appears the golden age of baseball cards is still going strong.

TOP BASEBALL CARDS FOR 2022

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The baseball card hobby saw tremendous growth over the past couple years during the pandemic, with many new and returning collectors helping drive interest and prices skyward. As we head into the 2022 season, there are certain rookie cards, stars of the game, and retired legends that continue to captivate collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards that are likely to be in high demand throughout this year.

Shohei Ohtani, 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto (#182) – Arguably the most unique and talented player in baseball today, Shohei Ohtani had a historic 2021 season as a two-way star for the Angels. His rookie cards from 2018 Bowman and Topps series 1 are already highly valuable, but his 2021 rookie appearances fascinated new collectors. The Topps Chrome Refractor Auto stands out with its vivid color and on-card autograph. Graded gem mint 10 examples have already crossed the $1000 price point, showing no signs of slowing down. As Ohtani’s legend grows, these 2021 rookies could end up being the most coveted modern player cards.

Juan Soto, 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Auto (#46) – Still just 23 years old, Juan Soto has quickly established himself as one of the best pure hitters in MLB. Rated as a 5-tool star, Soto dazzled in his inaugural 2018 campaign and those rookie cards remain a fascination. The Chrome Orange Refractor parallel from Bowman is the cream of the crop, with its bright refractory colors and on-card autograph. Even higher-grade PSA 10 copies have eclipsed $5000, and collectors expect those numbers will only increase as Soto continues producing at the plate for years to come.

Wander Franco, 2021 Topps Chrome Refractors – At just 21, Wander Franco is looked at as the future star and face of baseball. He had a phenomenal age-20 season with the Rays in 2021 that saw him become the youngest player ever to hit in his first career game. Franco’s rookie cards exploded out of the gates and haven’t slowed, with the flagship Topps Chrome Refractor parallel being the most omnipresent. PSA 10 copies have already crossed $1000 and are likely MLB’s best modern investment card. As Franco develops into a perennial All-Star and potential Hall of Famer, these rookie cards could end up being truly iconic.

Mickey Mantle, 1952 Topps #311 – The Commerce Comet remains one of the most beloved players in baseball history and a true icon of the sport. Any mid-grade example of his classic 1952 Topps rookie card in a holders graded 6-8 can usually be acquired for $10000-30000, with higher grades exponentially more expensive. This is the card that started the post-war baseball card boom and remains a treasure over 70 years later. As one of the most historically significant issues, Mantle’s ’52 Topps will always be a king among collectors.

Mike Trout, 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto Patch (#12) – Simply put, Mike Trout is establishing himself as perhaps the greatest baseball player ever. Even after a decade dominating MLB, the excitement for his early Bowman rookie cards remains unmatched. The prized parallel is the Chrome Auto Patch edition, with its serial numbered refractor, on-card autograph, and swatch of game-used material. PSA 10 specimens have reached $100000 at auction, and as Trout’s career accolades accumulate, so too might the prices. This is the card of the undisputed best modern player.

Ronald Acuña Jr., 2018 Bowman Chrome Auto Orange Refractor (#76) – Prior to his devastating 2021 knee injury, Ronald Acuña Jr. was cementing his place as a true 5-tool superstar. Those who invested early in his rookie cards were handsomely rewarded. The prized 2018 Bowman Chrome Orange Refractor Auto parallel exploded in value, with PSA 10’s now at $15000-20000. If Acuña can return to full health and domination, these cards might prove among the top long-term investments from the modern era.

Sandy Koufax, 1956 Topps #131 – One of the most dominating pitchers ever, Sandy Koufax blazed a brief but brilliant career in the 1950s-60s. His fresh-faced 1956 Topps rookie card became iconic for its clean and colorful design. High-grade specimens in the PSA 8-10 range now effortlessly eclipse $10000-40000. For collectors wanting a piece of perhaps the greatest lefty of all time, this hallowed Koufax rookie remains highly accessible, historic, and very recognizable for enthusiasts of all ages.

Jackie Robinson, 1947 Bazooka #5 – Beyond just being one of baseball’s all-time greats as the first African American player, Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color barrier and changed the game forever in 1947. His classic gum card has become the most important and valuable baseball issue ever released. Even well-worn mid-grade examples can bring $25000-50000 today. For any collection wanting a piece of sports and societal history, Robinson’s groundbreaking 1947 Bazooka sits gloriously among the hobby’s treasures.

Ken Griffey Jr., 1989 Upper Deck #1 – Known simply as “Junior” and beloved by mainstream America for his stunning talents and smile, Ken Griffey Jr. was the complete five-tool superstar. His rookie cards exploded in the late 80s/90s sports memorabilia boom. The stylish 1989 Upper Deck, featuring crisp photos and logos, became one of the most iconic and collected issues ever. High grades now command six figures, making Griffey’s rookie one of the true crown jewels for investors and fans alike.

While new stars like Ohtani and Franco captivate today’s collectors, it’s the legendary careers, historic iconography, and investment potential of cards like Mantle, Robinson, Griffey, and Koufax that will ensure they remain highly sought after prizes for baseball aficionados in 2022 and beyond. Condition is paramount, but a wise collector can target affordable mid-grade examples that still capture the essence of these all-time great players. No collection is complete without representations of the athletes who made baseball what it is today.

2022 BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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As another baseball season gets underway, collectors are always keeping an eye out for the rookie cards of today’s star players that could become valuable in the future. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty which 2022 baseball cards will gain the most value over time, there are certain cards issued this year that seem quite promising based on the players featured and certain attributes of the cards themselves. Let’s take a look at some of the top 2022 baseball cards that could potentially be worth money down the road.

Rookie Cards of Top Prospects – Whenever a new class of prospects comes up to the major leagues, their rookie cards are among the first places collectors look to find future value. Some of the top prospects who debuted in 2022 and therefore have rookie cards include Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, and Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers. All three are considered future stars and were first round draft picks, so their base rookie cards from sets like Topps, Bowman, and Panini Donruss could gain quite a bit in value if they live up to expectations on the field. Other notable rookie cards of top prospects from 2022 include cards of Archer, Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles and Riley Greene of the Tigers.

Graded Rookie Cards – While base rookie cards can certainly gain value over time, cards that are professionally graded by companies like PSA or BGS have an even better chance of appreciating due to their assured authenticity and preserved condition. Top graded rookies from 2022 like a PSA 10 Rodriguez or Witt Jr. card could eventually be worth thousands given the long-term upside of those players. Even top prospects not necessarily considered “can’t miss” types could reward collectors handsomely, like a BGS 9.5 Rutschman or PSA 9 Greene rookie. The market for high-grade modern rookie cards remains quite strong.

Autograph Rookie Cards – If collectors really want to maximize the value potential of 2022 rookie cards, focusing on autographed versions is a savvy move. As with any collectible card, an autograph exponentially increases the card’s rarity, desirability and therefore value. Top rookies like Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Torkelson all had autographed cards available in 2022 releases from Bowman, Topps, Leaf and others. While such autograph rookies carry lofty upfront costs, they offer arguably the most upside of any 2022 rookie card if those players take off. Even lesser prospects with on-card autographs could hit, making their signatures worth a premium later.

Top Veteran Cards – While rookies get much attention, collectors shouldn’t overlook stars who are already established in the league. Shohei Ohtani’s incredible dual-threat play for the Los Angeles Angels makes any of his 2022 cards strong long-term holds. The same goes for younger vets like Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Base cards, parallels, autographs and memorabilia cards of these types of established superstars should retain and grow in value provided they stay healthy and productive. Veterans who change teams can also provide opportunity, like Clayton Kershaw or Aaron Judge cards issued after their 2022 free agent moves.

Rare Parallels and Short Prints – Within the major sets each year like Topps Chrome, Bowman Sterling and Panini Prizm are relatively scarce parallel and short print cards that increase rarity and thus future value. Top rookies that also feature elusive color or serial number variations have a “best of both worlds” case for future upside. For example, parallels like the popular Topps Chrome Yellow refractors or Prizm Black parallels of MLB’s next big star could gain collectors huge returns with the double-whammy of the player and rarity. Hard-to-find short prints from hobby boxes of the same players carry even more possibility.

Rainbow Foil Variations – Compared to typical parallel cards that only change color, the “rainbow foil” versions released in recent years add extra visual flair with their shifting color patterns on the front of the card. Topps, Panini and others issued popular serial numbered rainbow foil variations in 2022 that feature top rookies and veterans. While more costly than base versions due to rarity, rainbow foils seem to hold special appeal to collectors and could realize outsized appreciation if the players hit heights matching their on-card colors. Examples from 2022 include rainbow foil Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr. and Ohtani cards.

Autographed Memorabilia Cards – Another area offering both great rarity and attachment to superstar players are autograph memorabilia cards, featuring game-used or worn materials with on-card autographs. Top rookies like Rodriguez and Witt Jr. had such ultra-rare dual autograph/memorabilia cards inserted at incredibly low ratios in premium 2022 products from Leaf and Panini. Established veterans with strong brands like Ohtani and Trout likewise had highly limited triple jersey autograph cards. While very costly currently, each one has potential to be worth exponentially more with the passage of time and player performance.

Exclusive High-End Case Hit Cards – The true holy grails for modern collectors are the 1/1 cards reserved as the biggest hits possible to pull from full hobby box cases of top brands like Bowman, Topps Chrome and Panini Prizm. While nearly impossible to acquire at retail, these unique parallel cards featuring top prospects and vets tend to gain value at incredible rates through the years. Julio Rodriguez, Torkelson and Witt all had such no-numbered crown jewel cards in 2022 ready to blossom if they pan out. Even lesser lights with extremely rare 1/1s still offer opportunity that could pay off huge.

As with collecting any hobby, there are no guarantees regarding the future value performance of individual 2022 baseball cards. By focusing on the rookies and veterans with the greatest upside potential, and high-grade, rare and one-of-a-kind versions of their cards, collectors give themselves the best chance of profitable long-term holds. While it involves patience, the excitement of discovering tomorrow’s stars and Hall of Famers today is a huge part of what makes collecting baseball cards such a fun endeavor each season. If history is any guide, some 2022 cardboard will emerge as true investments in the years to come.

2022 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

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The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set brought back the classic design of Topps cards from the late 1960s. As with any retro-themed release from Topps, the Heritage set contained several short printed and rare cards that have become extremely valuable for collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2022 Topps Heritage baseball cards.

One of the biggest hits from the 2022 Heritage set is the Miguel Cabrera short print card. Only 99 copies of the Cabrera SP were inserted into packs, making it an incredibly rare pull. Given Cabrera’s Hall of Fame caliber career and status as an active superstar, there was high demand for this card from collectors. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of the Cabrera SP have sold for over $2,000, with raw copies commanding $1,000 or more as well. It’s clear this Miguel Cabrera stands out as the most valuable single card from the entire 2022 Topps Heritage release.

Another highly sought after short print is the Freddie Freeman SP card. Like Cabrera, Freeman is a modern star player with an impressive career resume who also happened to have an extremely limited short printed card. With only 99 copies in existence just like the Cabrera SP, the Freeman has also proven to be hugely valuable. PSA 10 examples have sold for around $800-1000, showing strong demand for this Atlanta Braves first baseman’s rare Heritage issue.

In addition to short prints of current stars, the big league rookies in the 2022 Heritage set contained several valuable rookie cards. Perhaps the biggest name is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a future superstar, Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign in 2022 that has only increased demand for his rookie cards. His standard rookie in the Heritage set still fetches $50-100 in PSA 10 Gem Mint, but his short print rookie card numbered to 99 copies like Cabrera and Freeman has sold for over $500 in top grades. Rodriguez looks poised to continue increasing in value as his career progresses.

Another rookie to keep an eye on is Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene. Greene brought plenty of hype and triple digit heat to start his career, and collectors have taken notice. While his standard rookie again sells for $50-100 in PSA 10, his short print rookie around $250 shows Greene has staying power. As Greene develops further, his cards — especially the scarce short print — have room to appreciate significantly.

Beyond short prints and top rookies, the Heritage set also contained several valuable vintage player reprints. Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente has always been a fan favorite, and his reprint card has sold for $150-200 in top condition. Iconic 1960s stars like Sandy Koufax and Willie Mays also command $100-150 for their reprinted Heritage cards graded mint. And for collectors looking for a bargain, solid player reprints of stars like Tom Seaver, Hank Aaron and Nolan Ryan can often be acquired in the $30-50 range when in top shape.

The 2022 Topps Heritage baseball card set lived up to vintage expectations by delivering several valuable short prints and rookie cards that are already proving to be long term keepers in collection. With its retro design paying homage to 1960s Topps, the set also reintroduced classic players to the modern collecting market. While the Miguel Cabrera and Freddie Freeman short prints may hold the record sale prices so far, keep an eye on stars like Julio Rodriguez and Hunter Greene as their careers progress. The Heritage set continues to offer affordable vintage style cards of all-time greats alongside investments in tomorrow’s potential Hall of Famers.