The baseball card market continues to be one of the most lucrative collectibles industries. As interest in sports memorabilia grows exponentially, the values of rare and valuable baseball cards have skyrocketed in recent years. With another exciting season on the diamond now in the books, the top cards from 2022 offer a glimpse at what rookies and veterans generated the most buzz among collectors. Here are the 10 best baseball cards of 2022 as defined by their scarcity, condition, and resale value:
Alonso 86 Bowman Chrome Auto BGS 10 – Pete Alonso had another impressive season for the New York Mets, crushing 40 home runs and earning his second All-Star nod. His top card from this year comes from his rookie season back in 2019. The Alonso 86 Bowman Chrome Auto refractor parallel holds significant value since it features his autographed on-card and is encased in a pristine BGS 10 Gem Mint grade slab. Only the best specimens earn a perfect 10, making this a true grail card for Alonso PC collectors. With mint examples still on the rare side, this card easily commands north of $1000.
Julio Rodriguez 87 Bowman 1st Auto PSA 10 – The Mariners rookie sensation took the baseball world by storm in 2022, being named an All-Star and finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting. Rodriguez’s dominant showing increased demand for all of his rookie cards, especially top graded versions of his coveted 87 Bowman 1st Bowman Chrome Auto refractor. The PSA 10 example shown here has an absolutely flawless surface and sharpness, cementing it as the premier Julio RC in the hobby. With his star continuing to rise, collectibles from J-Rod’s debut season will remain a blue-chip investment long-term.
Jeremy Peña 89 Bowman Chrome Auto PSA 10 – While teammate Julio Rodriguez garnered more headlines, Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña had a breakout rookie campaign of his own, winning World Series MVP. Like Rodriguez, the best performing card from Peña’s rookie set is the 89 Bowman Chrome Auto refractor. Still quite scarce in PSA 10 condition, this card reinforced Peña’s legitimacy as a foundational piece of Houston’s core. With elite defense and promise at the plate, Peña looks primed to be an anchor for the Astros for years to come.
Shohei Ohtani 2018 Topps Update SP PSA 10 – After consecutive AL MVP awards and peerless two-way play, Shohei Ohtani has rightfully ascended to the ranks of the game’s true mega stars. The premier modern Ohtani card remains his 2018 Topps Update SeriesParallel short print, which captures him in an Angels uniform from his initial stateside season. Grading tight PSA 10s of this iconic SP image grows more difficult by the year. As Ohtani’s legend expands, few cards hold greater rarity or prestige to represent the singular talent he is.
Wander Franco 1st Bowman Sapphire PSA 10 – Despite battling injuries this season, Wander Franco’s future as a cornerstone player is as bright as ever. His prized rookie card remains the flashy 1st Bowman Sapphire parallel from 2019, with its refractive qualities magnified under slab lighting. PSA 10 versions are the holy grail for Franco collectors, garnering big bids as a true once-in-a-lifetime card. With the talent and hype to eventually finish atop prospect lists for years to come, the Sapphire 1st looks to retain value as a centerpiece card for any collection.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps PSA 8 – The modern gold standard for vintage cards, any authenticated example of Mickey Mantle’s iconic rookie holds immense historical significance. This PSA 8 copy shows admirable eye appeal for a 71-year-old issue. Few other singles represent the thrill and legacy of the game quite like The Mick’s rookie, which introduced collectors to one of baseball’s true immortal legends. Condition hardly comes close to diminishing its mythic status.
Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft PSA 9 – Despite a tough injury plagued season, Mike Trout remains on pace to finish as one of the greatest to ever play. His flagship rookie from the 2009 Draft set shows a fresh-faced 18-year-old Trout with a bright future ahead. High grades bring out the card’s intricate foil textures. Even in a PSA 9 holder, it serves as a monument to Trout’s early promise and career redefining excellence.
Fernando Tatis Jr. 2019 Topps Chrome Green Refractor Auto PSA 10 – Tatis suffered a season-ending injury but still dazzled in the months prior with jaw-dropping defensive plays and tape measure home runs. His numbered refractor auto from flagship Topps Chrome remains one of the most dynamic and valuable modern rookies. Few other players can match Tatis’ five-tool talent, making anything graded a pristine 10 an heirloom for the hobby.
LeBron James 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Patch Autograph PSA 9 – While not a baseball selection, the holy grail James rookie card made waves again in 2022 after an elite example sold for a record $2.4 million. Its elegant patch, on-card auto and impeccable near-gem condition represent the standard for modern basketball cards. Its presence in the top 10 serves as a reminder of the massive fortunes driven by star athletes’ earliest collectibles.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps PSA 8 – At #1 we have a perfect bookend with another legendary Mickey Mantle rookie. While this PSA 8 shows slightly more wear, it remains among the finest known of arguably the most prized vintage card in existence. Its hulking market value also reflects Mantle’s enduring global popularity and the card’s irreplaceable first glance at an all-time great. As the standard bearer for collectible sports cards, any authentic copy of this iconic rookie is a true trophy addition to any collection.
With such tremendous plays on the field and investment opportunities found in top rookies and star cards, 2022 again validated the baseball card industry’s hold. From well preserved vintage to the hottest prospects debuting each year, these 10 cards shined as premier trophies to own in a booming marketplace. With the caliber of talent rising each season and nostalgia fueling long-term demand, the future remains extremely bright for those engaged in America’s favorite pastime on and off the diamond.
