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ARE PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS WORTH ANYTHING

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Panini Chronicles are a modern baseball card set first released in 2020 by Italian trading card manufacturer Panini. When a new card brand and set enters the sports card market, there are many questions around whether the cards hold any collectable value or not. Here is an in-depth look at Panini Chronicles cards and whether they are worth anything.

To start, Panini acquired the exclusive licences from Major League Baseball (MLB), the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and NCAA in 2020. This gave them the rights to produce authorized trading cards featuring current MLB and NCAA athletes for the first time. Securing these official licenses was a major coup for Panini and showed they were serious about competing with industry leaders Topps in the baseball card space. Having the MLB and MLBPA logos and player likenesses makes Panini Chronicles cards official products unlike some other non-licensed fare, which gives them more intrinsic value right off the bat compared to imitation brands.

In terms of design and production quality, Panini Chronicles cards are on par with modern card releases from Topps and other established companies. The photography is sharp, the card stock feels durable, and the front/back designs look clean and crisp. While personal taste will vary, most collectors view the Chronicles set and parallel variants as being nicely designed. Some collectors argue Panini’s designs lack the nostalgia and history of Topps dating back to the 1950s. Still, the actual quality and production values are good.

To evaluate card values, there are a few key factors to examine – print runs, serial numbering, parallels/variants, rookie/star cards, and overall marketplace demand. Panini Chronicles had an initial modest production size, suggesting the cards would gain value over time due to lower print runs. The base Chronicles cards were serially numbered between /399 to /499, while special parallels like Emerald or Sapphire were numbered to much lower quantities, which collectors covet. These scarce parallel cards of big stars have more potential to hold higher values long term.

Rookie and star cards will usually be the most sought-after and hold the greatest value in any new set. Panini did well here by featuring rookies of top prospects like Wander Franco and rookies/stars of established MLB names. Low serial numbered versions of star rookies like Franco have seen presale bids over $100 already despite the set being so new. More common base rookie cards of top names still carry value much like their Topps counterparts. The inclusion of big names bodes well for select Chronicles cards to appreciate in the long run.

When it comes to marketplace demand and prices paid by collectors, Panini Chronicles cards have seen respectable but not overwhelming numbers so far. On secondary seller sites, common base Chronicles cards can usually be acquired for $1-3 each. More scarce parallels and star rookies have sold in the $5-20 range. These are still early days for the set and values should rise once they become harder to obtain with time. One concern is whether the cards will capture more casual collectors compared to strong Topps demand. But hardcore collectors and enthusiasts are actively participating in the Chronicles market. Price trends over the next few years will help prove whether long-term interest levels can be sustained compared to other brands.

While still very new, Panini Chronicles baseball cards do appear to have collectible value potential due to their official MLB/MLBPA licenses, quality production, and inclusion of top prospects and star rookies. The availability of scarce serial numbered parallels and rookie/stars of coveted players gives them a better shot at holding and gaining value among avid collectors, especially if demand and scarcity increase over the years as with other retired sets. Common base cards are unlikely to yield huge returns currently but top cards could appreciate substantially for patient investors. The long-term staying power of the Chronicles brand in particular will go a long way in proving whether values sustain long term. Overall, Panini Chronicles cards seem to have more signs pointing to their potential worth, though time will tell how successful they become on the collecting landscape.

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.

2022 CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Topps Chronicles baseball card collection is poised to be another fan favorite from Topps after the huge success of Chronicles in 2021. With the addition of even more parallels and inserts in 2022, Topps Chronicles looks to set the standard for modern baseball card sets that combine nostalgia with new technology.

Topps Chronicles has grown into one of the most anticipated card releases each year due to the massive checklist of stars, parallels, relics, and autos included in each box. In 2022, Topps increased the base card checklist to a whopping 732 cards spanning both current players and retired legends. This massive checklist makes Chronicles one of the most complete sets for building team and player collections. With rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez included alongside all-time greats like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams, there really is something for collectors of all eras in 2022 Chronicles.

In addition to the gigantic base card checklist, Chronicles also features one of the most extensive parallel lineups in the hobby today. Topps includes parallels spanning multiple color variations including the ever-popular pink and green refractors as well as silver pack parallels numberered to 25 or less copies. New for 2022, Topps introduced Silver Prizm Refractors and Silver Foil parallels that add even more levels of appeal and scarcity to the parallel chase. With 17 different parallel designs between the base cards and inserts, Topps Chronicles parallels provide something for every collector’s budget and taste.

While the base card and parallel selections provide excellent choices for set building, it’s the roster of inserts and hit cards that really drive the excitement for breaks and boxes of 2022 Chronicles. Topps loaded the checklist with coveted insert sets including In Action, Legendary Credentials, Timeless Teams, and more. These attractive photo and art insert sets provide chances at some of the top rookies and stars in the game today framed in unique on-card designs.

It’s the memoir cards, relics, autos, and numbered parallels inside 2022 Chronicles that cause the most fervor. With three different types of memoir cards featuring on-card writing from legendary players, collectors have a shot at obtaining true pieces of baseball history. Meanwhile, the staggering amount of memorabilia and autograph cards mean there is a decent odds of adding monster relics and autos to any collector’s PC. From dual and triple relic cards to 1/1 plate autos, 2022 Chronicles is loaded with hits.

Technologically, 2022 Chronicles also takes things to another level. For the first time, Topps included Atomic Refractors across the base checklist. These innovative new refractors contain reactive technology that causes the image to light up and shift when exposed to UV light. Additionally, Topps added Crypto Stamp variants that are redeemable for collectible NFTs, showing their commitment to embracing new trends.

With all of these top-notch components combined – an enormous checklist, vast parallels lineup, memorable inserts, monster relics and hits along with cutting edge technology – it’s easy to see why Topps Chronicles has become a collector favorite set. The 2022 edition looks poised to continue pushing the envelope for what a modern baseball card release can achieve. Loaded with stars, history, scarcity, and innovation, 2022 Topps Chronicles will surely create many new memories for the hobby in the year ahead.

PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini Chronicles is a popular modern baseball card set known for its retro designs and hidden hits. The set was launched in 2017 by card manufacturer Panini America and has since become a flagship product for the company. Panini Chronicles combines the nostalgic feel of classic cardboard from the 1970s and 80s with modern chase cards and inserts to excite collectors both young and old.

The inaugural 2017 Panini Chronicles set paid homage to the iconic 1979 Topps design. Like Topps in 1979, the base cards featured a mostly white background with team logo and player image on the front. Traditional stats like batting average and home runs were listed on the back along with mini career highlights. Parallels included gold and silver versions as well as serial numbered “Stars of the Game” refractors. The set also introduced “Chronicles Chronicles” short prints that tucked valuable autographs and memorabilia cards into the base checklist.

Key rookies like Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, and Andrew Benintendi helped drive interest in the rookie class. But it was the hidden hits in Chronicles Chronicles packs that generated some of the biggest buzz. Inserts like “Logo Man” jersey cards of Bryce Harper and “Diamonds” autographs of Mike Trout became highly sought after by collectors. At 125 cards plus additional parallels and inserts, the debut Panini Chronicles set offered collectors plenty of chase with its throwback look.

Building off the success of 2017, Panini Chronicles expanded to 150 cards for 2018. They kept the 1979 Topps inspired design but added additional color and photo variations to cards in series one and two. Parallels now included green, orange, and purple refractors in addition to the traditional golds and silvers. The greatly anticipated Chronicles Chronicles inserts featured top stars in rare memorabilia and autograph combinations. Mike Trout cards with swatches of his 2012 All Star Game jersey were the envy of Angels fans everywhere.

Other coveted 2018 inserts included “Diamond Kings” for the game’s superstars and “Field Generals” featuring veterans known for their baseball IQ. Panini upped the autograph quota with on-card and memorabilia autographed versions of franchise players like Albert Pujols and Clayton Kershaw. Exciting rookie class inserts highlighted emerging talents like Ronald Acuna Jr, Juan Soto, and Shohei Ohtani. Overall set checklist increased to 160 cards for 2019, expanding the realm of possibilities for collectors.

Panini builds intrigue and mystery into Chronicles packs through its creative insert sets hidden throughout. Series 1 typically focuses on established veterans while Series 2 spotlights top rookies and prospects. As with any other modern card product, parallels abound with color variations on the base cards. But the true prizes remain the rare game-used memorabilia cards tucked covertly within the base checklist. Pulling a cracked bat shard of Christian Yelich or letter patch of Mike Trout is the stuff dreams are made of for enthusiasts.

Beyond the on-card hits, Panini packs imagination and fantasy into Chronicles with novel insert sets celebrating milestones, legends, and defining MLB moments. The 2019 “This Day in Baseball History” cards commemorated iconic dates like Babe Ruth’scalled shot. Meanwhile, “Diamond Kings” paid tribute to franchise player careerswith high-end swatches and autographs of stars like Derek Jeter and Ken Griffey Jr. Generous autograph quotas and elaborately crafted memorabilia ensure even base rookies hold value in today’s booming collectibles market.

For diehards and casual fans alike, Panini Chronicles taps into the nostalgia of the hobby’s past while developing new stars of the present and future. Strong rookie classes, bountiful parallels and varying autograph/memorabilia options encompass something for every collector’s tastes. Whether celebrating historic achievements, following today’s greats, or seeking tomorrow’s elite talents – Chronicles invites all baseball card aficionados to join the journey. As one of the premier modern baseball products on the primary market, Panini Chronicles is sure to keep growing its fanbase for seasons to come.

2022 CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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Baseball card collecting saw huge growth in popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. While the fever died down in the late ’90s and 2000s, interest roared back in recent years. Fueled in part by the nostalgia factor for cards from the sport’s golden age and players’ rising social media profiles, more collectors are pursuing cards from past and present.

With increasing demand comes rising prices for the most sought-after vintage and modern issues. Some 2022 baseball cards have already proven valuable due to short prints, autographed parallels, and players expected to excel. Let’s examine some of the top 2022 card investments based on rarity, star power, and on-field potential.

Sandy Alcantara Topps Finest Refractors (#TF-SA)

Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara had a breakout 2021 campaign, going 9-15 with a 3.19 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 28 starts. Topps Finest Refractors of the talented righty have fetched up to $80 due to his elite skills and status as one of MLB’s true workhorses. Alcantara throws his fastball over 200 innings per season while maintaining a high strikeout rate, projecting as a future Cy Young candidate.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Topps Chrome Prizm Refractors (#CP-RA)

Few players can match Ronald Acuña Jr.’s charisma and five-tool prowess. Unfortunately, injuries have limited the Atlanta Braves outfielder to just 82 games over the past two seasons. If he can stay healthy in 2022 and recapture his 2019 MVP-caliber form, Acuña cards could take off. Refractors from Chrome and Prizm sell in the $50-75 range based on his star power and tantalizing upside.

Juan Soto Bowman Sapphire Prizm Parallels (#BSPP-JS)

Fresh off inking a massive $440 million contract extension, Juan Soto is now the undisputed face of the Washington Nationals franchise. His Bowman Sapphire Prizm parallels from the prospect set immediately stand out, with color variants like green /20 and blue /5 commanding $150-300. Soto is still just 23 but has already achieved superstar status in the Majors thanks to his otherworldly batting eye and lefty power stroke.

Wander Franco Topps Chrome Prizm Autographs (#CPA-WF)

Tampa Bay Rays sensation Wander Franco broke onto the scene as one of baseball’s top prospects in 2021. He didn’t disappoint in his MLB debut, batting .288/.347/.463 with seven homers and 39 RBI in 70 games while playing elite defense at shortstop. Franco’s autographed Chrome and Prizm rookies rocketed to over $1,000 and could keep rising if he continues developing into a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate.

Julio Rodriguez Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Parallels (#TCRF-JR)

Nicknamed “J-Rod,” Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez established himself as perhaps the game’s most exciting young talent in 2022. His rainbow foil parallels from Topps Chrome hold significant value in the rookie card marketplace, fetching $200-500 for colors like red /5 and gold /10 based on his five-tool promise and Seattle’s rebuilt foundation for success. Rodriguez has superstar written all over him.

Andrew Vaughn 2022 Topps Heritage Mini Canvas Auto Patch (#THMA-AV)

While Andrew Vaughn has yet to fully realize his power potential in the Majors, the lefty-swinging White Sox first baseman offers intriguing breakout appeal in 2022. His most valuable rookie card at the moment is a 1/1 mini canvas auto patch from Topps Heritage, which recently sold for over $1,600 on eBay. If Vaughn can start tapping into his plus power in his second full season, collectors will be eager to acquire this rare memorabilia card.

Bobby Witt Jr. Topps Finest Autographs (#TFA-BW)

Royals phenom Bobby Witt Jr. created an instant buzz by slashing .254/.290/.537 with 13 homers and 51 RBI in 108 games as a 21-year-old rookie. As Kansas City’s clear cornerstone, any Witt cards with autographed signatures or memorabilia hold sky-high value due to his five-tool talent and franchise centerpiece role. Topps Finest Autographs in the $250-500 range could multiply further if he establishes himself as a perennial All-Star.

Spencer Strider Topps Chrome Refractors (#TCR-SS)

Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider exploded onto the scene in 2022 by posting a 2.67 ERA and 202 strikeouts across 131 innings as a rookie. The electric stuff and electrifying performances have collectors excited about the 25-year-old righty’s long-term upside. Strider’s Topps Chrome Refractors gained significant ground last year, trading for $50-100 based on his breakout arrival and Atlanta’s championship pedigree.

Oneil Cruz Topps Project 70 Parallels (#TP70-OC)

At 6-foot-7 with electrifying raw power, Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz is a true five-tool freak of nature who turned heads with a .248 average, seven homers and 23 RBI in 58 games in 2022. His Project 70 parallels from Topps become more highly sought with each massive moonshot, with short prints like /70 and /10 reaching $150-300 based purely on his physically gifted attributes. Cruz could be a superstar if he puts it all together.

Alek Thomas Topps Gold Label Autographs (#TGLA-AT)

Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas made a quick impression by hitting .235 with 14 homers and 52 RBI in 112 games as a 21-year-old rookie. While he must refine his approach and consistency, the tools are undeniably there. Thomas’ autographs from premium sets like Topps Gold Label currently sit at $75-150 but could multiply further if a breakout sophomore campaign is on the horizon in Arizona.

Michael Harris II Topps Finest Refractors (#TFR-MH)

Braves rookie Michael Harris II became a household name by slashing .297/.339/.514 with 19 homers, 64 RBI and 20 stolen bases across 142 games at age 21. His Topps Finest Refractors jumped to $100-200 based on his phenomenal all-around contributions as Atlanta’s new everyday center fielder. Harris has an affordable price tag now but looks positioned to become a five-tool stud for years to come in Atlanta.

Grayson Rodriguez Bowman Chrome Refractors (#BCR-GR)

Orioles flamethrower Grayson Rodriguez is widely considered one of baseball’s top pitching prospects after registering a combined 2.36 ERA and 150/33 K/BB across 120 innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022. While injuries stalled his timeline, collectors remain intrigued by his power arsenal and ace upside. Rodriguez’s refractors from Bowman Chrome hold around $75-150 in value as he readies for his MLB debut.

Brennan Davis Topps Chrome Autographs (#TCA-BD)

Cubs outfielder Brennan Davis intrigues with his superb combination of size, strength and athleticism at 6-foot-4. After hitting .305 with 13 homers between High-A and Double-A in 2022, the 22-year-old could arrive in Chicago’s lineup sooner than later. Davis’ autographed Topps Chrome rookies maintain $75-150 based on his five-tool potential and the Cubs’ history of developing young stars.

There you have it – an in-depth look at 15 top 2022 baseball cards already showing value due to star power, production, rare parallels and autos, or long-term breakout chances. As the seasons progress and careers unfold, these rookie issues could grow tremendously or fade, but they represent some of the smartest speculative investments for collectors pursuing the next generation of MLB greats. Following prospects, rookies and young vets closely will help identify the next big risers.

2021 CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Topps Crypt Chronicles baseball card set was released in May 2021 and featured cards of current Major League Baseball players with a focus on the upcoming season. While still early, the set has shown signs of strong potential value increases for key rookie cards and stars of the game.

Like most modern baseball card sets, Chronicles focuses on photographs of players either from recent seasons or portraits taken specifically for the new release. What sets Chronicles apart is its intriguing cryptocurrency-inspired designs and parallels. The base cards feature a Bitcoin-like QR code on the front that can be scanned for additional online content like stats or career highlights.

Parallels and short-printed inserts then take the crypto theme further with terms like “Proof of Stake” and designs mimicking the aesthetic of blockchain transaction records. This unique approach helped drive interest and hype for Chronicles at launch. While the cryptocurrency fad has cooled somewhat since early 2021, the concept remains a novel collectors theme.

Out of the box, the most coveted rookies from Chronicles have been Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco and Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. Franco is considered a true five-tool star and top prospect in all of baseball. His card values shot up after an incredible MLB debut in 2021 where he slashed .288/.326/.463 with 7 home runs in just 70 games.

Low serial Franco rookie parallels like “Proof of Stake” (#/25) or “Mined” (#/10) now fetch upwards of $500 on the secondary market. Even his base is around $75-100, showing strong long term potential as Franco establishes himself as an elite offensive and defensive player for years to come.

Kelenic also started strong after a mid-season callup but struggled during his rookie campaign. As a former top-3 prospect, collectors remain high on his upside. His Chronicle rookies currently sell in the $50-75 range and could rise if Kelenic puts it together in 2022. Other notable rookie cards to watch include Luis Garcia of the Astros, Hunter Greene of the Reds, and Bryson Stott of the Phillies.

On the veteran side, superstar names like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Shohei Ohtani, and Ronald Acuña Jr. unsurprisingly carry the highest prices given their established excellence and brand power. Trout’s base is around $30-40 already, which is impressive so early in the product cycle. Parallel and short-printed Trout inserts easily sell for well over $100.

Tatis Jr.’s rising popularity as one of the faces of MLB has lifted his Chronicles cards to near-Trout levels as well. Both players’ values should continue appreciating over the long run barring any unforeseen circumstances. Ohtani remains a must-own given his two-way dominance and cultural impact in Japan and North America. Even minor parallels move for $50-75 due to his unique talents.

Beyond premier rookies and stars, diving deeper into team collections can uncover Chronicle sleepers primed to pop. For example, Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts is coming off another All-Star season and eligible for free agency after 2022, which could lift interest. His cards currently sell in the $15-25 range.

Similarly, Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez is garnering Rookie of the Year buzz after a breakout 2021 campaign in the minors. His Chronicles rookie cards move for $15-25 right now but have serious breakout potential if he hits in the bigs as expected. Sleeper prospects like Washington Nationals’ Luis Garcia or Detroit Tigers’ Spencer Torkelson also offer intriguing long shot upside.

While still in the early months since its May 2021 release, Topps Crypt Chronicles has surfaced as one of the stronger modern baseball card sets due to its novel crypto-inspired designs and presence of budding superstars. Savvy collectors scooping up premier rookies of Franco, Kelenic and others as well as veterans Trout, Tatis Jr. and Ohtani stand to achieve substantial appreciation with patience. Beyond the headliners, digging deeper unearths potential breakouts primed to produce strong long term returns. With MLB’s rising popularity, Chronicles cards carry real staying power in the collectibles marketplace.

2022 PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Chronicles baseball set was released in late April and featured a variety of rookie cards, autographs, and parallels of some of the game’s biggest stars. While Chronicles is not Panini’s flagship baseball release, the set annually produces several cards that command big prices in the trading card market.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 2022 Chronicles set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a breakout season in 2021 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His autographed rookie parallel cards from Chronicles have sold for over $1,000 each. The Franco rookie autograph parallel market could continue to rise long-term given his star potential and being just 21 years old.

Another rookie generating buzz is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a strong debut in 2022 and is considered a future star. His Chronicles autographed rookie cards have sold for $800-900 each online. With Rodriguez likely to be in the running for AL Rookie of the Year honors, his rookie card prices could climb higher before settling.

Speaking of Rookie of the Year candidates, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman drew rave reviews in his first MLB stint in 2022 and is expected to be the favorite for AL Rookie honors. Rutschman’s autographed rookie cards from Chronicles have sold in the $600-700 range so far. That price seems poised to rise further if he wins the award.

On the National League side, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had a breakout rookie campaign and showed five-tool potential. His autographed Chronicles rookie cards have sold for $400-500 each so far but could rise higher with an award or if he continues developing into a star.

Veteran superstars also have valuable cards in the Chronicles set. Any autographed card of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper would hold value, with his Chronicles autograph parallels selling between $300-400 currently. The same applies to two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani, who continues to amaze on the mound and at the plate. His Chronicles autographs have sold for $250-350 each online.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had a historic 2022 season hitting an AL record 62 home runs. Any autographed Judge card from 2022 holds value, and his Chronicles autographs have sold for $200-300 each depending on parallel. His prices may rise even more if he wins AL MVP honors for the breakout season.

Chronicles also features “Hit Parallels” that contain memorabilia swatches or patches. The most expensive Hit Parallel from 2022 was a dual memorabilia card featuring patches of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout that sold for $1,000. Other top-selling Hit Parallels included a Wander Franco jersey card ($800), Julio Rodriguez bat card ($650), and Adley Rutschman patch card ($550).

While rookies and stars tend to have the most valuable cards, Chronicles also features popular veterans that collectors seek. Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, and Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all had autographed parallels from Chronicles sell in the $150-250 range.

In terms of rare parallels and serial numbered cards, the 1/1 parallel rookie autos of Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman would likely be the most valuable Chronicle cards on the market if they surface. Low-numbered parallels of /10 or less for stars like Ohtani, Judge or Harper would also command big prices.

While Panini Chronicles may not have the same cachet as Topps flagship sets, the 2022 edition featured several rookie cards, autographs and memorabilia cards that have already proven to be quite valuable and collectible in the trading card market. Prices for the top rookies like Franco, Rodriguez and Rutschman seem poised to rise further if they continue excelling in MLB.

2022 CHRONICLES BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The year 2022 saw some record-breaking sales in the hobby of vintage baseball cards as interest and prices in the market continued to skyrocket. Modern rookies also commanded big money as some of today’s brightest young stars in MLB had legendary rookie cards pull in massive sums. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive and valuable baseball cards that traded hands over the past year.

One of the biggest stories was a near mint condition Mickey Mantle baseball card from 1952 topps breaking the all-time record auction price for any sports card by selling for $12.6 million in August. The Mantle in a PSA Gem Mint 9 was considered the finest known example of the iconic card to exist. It shattered the previous record set just months prior when a case-fresh 1952 Topps rookie card of Mantle sold for $5.2 million.

The ultra-rare 1952 Topps rookie card of Willie Mays also had a headline grabbing sale in 2022. In January, a PSA 8 example of the legendary “Say Hey Kid” broke the $6 million threshold, realizing $6.146 million including auction fees. It marked the first post-WWII baseball card to reach the $6 million plateau and reinforced Mays’ status as one of the most desireable vintage cards.

A 1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner, perhaps the single most famous collectible card in existence, traded hands multiple times in 2022. In January, a PSA EX-MT 6 example fetched $7.25 million at auction. Then in September, Heritage Auctions sold another PSA 6 graded Wagner for a new record price of $7.25 million, becoming just the second Wagner to eclipse the $7 million mark. The ultra-rare Tobacco card of Pittsburgh Pirates legend Honus Wagner remains the undisputed king of vintage cards.

For modern cards, several rookies from the vast 1990s generation achieved impressive prices. In March, a rare 1998 SP Authentic Ken Griffey Jr. rookie auto-patch numbered 1/1 rocketed past any expectations to sell for an enormous $3.12 million. Widely considered the finest Griffey Jr. card in existence, its appeal was maximized by holding a coveted on-card signature and game-used swatch.

Also in March, a pristine PSA 10 graded 1996 SP Derek Jeter rookie card traded at auction for $1.32 million. Long one of the most sought rookie cards from the vintage 90s era, examples in this condition level are rare and highly valued. Just a few months later in July, another highly coveted ’96 SP Jeter rookie achieved $1.19 million, showing strong continued demand.

No modern player had rookies create as much buzz in 2022 as 21-year old MLB superstar Juan Soto. His 2018 Topps Chrome Red Refractor rookie pulled in an eye-popping $450,000 in January. Then in July, his prized 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect auto first card notched a new record at $373,000. Soto has captured the attention of collectors with his historic on-field production at such a young age.

Vintage stars also continued to produce big numbers. A PSA 8 graded 1952 Topps rookie of iconic Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe hit $240,000. A near-mint 1952 Bowman Color rookie of baseball’s home run king Hank Aaron drew $192,000. Each demonstrated sustained collector appetite for all-time great players from the Dawn of the modern baseball card era in the early 1950s.

Even more modern cards joined in on the action. A 2001 Bowman Chrome Yadier Molina rookie auto patch 1/1 exploded past estimates to realize $198,000. A 2001 Bowman Chrome Ryan Howard rookie auto realized $180,000. And vintage star Ichiro Suzuki had his prized 2001 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects issue pull $180,000 as well.

Several factors contributed to the unprecedented prices seen across the board. Low population vintage and modern cards in top grades achieved new heights as more cashed-up collectors entered the space. Younger generations rekindled nostalgia for childhood favorites of stars like Jeter, Griffey Jr. and Ichiro. Soto emerged as a budding new star collection focus. And the entire market saw a flood of new speculative money that helped inflate values to rarely-before seen levels.

The takeaway is that interest and demand in the baseball card industry shows no signs of slowing. Both the time-tested appeal of all-time greats like Mantle and Mays as well as today’s new stars keeping collectors engaged will help the market sustian high prices moving forward. 2022 proved without a doubt to be the most lucrative year on record for valuable baseball cards both old and new. With more high-dollar auctions sure to occur as the fanbase grows, lofty prices may just be the new normal.

2021 PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Chronicles Baseball set was released on August 11, 2021 and contains a variety of inserts, parallels, and rookie cards of the games top prospects and stars. Panini Chronicles is one of the leading baseball card brands on the market known for its original photography, diverse lineup of inserts, and flashy parallels. The 2021 edition maintains Panini’s standard of quality while commemorating the current season.

As with years past, the base set contains 234 cards spread across 9 teams per pack. Each pack contains 12 cards and retail boxes have 9 packs inside. Some of the notable rookies included in the base set are Jarred Kelenic, Spencer Torkelson, Bobby Witt Jr., and Ryley Mckay. While none are short prints, these rookie cards tend to be in higher demand than others from the base set. Beyond rookies, most of the biggest star players like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. can all be found as standard base cards as well.

Several of the inserts in 2021 Chronicles showcase various top prospects through the years. The ‘Superfractor Prospects’ parallel contains full rainbow foil refractors of the top farm hands like Kelenic (Mariners), Witt (Royals), and Torkelson (Tigers). A ‘Prospect Pristine’ parallel also highlights these burgeoning talents. Both sets are scarce pulls that excite collectors. Another popular insert is the ‘Chronicles Ink’ autograph checklist. These on-card autographs span many eras but the modern names tend to have high values.

When it comes to parallels, Panini goes all out with their exclusive variations. The ‘Velocity’ parallel contains super short printed ruby versions that are true 1/1 finds. Other ultra-rare variations include ‘Emerald Prospects’, ‘Prism Prospects’, ‘Black Gold’, and ‘Onyx’ parallels. More accessible but still coveted are the ‘Rainbow Foil’, ‘Gold’, and ‘Silver’ parallels of the base cards. Collectors love chasing these alternate looks that make each card uniquely displayed in a binder or collection.

Panini dedicates significant portions of Chronicles each year commemorating the rich history and milestone moments in baseball. The 2021 set carries this tradition forward with inserts like ‘Field of Dreams’ spotlighting the popular 1989 film setting. Other nostalgia themed sets pay homage to ‘MLB Icons’, past ‘Postseason Performers’, and important ‘Anniversary’ seasons. International players also receive recognition through special ‘Heritage’ inserts from countries like Japan, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and more.

As with most modern baseball card products, autographed memorabilia cards are a major draw in Chronicles. Signatures are interspersed throughout the base packs but can also be found more frequently in the ‘Cracker Jack’ insert parallel boxes. Players don’t always sign abundantly for Panini so landing authenticated swatches and autos from stars increases demand exponentially. Rarer still are 1/1 materials like jersey relics parallel to the ‘Velocity’ parallels mentioned earlier.

The overall production values Panini infuses into Chronicles is among the highest in the industry. Cards feature vibrant color photos and designs with a luxurious premium feel. Beyond the trading cards, collectors also enjoy the elaborate packaging of sealed boxes and exclusive wrap-around covers to flagship releases. These presentation elements add to the prestige and shelf appeal that has positioned Chronicles as a topline brand.

The secondary market for Championship level hits from 2021 Chronicles have already started strong. RCs of Witt, Kelenic, and Torkelson pulled early have commanded 4-figure selling prices online. Rare 1/1 finds from the ‘Velocity’ and ‘Onyx’ parallels attract serious bidding wars. Even base rookie cards of top prospects routinely sell in the $50-100 range. With the season ahead to further establish young talents, values are projected to steadily rise barring injuries.

In summary, Panini’s Chronicles baseball set for 2021 maintains the high quality collectors have come to expect with a continued focus on exciting inserts, sought after rookie cards, and flashy parallels. As with years past, this flagship release provides something for all levels of enthusiasts whether pursuing affordable base variants or chasing the ultra-rare iconic hits. For those passionate about modern baseball cards, Chronicles from Panini reigns atop retail offerings each season as a must-have product.