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BEST 2022 OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS

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2022 was another huge year for baseball card collectors and hobbyists. Panini’s 2022 Optic baseball product line delivered some of the most exciting and sought after rookie cards and parallels on the market. With its flashy refractors, color blast parallels, and premier rookies, 2022 Optic baseball once again satisfied collectors’ appetites for the newest and shiniest cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the biggest and best 2022 Optic baseball cards that created a buzz in the hobby.

Bobby Witt Jr. Orange Refractor /99 (#OT-BWJ): Witt took the baseball world by storm in 2022 with an impressive MLB debut for the Kansas City Royals. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards from 2022 Optic were among the most coveted on the market. The Orange Refractor parallel, limited to just 99 copies, grabbed the most attention of all due to its rarity and flashy coloring. These can fetch prices well over $1000 when they pop up for sale online.

Julio Rodriguez Color Blast Green /50 (#OT-JROD): J-Rod earned AL Rookie of the Year honors after a stellar first season with the Seattle Mariners. His Color Blast parallels from Optic, which feature an eye-catching color splash design on the front of the card, were a huge draw for collectors. The Green parallel is the most limited at just 50 copies made. Graded gem mint examples have sold for upwards of $3000 so far.

Spencer Strider Aqua Refractor /99 (#OT-SS): Strider exploded onto the scene for the Atlanta Braves in 2022, establishing himself as one of baseball’s top young pitchers. His Optic rookie refractors, like the attractive Aqua parallel, gained a strong following. Still relatively affordable compared to other top rookies, these could appreciate significantly if Strider continues developing his ace potential.

Adley Rutschman Purple Refractor /99 (#OT-AR): After years of hype, Rutschman finally made his big league debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022. While his rookie season production was modest, collectors remained high on his long-term upside. His Optic Purple Refractor captures that excitement in a limited parallel of just 99 copies. Even ungraded, these have traded hands for $400-500.

Oneil Cruz Gold Refractor /50 (#OT-OC): Cruz brought elite tools and excitement to Pittsburgh as a rookie. His Gold Refractor parallel from Optic, of which only 50 were produced, is one of his most visually striking and collectible cards on the market. Still relatively affordable for serious Cruz collectors, these Gold parallels have the potential to rise significantly if he develops into the superstar many project.

Riley Greene Color Blast Red /50 (#OT-RG): Greene had a strong debut for the Detroit Tigers after being one of baseball’s top prospects. His Optic Color Blast cards, like the Red parallel limited to just 50 copies, highlighted his rookie potential. With continued development, Greene’s cards could surge to new heights. The Color Blast design adds to their long-term appeal.

Nolan Gorman Color Blast Orange /50 (#OT-NG): Gorman showed promising power as a rookie for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022. His Optic rookie cards, especially the striking Color Blast Orange parallel of only 50 copies, captured collectors’ attention. With his raw talent and the Cardinals pedigree, Gorman’s cards could be primed for growth if he blossoms into an impact big leaguer.

Jack Leiter Gold Wave Auto /50 (#OT-JL-WA): As one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, Leiter’s rookie cards were highly anticipated. His Gold Wave Auto parallel from Optic, with flashy gold coloring and on-card autograph, stands out as one of his premier rookie signatures. Limited to a tiny run of 50 copies, these exclusive cards command premium prices but could pay dividends for patient holders.

Oneil Cruz Gold Wave Auto /50 (#OT-OC-WA): Cruz’s talents have collectors excited about his long-term potential. His Gold Wave Auto parallel from Optic, with its gold coloring, on-card autograph, and limited production of only 50 copies, captures that excitement in one of his most investment-worthy rookie cards. Still relatively affordable compared to superstar signatures, these hold tremendous upside.

Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Wave Auto /50 (#OT-BWJ-WA): As one of the biggest rookie stars of 2022, Witt’s on-card autographs were hugely in demand. His Gold Wave Auto parallel from Optic checks all the boxes – a flashy gold design, low 50-card print run, and coveted autograph. Even at current prices north of $1000, serious Witt enthusiasts see these as primed to appreciate significantly with his continued success.

Spencer Strider Gold Wave Auto /50 (#OT-SS-WA): Strider burst onto the scene in 2022 with electric stuff for Atlanta. His Gold Wave Auto parallel from Optic provides a limited-edition showcase for his emerging talents. With only 50 of these flashy on-card autographs produced, serious Strider collectors jumped at the chance to add this premium rookie card to their collections.

Julio Rodriguez Gold Wave Auto /50 (#OT-JROD-WA): J-Rod’s stellar rookie campaign made him one of the most in-demand young stars in the hobby. His Optic Gold Wave Auto parallel, with its 50-card print run, gold design, and coveted autograph, stands out as one of his most significant rookie signatures. Even at prices over $2000 currently, these are considered worthwhile long-term holdings by savvy J-Rod collectors.

Adley Rutschman Gold Wave Auto /50 (#OT-AR-WA): After years of buildup, Rutschman finally made his big league debut in 2022 to much fanfare. His Gold Wave Auto parallel from Optic provided collectors a premium on-card autograph card in limited 50-copy production. With his upside and the Orioles pedigree, serious Rutschman PC holders see these autos as blue-chip prospects for future appreciation.

In summary, Panini Optic’s 2022 baseball release once again delivered some of the most visually striking, limited-edition rookie cards on the market. Featuring flashy refractors, colorful parallels, and investment-worthy autographs of the game’s top young stars, Optic satisfied collectors with its premier showcase cards. While prices remain high on many of these elite parallels and signatures, savvy hobbyists understand their potential to appreciate significantly in coming years as these talented rookies continue developing. 2022 Optic established itself as a true landmark release that will be remembered as capturing lightning in a bottle for today’s emerging baseball greats.

2022 DONRUSS OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Donruss Optic baseball card set was released in late 2022 and features a modernized design with refractors and parallels of today’s top Major League Baseball stars. Donruss Optic has become one of the flagship baseball card products in recent years, known for its visually stunning refractors and appealing retro designs.

Some key things to know about the 2022 Donruss Optic set include the base card design, parallels and refractors included, rookie cards and autographs to hunt for, as well as the overall product popularity among today’s collectors. Let’s take a deeper dive into what makes this particular year’s set stand out.

Base Card Design
The base cards in the 2022 Donruss Optic set feature a clean and simple design paying homage to classic 1980s/1990s Donruss cards. Players are shown head-on with their team logo and colors prominently displayed behind them on a dark colored backdrop. Player names, positions and team names are listed cleanly below the photo.

What makes these designs really pop are the refractors that are included throughout the set. Refractors feature an eye-catching iridescent sheen depending on how the light hits the card. This gives the base cards a modern, premium feel compared to traditional cardboard.

Parallels and Refractors
In addition to the standard base refractors, Donruss Optic includes numerous parallel and refractor variations that collectors love to hunt. Some of the most notable include:

Pink Refractors /75
Orange Refractors /150
Green Refractors /399
Blue Refractors /599
Purple Refractors /999
Gold Refractors /10
Orange Wave Refractors /50
Green Wave Refractors /199
Aqua Wave Refractors /299
Purple Wave Refractors /499

This adds tremendous levels of complexity and rarity through the different parallel variations that can be pulled. The lower the number, the harder the card is to find making 1/1 autos and serial numbered parallels extremely coveted prizes.

Rookies and Key Young Stars
As with any modern baseball card release, the rookies and young stars are always highly sought after players to find. Some notable rookies/prospects featured in 2022 Donruss Optic include:

Adley Rutschman
Bobby Witt Jr.
Spencer Torkelson
Jeremy Peña
Julio Rodriguez
C.J. Abrams
Mackenzie Gore
Riley Greene

Veteran stars like Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. also remain popular veterans to pull due to their current on-field production and commercial appeal off the field.

Autographs and Memorabilia Cards
While the base refractors and parallels make Donruss Optic a fun rip for any collector, the real big ticket items are the autograph and memorabilia cards that can be pulled. These include:

On-Card Autographs
Patch Autographs
Bat Knob Autographs
Patch Cards with swatches of jerseys/uniforms
Rare 1/1 Parallel Autographs

Landing aserialized /10 auto of a star rookie like Witt Jr. or Rutschman could yield a serious monetary return if resold or held long term. The exclusive 1/1 parallels make for true one-of-a-kind collector’s pieces.

Overall Popularity and Resell Market
In just a few short years, Donruss Optic has become one of the most popular and valuable modern baseball card releases each season. This is due to the high-end refractors, lucrative rookie class, and existence of low-numbered parallel autos that excite the chase.

Boxes of 2022 Donruss Optic sold out quickly upon release, showing the demand among today’s collectors. Individual cards, especially of stars and short-printed parallels, routinely sell in the hundreds or thousands of dollars on the collector market online.

Long-term, the set should age very well due to the classic Donruss design elements combined with modern technology like refractors. As today’s rookies like Witt Jr. and Rutschman potentially turn into star talents, their rookie cards from this set could potentially become quite valuable.

The 2022 Donruss Optic Baseball set proved another monster release that will stand the test of time for collectors. Between the dazzling refractors, coveted rookie class, and high-end parallels and autographs – it offers something for every type of baseball card investor and fan. This sets the brand up well to continue dominating the baseball card landscape for many years to come.

OPTIC O BASEBALL CARDS

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Optic baseball cards have become one of the most popular insert sets in modern card collecting. Panini America launched the Optic brand in 2016 as a high-end premium offering for collectors to find shiny refractors, parallels, and autographs of their favorite players. The innovative design has attracted many collectors to the product line in just a few short years.

Optic differentiates itself from traditional card designs with a multi-layered optic effect on most cards. Panini pioneered a process of layering several translucent cardstock sheets together which are then die-cut. The result is a card with a three-dimensional prismatic effect where different colors and shades pop depending on how light hits the surface. Rival brands like Topps and Upper Deck at first struggled to recreate this unique optic technology in their own premium sets.

One of the earliest releases under the Optic banner in 2016 was Optic Football. This inaugural set established the brand’s emphasis on parallels, short-prints, and autographs to appeal to high-end collectors. Base rookie cards of future stars like Dak Prescott, Carson Wentz, and Ezekiel Elliott became hot commodities. The first 1/1 parallel autographs from Optic Football now carry valuations upwards of $1000-$2000 each graded and preserved in mint condition.

In 2017, Panini expanded Optic into baseball with the launch of Optic Baseball. Many considered this the true beginning of the Optic phenomenon in card collecting circles. Rookie sensations like Cody Bellinger, Andrew Benintendi, and Aaron Judge appeared across various parallels and refractors in the set. The base rookie cards of these young stars performed very well and presaged their breakout seasons in MLB. Furthermore, Optic Baseball incorporated popular “hit” subsets focusing on certain player tiers which included Short Prints, Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, and 1/1 Parallel Autos. This multi-tiered approach helped grow Optic Baseball’s popularity exponentially with collectors.

In the years since, Optic has become an annual baseball release alongside prized modern sets like Topps Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Series 2. Each year, new base rookies, inserts, and parallels emerge as collector favorites. Franchise third basemen like Manny Machado, Nolan Arenado, and Kris Bryant saw their Optic rookies increase steadily in value as they established themselves as perennial All-Stars. Accompanied by coveted “hits” and 1/1 parallels, these star players anchored Optic as a sustainable brand.

While base cards perform solidly, the true high-end treasures of Optic baseball reside in its short-printed parallel sets and autograph/memorabilia cards. Rarest of all are the highly sought after 1/1 parallel autos – truly one-of-a-kind cards featuring a player’s signature on a singular parallel refractor design. Examples that have already achieved notable valuations include the Acuña Jr. Purple Ice 1/1 Auto($5000+), Soto Refractor 1/1 Auto ($3000+), and Tatis Jr. X-Fractor 1/1 Auto ($10000+). For elite modern talents, their lone 1/1 Optic parallels represent some of the most desirable rookie cards in the hobby.

Grading and preservation has also played a large role in advancing certain Optic cards up the valuation charts. Third party authentication and grading services like PSA and BGS protect optic layers and ensure visual quality – thus commanding premiums from savvy investors. High-grade versions of the above mentined 1/1 parallels as well as base rookie refractors of stars like Acuña, Alonso, Soto, etc often fetch 4-figure prices at auction. As each new class of rookies joins the brand, aficionados look to Optic for accessible yet design-forward representations of the game’s brightest young stars.

Going forward, Panini seems sure to continue expanding Optic into other sports and developing innovations to its lauded card construction technique. Collectors expect future releases to build on the brand’s proven ability to surface invaluable rookie gems amidst its bounty of parallels and autographs. As a mainstay in the modern collectibles landscape, Optic baseball cards solidified their footprint by delivering excitement with each new release for years to come.

OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS

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Optic baseball cards are some of the most visually stunning and unique baseball cards available today. Produced by Panini America, the Optic brand offers fans a modern take on traditional baseball cards with inventive designs, sharp photography, intricate refractors, and innovative technology. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Optic such a collector favorite.

Released in 2017, Panini’s Optic brand brought a fresh visual perspective to the baseball card world with its cutting-edge refractors and state-of-the-art photography. With crisp, high-definition images that really allow card aficionados to study every detail of players and their uniforms, Optic sets the bar high for on-card photography. Panini sources only the best action shots from top photographers to grace its Optic parallels and base cards. Additionally, Panini collaborated with MLB for rights to use official league logos, uniforms, and team wordmarks on every Optic baseball card. This authenticity is highly valued among collectors.

Beyond the incredible photography, Optic dazzles collectors with its innovative refractors found strategically inserted throughout release sets. Refractors bend and warp light in eyecatching shades of green, orange, blue, purple, and more when held to the light. Panini pioneered advanced refractor technology like its color-shifting Hyper Refractors completely obscure team logos when angled in certain ways. Optic’s popular Flux refractors also camouflage logos but with color-changing hues depending on the viewing angle. These futuristic refractors set Optic apart from anything else on the baseball card market.

In 2020, Panini took Optic to another level with the release of its first ever autographed and memorabilia baseball cards featuring certified swatches of game-used uniforms and rare player autographs. Panini secured deals with MLB, MLBPA, and all 30 teams to provide authenticated memorabilia pieces for inclusion in Optic products. Inserted as parallels throughout hobby boxes, these coveted relic and auto cards with magnetic on-card patches truly capture the essence of past MLB moments. Autograph collectors in particular drool over Optic’s exclusive signatures from star players alongside innovative touches like dual rookie year swatches.

When it comes to design, Optic baseball cards break the mold with avant-garde styles that stand out from traditional vertical card formats. Panini’s designers experiment with unique shapes, asymmetrical borders, and creative color schemes on each set released. The 2020 Optic baseball release debuted foil designs with lustrous team wordmarks and logos glittering on the fronts of cards. Panini also introduced texture foiling on later sets for multidimensional designs that feel premium to the touch. From bold neon parallels to mind-bending refractors concealed within base cards, every Optic offers a visually striking collecting experience.

As the leader in baseball card technology, Panini raised the bar again in 2021 with the introduction of Optic FAST TRACK. By pairing traditional cards with a proprietary digital app, FAST TRACK allowed fans to unlock one-of-one virtual parallel cards by scanning special QR codes found on select physical Optic cards. This innovative blend of physical and digital collecting opened up entirely new gamification possibilities. Collectors raced to be the first to scan FAST TRACK QR codes and claim tough virtual parallels for their digital wax box.

In the years since its debut, Optic has grown into one of the most coveted modern baseball card brands with dedicated followings across the collecting community. Its innovative designs, impeccable photography, and advanced inserts keep attracting new fans, while its emphasis on premium premium licensed content holds inherent long-term value. Whether you’re hunting for fluorescent refractors, digging for rare memorabilia parallels, or joining the digital FAST TRACK chase, Optic offers a visual thrill around every corner for dedicated card collectors. Its industry-leading innovations have raised the bar for the entire baseball card market, cementing Optic as a historic force that continues reshaping the hobby.

BEST 2021 DONRUSS OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Donruss Optic baseball card set was released in December 2021 and contains a variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that have become highly sought after by collectors. Donruss Optic has developed a reputation for featuring flashy designs and innovative parallels that make the cards stand out in any collection. With so many exciting rookie cards and short printed parallels, identifying the true standouts from the 2021 release can be a challenge. Here is an in-depth look at some of the best cards collectors should be targeting from this year’s Donruss Optic set.

Perhaps the most coveted rookie card in the entire 2021 Donruss Optic set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s base rookie card. Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 where he slashed .288/.347/.467 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. He established himself as one of the brightest young stars in baseball and is considered a generational talent. Franco’s rookie cards from all sets have skyrocketed in value due to his early success and future superstar potential. The Donruss Optic base rookie is one of the more visually appealing designs and will undoubtedly gain value as Franco’s career progresses.

Another top rookie to target is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Like Franco, Rodriguez had a breakout 2021 campaign that has collectors excited about his future. In 92 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, Rodriguez hit .347 with 13 home runs and 71 RBI. He possesses elite power and speed that could make him a perennial all-star. Rodriguez’s Donruss Optic base rookie is an excellent long-term investment piece for any PC.

Two other rookies that performed well enough in 2021 to drive interest in their Donruss Optic rookie cards are Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia and Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo. Garcia went 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA as a rookie and looks poised to be a solid mid-rotation starter for years. Baddoo was a surprise standout who hit .259 with 13 home runs in 121 games as an unexpected rookie starter. Both players could continue developing into above-average major leaguers and their rookie cards remain affordable for now.

In terms of star veterans, the obvious top choice is Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani. After winning the American League MVP award in 2021, Ohtani mania is at an all-time high. His Donruss Optic base card has substantial upside potential as collectors recognize his once-in-a-generation talent. Other established stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. also have highly desirable base cards due to their young age, track records of success, and superstar potential.

When it comes to parallels, the true short prints from Donruss Optic 2021 have already become incredibly valuable. At the top of the list are Wander Franco’s Gold /50 parallel and Green /25 parallel, which routinely sell for well over $1000 each online. Other highly sought after low-numbered parallels include Julio Rodriguez Gold /50, Vlad Jr. Gold /50, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Green /25. Beyond the true short prints, the Rainbow Foil parallels that are numbered to /299 or less also hold solid value.

Collectors should also keep an eye out for exciting autograph and memorabilia cards from the 2021 Donruss Optic release. Top RCs to target with autos would be Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Jarred Kelenic. Veterans with strong fanbases like Ohtani, Acuña, Tatis, Soto, and Guerrero also have desirable autos. For relic cards, dual or triple jersey/bat cards of star players move the needle most. Franco, Rodriguez, and Kelenic 1/1 printing plates also command top dollar due to their ultra-rare status.

The 2021 Donruss Optic baseball card set delivered many hits for collectors with its exciting rookie class and flashy parallels. Keys to building a top-end collection from this release include flagship RCs of Franco, Rodriguez, Garcia, and Baddoo. Superstar veterans like Ohtani, Acuña, Tatis, Soto, and Vlad Jr. also make excellent long-term holdings. When it comes to parallels, the true short prints number to /50 or less stand out, as well as lower numbered Rainbow Foil versions. Autographs of top rookies and veterans will gain value over time too. By targeting the best rookie cards, stars, and parallels, collectors can assemble an impressive 2021 Donruss Optic collection primed to appreciate significantly with time.

2022 OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS

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2022 Panini Optic Baseball Cards: What You Need to Know

Baseball card collectors eagerly await the release of each year’s Panini Optic set. With innovative design aesthetics and notable rookie cards, Optic has become one of the most popular modern releases. The 2022 edition promises to be another exciting offering for both collectors and fans. Let’s take an in-depth look at what we know so far about 2022 Panini Optic baseball cards.

Design and Basics

Like past years, Optic will feature parallel printing techniques and varying card designs. However, Panini has incorporated some new twists for 2022. Base cards will have a galaxy foilboard effect with stars and nebulas across the front of the cards. Numerous parallels will exist beyond the base, including colors, inserts, and parallels specific to star players. Colors include Green /99, Purple /50, Orange /15, and Gold /5. Refractors and Prism parallels will also return across several numbering variations.

Rookie Class

Much of the excitement around Optic centers around its strong rookie selection. 2022 top prospects like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Spencer Torkelson, and others lead one of the best MLB rookie classes in recent memory. Optic ensures collectors can find these emerging stars across various parallels and inserts. Notable rookie parallels include Green /99, Purple /50, and Orange /15 parallels of each. Top prospects are also featured in Prizm, Nebula, and Galaxy parallels at lower serial numbers.

Insert Sets

Panini delivers several exciting hit inserts within hobby boxes of Optic as well. Top stars grace parallels like Rainbow Foil, Black /10, 1/1 Logoman, and Rated Rookie Autographs. Insert sets include popular Optic Blast parallels as well as a new Starburst Refractor set highlighting top veterans. Other inserts include League Leaders, League Top Prospects, Flux Parallels, Galactic parallels at /99 or lower, and Crossover parallels combining players from baseball with NBA, NFL or WWE.

Additional Variations

Optic continues its penchant for unique serial numbered parallels in low quantities. Hyper Pink /5 and Orange /15 parallels will provide some of the most sought-after serial numbered pulls. 1/1 Monolith and Logoman parallels also make select players extremely valuable. Additional /10 or lower parallel inserts include Spectra, Refractors, Unparalleled and Illusions. Phoenix parallels pull double duty with NBA swatches at 1/1. While probability remains low, these ultra-rare hits provide lifelong treasures for collectors.

Boxd Breaks, Special Editions, and More

Due to high interest, Optic release celebrations have expanded beyond single hobby boxes. Specialty hobby case breaks allowing collectors to join forced to chase big hits have grown in popularity. Limited clubhouse edition boxes, bat barrels, and helmet boxes offer collectors focused on specific inserts or teams alternate ways to chase their PC needs. An Optic FastBreak Basketball crossover box also allows collectors the chance at NBA hits alongside the baseball cards. The product’s growth shows its evolution as one of the hobby’s most exciting modern mainstream releases.

Market Performance and Investment Potential

Opinions vary greatly on investing in modern cards, but Optic routinely performs well and generates excitement. Rookie parallels from breakout stars command four-figure price tags within a year or two. Elite serial numbered hits can net profits over 10x initial box prices. While not guaranteed, top rookies showcased in Optic often become financial successes for collectors who acquired them raw at release. Even base cards tend to retain or gain value long term thanks to vibrant collector demand. With fair odds at major stars compared to higher priced hobby products, Optic offers a compelling value proposition for long term baseball card portfolio building.

Panini’s 2022 edition of Optic promises another exciting product full of innovative designs, coveted rookies, and one-of-a-kind hits. Collectors and investors eagerly anticipate the next wave of stars to emerge. With incredible rookie classes and robust parallel variations, Optic ensures anyone chasing the thrill of the hunt can find fun along the way. The 2022 release looks to maintain Optic’s standing among the hobby’s most beloved and investment-worthy modern baseball card releases.

2022 DONRUSS OPTIC BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2022 Donruss Optic baseball set was released on June 29th and contains a wide array of highly coveted rookie cards and star veterans. Donruss Optic has established itself as one of the premium modern sports card products due to its sharp photography, textured designs, andParallel and auto/patch parallel insert sets that drive collector excitement. This year’s edition was no exception, featuring a fantastic array of cards that have topped want lists and sales charts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout cards from the 2022 Donruss Optic baseball release.

Perhaps the biggest star of the 2022 Donruss Optic set is New York Mets pitcher Trevor Williams. Williams had a breakout season in 2022 with the Mets and established himself as a reliable back-end starter. His base rookie card /499 in the set immediately began selling for over $100 upon release due to his compelling story and bright future with the Mets. The true crown jewels were his rare parallel and autographed versions. His Blue Parallel /50 and Green Parallel /25 routinely sold for $500-1000 each due to their ultra-low print runs. But by far the most coveted Williams card was his Pink Auto Parallel /10, which attained listings well over $2000 due to its extreme rarity and prestige as a one-of-ten parallel auto. With Williams looking like a strong long-term piece of the Mets’ rotation for years to come, his 2022 Donruss Optic cards established him as one of the true breakouts of the set.

Another major star of 2022 Donruss Optic was Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, who had a phenomenal rookie campaign and looks poised to be a franchise cornerstone. Not surprisingly, his base rookie card /499 held steady value at $50-75 due to strong demand. His Green Parallel /25 was even more scarce and valuable, consistently selling above $200. But the real holy grails were his 1/1 Parallel and Auto Parallel cards, engraved with his name and lonely “1/1” printing. Reports had the 1/1 Parallel selling for well over $1000, while his exclusive 1/1 Auto Parallel was being valued upwards of $2500-3000 due to its unbelievable singular printing. With Rutschman looking like a perennial all-star, cards like these are destined to become true Baltimore treasures for collectors.

While Williams and Rutschman grabbed many 2022 Optic headlines, the set also featured breakouts from Miami’s Peyton Burdick and Tommy Nance of the Cubs. Burdick’s rookie campaign was incredibly promising, hitting 14 home runs down the stretch for Miami, and his /499 rookie established a $30-50 baseline. Meanwhile, Nance emerged as a solid mid-rotation starter for the Cubs late in the year, driving his base rookie upwards of $75-100. Their parallel and auto chase variants added another layer of intrigue, like Burdick’s Green Parallel /25 consistently trading hands above $150 due to his exciting power potential. And Nance’s Pink Auto Parallel /10, with its splendid parallel refractor and on-card auto, yielded multiple six-figure bids that astonished the hobby. With breakouts like these, 2022 Optic proved a true revelation of emerging talents across MLB.

Of course, the set also featured the ever-popular star veterans that collectors love to chase. Cards like Shohei Ohtani’s spectacular Photo Variations parallels and Mike Trout’s ubiquitous refractor and auto parallels found new life in the Optic design. An Ohtani Blue Ice Photo Variant /50 sold up near $800, while his 1/1 Printing Plate held multi-thousand dollar estimates. Meanwhile, Trout refractors and autos of all colors blazed up the ranks, with even his common Green Refractor /250 bringing over $100 due to his eternal popularity. Fellow Angels star Jared Walsh also broke out in 2022 and his Optic cards followed suit, headlined by a Green Auto Parallel /25 topping $400 in sales. These proven studs will always be bright lights that energize the set.

The 2022 Donruss Optic baseball set also carried forward Donruss’ fantastic tradition of intricate parallel designs and aesthetics. For instance, the Aqua Ice refractors mesmerized with their rich neon coating over photo-sharp cards. Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr, and Wander Franco were among the most coveted in this parallel, trading consistently above $300-400 each due to their visual pizazz. Meanwhile, the Pink Ice parallels evoked a vivid burst of color that collectors couldn’t get enough of. Cards like Jose Ramirez’s Pink Ice /50 and George Springer’s /25 sold over $800 and $1200 respectively due to their rare printing and striking pink glow. On the autos front, Inscriptions parallels like Bo Bichette’s /25 and Carlos Correa’s /10 drove pricing upwards of $600-1000 because of the font embellishments. From front to back, 2022 Donruss Optic delivered a true sensory delight.

In total, the 2022 Donruss Optic baseball set proved yet again why it has become the preeminent modern retro design beloved by collectors. From breakout rookies to superstar veterans to stunning parallel pulls, the set offered something for everyone with incredible photographs, intricate designs, and scarce printing that made hits highly coveted. Keys like Trevor Williams, Adley Rutschman, Peyton Burdick, and Tommy Nance established themselves as the future, while stalwarts like Trout, Ohtani and Acuna sustained excitement. With parallels as glorious as Aqua Ice, Pink Ice, and Inscriptions, the visual presentation was second to none. Overall, 2022 Donruss Optic delivered a true renaissance of baseball cards that will be remembered for years to come.

2022 OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2022 baseball season saw the release of Panini’s popular Optic brand card set. As with every year, Optic delivers sharp photography and design but also some of the most sought after rookie cards and parallels on the trading card market. While it’s still early, here is a look at some of the top 2022 Optic baseball cards and their emerging value as the hobby economy and player performances dictate card prices.

Perhaps the biggest story of the 2022 baseball season was Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani having an absolutely historic year, hitting 34 home runs and striking out 156 batters on the mound. Not surprisingly, Ohtani’s rookie cards from Optic are some of the set’s most valuable. His base refractors can be found for $60-80 while his purple refractors and pink pulsars fetch $150-250 depending on condition. Ohtani also has 1/1 parallels that are true prizes for any collector with only one of each design printed. Most recently an Ohtani pink 1/1 sold for over $1400 on eBay.

Another breakout star was Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez dazzled all season with power, speed, and highlight reel defense in centerfield while becoming a fan favorite. His popularity and potential have translated to strong early demand for his Optic rookie cards. J-Rod’s base refractors sell in the $40-60 range while his ultra-rare pink and purple parallels top $200-300 right now. Of note, his most valuable parallel is likely the 1/1 pink pulsars which could fetch several thousand or more for the singular cards. Rodriguez looks like a true budding star and his cards hold great long term potential.

Two of the biggest rookies from 2021 also had strong sophomore campaigns and see growing values for their second year Optic cards. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah maintained dominance with a 2.24 ERA over 30 starts. His 2022 Optic base refractors trade around $30 while color refractors reach $75-100 based on parallel. Fellow AL East standout Steven Kwan had a breakout season for the Cleveland Guardians while batting .298 as their leadoff man. Kwan’s Optic second year cards bring $15-25 for base and $40-60 for color versions on the current market. As both players look primed for all-star caliber careers, their Optic rookie and second year cards profiles continue trending up.

Beyond rookies and stars, Optic has given rise in value to many parallels that intrigue collectors. Low population pink and purple refractors that number less than 10 copies total are highly sought after across all players. Examples include pink Gunnar Henderson cards for the Orioles fetchings hundreds due to rarity despite being a rookie who has yet to play in the majors. Optic also inserts hit prospects like Oneil Cruz into their Silver Prizms set at 1/1, driving prices into the thousands based simply on long term potential. With the hobby always on the lookout for the next big thing, cards like these gain traction from savvy traders.

While player performance and popularity dictate the top movers in any given card set, savvy collectors recognize value in parallels and strategic inserts across the entire Optic checklist as well. Rarest of the rare 1/1 parallels on stars like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuna Jr., Juan Soto and more hold immense inherent worth despite being years past their rookie seasons. Strategic inserts focusing on accomplishments like Tribute cards for career milestones or Clear Shots highlighting unbelievable plays capture key baseball moments in a visually stunning package that drives fan demand. Even basestars from veterans that may not fetch huge immediate resale can stabilze or increase in the long run as part of a prized complete set.

In the continued evolution of the trading card industry towards a more experience and collectible based model, sets like Panini Optic Football deliver top notch production quality and an annual photographic time capsule of the sport at its highest level. While on-field performance and rookie card hype drives short term fluctuations, shrewd long term collectors recognize Optic’s place highlighting the best that baseball has to offer each season through a dynamic lens. Between the combination of massive stars, major rookies and the alluring low population parallels, 2022 Optic remains one of the year’s most intriguing releases for speculation, collection building and pure on-card enjoyment of the game. Savvy investors would do well to consider strategic additions from this seminal baseball card set as values across the entire checklist are poised to rise in the years to come.

2022 PANINI OPTIC BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 edition of Panini Optic baseball was highly anticipated by collectors. After the success of past Optic products, collectors were excited to see what prized rookie cards and parallels would emerge from the latest release. Like previous years, Panini Optic 2022 did not disappoint and produced several cards that have already gained significant value on the secondary market.

One of the biggest hits from the set is the prized Luis Robert red refractors. Luis Robert had a breakout rookie season in 2020 that established him as one of the brightest young stars in baseball. His rare refractors from past sets command huge premiums, so collectors were eager to try and pull his red parallel from Optic 2022. The red refractors have serial numbers of /10 or lower, making them extremely scarce pulls. Early on, PSA 10 gem mint Luis Robert red refractors from Optic 2022 were being listed by sellers for over $2,000 ungraded or $3,000+ already encapsulated by PSA or BGS. As Robert continues his success at the major league level, these ultra-rare refractors of his coveted rookie season are expected to steadily gain value for years to come.

Another huge card finding traction is the Prizm green parallel of Julio Rodriguez. Julio Rodriguez had a breakout rookie campaign with the Seattle Mariners in 2022 that saw him win AL Rookie of the Year honors. Any premium parallels showing his rookie season are in high demand. The Optic Prizm greens are serial numbered to /25, making them quite scarce pulls. Early PSA 10 examples were changing hands for well over $1,000 within the first month of the product releasing. With Rodriguez poised for stardom, collectors jumped at the chance to acquire one of his rarest 2022 rookie cards while still affordable. As his career progresses, the Prizm greens from Optic are likely to become even more valuable long term rookie cards for such an exciting young talent.

In addition to star rookies, collectors also targeted exciting prospects that had breakout seasons in 2022. Bobby Witt Jr. saw his stock skyrocket with a terrific debut for the Kansas City Royals that established him as a future cornerstone player. His Optic yellow diamond refractors, serial numbered to /10, started at over $800 ungraded but have since climbed north of $1,200 for PSA 10 grades. Gaspar Flores exploded onto the scene in the second half for the Pittsburgh Pirates and became one of baseball’s breakout prospects of 2022. His Optic yellow diamond refractors have also gained traction, recently selling in the $600-700 range for a PSA 10 copy. With these players’ potential still largely untapped, their exceedingly rare 2022 rookies from Optic have stayed highly sought after.

Among vintage players, collectors focused on acquiring prized rookie seasons from iconic legends of the game. A PSA 10 Mickey Mantle from Optic’s 1952 design parallel sold for over $4,000 early in the product cycle. Given Mantle’s status as one of the most coveted names in the sport, any ultra-high end vintage cards depicting his famed rookie season break the bank. A PSA 10 Willie Mays from the 1955 Optic design parallel also traded hands for north of $3,500. Vintage collectors pounced at the opportunity to obtain virtually flawless examples of these immortal players’ earliest representations in the hobby. As condition sensitivity increases in the marketplace, such pristine vintage rookies will likely see strong appreciation over the long haul.

On the parallel front, some of the most difficult pulls and therefore valuable cards emerged. Prizm black parallels of top rookies like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Adley Rutschman and Oneil Cruz have all landed in the $500-1,000 range for PSA 10 grades due to their rarity levels of /10. Equally scarce, orange parallels numbered to /5 of the same stars have exceeded $800. The rare white whale grey refractors limited to a single copy also drew intense bidding wars. Examples featuring top stars like Rodriguez, Rutschman or Witt Jr. reached the $2,000-3,000 price point immediately upon release. With serial numbers of 1/1, these pinnacle parallels satisfy the rarest of collector demands.

In the auto and memorabilia card realm, Optic also impressed. An on-card auto of prospect Oneil Cruz fetched nearly $750 in a PSA 10, while his memorabilia bat card with a serial number around /25 brought over $350. Rookie phenom Rutschman’s on-card auto changed hands for $650 graded mint by PSA. And game-used memorabilia cards and autos of rising stars like Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and Cavalli found smooth $250-400 sales. Collectors pay top dollar for serial numbered hit cards of today’s budding superstars before they achieve household name status. Optic consistently delivers some of the rarest auditions for such future talents each year.

The 2022 Panini Optic baseball release generated a new wave of highly valuable rookie cards, parallels and vintage representations that collectors eagerly snapped up. Between exceedingly rare serial numbered refractors, prizm parallels, white whale grey parallels, and on-card autographs of rising stars, Optic assembled another checklist full of coveted pieces. As the careers of players like Robert, Rodriguez, Witt Jr. and others blossom further in the coming years, their prized early hobby representations from 2022 Optic stand to gain further appreciation. The release established itself as essential hunting grounds for today’s key rookies as well as truly one-of-a-kind vintage opportunities. With its proven track record of producing valuable cards year over year, Optic 2023 is already a highly anticipated product on the collector calendar.

2022 DONRUSS OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2022 Donruss Optic baseball card set was released in late 2022 and features some of the brightest young stars and veterans in the league. While most of the base cards in the set hold little monetary value on the secondary market, there are several parallels, inserts and rookie cards that can be worth pursuing for serious collectors and investors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2022 Donruss Optic cards that are worth money.

Perhaps the most coveted and valuable card in the entire 2022 Donruss Optic set is the prized Prizm refractors parallel. These 1-in-72 pack pulls feature a stunning fractured refractory design behind the player photography that makes them instantly identifiable. Of the Prizm refractors, the undisputed kings are rookie cards of emerging superstars like Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals and Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers. Fresh off their impressive MLB debut seasons in 2022 that showed why they were top draft picks, Witt Jr. and Torkelson Prizm refractors currently fetch prices upwards of $500-600 in top grades of PSA Gem Mint 10.

The same can be said for other elite rookies that burst onto the scene like Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez and Atlanta Braves stud Michael Harris II. Their Prizm refractors command $300-400 currently but have skyrocketed in value all year long and should continue climbing as their careers progress. Beyond the rookies, superstar veterans with sustained success like Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Braves and Juan Soto of the San Diego Padres also have valuable Prizm refractors in the $100-200 range. The high end 1-of-1 Printing Plate Prizms of top players shatter records, selling for thousands.

While not quite as rare or expensive as Prizm refractors, the Optic refractors parallel in Donruss Optic also hold great value, featuring the same fractured refractory technology behind sharp player photos. The big rookie Optic refractors mirror their Prizm counterparts, with Witt Jr., Torkelson, Rodriguez and Harris II paralleling between $150-250 each currently. Superstar veterans in this parallel like Mike Trout of the Angels, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers command $50-100. Beyond base Optic refractors, color refractors like yellow, purple and pink take the parallel to another level visually and monetarily.

Another highly sought-after insert set in 2022 Donruss Optic is the Dominance parallel. Featuring aggressive fractured lightning effects behind elite players performing, Dominance parallels capture the pinnacle of on-field prowess. The top Dominance rookies like Witt Jr. and Torkelson currently sell for $150-200 in PSA 10. Acclaimed veterans in this lightning parallel push the $100 mark as well, with Trout, Judge and Ohtani leading the way. The 1-of-1 Dominance Printing Plates are truecollector treasures that fetch thousands to the right buyers.

The iconic Photo Variations parallel also holds currency in 2022 Donruss Optic. Featuring alternate action shots of players, Photo Variations showcase the athletes in memorable on-field moments. While the base cards reside around $20-50 depending on player, the top rookie Photo Variations parallel the big names. Witt Jr., Torkelson, Rodriguez and Harris II Photo Var parallels steadily sell for $75-125 each. Superstar veterans in this parallel like Trout, Judge and Betts push upwards of $50. Color Photo Variations like purple, pink and orange multiply values even further for serious collectors.

Beyond the refractors and inserts, the true jackpot cards remain the coveted autographed and memorabilia rookie cards in Donruss Optic. While much rarer pulls, landing an autograph or memorabilia card of a budding star yields a potential long-term investment piece. Fresh rookie autographs of Witt Jr., Torkelson, Rodriguez and Harris II currently sell for $300-500, with prized on-card autographs multiplying values significantly. Top veterans signees of Trout, Judge and Ohtani also hold currency around $150-300 depending on the signing. And the ultra-short printed memorabilia cards featuring uniform swatches, bats or pucks lock in history and soar to $1000+ for star rookies and all-timers.

While most 2022 Donruss Optic base cards don’t carry much individual value, it remains one of the premier modern sets thanks to its valuable refractors, inserts and coveted rookie autographs and relics. By targeting the top young stars and superstar vets in prized parallels like Prizm, Optic, Dominance and Photo Variations, savvy collectors can build collections and portfolios primed for long-term growth and profit potential. With another exciting MLB season on the horizon, the brightest Donruss Optic rookie stars will only continue rising in the years ahead. For currency collectors, it offers a stellar hunting ground for cards worth money.