The 2022 MLB season saw another talented crop of rookies make their debuts and many immediately made an impact on the field. These top performers have already seen their rookie cards skyrocket in value as collectors scramble to obtain the cards of future stars. Let’s take a look at some of the most coveted 2022 rookie cards on the market right now.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – At just 23 years old, Strider exploded onto the scene in 2022 with an electric fastball that averaged over 98 MPH. He struck out more than a batter per inning in his rookie campaign and established himself as a future ace. Perhaps the most sought-after of the 2022 rookie cards is Strider’s Topps Chrome Auto Refractor, which has sold for over $1000 already. Other popular Strider rookies include his Topps Fire photo variation and Bowman Chrome Autograph.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The number 2 overall pick from 2019 didn’t disappoint in his first season. Witt smacked 20 home runs and stole 20 bases while playing stellar defense at third base. His infectious personality and five-tool skills have already made him a fan favorite in Kansas City. Witt’s Topps Chrome Auto Refractor is one of the crown jewels of the 2022 rookie class and has sold for well over $2000. Even his basic Topps paper rookie card fetches $100-200 due to the hype around this future star.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – “J-Rod” wowed scouts with his five-tool ability and didn’t take long to make an impact in the majors. The Dominican outfielder slugged 28 homers in his rookie year and won the AL Rookie of the Year award. His Topps Chrome Auto Refractor has broken the $2000 mark already and is one of the costliest 2022 cards available. Rodriguez looks primed to be the face of the Mariners franchise for years to come.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7, Cruz is a literal big leaguer with huge talents to match his frame. He mashed 15 home runs in just 75 games and tantalized with incredible raw power from the left side of the plate. Cruz’s autographed rookie cards have trended upwards of $500 due to his tremendous upside. Look for the “Oneil Cruz Experience” to be must-see baseball in Pittsburgh for years as collectors scoop up his rookie cards.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – As the top prospect in all of baseball, Rutschman lived up to the hype in his debut campaign. The switch-hitting catcher showed finesse at the plate and handled a pitching staff with aplomb. His Topps Chrome Auto Refractor has already pushed past $1000 and all of his autographed prospects cards from 2019 Bowman have shot up in value. With his all-around skills and leadership qualities, Rutschman looks ready to be the cornerstone that helps turn around the Orioles.
Jake McCarthy, Arizona Diamondbacks – A fifth round draft pick in 2018, McCarthy exploded onto the scene with the Diamondbacks in 2022. The Arizona native batted .283 and provided quality defense in center field. His autographed rookie cards have crossed $100 and rising as D-Backs fans look forward to McCarthy anchoring their outfield for years to come. With his affordability and promising future, McCarthy rookies could be shrewd long-term investments.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – Though just 21 years old, Harris established himself as a key piece of the Braves defending their NL East title. The athletic centerfielder hit .297 with 19 homers and impressive defense in his first stint in the majors. His rookie offerings like the Topps Chrome Auto Refractor are already $500-1000 cards due to Harris emerging as a cornerstone player for Atlanta.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – After starring in Nippon Professional Baseball, Suzuki seamlessly transitioned to the majors in 2022 for the Cubs. The outfielder batted .262 and showed surprising power with 17 homers in his rookie campaign. Suzuki looks like a building block as Chicago retools, making his Topps Chrome Auto Refractor a coveted rookie card around the $250 mark currently.
Alex Faedo, Detroit Tigers – A first round pick in 2017, Faedo made his MLB debut in 2022 in Detroit’s rotation. He flashed a promising power sinker and posted a 3.80 ERA in 11 starts down the stretch. With his early success and role as a foundational pitcher, Faedo’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor has climbed over $100 and still rising as Tigers fans look ahead optimistically.
MacKenzie Gore, San Diego Padres – Once one of the top pitching prospects in all of baseball, injuries slowed Gore’s progress to the majors. He showed glimpses of frontline stuff in 7 starts with San Diego after his debut. Gore’s autographed Topps rookie cards have risen past $50 as the lefty looks to lock down a rotation spot in 2023. With his pedigree, Gore rookies could pay off handsomely if he reaches his sky-high potential.
Joey Meneses, Washington Nationals – An improbable 30-year-old rookie who spent a decade in the minors, Meneses established himself as a big league regular with Washington in 2022. The slugging first baseman batted .269 with 14 homers in just 56 games and emerged as a veteran leader on a rebuilding Nationals team. Given his unexpected success, Meneses’ inexpensive autographed rookie cards under $10 could turn into bargains if he keeps raking.
Ryan Mountcastle, Baltimore Orioles – Now in his third MLB season, Mountcastle remains a valuable part of the O’s rebuild. The versatile infielder hit 25 homers in 2022 and looks locked into Baltimore’s future plans. While not truly a rookie anymore, his 2020 Topps Chrome Autos remain affordable around $40-50 for collectors buying into the future of this franchise cornerstone.
Michael Papierski, Houston Astros – Catches who can hit make an instant impact, and that was the case for the 27-year-old Papierski. In just 59 games with Houston, he batted .252 with 5 homers backing elite pitchers. Papierski’s inexpensive autographed rookie cards are ones to watch if he maintains a big league job going forward, having developed later than most prospects.
Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians – All the 24-year-old Kwan did was lead the AL in hits as an unexpected rookie starter. His scrappy energy and abilities at the plate and in the field wowed Cleveland fans right away. Kwan has proven himself as a foundational piece in the Guardians rebuild, meaning his Topps Chrome Autos around $50 have solid long-term hold potential.
C.J. Abrams, San Diego Padres – Acquired from the Washington Nationals in the Juan Soto deal, Abrams showed why he was a top prospect with his first extended MLB action. Though just 21, the shortstop flashed elite defense and speed at the highest level. With his blue-chip pedigree and a starting job potentially coming, Abrams’ rookies like Topps Chrome Autos near $75 are poised to rise.
Jake Odorizzi, Atlanta Braves – A veteran who spent a decade in the AL Central before joining Atlanta, Odorizzi re-established himself in 2022 with an All-Star caliber season. The dependable righty posted a 3.59 ERA and provided stability to the Braves rotation down the stretch of their title defense. Odorizzi’s affordable rookie cards from his time with the Kansas City Royals remain valuable for collectors of franchise cornerstones.
As the 2022 MLB season showed, you never know when the next unexpected rookie sensation will emerge. With so much young talent arriving each year, it’s an exciting time to collect the top performers early in their careers. This year’s class led by stars like Strider, Witt Jr. and Rodriguez offer a blend of performers who delivered right away mixed with future aces still reaching their potential.
