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2018 PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2018 Panini Chronicles Baseball card set was released in July 2018 and contained several exciting features that attracted collectors. With 252 total cards spread across a variety of parallels and inserts, the 2018 Panini Chronicles set featured a fun and innovative design while showcasing current Major League stars and top prospects.

One of the most notable aspects of the 2018 Panini Chronicles set was its innovative Storytelling Parallel structure. This included parallel variations of cards labeled “Chapter 1”, “Chapter 2”, and “Chapter 3” that told mini-stories across three related cards centered around iconic MLB moments or key events in a player’s career. Some examples included a three-card series chronicling Aaron Judge’s record-setting 2017 rookie season or another showing Giancarlo Stanton being traded from the Marlins to the Yankees. Collectors enjoyed seeking out and putting together these three-card storylines.

In addition to the Storytelling Parallels, the 2018 Panini Chronicles base set included several other exciting parallel variations to find. The Pink Ice parallels had a beautiful translucent pink color and were numbered to /99 copies. Gold parallels extended the storytelling concept by featuring the full story across three parallel cards numbered to /10 copies. Green Ice parallels carried a mint green color and were limited to /49 copies. Additionally, Silver parallels presented key accomplishments or milestones on each player’s career path numbered to /75 copies. With several parallel variations at differing numbered quantities, collectors had options at many different price points and levels of scarcity to pursue their PC players.

Beyond the base set and parallels, Panini also included a variety of popular insert sets within the 2018 Chronicles release. One of the most coveted was the “Stars of the Game” collection, which paid tribute to MLB’s biggest stars on specially designed cards with a vertical landscape orientation. Other insert sets included “Chrome”, “Fluorescent”, “Vintage Stock”, and “Factory Set” cards offering retro and refractor varieties highlighting current players. Rookie cards for top prospects like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto were also spread across these inserts to attract the interest of young player collectors.

An especially unique addition to the 2018 Panini Chronicles set were the 24 “Legendary Chapter” cards celebrating iconic moments and milestones from baseball history. Each card in this mini-set told the story behind a single at-bat, game, or season from legendary players of the past. Some examples included cards dedicated to Babe Ruth’s called shot, Kirk Gibson’s 1988 World Series home run, and Sandy Koufax’s perfect game. With a story-driven vertical design distinct from the base cards, these Legendary Chapter cards mixed nostalgia with the set’s overarching storytelling motif.

In terms of production quality, Panini delivered vibrant colors and sharp photos on all the cardboard varieties that collectors had come to expect from the Chronicles franchise. As with previous releases, the front designs utilized a horizontal rectangular layout well-suited to tightly crop action shots of current players. Meanwhile, the backs conveyed key stats and career highlights within the context of continuing each player’s personal “chapter.” Overall fit and finish of the cards was on par with Topps flagship products.

When it came to availability and how the 2018 Panini Chronicles set was distributed, the manufacturer took a different approach than Topps. While still widely available through hobby shops and retail seeking a fair price point, Panini focused more promotion and exclusive early releases through affiliated partners. This included prerelease preview blasters given to fans at select MLB stadiums as well as targeted exclusive packs, boxes and memorabilia cards offered through sites like Panini’s official website and national retailers like Target. While some collectors lamented this shift away from traditional distribution channels, the targeted exclusives also helped drive additional interest in an already well-received product.

In the years since its 2018 release, the Panini Chronicles set has maintained a strong following among both newer collectors and vintage hobbyists appreciative of the quality retro designs and storytelling concepts. With its myriad parallels and insert sets celebrating both current stars and baseball history, the 2018 edition succeeded at appealing to a wide variety of collector interests. While the set did not reach the same mainstream prominence as Topps Series 1 and 2, within the robust high-end segment of the baseball card market, 2018 Panini Chronicles endures as a memorable and coveted release. Its innovative blending of visual nostalgia with narrative continuity helped differentiate Chronicles as a creative standout amidst an annually competitive national card release schedule.

Through fun storytelling parallels, vibrant photos and memorable tribute inserts like the Legendary Chapters, the 2018 Panini Chronicles Baseball card set delivered an entertaining and robust collecting experience that has endured in the years since among dedicated hobbyists. With options at all price points from common to ultra-rare, the set attracted interest from both new and veteran collectors alike appreciative of its creative approach to celebrating America’s pastime on cardboard. Though distributed a bit differently than Topps, the 2018 Panini Chronicles release earned its place as one of the premier and most imaginative baseball card releases of its year.

BEST 2020 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2020 baseball card season was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, as it marked Panini’s third year as the exclusive licensed MLB trading card manufacturer. With players changing teams, rookies making their debuts, and a new design to behold, collectors were eager to see what 2020 Panini baseball had in store. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the standout rookie and veteran cards from 2020 Panini baseball.

Perhaps the biggest story of the 2020 season was the debut of Baseball’s latest superstar, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout. Trout has long been considered the best player in baseball, and Panini delivered some truly exceptional Trout cards to celebrate his continued dominance on the field. Two of the most coveted Trout cards from 2020 were his Prizm Silver Prizm Parallel and Prizm Black Parallel. Both parallels featured stunning refractors and were limited to only /99 and /10 copies respectively, making each card incredibly rare and valuable. Trout’s base Prizm rookie card also gained significant value in 2020. With another MVP caliber season, Trout mania was at an all-time high among collectors.

No rookie class in recent years generated as much buzz as the vaunted 2020 group. Heading that class was Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker, who had several monster hits after getting called up late in the 2019 season. Tucker’s rookie cards absolutely took off in 2020 Panini, with his Prizm Silver Prizm Parallel rocketing up collector want lists. Only /99 were produced, and Tucker’s breakout season made this one of the most coveted rookie cards around. Fellow outfielder Luis Robert also had a phenomenal rookie year with the Chicago White Sox and his Chrome Autograph Parallel became hugely popular. Limited to /25, this on-card auto captured Robert’s explosive debut.

Two other rookies that made huge splashes in their first seasons were Miami Marlins pitcher Sixto Sanchez and San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. While Tatis missed time with injury in 2020, his star power was undeniable. Panini captured that with rare parallels like his Green Ice /99 and Orange Ice /25 Prizm cards. Both featured dazzling refractors and on-card autographs, making each card exceptionally eye-catching. As for Sanchez, his dominant starts in 2020 led to skyrocketing demand for his Topps Chrome Autograph Parallel, of which only /50 were produced. With brilliant autos and a superstar-caliber pitching talent, this became one of the most sought-after rookie cards around.

Of course, no card release would be complete without paying homage to the game’s all-time greats. In 2020, Panini delivered exceptional veteran cards for legends like Mike Piazza, Nolan Ryan, and Derek Jeter. For Piazza, his 1/1 Gold Prizm Parallel was truly a work of art, featuring a dazzling gold refractor and on-card auto. Only one of these exists in the world. As for Ryan, his Prizm Green Ice /99 parallel captured his iconic windup in stunning emerald colors. And no veteran list would be complete without including Derek Jeter. His 2020 Panini Prizm White Ice Auto /10 was breathtaking, with a brilliant white refractor and elegant on-card signature. These 3 cards represented the very pinnacle of veteran cardboard.

In terms of base sets, the 2020 Prizm set took collector fandom to new heights. Featuring vibrant designs, top rookies, and a variety of parallel and autograph options, Prizm became the most coveted set of the year. Key cards included the Base Prizm Mike Trout, Chrome Prizm Fernando Tatis Jr., and Silver Prizm Prizm Luis Robert. Across hobby boxes, blasters, and hangers, Prizm provided endless hits. The Update Series also delivered fantastic veteran and rookie cards like the Chrome Autograph Nolan Arenado and Green Prizm Bo Bichette. The Holiday set featured dazzling parallels and on-card autographs of stars like Ronald Acuña Jr. and Juan Soto.

In summary, 2020 was a banner year for Panini baseball cards. Debuts from superstar rookies, dominant seasons from veterans, and exquisite designs combined to create a highly coveted crop of modern cardboard. With parallels like Green Ice, Orange Ice, and Silver Prizm adding immense rarity, collectors had plenty of chase cards to pursue. Top rookies like Tatis Jr., Robert, and Tucker led the way on the player side, while legendary veterans like Trout, Piazza, and Ryan received due homage. The flagship Prizm set took the hobby by storm, and the Holiday and Update issues added even more hits. All in all, 2020 showed that Panini continues raising the bar for MLB trading cards.

2021 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL DRAFT PICKS BEST CARDS

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The 2021 MLB Draft was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with high school phenom and presumed No. 1 pick Jack Leiter headlining a star-studded class of future big leaguers. As always, Panini was on hand to commemorate the newest crop of professional ballplayers with its 2021 Prizm Baseball Draft Picks trading card release.

While it may be too early to definitively crown “the best cards” from the set, here is an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards and parallels from Draft Picks that collectors are already buzzing about. With so much young talent in this year’s class, these cards offer a glimpse at the next generation of stars and are primed to appreciate in value as draft picks develop their careers.

Jack Leiter RC – As widely projected, Vanderbilt righty Jack Leiter was the first name called on Draft night, going No. 1 overall to the Texas Rangers. The son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, Jack brings a high ceiling with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider. His Prizm Draft Picks base rookie card is a hot commodity for Rangers fans and prospect hounds alike. PSA 10 gems of this card recently sold on eBay for over $400.

Henry Davis RC – Taken first by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Louisville catcher Henry Davis is considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the class. His powerful left-handed swing and solid defensive skills could make him an anchor for the Pirates for years. Davis’ base RC is another coveted rookie card that has already broken the $100 mark in top grades.

Jordan Lawlar RC – Considered a possible No. 1 pick himself, shortstop Jordan Lawlar fell all the way to the Diamondbacks at #6. His 5-tool abilities have created immense buzz, and his Prizm base RC could emerge as one of the top cards from this class long-term. Even low-numbered parallels have sold for $150-200.

Kumar Rocker Auto /99 – The enigmatic Rocker was once a favorite to go first overall after an excellent freshman year at Vanderbilt but fell to the Mets in the end at #10 due to signability and injury concerns. His on-card auto carries intrigue as one of the biggest “what ifs” from this class. Low-numbered versions are already north of $300.

Brady House Auto /99 – Taken in the competitive balance round by the A’s, Brady House was one of the draft’s fastest risers after a huge senior year at Winder-Barrow HS in Georgia. His clean on-card auto in a short printed parallel makes for an intriguing sleeper prospect card.

Jack Leiter Black & Gold Prismatic /10 – One of the most visually striking cards in the set, Leiter’s black and gold parallel introduces another layer of rarity. Only 10 of these exist in the world, making it one of the true high-end prizes from Draft Picks. One recently sold for nearly $2,000.

Tyler Soderstrom Gold Prismatic Auto /5 – Taken 26th by the A’s, catcher Tyler Soderstrom is one of the most polished hitters in the class. His incredibly rare gold auto, limited to just 5 copies, is already among the most valuable cards from 2021.

Kahlil Watson Red White & Blue Prismatic Auto /10 – Considered a potential top-5 talent, the speedy Watson slipped to the Cubs at #16 in a bit of a draft-day surprise. His red, white and blue auto parallel combines a big name with intricate design and limited print run to 10 copies.

Kumar Rocker Gold Auto /5 – Rocker’s supershortprinted gold parallel auto takes his prospect allure and rarity to another level. Only five collectors can own this true 1/1-style card of the potential ace. It’s sure to become a true blue chip in someone’s collection long-term.

Jack Leiter Gold Auto /5 – To no one’s surprise, Leiter has multiple shortprint parallels that separate him as the undisputed prize of the set. His gold auto parallel, of which only five were produced, may end up being the single most valuable card to emerge from this class.

While prospects can always flame out or exceed expectations, these rookie cards and rare parallels offer a glimpse at the potential future stars from the 2021 MLB Draft class. With so much young talent involved, Draft Picks is poised to become one of the premier long-term investments from recent years if these players develop as hoped. For the top names like Leiter, Davis, Lawlar and others, a PSA 10 example of their base rookie card could gain thousands in value down the line. The true shortprints and 1/1 parallels profiled here have a chance to become true six or even seven-figure collector gems. Only time will tell how these careers unfold, but the cards live on no matter what – making 2021 Prizm Draft Picks one of the year’s most intriguing new releases for baseball collectors.

2022 PANINI DONRUSS BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Donruss baseball offering had another strong year of rookie cards and parallels that are rapidly gaining value in the current hot trading card market. While the current crop of rookie phenoms like Toronto’s Vlad Guerrero Jr. continue rising in the 2019-2021 sets, this year’s crop offers a new batch of exciting young talents to chase. Several key rookies and rare inserts from the 2022 Panini Donruss set are proving to be quite valuable already and poised to rise even more in the coming years if these players live up to their potential.

Perhaps the most sought-after rookie in the entire 2022 release is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a future superstar in the making and early favorite for American League Rookie of the Year honors, Rodriguez’s base rookie card #116 is a hot commodity. The standard base cards have already risen above the $30-$40 range on the secondary market mere months after release. His prizm and optic parallels fetch much higher premiums already in the $100+ range. His ultra-rare 1/1 autograph parallels from Diamond Kings, Flux, and Court Kings inserts regularly sell for thousands on auction sites. Rodriguez looks like a cornerstone player for the upstart Mariners and his cards are sure to keep ascending if he continues his breakout success.

Another position player rookie flying up collector’s radars is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña. Replacing fan favorite Carlos Correa at shortstop, Peña has played beyond all expectations and helped lead the Astros back to the World Series in 2022. His outstanding defense and emerging bat make him a franchise cornerstone. While not quite as expensive as Julio R’s base rookie, Peña’s #115 card still maintains a $20+ price tag currently. His prizm, optic, and Genesis parallels fetch $50+ as collectors bet on his continued rise. Autograph cards and low numbered parallels could be true long term gems if Peña solidifies himself as a perennial all-star.

On the pitching side, Miami Marlins righty Max Meyer is drawing rave reviews despite an injury plagued 2022 stint in the minors and majors. Considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, collectors are eager to snatch up Meyer’s base rookie card #113 for around $15 currently. His Optic and Green Prizm parallels in the $30-$50 range already show strong early believer demand. Meyer has true ace upside if he can stay healthy, making his rainbow of parallels and autographed cards tantalizing long shots. Further dominance as soon as 2023 could blast his cards into stratosphere alongside fellow young aces.

Beyond the top rookies, collectors are scouring 2022 Donruss for other emerging young talents as well as rare parallels and inserts. Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Miguel Vargas is starting to gather buzz with his productive September MLB debut. His base is a reasonable $8 but prizm parallels are $25+. Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene has electric stuff but struggled as a rookie – his cards remain quite affordable but his long term upside makes for enticing gambles. Series 2 breakouts like Boston’s Brayan Bello and San Diego’s MacKenzie Gore are gathering interest as well if they break through.

On the parallel and insert front, several key subsets are proving alluring to collectors. The Flux parallel designs remain a fan favorite insert set featuring gorgeous refractors. 1/1 Flux autos can reach $500-1000 already. Genesis parallels feature intricate designs and number to only 99 copies – these $50+ parallels of top rookies are sure to appreciate. The Pink Diamond parallel /25s and Green /10s of top prospects command $100+ premiums. And ultra-short printed Court Kings 1/1s of superstar veterans can fetch thousands due to their one-of-a-kind rarity.

While still very early in their careers, the 2022 Topps Donruss baseball release showcases several rookies like Julio Rodriguez and Jeremy Peña that are already performing extremely well and gathering steam in the collector market. Their base rookies along with exciting parallels and inserts remain quite affordably priced currently but have sharp upward trajectories if these talented players continue developing. Beyond the biggest names, savvy collectors are identifying other emerging prospects, prizm and genesis parallels, and short printed inserts that offer potential for high long term gains. With the modern trading card market staying red hot, top cards from this 2022 Panini Donruss release seem poised to become very valuable collectors’ items in the years ahead.

2022 PANINI DONRUSS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Donruss baseball set was released on March 30th and contained various rookie cards, parallels, and veteran player inserts that piqued the interest of collectors. While not as large as some other mainstream baseball sets, Donruss delivered quality cardboard that provided value at multiple price points. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top cards collectors were chasing from this year’s release.

Bobby Witt Jr. Green Prizm RC (#86) – Witt had a phenomenal rookie season with the Kansas City Royals and his Prizm rookie cards were hot commodities. The Green Prizm parallel /99 was one of the more coveted short prints. With such a small printing and Witt’s budding superstardom, this could become a truly valuable long-term hold. Raw copies were selling for $500-1000 immediately after release.

Julio Rodriguez Lightning Spectrum RC (#221) – J-Rod exceeded all expectations as a rookie for the Seattle Mariners and quickly became one of baseball’s brightest young stars. His Lightning Spectrum parallel featured a spectacular painting-like design and was limited to just /25 copies. Considering Rodriguez’s All-Star caliber debut campaign and the ultra-low population of this parallel, it had serious appeal to high-end collectors. Prices hovered around $2000-3000 for ungraded examples.

Spencer Strider White Ice Prizm RC (#213) – Strider broke out as one of baseball’s top rookies and most dominant starting pitchers in 2022 for the Atlanta Braves. The White Ice parallel featured an eye-catching design with the stat line “150 Ks in 102IP” directly on the card. With such an incredible rookie season and flashy parallel potential, this was an exciting card for Strider collectors – raw copies moved for $400-700.

Riley Greene Green Wave RC (#99) – Greene had a strong September cup of coffee with the Detroit Tigers and looks like a future building block for the organization. The Green Wave parallel was limited to just /50 copies, giving it notable scarcity. There was optimism about Greene’s long-term outlook which made this a worthwhile mid-range investment at $150-250 unfgraded.

Oneil Cruz Silver Prizm RC (#206) – Cruz had his own breakout moments as a towering offensive force for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022. His Silver Prizm was one of the more plentiful parallel RCs in the set at /199 printed, yet still held value thanks to the Prizm design and Cruz’s exciting tools. Mint copies changed hands for $75-125.

Emerson Hancock Aqua Wave RC (#164) – While an injury hampered Hancock’s MLB debut, the right-hander remains an intriguing long-term prospect for the Mariners. The Aqua parallel gave his rookie card a nice visual pop at /249 copies. Given his potential and the relatively low print run, this was accessible for collectors on a $50-75 budget.

Adley Rutschman Auto (#SP) – As the #1 overall pick in 2019 and one of baseball’s consensus top prospects, there was no shortage of hype around Rutschman. His Donruss autographed rookie debuted him as the future star catcher for the Baltimore Orioles. Priced around $150-250 raw upon release, these held strong value given Rutschman’s reputation.

Aaron Judge Spectrum # (#249) – As one of the game’s premier stars, any special parallel of Judge carries weight. The Eye-catching Spectrums featured serial numbering on the actual image between /10-/25 copies. While common veterans, any ultra-short printed Judge parallel always attracted collectors’ attention – most sold in the $100-150 range.

Shohei Ohtani Lightning Prizm (#113) – As a two-way force of nature and reigning AL MVP, Ohtani remains one of baseball’s biggest draws. The Lightning Prizm design paired with his iconic image created demand. With a /299 print run, these traded hands for $75-125 despite Ohtani’s status as an established superstar rather than prospect.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Green /99 (#109) – Vlad Jr. took his game to new heights in 2022 as a perennial MVP candidate. His Green parallel featured beautifully contrasting colors and only 99 copies in existence. For a cornerstone player of the Toronto Blue Jays at a scarcity level, these brought in $150-250 per card.

Wander Franco Red Sparkle /25 (#173) – As the sport’s top-rated prospect for years until his stellar 2021 MLB debut, Franco remains a collector darling. The Red Sparkle parallel took his mystique to another level with a print run of just 25 copies. Despite featuring a veteran player rather than prospect, demand drove prices to $400-650 raw without bothering bulk sellers.

In addition to these headliners, the set provided values across all price spectrums. Parallels like Gold (/10), Orange (/25), and Atomic (/50) held varying degrees of scarcity appeal. Rookies like Michael Harris, Matt Brash, and Kirby Snead offered breakouts on affordable budgets. Veterans parallels like Ronald Acuña Jr., Mike Trout, and Mookie Betts popped on colorful designs. Autographed cards from rising names like Nick Lodolo and Hunter Greene brought excitement.

While perhaps not the flashiest release of 2022, Panini Donruss baseball delivered quality cardboard at multiple collecting tiers. From elite short prints to accessible prospects, the set showcased the next generation while paying homage to established stars. For savvy investors, highlights like the Witt Jr., Rodriguez, and Franco parallels established a solid foundation for future appreciation. Whether chasing superstars or digging for diamonds in the rough, the 2022 offering provided entertainment and opportunities for all types of collectors.

2023 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Panini Prizm baseball set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for baseball card collectors and investors. Panini Prizm has become the premiere modern baseball card product known for its flashy designs and allure of hitting big rookie cards that can gain immense value. With the 2023 season on the horizon, collectors are already plotting their strategies for chasing the top rookie cards and parallels that could make them a fortune down the road.

Some of the biggest names likely to debut in this year’s Prizm set include Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, Elijah Green, and Jackson Holliday. Each of these players was a top-5 pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and are expected to rise up minor league ranks quickly in their debut professional seasons. Landing any of their prizm rookies, especially in short printed parallels, could set a collector up for huge returns if they develop into stars at the MLB level.

Aside from rookies, collectors will be on the hunt for prized veteran cards in parallels and serial numbered formats. Some of the top veteran cards to target in 2023 Prizm include Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Mike Trout. Prizm is known for its “Hits” parallels that are serial numbered to varying quantities like Silver Prizm (/99), Gold Prizm (/10), Black Prizm (/5), and 1/1 White Prizm. Landing any of the biggest stars in these ultra-rare parallel forms could net six figures down the road.

Another way 2023 Prizm baseball stands to create value is through its new rookie autograph and memorabilia cards. Panini has expanded the use of these types of premium “patch” and autograph cards featuring top prospects in recent years. Expect Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green to be some of the featured names in these types of chase cards that are always in high demand. Numbered to low quantities, cards like on-card autographs and jersey swatches of top prospects can gain value exponentially as their careers progress.

Beyond rookies, veteran autograph and memorabilia cards will also be a major focus. Trout, Acuña, Guerrero Jr., and Ohtani autographs are always in high demand. Panini has also begun including more game-used memorabilia cards of stars in recent years. Things like bat knob or splinter swatches featuring the biggest names could gain immense value as collectibles. With the increased use of serial numbering down to /10, /5 or lower, these types of unique memorabilia cards have become major prizes.

When it comes to parallels and serial numbered cards, the 1/1 variations are always the biggest chase. Landing the sole copy of any star player’s card in an ultra-rare parallel or memorabilia format is the holy grail. While odds of actually pulling a 1/1 are infinitesimal, it’s the dream that fuels collectors to rip countless boxes and cases in hopes of striking gold. Even base rookie 1/1s of future stars could gain six-figure valuations with a breakout career.

For collectors looking to supercharge their value long-term, focusing on top prospects with the highest upside makes sense. While Jones, Johnson, Green and Holliday will garner immense attention and have already seen early hype, keep an eye on other emerging talents who could become future stars too. Names like Brock Porter, Daniel Susac, and Dillon Dingler all have potential and their prizm rookies could pay off in a big way down the line.

When it comes to parallels and memorabilia cards, condition will be another major factor in long-term value. While the thrill of the hunt is pulling exciting hits, properly storing, grading and preserving cards will be key to maximizing returns. Top grades of rare serial numbered parallels or 1/1 memorabilia cards could gain exponentially more than raw non-graded versions down the road. Taking care of cards post-rip will be as important as the rip itself for patient investors.

With baseball’s rising new crop of talent and Panini continuing to deliver innovative card designs in 2023 Prizm, the excitement is sure to be at an all-time high. The combination of star rookies, flashy parallels, and coveted memorabilia cards makes it one of the year’s most anticipated releases. With cards that could gain six or even seven figures in value, the potential rewards will have collectors and investors alike chasing big hits with vigor come release date.

2022 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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Panini Prizm is one of the hobby’s most popular and valuable modern trading card sets. Releasing its first baseball edition in 2019, Panini Prizm has since become a highly anticipated yearly release. The 2022 edition was no exception, featuring the sport’s top young stars and notable rookies. As the shining rookies and stars of the current MLB season have started to emerge and memories of the 2022 season take hold, the value of cards from this set have begun to see fluctuations. Let’s take a deeper look at what specific 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball cards are holding strong values and which ones may have room for growth.

One of the biggest storylines in baseball during the 2022 season was Seattle Mariners rookie and likely AL Rookie of the Year sensation Julio Rodriguez. His hype and incredible debut campaign have translated heavily in the collectibles market. Rodriguez’s prizm rookie cards have consistently traded in the $100-300 range for PSA 10 examples on the secondary market. As he cemented himself as a true superstar and franchise cornerstone, interest and values have only gone up. His prizm Auto and prizm rookie non-auto remain two of the most in-demand cards from the entire set. Expect his cards to continue appreciating as Rodriguez’s career takes off.

Another standout rookie class included Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, and Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II. All three had sensational debut seasons that lined up with playoff pushes from their respective teams. While not quite at Julio Rodriguez levels of hobby buzz just yet, their prizm rookie cards have held solid values. PSA 10 examples of Pena’s prizm rookie auto and Rutschman’s prizm wave rookie auto regularly sell in the $75-150 range. Harris’ prizm rookie auto seems to be a smidge below in the $50-100 range but with continued success should rise. This troika looks primed to potentially break out even further as future stars.

Two veterans who had monster 2022 campaigns and lead their teams to deep postseason runs were Phillies slugger Bryce Harper and Astros ace Justin Verlander. Harper put together an NL MVP caliber season to power Philadelphia to their first World Series since 2009. His prizm silver prizm and prizm purple ice refractors have trended above other parallels in the $50-100 range due to strong demand from Phillies collectors celebrating this season. Verlander returned from injury to throw like a Cy Young winner and lead Houston back to the World Series. Both his prizm silver prizm and prizm blue ice parallels have held steady $75-150 values reflective of his elite revival season and championship hardware prospects.

While rookies and recent breakouts dominate top of mind, seasoned superstars still carry plenty of Panini Prizm weight as well. Cards of reigning back-to-back NL MVPs Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani regularly move in the $100-300 range depending on parallel for PSA 10s. The same goes for two-way phenom and AL MVP favorite Aaron Judge, whose prizm silver prizms and prizm purple ice refractors have held strong appeal from Yankees collectors. Ultra premium inserts like their prizm Sapphire, prizm Black, and prizm White refractors have also cracked four-figure prices already. Established stars with recent hardware and championship pedigrees will likely remain blue-chip investments.

Two intriguing long term holds from the 2022 Panini Prizm set are Seattle rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez’s prizm Silver Prizm parallel and Baltimore farmhand Gunnar Henderson’s prizm Silver Prizm. While Rodriguez has blown up as expected, the silver prizm parallel remains tougher to track down at high grades due to lower printing numbers than the base rookie. It presents itself as a rare, investment grade card that could soar exponentially higher as his career takes off. Henderson made a massive splash after a midseason callup and looks like a future perennial all-star. His silvers carry more affordable prices now but with his pedigree and talent, also profile as a big riser long term.

While rookies and their prizms tend to suck up the hype fresh off the print runs, it’s worth keeping an eye on value fluctuations for veterans as well. Hitters like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Mookie Betts could see spikes dependent on free agency movements or championship validations. Pitchers like deGrom, Scherzer, and Verlander similarly impact based on playoff performances or awards. Even veterans on contending teams with dedicated collector bases like Harper could remain steady or appreciate further. The 2022 MLB playoffs and offseason are sure to shuffle some of these veteran values before all is said and done.

As a whole, the 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set profiled a number of players who had breakout performances that should translate long term in the collectibles market. Rookies Rodriguez, Pena, Rutschman and Harris seem poised to be the biggest risers, but value shouldn’t be slept on for stars like Harper, Judge and Verlander either in the short term. Rare parallels and investment pieces like Rodriguez Silver Prizm provide ample long term upside too. While hobby trends and results can fluctuate wildly year to year, 2022 Panini Prizm looks positioned to age quite well and remain a flagship modern baseball set for years to come. Savvy collectors would do well to hold prospects from this historic rookie class and champions of this past MLB season.

2021 PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini America is renowned for their high-end sports card releases each year and the 2021 version of their Absolute brand did not disappoint. As one of the premier products in the baseball card industry, Panini Absolute attracted plenty of attention from collectors upon its release in December 2021. The set featured a variety of inserts, parallels, and autograph and memorabilia cards of today’s top MLB stars. With its premium packaging and focus on beautiful photography blended with die-cut accents, Panini Absolute established itself as the pinnacle release for the 2021 baseball season.

The base Parallel Spectrum cards numbered to only 99 copies each highlighted the extensive photography and exotic color variations that Absolute is known for. Future HOF talents like Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto and Mookie Betts dazzled collectors in dazzling shades of purple, gold, orange and more on these elite parallels. For the high-end collector, short printed parallels like Red /5, Blue /10 and Green /25 offered the ultimate showcase versions of today’s brightest stars. Numbered to /99, /50 and /25 respectively, these parallels commanded substantial price tags due to their extreme scarcity.

While the base Parallel Spectrum cards wowed with their photography, the most sought-after inserts truly elevated the high-end product even further. Career Defining Cuts honored some of the game’s iconic uniform numbers like Jackie Robinson’s iconic 42 and Babe Ruth’s 3. With a circular die-cut around each jersey number photo, these parallel cards paid homage to baseball immortals in style. Another breathtaking insert, Magnificent Memorabilia featured game-worn memorabilia swatches or autographed memorabilia cards of the set’s biggest names like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Shohei Ohtani. Numbered to only 10 copies, these mega-hits drove collector frenzy.

2021 Absolute also cranked up the autographed and memorabilia card count compared to years past. Hits like Ronald Acuña Jr. Auto Green /25 and Juan Soto Two-Tone Auto Blue /10 sat at the pinnacle as some the rarest pulls possible. But the set also offered a stronger chance at hits through inserts like On-Card Autograph Spectrum featuring signed cards of stars like Jose Ramirez and Cedric Mullins at higher print runs of /99. Of course, larger parallel denominations like Orange /50 and Purple /75 versions of these autograph inserts became highly sought after long-term keepsakes as well.

Game Gear relic cards like a Trevor Story Game-Used Bat or Mike Trout Game-Used Jersey captured game-worn memorabilia of today’s elite players. Numbered from /99 down to the coveted one-of-ones, these memorabilia cards elevated the on-card experience over the sticker relics of years past. They also served as a welcome change compared to the “hit quota” approaches of some competitors. Panini clearly crafted this year’s Absolute to center around standout photography, innovative parallels and a high-focus on serial-numbered hits for dedicated collectors.

After enjoying strong retail sales upon release, 2021 Absolute boxes and individual cards performed very well on the resale market throughout 2022. Values held steady or increased on stars like Ohtani, Acuña Jr. and Tatis Jr. due to their rising notoriety in what was another exciting MLB season. Parallels like Red /5 and Green /25 experienced some of the strongest appreciation given their extreme scarcity and status as true one-of-a-kind collector items. Game gear relics and autographs of emerging talents such as Brendan Donovan, Bobby Witt Jr. and others also gained value as those players established themselves.

In summary, 2021 Panini Absolute Baseball lived up to the standard of being the pinnacle baseball card product of its year. Loaded with stunning photographic work across its spectra parallels and innovative inserts honoring the game’s icons, it thrilled collectors with its design aesthetic. Meanwhile, through its strategic focus on higher-end hits and low print runs on parallels, memorabilia and autograph cards gained substantial collector demand. Given Panini’s reputation for quality annually, Absolute will likely retain its status as the crown jewel among baseball card enthusiasts for years to come. Its 2021 edition has certainly cemented its place as one of the elite sports card releases in recent memory.

MOST VALUABLE PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini Prizm is one of the most popular and high-end card brands in the modern sports card market. When it comes to valuable baseball cards from the Prizm lineup, several rise to the top as truly elite investments and collectibles. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most expensive and sought-after Panini Prizm baseball cards on the market today.

Perhaps the most iconic and valuable Panini Prizm baseball card is the 2009 Prizm Mike Trout rookie card. Widely considered one of the “holy grails” of the hobby, Trout’s rookie established him as one of the greatest players of all time very early in his career. His impressive speed, power, defense, and consistency at such a young age set him apart. As a result, the 2009 Trout Prizm rookie is arguably the most expensive modern-era baseball card in existence when in top condition. Graded mint examples regularly sell for well over $100,000, with one even achieving $900,000 in a recent auction. Even in lower grades, this iconic Trot rookie commands big money due to his status as the undisputed face of the game.

Another incredibly valuable flagship Prizm rookie is that of superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. from 2019. Tatis burst onto the scene with astonishing power and flair as a 21-year-old, establishing himself as a perennial MVP candidate right away. His infectious joy and elite talent captivated baseball fans everywhere. As one of the brightest young stars in the sport, Tatis’ rookie card demand has skyrocketed. PSA 10 copies have sold for as much as $34,000, with most graded versions ranging from $5,000-$15,000 depending on condition. Even raw, ungraded Tatis rookies sell for thousands due to the excitement surrounding his game. With continued excellence on the field, this card’s price should keep appreciating for years to come.

Soulbox Prizm is a high-end parallel insert from Panini’s baseball lineup, limited to only 10 copies worldwide for most players. Naturally, any Soulbox rookie would be an incredibly rare and pricey acquisition. But perhaps none stack up value-wise quite like Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s 2018 Soulbox rookie. Along with being one of just 10 in existence, Guerrero won AL MVP in his third season and has established himself as a true superstar at only 23 years old. His prodigious power, precocious hitting skills, and carry as a fan favorite have turned his Soulbox into practically the holy grail of Panini Prizm cards. Just one recently changed hands in a private sale for a monumental $375,000, proving this to be one of the most important and pricey baseball cards ever produced by Panini.

While they may not reach the stratospheric heights of the above cards, top rookies of other marquee names still command immense sums. For example, graded examples of Juan Soto’s 2018 Panini Prizm rookie routinely sell in the $3,000-$6,000 range in top condition like PSA 10. The same could be said for Ronald Acuña Jr.’s well-known 2018 rookie, which enjoys steady demand north of $2,000 even years after its release. Superstar two-way player Shohei Ohtani’s 2018 rookie also retains heavy collector interest, with mint copies pushing $1,500-$2,000 on the secondary market. All represent stellar talents who blossomed into cornerstones of their franchises, fueling collector demand for their inaugural Prizm cards.

Beyond the hyper-valuable rookies, prized autographed and memorabilia cards can also carry immense price tags due to their exclusivity. For example, serial-numbered auto parallels like /25 and lower increase value exponentially when attached to all-time greats. A serial-numbered /10 Mike Trout autograph from 2009 Prizm sold for $38,000 back in 2020. Even legendary players long past their primes still hold cachet – a serial-numbered /10 Babe Ruth auto from 2018 Prizm Heritage sold for $24,000. Game-used memorabilia cards with real provenance also make for real trophies, such as a dual-relic card containing jersey swatches from both Trout and Albert Pujols that went for $9,000 recently.

In the realm of valuable vintage cards revived byPanini Prizm Heritage, few carry the mystique of the likes of Honus Wagner and Mickey Mantle. Naturally, any vintage star appearances hold tremendous collectibility. A 2009 Prizm Heritage “T206” style card of Wagner in a PSA 9 grade would be a true pinnacle card valued well north of $50,000 minimum. Meanwhile, even among the sea of Mantle products out there, a Mint Prizm Heritage version of the “Commerce Comet” from the same year period would probably start around $15,000 due to the brand’s top-tier prestige. Both serve as shining examples of how Panini breathes new collector life into the all-time greats of days past.

In summing up the most elite and valued Panini Prizm baseball cards, three traits tend to recur – rookie cards of all-time player talents in their early days, prized parallel and auto varieties of modern stars, and vintage recreations featuring the history’s true icons. While conditions and certain parallels can alter prices, the rookie cards of Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto and more represent tremendous long-term investments when acquired and preserved pristinely. They capture some of the most unforgettable players and moments on the diamond in an arresting, modern creative style – a huge factor in their ability to transcend being “just cards” and take on an almost artistic significance. For those able to acquire and care for them, the top prizes in Panini Prizm prove they are truly built to last for the long haul.

2022 PANINI DIAMOND KINGS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Diamond Kings baseball card set represents one of the premier modern card releases of the year. As with past editions, Diamond Kings features flashy parallels, sparkly refractors, and dazzling on-card autographs of the biggest names in MLB. With its high-end design aesthetics and limited print runs, Diamond Kings has become a must-have product for serious baseball card collectors.

Panini has opted to focus the 2022 release around some of the biggest MLB storylines and player milestones from the previous season. That includes highlighting former MVPs, individual record setters, playoff heroes, and young stars who broke out in 2021. With photography that emphasizes each subject’s on-field achievements, the cards capture the excitement and drama that unfolded during an epic year of baseball.

At the forefront is Shohei Ohtani, who took the sports world by storm in 2021 following his unprecedented two-way MVP campaign as a hitter and pitcher. His base Diamond Kings card features Ohtani at the plate, where he slugged 46 home runs for the Angels. But collectors will find more rare Ohtani parallels that showcase his dynamic pitching talents, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after rookies in the modern era. Other big names like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Fernando Tatis Jr. are also highly featured after their breakout seasons.

For team collectors, the 2022 Diamond Kings set highlights playoff squads like the Braves, Astros, and Giants. Top stars for those clubs such as Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, and Buster Posey receive gorgeous on-theme photography to commemorate their contributions to championship runs. Veteran sluggers like Nelson Cruz and Anthony Rizzo also earned prominent base cards for thriving in new playoff environments with the Rays and Brewers. Panini acknowledges the intense postseason races and rivalries that kept baseball fans engaged right up until the final games.

While the base rookie class is relatively small compared to traditional hobby releases, some top prospects do appear. Wander Franco and Bobby Witt Jr. each have their own rookie cards showcasing the bright futures ahead as potential cornerstone players. Even more prized will be any autographed or serial numbered parallels of those rookies that collectors inevitably search packs eagerly to pull. The relatively low print numbers for most pricier Diamond Kings parallel combinations means the chase will be quite difficult.

In addition to all current MLB talent, the set pays tribute to legend Barry Bonds with a special “Record Breaker” marked card honoring his career home run title. Icon Ken Griffey Jr. also appears throughout the design, underscoring Panini’s goal of connecting both past and present eras. Completionists will search for 1/1 printing plates and memorabilia cards of retired stars to truly encapsulate baseball’s rich history. With its luxe presentation and narrow distributions, Diamond Kings ensures its holding value year over year for dedicated collectors.

When it comes to parallel variants, Diamond Kings goes all out with a dizzying array of high-numbered and low-numbered refractors, color variations, auto/mem combos, and more. The base Ice parallels offer a cooler blue border, while Bambino refractors shine bright reds and oranges. Finest Moments refractors spotlight special chronological plays or achievements in players’ careers. Even rarer Red Ice and Gold Ice parallels really pop on the cardboard, often containing coveted on-card autographs. Numbered parallels like Silver Ice and Topps Museum Collection pay homage to classic card designs.

For autograph collectors, Diamond Kings is a dream with numerous hit possibilities across its parallels. Base autos carry a nice chrome look with numbering around /250. Serialized variations like Gold Vinyl and Gold Wave tend to be very limited, sometimes as low as /10 copies. Exquisite Materials patches and signatures push rarity the furthest at true 1/1 exclusives. Multi-autographed memorabilia cards featuring gear from iconic moments provide a true peak behind the scenes. While boxes carry high sticker prices, the ability to land a one-of-a-kind Diamond Kings treasure makes the gamble worthwhile for enthusiasts.

Overall, Panini continues raising the bar with each yearly iteration of its premium Diamond Kings MLB set. With photographs that beam with vibrant pops of color, intricate parallel structures, and the potential for ultra-rare memorabilia cards, the excitement of ripping packs is second-to-none. Whether chasing modern stars, legendary feats, or sparkly serial numbered refractors, this elevated baseball card release allows every kind of collector an opportunity to feel like a high roller. Diamond Kings stands alone as the crème de la crème of modern sports cards at the start of each new season.

By focusing on 2021’s biggest storylines and star contributions through superb photography, intricate parallels, and high-end autograph and memorabilia possibilities, Panini’s 2022 Diamond Kings set keeps collectors enthusiastically engaged from release day forward. With around 200 base cards plus countless serial numbered variants, team and player collectors alike have no shortage of chase cards at every price level. Baseball fandom shines through from both past and present as Diamond Kings continues cementing its status as a pinnacle annual sports card set.