The 2022 Topps baseball card series features some of the biggest names and rising stars in the sport. With highly anticipated rookie cards and star veterans chasing milestones, this year’s Topps offerings have generated lots of excitement among collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2022 Topps baseball cards to collect.
Perhaps the most sought-after rookie card in the set is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. The number one prospect in the Rays organization made his MLB debut in 2021 and showed why he has such promise, with a blazing fastball and sharp breaking stuff. Baz’s card carries a printing of only /2022, making it one of the lowest printed rookies in the base set. Another rookie generating a ton of hype is Miami Marlins pitcher Max Meyer. The third overall pick in the 2020 draft, Meyer had a dominant season in the Minors in 2021 and is expected to help anchor the Marlins’ rotation soon. His pristine on-card autograph makes his Topps card a true gem.
Two of the biggest names in the sport who have milestones within reach in 2022 are St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Trea Turner. Goldschmidt enters the season just 16 home runs shy of 300 for his career. At only 34, he remains one of the game’s most consistent power threats and should pass the 300 threshold this summer. Meanwhile, Turner just needs 31 more stolen bases to join the exclusive 40-40 club. His blazing speed makes reaching that mark a real possibility. With milestones like these, collectors are eager to get Goldschmidt and Turner cards from the ’22 series.
Rookies Spencer Torkelson of the Detroit Tigers and Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals had stellar debut campaigns in 2021 and their Topps cards are must-haves. Torkelson, the number one overall pick in 2020, showed plus power and a promising bat for the Tigers. Witt, considered the top prospect in baseball before making his MLB debut, impressed withhis smooth all-around game for the Royals. Both are cornerstone building blocks for their respective franchises and have unlimited breakout potential in the coming seasons.
Two of the most decorated players of the last decade, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado, continue to put up MVP-caliber seasons year after year. Trout is closing in on some truly historic milestones, needing just 45 more home runs to reach 300 for his career at only 30 years old. Meanwhile, Machado is coming off another monster season and is firmly entrenched among the game’s elite talents. Collectors never tire of adding new Trout and Machado cards to their collections.
Rookies like Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Jonathan Aranda, Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Josh Palacios, and San Francisco Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison generated buzz this spring with impressive MLB debuts and have coveted rookie cards in the base set. Veterans like Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., and New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole continue producing at All-Star levels and remain perennial fan favorites.
The 2022 Topps series also features some innovative insert sets beyond the base cards. The “Flying Colors” inserts spotlight fun action photos of players with bright border colors. The “Legendary Pastimes” set highlights iconic MLB moments through history. And the “Mini Masters” parallels shrink players’ photos down to tiny size but highlight autographs that are just as impressive proportionally. For high-end collectors, the Topps Finest refractors and Topps Chrome autographs and parallels are true chase cards at the top of many wish lists.
Whether collecting your favorite player’s base rookie card, chasing after new star performers, or seeking out the rarest inserts and parallels, the 2022 Topps series has no shortage of exciting cardboard to pursue. With such a deep talent pool across the sport right now and notable veterans still producing at the highest level, this year’s release is poised to become one of the most iconic modern Topps releases yet. Collectors would be wise to pursue these top cards while they are still reasonably priced before they appreciate greatly with time.
