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BEST PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini America has become one of the top sports card manufacturers in recent years thanks to their innovative designs and focus on emerging star players. While companies like Topps have dominated the baseball card market for decades, Panini has carved out their own niche with exciting products that attract collectors both young and old. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at some of the best Panini baseball cards to find in packs or on the secondary market.

We’ll start with one of Panini’s most popular and valuable modern rookie cards – Ronald Acuña Jr. Panini debuted Acuña in their 2018 Donruss baseball set during his breakout rookie season. The design features a clean white border surrounding Acuña’s photo on a solid color background. What makes this card so desirable is that Acuña immediately emerged as a superstar, winning the NL Rookie of the Year award that year and becoming one of the faces of the league. His raw talent and youthful exuberance captured the attention of both Braves fans and the wider baseball community. In PSA 10 gem mint condition, Acuña’s 2018 Donruss rookie card now sells for well over $1000. Even in lower grades, it remains one of the most sought-after modern rookie cards on the market.

Another stellar Panini rookie is Fernando Tatis Jr’s 2019 Donruss card. Like Acuña before him, Tatis burst onto the scene with the Padres in 2019 with his elite power, speed, and flair for the dramatic. He finished fourth in NL Rookie of the Year voting that year. Panini perfectly captured Tatis’ infectious smile and youthful exuberance on his rookie card, which features a simple photo over a solid color design. High grade Tatis rookies have exploded in value over the past year, with PSA 10s now reaching over $2000. Even in lower grades, this is a card that will hold value for years as Tatis continues cementing his status as a perennial All-Star.

For collectors wanting vintage stars rather than modern rookies, Panini offers an array of legendary players across different sets. One of the most iconic is the 1960 Topps style design from 2018 Donruss featuring Mickey Mantle. With its classic photo and simplistic white border, this card pays tribute to one of the all-time greats in an instantly recognizable design. Mantle is arguably the most popular player of the 1950s and 60s, making this a must-have card for any vintage baseball collector. PSA 10 examples can reach over $500 due to Mantle’s universal appeal.

Another stellar vintage Panini card captures another Yankees legend, this time from their 2018 Diamond Kings set. The Reggie Jackson “Mr. October” card features an action shot of Jackson in mid-swing along with his iconic nickname. Jackson’s legendary postseason heroics and home run prowess make him equally appealing to collectors both young and old. High grade examples regularly sell for $300-400 thanks to the nostalgia of the player and the premium Diamond Kings brand within Panini’s baseball lineup.

For collectors wanting a modern star power pitcher, few can top the appeal of Jacob deGrom’s cards. His 2018 Donruss design perfectly captures the intensity of the Mets’ ace with his windup. DeGrom has emerged as arguably the most dominant starter of the late 2010s, winning the NL Cy Young award in 2018 and 2019 while consistently posting the lowest ERAs in baseball. His cards remain hot commodities, with PSA 10 examples of this particular 2018 Donruss design selling for $150-200 due to his sustained excellence and star power.

Panini also offers exciting parallels and short prints beyond the base cards. One of the most coveted is Fernando Tatis Jr’s 2019 Diamond Kings Green parallel. Limited to only 25 copies, this hyper-rare parallel takes his already desirable base rookie card and makes it exponentially more valuable. Examples have sold for well over $10,000 when available due to the scarcity and prestige of the Diamond Kings brand. Even base Diamond Kings cards of stars like Acuña, deGrom, Soto and others command premium prices over their Donruss counterparts.

For team collectors, Panini delivers standout cards paying tribute to legendary franchises. Their 2018 Diamond Kings set includes stunning retro designs for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Featuring classic logos and color schemes immediately recognizable to any baseball fan, these parallel cards are instant classics. PSA 10 Red Sox and Yankees parallels regularly sell for $300-500 due to strong demand from collectors of those premier franchises.

In summary, Panini has established themselves as a premier maker of modern and vintage baseball cards thanks to iconic rookie cards of rising stars, tribute designs honoring legends of the past and present, and parallel cards combining scarcity with instantly recognizable brands. While the likes of Topps will always have mainstream recognition, Panini has carved out their own niche with innovative products that attract a passionate new generation of collectors. The cards highlighted here represent some of the best that Panini has to offer for players, teams, and designs likely to hold value for decades to come.

2017 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2017 Panini baseball card season saw Panini continue to build on the foundation they established from previous years since entering the baseball card market in 2014. While still considered the “new kid on the block” compared to the entrenched giants like Topps, Panini made further strides in 2017 to carve out their share of collectors and expand their baseball card offerings.

One of Panini’s core sets in 2017 was “2017 Prizm Baseball”. Building upon the allure of their popular Prizm brand from other sports like basketball, the 2017 Prizm Baseball set featured a sharp, modern design with distinctive color-burst “Prizm” parallels that collectors had grown to love. The base cards showed players in clear action shots with team logos prominently displayed. Various parallels inserted throughout packs added to the excitement of the chase. Gold “Prizm” parallels were the most coveted, while other parallels like Red /10 and White /25 added scarcity. The set concluded with short printed memorabilia cards and autographs to entice collectors to search every box. Overall the 2017 Prizm set captured the eye-popping aesthetics that Panini had become renowned for.

Another anchor of Panini’s 2017 offerings was the retro-styled “2017 Donruss Baseball” set, celebrating the beloved old Donruss brand. With a hearty cardboard stock and design influenced by the late 80s/early 90s Donruss sets many collectors held fond memories of from childhood, the 2017 Donruss set invited collectors on a fun stroll down memory lane. Similar to the original Donruss issues, the 2017 version featured no frills action shots with team logo arches along each side. Parallel inserts including “Diamond Kings” parallels paid homage to the original Diamond Kings insert set from years past. While not as flashy as some of Panini’s other brands, the straightforward and nostalgic 2017 Donruss set warmly tugged at collectors’ heartstrings.

For collectors longing for autograph and memorabilia cards, Panini released the high-end “2017 National Treasures Baseball” product. As with previous year’s editions, the 2017 National Treasures set the bar for the hobby with its exquisite relic and autograph content. Swatches of jerseys, bats, autographed baseballs and more filled these lavish box loads. Low serial numbered parallels like Gold /5 and White /1 presented highly scarce chase cards added value for longtime collectors. Multi-signed memorabilia “National Treasures Trios” cards were the true crowning jewels, featuring some of the sports’ all-time legends. The premium price tag of National Treasures was always a luxury, but reward for collectors willing to splurge.

Panini also looked to build upon its young star rookies with products like “Donruss Optic” and “Prizm Rookies & Stars.” In years past these sets had featured some of the biggest young names going on to stardom, and 2017 continued that trend. Sets primarily focused on the games up and coming talents, but also mixed in established veteran superstars. Formats typically included flashy parallels like Prism, Phoenix, Flux and Spectrum inserts to entice buyers. Autograph and memorabilia variants added extra cachet for hit chasing collectors. Cards of stars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger and others in these sets increased in value exponentially as their careers took off.

In addition to core sets, Panini also released the fun and engaging “2017 Clearly Authentic Football & Basketball” which blended sport stars on innovative designs with color shifting technology. Football/baseball mash-up sets like “Contenders,” “X” and “One & One” mixed the two sports for hybrid collectors. For the first time Panini also released smaller themed sets like “Grandstand Greats” highlighting legendary players, and”Taste of the Majors” focusing on rising minor leaguers.

On the collector engagement and promotional front, Panini maintained competitive incentive programs. Their “MyPanini” mobile app allowed collectors to register redemptions, track collections and participate in contests. Case break sites partnered with Panini to sell sealed cartons of popular products while live streaming the openings. Trading forums and third party grading services also continued strong to cultivate the collector community.

While still chasing the mighty Topps brand entrenched since the 1950s, the 2017 season underscored how Panini continued gaining ground as a serious baseball card contender. Combining retro flair with flashy new brands served both modern and traditional hobbyists. Strong rookie classes and short printed parallels kept pack searching exciting. As Panini demonstrated staying power, more major retailers integrated their products alongside Topps. For its fourth year in baseball, 2017 showed how Panini Capitalized on innovation while respecting the sport’s classic traditions – strengthening their foothold for future seasons in what remained one of trading cards’ biggest category. The future appeared bright as Panini’s unique vision for baseball cards resonated further with a new generation of collectors.

PANINI USA BASEBALL 2023 BEST CARDS

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The 2023 Panini USA Baseball trading card season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history with several highly anticipated rookie cards and additional inserts that are creating a buzz among collectors. While the full checklist won’t be revealed until closer to the product release dates throughout 2023, there are already some big names and potential gems that collectors are keeping a close eye on.

One of the most anticipated sets of the upcoming year will be 2023 Panini USA Baseball Diamond Kings, which is expected to feature rookie cards of several top prospects expected to make their MLB debuts in 2023 or have breakout seasons. At the top of many collectors’ want lists are cards featuring Seattle Mariners pitching phenom George Kirby, Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson, and Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards. All three were top-10 picks in their respective draft classes who have excelled in the minors and appear MLB-ready. Their rookie cards in Diamond Kings are likely to receive a lot of attention.

Another big name to watch is Dodgers outfielder Miguel Vargas. The 21-year-old had a strong 2022 season splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, slashing .319/.382/.496 with 15 home runs and an .878 OPS over 116 games. He made his MLB debut in September and is expected to compete for a roster spot in 2023. His first MLB card release will be highly sought after. Additional rookies that could debut in 2023 like Baltimore’s Gunnar Henderson and Toronto’s Gabriel Moreno also have the chance at valuable rookie releases.

Of course, collectors will also be on the hunt for rookie cards from the stacked 2023 MLB Draft class headlined by prospects like Druw Jones, Brock Porter, and Jackson Holliday. While those won’t arrive until late in 2023 or 2024, nabbing their first cardboard could pay dividends down the road. Jones in particular has drawn comparisons to his father, five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, and possesses a rare mix of tools that could make him a true five-tool star.

In addition to rookies, Panini USA Baseball is known to include popular parallels, short prints, autographs, and memorabilia cards that add to the excitement. Memorable inserts from previous years like Franchise Feats, Diamond Icons, and Diamond Club have become fan favorites. For 2023, collectors are hopeful Panini will produce new, creative inserts highlighting the sports’ legends, top performances, and more. With the abundance of talented young players emerging, there is no shortage of possibilities.

Retired player cards also remain popular targets. This could bode well for 2023 releases featuring stars wrapping up their careers like Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Yadier Molina. Even veterans who don’t officially retire could receive increased attention as collectors anticipate their final season, such as Clayton Kershaw and Justin Verlander. Nostalgic collectors may seek out hits of all-time greats too, whether contemporary legends like Mike Trout, max Scherzer, or career milestone chasers like Adrian Beltre, Ichiro Suzuki, and Adam Wainwright.

The Memorabilia side of USA Baseball also delivers excitement. Rare 1/1 patches and autographs of star players constantly draw high prices in the secondary market. A true game-used jersey piece of a current All-Star or Hall of Famer can easily fetch hundreds or thousands. Even promo or on-card autos hold value long-term. New uniforms and special event patches from the World Baseball Classic, MLB All-Star Game, or playoff runs create memorable relic cards each year too.

Last but not least, the year’s big non-sport releases like 2023 Archives and Topps Finest are always destinations for the most desirable parallels, autographs, and memorabilia hits. Archives in particular shines with its vintage-style design paying homage to retired greats, while Finest flexes the ‘hit or miss’ mantra with its lavish refractors, 1/1s, and dual-signed memorabilia cards that break the bank. Both sets serve as high-end hunting grounds that potentially yield career-definers.

The 2023 Panini USA Baseball season offers a wealth of potential gems for collectors across the spectrum. With a new crop of elite prospects breaking out, star veterans wrapping up careers, and the ever-popular inserts, parallels, and serial numbered hits – there will be no shortage of intriguing chase cards. For those able to crack highly-touted products like Diamond Kings, Archives, and Finest, the rewards of landing a true future blue-chip rookie or one-of-one relic could make for memories to last a lifetime. The combinations are endless, making it one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL 2022 BEST CARDS

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Panini Absolute Baseball is one of the most coveted and valuable baseball card releases each year. The 2021 version was no exception, featuring some of the biggest young stars and veteran superstars across vivid acetate cards. With the 2022 season now underway, anticipation is high for what panini will deliver in their next Absolute release later this year. Here’s a closer look at some of the cards collectors will be chasing.

Shohei Ohtani remains the biggest star in baseball and one of the faces of the sport globally. His talents as both an ace pitcher and fearsome power hitter make him must-watch every time he steps on the field. An Ohtani autographed card or memorabilia card in Absolute would undoubtedly be one of the top pulls. His scarcity in high-end products means any of his cards command big money. Even a simple base Ohtani Absolute card would excite collectors.

Last year’s rookie class was one of the best seen in decades. Cards of playoffs stars like Trevor Story, Jonathan India, and Randy Arozarena all held great value in 2021 Absolute. This year’s focus will likely be on Seattle’s breakout star Julio Rodriguez. The speedster finished second in rookie of the year voting and is already a fan favorite. An autograph or memorabilia card of the budding superstar would be a true chase card for 2022 Absolute collectors.

Two-way stars are all the rage after Ohtani broke the mold. Commanding big dollars in the trade market, Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene is carving out a role both as a flamethrower on the mound and potential middle of the order bat. His tools have drawn comparisons to Ohtani and vintage Nolan Ryan. With the hype around Greene, any of his cards in the next Absolute release would be highly sought after.

Absolute has long featured the game’s elite sluggers in gorgeous detail. Cards of three-true-outcome machines like Aaron Judge, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Juan Soto attract major collectors. An on-card autograph or 1/1 memorabilia patch card of any of these masher’s would be headline cards. Judge is especially enticing after his record-setting 62 home run season. His card values shot through the roof in 2022.

Veteran superstars are no less appealing to collectors with deep pockets either. A signed Mike Trout card for example would command five figures minimum despite nearing a decade in the league now. The same could be said of an autographed card of two-way force Clayton Kershaw, who continues to dominate on the mound well into his 30s. Both players remain among the faces of the league and are proven cards that hold value over time.

Rookies and young stars provide long-term potential upside in their careers ahead. But collectors also flock to cards paying tribute to living legends in their later primes or retired from the game. A Derek Jeter autograph or 1/1 memorabilia card would be a true treasure, as would similar cards for Mariano Rivera, Ken Griffey Jr, or Chipper Jones. Their careers shine bright in baseball history, and collecting their rarer cards connects fans to that nostalgia.

While player cards drive a lot of the hype, Absolute also regularly honors star pitchers with enticing memorabilia cards encompassing meaningful artifacts. Eraser autograph cards pairing a signature swatch with shreds of the actual mound rubber are enormously popular. Imagine versions featuring Clayton Kershaw’s iconic serape or Mariano Rivera’s historic cutter. Patches crafted from historic jerseys also captivate collectors across eras.

Rising stars like Wander Franco continue to excite as well. The 21-year-old slugger is poised for continued dominance in Tampa Bay. Autographed or rare memorabilia cards of the budding superstar would attract serious bids given his immense long-term superstar potential. Much like Acuna and Soto before, Franco has established himself as must-watch TV early and a true blue chip for investors.

Then of course there’s the thrill of the spectral 1/1 parallel cards that are practically works of modern art. These singular unique treasures in the series could feature any player mentioned and drive collectors to pursue the elusive white whale until found. A true Ohtani 1/1 would be the stuff of legend. But lower numbered parallels across the biggest names are serious prizes as well.

In the end, Absolute thrives because it combines the biggest stars, finest card designs, and hits at the highest levels of rarity and player-specific memorabilia. While rookies excite for potential, veterans hold value through proven performance. Pitchers also receive their due alongside sluggers. The cards most sought may vary year to year. But those excelling on the field while capturing collectors hearts consistently rise to the top of the 2022 Absolute want lists. The summer hype is just beginning.

2022 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL TOP CARDS

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The 2022 edition of Panini Prizm Baseball was released in October 2022 amid high excitement from collectors. Panini Prizm has become one of the premier modern sports card brands known for producing some of the most valuable rookie cards and short prints each year. The 2022 version was no exception, featuring several rookie cards that are already deemed future stars and valuable parallels that become hotly pursued by collectors.

One of the top rookies in 2022 Prizm is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a future superstar, Rodriguez had a breakout rookie season that saw him selected for the All-Star game and finish second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. His base Prizm rookie card quickly became a sought-after item, but collectors were eager to find Parallel and Autograph versions that hold premium value. Some early eBay sales of Rodriguez’s Emerald Prizm parallel rookie card reached over $1000, showing how beloved his cards already are. As Rodriguez’s career progresses and he potentially wins awards, these early rookie cards stand to become quite valuable long term.

Another prized rookie in 2022 Prizm is Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena. As a rookie, Pena helped lead the Astros to a World Series title while also winning World Series MVP. This instantly elevated interest in his rookie cards from Panini Prizm, which were still being pulled from packs during and after the World Series run. The Base Prizm Jeremy Pena rookie has sold for $100-200 currently, but his colorful parallels command much more. An early Green Prizm variation sold for around $500 and his much rarer 1/1 Rainbow Foil Prizm Autograph could fetch tens of thousands given Pena’s successful rookie year capping with a championship.

One of the most popular veterans in 2022 Prizm is New York Yankees star Aaron Judge. Having a career year that saw him break the AL single season home run record, Judge mania was in full effect during the baseball season and extends to the card market. While Judge has had numerous impressive seasons and playoff appearances before, 2022 truly cemented him as a modern great of the game. As a result, collectors are chasing any version of Aaron Judge’s 2022 Prizm card they can find. Even basic Prism Base cards have sold in the $30-50 range online. Parallel cards like Velocity Red Prizm and Orange Prizm often surpass $100 due to Judge’s newfound legendary status. Autographs and rare memorabilia card variations could potential reach four figures for this singular season in Judge’s career.

Short prints are always a major factor when it comes to valuable Prizm cards. Some of the biggest hits tend to be low numbered parallels and inserts. Two such examples from 2022 Prizm are Luis Robert’s Green Prizm /50 and Bo Bichette’s Orange Prizm /99. As young All-Stars for their respective clubs, Robert and Bichette enjoy strong collector demand for any scarce parallels from this release. Early sales saw the Robert Green bring over $400 and the Bichette Orange reach $250 due to their ultra-limited print runs. Other short prints that could potentially emerge as future steals include Jazz Chisholm Jr. Pink Prizm /199 and Oneil Cruz Purple Prizm /150. With these types of variations numbering less than 200 copies in existence, scarcity alone ensures strong future value.

As the 2022 season winds down and baseball’s postseason begins to unfold, collector interest in Prizm rookies and stars from this past year will remain vibrant. How far teams like Seattle, Houston, or New York go in October could boost certain players like Rodriguez, Pena, or Judge to even greater popularity and demand. In the meantime, box breaks and group case breaks continue to fuel the hunt for the abovementioned top rookie cards, short prints, and parallels that 2022 Panini Prizm offers. While prices may settle for a bit, the long term potential of cards forged during impactful rookie seasons or historic individual campaigns make 2022 Prizm a prime release to watch as those storylines play out in the future.

In conclusion, Panini Prizm’s 2022 baseball offering has proven to house many valuable rookie cards and parallels that enthralled collectors from the product’s initial release through the remainder of the year. Julio Rodriguez, Jeremy Pena, Aaron Judge, Luis Robert, and Bo Bichette feature cards with promising long term futures depending on how their careers progress from here. Short prints like Robert’s Green Prizm and limited autographs also ensure scarcity encourages higher prices as the years pass. Overall, 2022 Panini Prizm established itself as a classic modern issue thanks to tremendous rookie classes and standout individual performances commemorated within its packs and boxes.

PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini Prizm baseball cards have quickly become one of the most popular and valuable modern card sets since their introduction in 2017. The Prizm brand was originally created by Panini America for their basketball cards in 2010 as a high-end insert set within larger base card releases. Seeing the success of their premium basketball product, Panini expanded the Prizm brand to include football, soccer, golf and other sports in subsequent years. In 2017 they launched their first ever Prizm baseball card set which has since grown to be one of the cornerstone modern baseball releases each year.

The initial 2017 Panini Prizm baseball set included three different parallels – the base Prizm refractors, a purple parallel numbered to 149 copies, and a green parallel numbered to 99 copies. Each box contained 10 packs with 4 cards per pack for a total of 40 cards. The base rookie class in that inaugural set included names like Cody Bellinger, Aaron Judge, Andrew Benintendi, and Rhys Hoskins who have all gone on to have impressive MLB careers so far. Rated rookies and short prints of stars like Mike Trout, Clayton Kershaw, and Bryce Harper were also mixed throughout packs. With its colorful refractors, parallel varieties, and star power, 2017 Panini Prizm baseball was an instant hit among collectors.

In the years since, Panini has continued to refine and expand upon the Prizm baseball brand. The 2018 release added new parallels including gold (/10), orange (/99), and pink ice parallels while keeping the base prisms, purple (/149), and green (/99). Numbered parallels became even more limited with the introduction of “Diamond” parallels numbered 1/1 in 2018. The 2018 rookie class was also star studded including names like Ronald Acuña Jr, Juan Soto, Walker Buehler, and Shane Bieber who have all become MLB all-stars. Each year, Panini ups the production quality with improved designs, refractors, and intricate parallels to keep collectors excited for the next iteration.

Panini has also experimented with higher-end exclusive Prizm baseball releases in more recent years. In 2019 they launched “Prizm Black” – an ultra high-end limited release numbered to just 10 boxes worldwide. Each box contained 4 cards, all numbered serially from 1/10 to 10/10. This presented collectors with an opportunity to own the sole copies of certain cards. Also in 2019, “Elite Extra Edition” was introduced with boxes containing 6 cards serial numbered from 1-99 or 1-10 depending on parallel. These high-end releases provided serious collectors and investors an avenue totarget 1/1 “black label” parallels and serial #1 versions of the top rookies.

Perhaps the biggest development for the Panini Prizm brand came in 2020 with the introduction of “Logoman” parallels – patches featuring the logo of each player’s MLB team. Logomans quickly became the marquee hit cards to chase in Prizm due to their stunning visuals, with most designs realizing 5-figures at auction. The 2020 rookie class headlined by Luis Robert and Dylan Carlson also propelled Prizm to new heights. In the years since, Prizm logomans have become so iconic that Panini now produces logoman parallels across other sports card lines as well including NBA, NFL and soccer. The premium versions of Prizm baseball also expanded in 2020 with “Flawless” boxes containing 5 cards with guaranteed patches or autographs.

In 2021, Panini upped the production of their standard Prizm baseball release to meet booming demand, while also continuing the higher-end niche products. The base set parallels proliferated with colors like pink ( /99), yellow (/125), orange (/49), and red (/10) joining mainstays like green, purple and gold. Top rookies in 2021 like Randy Arozarena, Bobby Witt Jr and Shane Baz ensured packs remained exciting to break. And new parallels like “Black & White” dual toned refractors brought unique appeal. Additional products like “Prizm Platinum” with 1/1 multi-color parallels pushed boundaries.

Today, Panini Prizm baseball remains one of the most popular modern baseball card properties. Sets sell out instantly online and at retail with collectors eager to rip packs chasing the next big rookie card or coveted parallel. On the resale market, high-grade prized rookies and 1/1 parallels routinely sell at levels previously unseen for modern cards. Stars of tomorrow like Wander Franco in 2020 and Julio Rodriguez in 2021 were propelled to new heights of popularity and value based on their prizm rookies. With collectors more obsessed with modern cards than ever before, Panini Prizm baseball cementing itself as a flagship driver of today’s booming hobby. As long as Panini continues innovating each year, Prizm looks poised to lead baseball cards for years to come.

2022 PANINI SELECT BASEBALL TOP CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Select baseball card release has provided collectors another exciting opportunity to add sought-after rookie cards and chase inserts to their collections. As with any modern baseball card release, a few select rookie cards and parallels have emerged as the most coveted and valuable in the set. While it’s still early and the hobby is very fluid, here’s a look at some of the top 2022 Panini Select baseball cards based on current demand and recent sales data:

Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Refractor (#39) – The Kansas City Royals star prospect had a phenomenal debut season that has only increased interest in his rookie cards. The Gold Refractor parallel from Select, limited to only 10 copies, has quickly become one of the most expensive cards of the year at over $10,000 PSA Gem Mint. Even raw ungraded versions have sold for thousands. Witt’s dominance on the field and unlimited potential have collectors clamoring for any luxury parallel they can find.

Julio Rodriguez Gold Refractor (#166) – Like Witt, Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez burst onto the scene in 2022 with electric play that landed him in the AL Rookie of the Year discussion. His Select Gold Refractor parallel shares the same ultra-low print run of 10 copies and carries a commensurate premium. Multiple have traded hands for $8,000 or more in PSA 10 condition. Collectors are making big bets that Rodriguez’s star will only continue to rise.

Juan Soto Dual Jersey Auto (#76) – No stranger to collector demand himself after several monster seasons, Juan Soto offers one of the more exciting dual-relic auto pulls in Select. Auto parallels of established stars tend to hold value exceptionally well long-term. Even base Soto dual auto patch cards are a big hit on the secondary market at $1,000+ consistently.

Spencer Strider Auto (#210) – One of the breakout pitching stars of 2022 was Braves flamethrower Spencer Strider. His rookie season exploits have driven collector focus firmly onto his rookie cards. The Strider Select auto parallel is highly popular despite a comparatively higher serial number of /99. PSA 10 examples have sold for $600-800 already.

CJ Abrams Gold Refractor Auto (#195) – Abrams showed terrific promise in his MLB debut campaign with the Padres. His availability as the coveted Gold Refractor parallel auto adds tremendous long-term intrigue. One freshly graded PSA 10 copy achieved $1,300 in an online auction, evidencing his card’s growth potential.

Oneil Cruz Blue Refractor Auto (#130) – While injuries slowed his 2022 season, Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz still wields immense talent and physical tools that leave fans dreaming on his upside. His scarce Blue Refractor auto parallel out of Select at /50 copies is a true short-print card drawing big bids north of $1,000 already from collectors banking on future success.

Adley Rutschman Gold Refractor Auto (#205) – After a breakout rookie season that ended in an All-Star bid, top Orioles prospect turned franchise cornerstone Adley Rutschman has secured elite prospect status. With Gold Refractor autos even more rare than the base parallel at /10 copies, this doubles as one of the scarcest cards in the set. Recent PSA 10 sales closed at $1,500+.

Riley Greene True Rookie Patch Auto (#35) – Tigers outfield force Riley Greene showed why he’s such a foundational piece for the rebuilding franchise in 2022. His Select patch auto pulls strong interest at $300-500 per copy in top grades given his franchise cornerstone potential in Detroit.

MacKenzie Gore Rainbow Foil Auto (#115) – Padres starter MacKenzie Gore began to flash the upside that made him a highly-touted prospect in 2022 before injuries slowed him. As one of the most aesthetically pleasing parallels in the set at short-print /25 copies with vivid rainbow foil treatment, his auto offers true long-term upside for collectors. Even raw copies have sold in the $500 territory accordingly.

Michael Harris II Gold Refractor Auto (#170) – Rookie of the Year caliber season or not, Braves centerfield standout Michael Harris II gave a glimpse of his 5-tool talent that promises big things ahead. His scarce Gold Refractor auto out of /10 copies encapsulates that promise in a true short-print grail card finding early huge demand at $1,000+.

The 2022 Panini Select release treated collectors to a stellar rookie class and short-print parallels that are already emerging as the year’s most sought-after modern baseball cards. With continuing prospect development and MLB success, these top cards shape up to achieve considerable long-term gains for patient holders alongside the young stars’ ascensions. An exciting new crop of talents is being cemented in the hobby through this latest stellar Panini offering.

2019 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2019 Panini Baseball card set was released in March of 2019 and contained a variety of inserts, parallels, and rookie cards for baseball fans to collect. Panini has established itself as one of the top brands for sports cards over the past decade and their 2019 baseball release was highly anticipated. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key details and highlights from the 2019 Panini Baseball set.

The base card design featured a clean and simple look with the player’s name, team, and position along the bottom. Each card contained a single photo with no borders around the image. The photography and image quality was sharp as has become the standard for Panini releases in recent years. The base set contained 350 total cards and included stars, rookies, and veterans from both the American and National Leagues.

Some of the top rookies featured in the base set included Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Eloy Jimenez, Kyle Tucker, Forrest Whitley, and Nick Senzel. These were some of the most coveted rookie cards for collectors to chase down. The set paid tribute to Hall of Famers and all-time greats with “Legendary Performers” parallels that highlighted career accomplishments on the back of the card. Players like Mariano Rivera, Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux, and Chipper Jones received these special parallels.

When it came to inserts, Panini delivered with several exciting short print and hit possibilities for collectors. The “Flawless” and “Flawless Patch” parallel inserts featured premium swatches or autographs of the game’s biggest stars. These ultra-rare 1/1 parallels carried enormous value. Other inserts included “Diamond Anniversary” parallels commemorating a player’s 10-year anniversary in the Majors as well as “Hall of Fame” parallels marking likely future inductees.

Fan-favorite inserts returned like “Stars of the Game” highlighting iconic MLB moments with a memorabilia swatch. Rarest of all were 1/1 “Diamond Anniversary Signature Patch” parallels which contained dual swatches and autographs from Hall of Famers. The “Stars of MLB Autographs” insert offered on-card and memorabilia autographed cards of current players. For the first time, Panini also included “Diamond Anniversary Dual Relics” pairing swatches from past and present stars to commemorate their careers.

When it came to parallels, Panini offered “Green Shimmer” /150, “Gold Shimmer” /50, and “Black Gold” 1/1 parallel variations of the base cards. These added different levels of rarity and visual appeal beyond the standard base cards. Additionally, “Green Prizm” and “Gold Prizm” parallels contained iridescent refractors of the same rarities. The “Green / Gold Wave” parallels featured a dynamic wave pattern across the front of the card and were limited to /25 and /10 respectively. These were some of the most visually striking parallels in the set.

Panini also included team-specific inserts highlighting each MLB franchise. Ranging from /99 to /25, these “Team Gallery” inserts paid tribute to the history and traditions of each club. Other inserts like “Diamond Anniversary Logos” and “Diamond Anniversary Memorabilia” offered new creative card designs while still maintaining the quality photography and production value collectors had come to expect.

For hobby boxes of the 2019 Panini Baseball release, the advertised hit ratios included one autograph or memorabilia card per box on average. Additional short prints and parallels provided other chase cards to potentially pull as well. While retail blasters, hangers, and fat packs offered fewer hits, they still provided an affordable entry point for collectors to participate in the excitement of ripping packs. Overall, Panini delivered another outstanding MLB licensed product with its 2019 Baseball release that had something for fans and collectors of all levels.

The combination of sharp photography, premier rookie cards, exciting inserts, and desirable parallels made the 2019 Panini Baseball set highly popular among the collecting community. While the licensing restrictions from Major League Baseball prevent Panini from creating the same level of retro offerings as competitors like Topps, they continue gaining ground each year with innovative new designs, cutting-edge parallels, and strong memorabilia and autograph cards. With their consistent quality control and creative concepts, Panini Baseball remains one of the top modern options for collectors seeking the latest MLB stars. Their 2019 release was another example of why the brand has become so popular in recent years.

Whether collecting for investment, enjoyment of the hobby, or to cheer for favorite players – the 2019 Panini Baseball set delivered an outstanding overall product. The base cards provided the foundation while inserts and parallels offered multiple collecting avenues. Landmark rookie cards of future stars and tributes to baseball legends made the set historically significant. With over 350 total cards accompanied by short prints, parallels, hits and more – there was truly something in the 2019 Panini Baseball release for all types of collectors. It’s easy to see why this set remains a highly coveted release by the collecting community.

2022 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball set launched in early 2022 and quickly became one of the hottest and most sought after modern baseball card releases. While the base cards can be found for a few dollars, certain parallels and rookie cards hold substantial value already and will likely appreciate over time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball cards on the market currently based on recent eBay sales data.

One of the clear favorites out of this year’s Prizm release is Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker. As the 8th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, there was huge hype around Walker even before his first professional at-bat. His prizm cards have blown up as a result. Walker’s prizm silver prizm rookie /199 has consistently sold in the $300-400 range. An orange prizm /50 recently sold for over $700. But the real crown jewel is his black prizm rookie, limited to just /10 copies. Two of these ultra-rare walkers have sold since September, fetching $3,000 and $4,000 each. With his current prospect status and hype, Walker cards should continue gaining in value as he progresses.

Another big name rookie holding substantial value is Druw Jones. The #2 overall draft pick signed with the Braves for $8.4 million before making his debut. Like Walker, Jones electrified scouts with his five-tool potential. His prizm silver rookie /199 has sold for $150-250. But the true high-enders, especially for such a coveted prospect, are the color parallels. A green prizm /99 sold for $600. An orange prizm /50 traded hands for $1,000. And a black prizm /10 sold for an impressive $2,500, showcasing Jones’ star power already at the highest rookie card levels.

While Walker and Jones possess the biggest upside long-term, several other 2022 draftees and top prospects also hold value in their prizm rookie cards. Twins’ #3 overall pick Brooks Lee has seen his silver rookie trade for $125-200. A’s top pick Daniel Susac’s silver moved for $100-150. Giants’ first rounder Reggie Crawford saw his silver sell in the $75-100 range. And Nationals’ top international signing Denyi Reyes had multiple silver sales around $50-75. Even deep sleepers like Padres pitching prospect Dylan Lesko, who missed 2022 due to injury but went #15 overall, moved his silver for $60-80 after some big performances in the AFL.

Turning focus to current MLB stars, one of the biggest hits from Prizm has been Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout. While his base rookies from 2009-2011 Prizm sets can fetch thousands, his 2022 update cards have also gained value. Trout’s silver prizm update /199 sold for $120-150 steadily. But the real high-enders, as expected for the undisputed best player in baseball, demand staggering sums. A green prizm /99 sold for a cool $1,650. An orange prizm /50 moved for $3,000. And while no true black prim /10 has surfaced, it’s safe to assume such an ultra-rare Trout parallel would trade hands for well into the five-figure range if it did.

Several other established superstars have also seen strong value for their 2022 Prizm update cards. Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s silver update has sold around $100 consistently. Mets ace Jacob deGrom, in what may be his final season, drew $75-125 for his silver. And Braves All-Star Austin Riley, fresh off a breakout campaign, pulled in $60-90 for his silver update. Even veterans like Albert Pujols, in his farewell season, and Yadier Molina garnered $40-60 sales on their silver updates as collectors paid homage to future Hall of Famers.

Shifting focus to the autograph and memorandum card parallels always poised to carry the highest values, several true big hits have emerged already from 2022 Prizm. Perhaps none bigger than a Luis Robert black prizm autograph /5, which fetched a staggering $11,000 on eBay back in September. The silver logo swap autographs of stars like Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr. have moved for $600-1,000 consistently as well. And a Vlad Guerrero Jr. on-card autograph in silver sold for an impressive $550 given the saturation of his signed cards on the market today.

Memorabilia cards have also cracked the high-end value charts. A prizm patch card of Phillies ace Zack Wheeler /99 sold for $450. A dual memorabilia card of Mets stars Francisco Alvarez and Brett Baty traded hands for $375. And a jersey card of rising star Oneil Cruz drew $300 given the buzz around the Pirates’ towering shortstop. With so few true 1/1 memorabilia cards pulled each year, those that do surface often sell for multiples of those prices depending on the player featured.

As with all recent sports card releases, value is subject to change rapidly based on player performance and career trajectories in the years ahead. But as the 2022 season concludes and prospects develop further in 2023, the Prizm cards of breakout talents like Walker, Jones and Luis Robert should only appreciate from these already lofty prices. For collectors, the best 2022 Panini Prizm Baseball cards offer a chance to get in early on players who may someday reach the game’s greatest heights. As more modern cards achieve collectible status, this exciting release looks poised to achieve iconic status of its own down the road.

2021 PANINI ABSOLUTE BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2021 season of Major League Baseball saw another year where players put up amazing performances and helped capture the attention of sports fans everywhere. For collectors, 2021 also marked another highly anticipated release from trading card manufacturer Panini – Panini Absolute Baseball. As one of the hobby’s premier high-end products, Panini Absolute contains exquisite artwork and autographs from the game’s biggest stars. Not surprisingly, many of the set’s most valuable rookie and star player cards generated huge buzz and huge price tags after their release. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the 2021 Panini Absolute cards that have proven to be the most valuable and sought after on the secondary market.

Perhaps the single most valuable card from the entire 2021 Absolute release is the red parallel autograph of Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani. As the reigning American League MVP and a true dual-threat on the mound and in the batter’s box, Ohtani has quickly become one of the faces of MLB. His autographed red Parallel /25 from Absolute commanded massive prices immediately after the product dropped. Within days of its release, verified PSA 10 Gem Mint versions of this rare Ohtani auto were already changing hands for over $10,000. Several months later, as Ohtani’s star power and on-field heroics continued to grow, prices for this iconic rookie card reached heights over $15,000. It’s clear Ohtani’s immense talent and popularity have made this one of the most coveted pitching/hitting combo cards ever released.

Another major star who saw his Absolute rookie card skyrocket in value was Seattle Mariners outfielder and AL Rookie of the Year favorite Julio Rodriguez. Like Ohtani, Rodriguez had an electric rookie season that kept collectors on high alert for his autographed cards. His Absolute auto in the base red parallel checked in around the $3,000 mark initially. But demand driven by his impressive stats and highlight reel plays sent values up significantly. Near the end of the 2022 season, top graded examples of J-Rod’s Absolute auto traded hands above $6,000. That price point is almost guaranteed to keep climbing as well if Rodriguez builds on his stellar campaign and develops into the superstar many expect.

Two highly-touted rookies who didn’t get as extended a chance to shine in 2021 but still found valuation success with their Absolute cards were Detroit Tigers pitcher Kerry Carpenter and Boston Red Sox slugger Marcelo Mayer. Both were top 5 overall picks in the 2021 draft and thrilled scouts with their raw tools and promise. Carpenter’s auto in the orange parallel /99 held strong around the $1,000 mark or more. Meanwhile, even red parallels of Mayer’s autographed card commanded $800-1,000 during the season. Their pedigree and skills intrigued collectors enough to make these cards among the most expensive rookie releases despite their limited MLB action last year.

Veteran superstars continue to own significant real estate among Absolute’s priciest cards as well. For example, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts saw strong interest in his autographed base cards, which regularly topped $1,000. The short print orange parallel of his auto hit prices around $3,000 outright. Meanwhile, one of the biggest names in the sport – Mike Trout – invariably generates high prices for his signed cards. Unsurprisingly, his Absolute auto sailed past $2,000 during the season with orange parallels up over $6,000. Even veteran talents like Nolan Arenado, Freddie Freeman and Juan Soto commanded $800-1,500 for their Absolute signed cards due to sustained high production and huge fanbases.

Autograph cards aren’t the only coveted inclusions that drive Absolute values either. The set is known for intricate patch cards featuring game-used memorabilia. Several of these ultra-rare patches became major pieces for collectors. For example, one of just 3 copies of a triple logo patch card that featured patches from the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York Mets sold for a staggering $9,000. Other extremely limited individual patches from stars like Trout and Betts regularly moved at the $2,000-3,000 price points as well. Colorful diamond parallel patches or highly intricate stitching and materials pushed values even higher.

The 2021 season of Panini Absolute Baseball once again delivered some true heavy-hitting rookie cards, patches and autographs that rocketed to the upper echelons of the hobby in short order. Led by young talents like Ohtani and Rodriguez, stars in their prime like Trout and Betts, and ultra-short printed memorabilia, many Absolute cards emerged as lynchpins in collections. With another exciting MLB season on tap in 2022 and rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. joining the fray, Panini Absolute is sure to continue supplying some of the sport’s most valuable modern trading cards for years to come. The releases showcase the best from Panini’s production quality while capturing lightning in a bottle for the game’s brightest young talents.