The 2022 Topps Chrome baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors and fans alike. Topps Chrome has consistently produced some of the sport’s most visually stunning and valuable rookie cards since its inception in the mid-1990s. With the rise of up-and-coming star rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. and Julio Rodriguez debuting in 2022, this year’s Topps Chrome release captured plenty of attention from the hobby.
While star rookies and big names tend to drive popularity and value, Topps Chrome manages to showcase talent across every MLB team through its uniform refractors and parallels. Ranging from prized 1/1 autos and neons to common base cards, 2022 Topps Chrome offered something for collectors of all levels. As with any new release, certain “hits” emerged as standouts and will likely gain recognition as the years pass. Here’s a look at some of the top 2022 Topps Chrome cards based on player pedigree, design appeal, and early market valuation:
Bobby Witt Jr. Auto /99 – The Kansas City Royals rookie phenom had huge expectations after being selected #2 overall in the 2019 draft. Witt lived up to the hype by making the team out of spring training and hitting 35 home runs in his debut season. His autographed refractors from Topps Chrome numbered to just 99 copies established him as the set’s premier rookie. Early PSA 10 gem mint examples cracked five figures instantly.
Julio Rodriguez Auto /99 – Mariners fans had been waiting for years for a true superstar to emerge from their farm system. Rodriguez announced his arrival by slashing .284 with 28 homers and 25 stolen bases as a 21-year-old rookie. As with Witt, Julio’s autos from Topps Chrome numbered to 99 copies captured the imagination of collectors and commanded big prices right away.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Refractor /499 – When healthy, Acuña is arguably baseball’s most exciting all-around player. His vibrant refractors from Topps Chrome, limited to just 499 copies, stir memories of his elite rookie season in 2018. Acuña’s talent and flair for the dramatic make him a fan favorite, giving these cards strong long-term potential.
Sandy Alcantara Ice Refractor /125 – Alcantara emerged as the ace of the surprising Marlins in 2022, tossing 228 2/3 innings with a minuscule 1.099 WHIP. His icy refractors from Topps Chrome showcase his smooth delivery and are limited to an ultra-low print run of 125. Alcantara looks poised for Cy Young consideration moving forward.
Aaron Judge Rainbow Foil /25 – After smashing an AL-record 62 home runs, Judge turned down a $213.5 million offer from the Yankees and opted for free agency. His Topps Chrome rainbow foil parallels numbered to only 25 copies are a true 1-of-1 for Yankee collectors. These recognize Judge’s ascension into the rarified air of baseball’s true living legends.
Rookie Cup Parallels – Topps Chrome introduced parallel sets for Major League Baseball’s top prospects ranked in Baseball America’s Rookie League reports. Ranging from /99 to /10, these featured the likes of Gunnar Henderson, Oneil Cruz, and Michael Harris II. Collectors embraced the concept of celebrating the brightest future stars still climbing the minor league ladder.
Base Rookies – While the big hits get all the attention, the common base rookies remain essential for any team or player collectors. Topps Chrome ensured global coverage by including rising talents from all 30 MLB clubs like Seiya Suzuki, Logan Gilbert, and Gavin Sheets. These serve as affordable entry points for fans following emerging careers.
Jose Ramirez Refractors /499 – A perennial MVP candidate for the Guardians, Ramirez continued his torrid pace in 2022 with a .280 average and career highs of 36 homers and 126 RBI. His refractors flaunt these eye-popping stats while also reminding of Cleveland’s rich franchise legacy in baseball’s over 125-year history.
Uniform Refractors – Topps Chrome faithfully captured each MLB franchise through uniform refractors spanning /499 to /75 copies. These featured franchise linchpins like Shane Bieber, Carlos Correa, and Anthony Rizzo who define their respective teams’ identities. Even for non-PC clubs, they recognize the beauty inherent to each uniform set’s place in sports history.
Emerging Stars – Breakout performers of 2022 rated inclusions like Nestor Cortes, Luis Robert, and Tyler O’Neill. Their Topps Chrome refractors hint at the coming all-star and award consideration these rising talents seem poised to receive in the years ahead. Cards like these help collectors identify players on the verge of superstardom.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Neon /10 – As one of today’s preeminent young sluggers, Guerrero smacked 32 homers in 2022 while launching prodigious moonshots that may someday top his Hall of Fame father’s career marks. His Topps Chrome Neon parallels numbered to a microscopic 10 copies highlight just how special Vlad Jr.’s electric raw gifts really are.
While player performance ultimately dictates which baseball cards hold true value decades from now, 2022 Topps Chrome featured a stunning array of designs, parallels and rookie talent that should age well for dedicated collectors. Whether chasing big names or new discoveries, this release proved a vibrant monthly hobby highlight throughout its run. Topps’ flagship chrome product remains the preeminent forum for capturing the game’s present stars and future legends in high-gloss cardboard.
