The 2022 MLB season saw several young stars make their debuts and immediately make an impact on the field. Whenever top prospects arrive and perform well in their first MLB action, it creates excitement around their rookie cards from that season. Let’s take a look at some of the most coveted rookie cards from 2022 and what makes each of them so desirable to collectors.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners – Without question, the top rookie card of 2022 belongs to Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. The 21-year-old Dominican slugger finished third in AL Rookie of the Year voting after batting .284 with 28 home runs and 75 RBI in his first full MLB season. Rodriguez brought energy and elite defense to Seattle while also displaying prodigious power from the right side of the plate. This breakout campaign made his 2022 Topps base rookie card the most sought-after on the market. PSA 10 copies have sold for over $1000 since the season ended due to his phenomenal play and star potential going forward. Lower graded versions still command three-figure prices, a true testament to how Rodriguez took the baseball world by storm in 2022.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – The number one overall prospect from 2019 lived up to the hype by batting .256 with 20 homers and 80 RBI for the rebuilding Royals. Witt Jr. added elite defense at shortstop and stole 30 bases, showcasing five-tool talent right away. It’s no surprise then that his Topps base rookie is another of the 2022 rookie class most in demand. PSA 10 versions have brought similar values to Rodriguez’s best card, around $1000 per copy. Even ungraded Witt rookies sell briskly due to his well-rounded production and starline status as the future face of Kansas City baseball. An AL Rookie of the Year finalist and .800 OPS in year one made this a true breakout rookie card.
Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves – With most rookies, there is an adjustment period required once reaching MLB. Flamethrowing Braves starter Spencer Strider dominated right from his midseason callup. The righty starter struck out 195 batters in 131 innings pitched while posting a 2.67 ERA for the World Series champions. His electrifying fastball-slider combo opened eyes across the league. Strider’s rookies aren’t quite at the dollar values of Rodriguez or Witt, but have still gained steam with collectors. His Topps base is one of the most sought-after pitching cards of 2022 based on Strider’s early dominance out of Atlanta’s rotation. Expect his cards to continue climbing in the years ahead if Strider maintains this incredible success at the highest level.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with an absolute cannon for an arm, shortstop Oneil Cruz was must-see TV in Pittsburgh for much of 2022. He flashed prodigious power to all fields with 20 extra-base hits in just 75 games, batting .233. Cruz also showcased his plus speed for a big man by stealing six bases. It was his jaw-dropping defensive plays and 100+ MPH throws from deep in the hole that made him an internet sensation. Naturally, the Luis Robert-esque size and skills package has Cruz’s rookie cards among the hottest on the market. These bring about $20 PSA 10 and remain strong sellers based purely on the spectacle surrounding this young Puerto Rican slugger’s massive talents.
Michael Harris II, Atlanta Braves – The Braves pipeline of stud prospects couldn’t be hotter, and Michael Harris II stepped in immediately as their new everyday center fielder at age 21. The former Dodger farmhand shone defensively as expected but also batted an impressive .297 with 19 homers and 64 RBI in his debut campaign. Much like Strider, Harris played a huge role alongside Austin Riley and William Contreras in Atlanta’s run back to the Fall Classic. As a result, his rookie cards from 2022 Topps sets jumped in value over the past couple months. Graded copies of Harris’ base Topps sell around the $15-20 PSA 10 mark, showing good sustained interest in another young Braves star.
Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks – Nicknamed the “Baby Cobra,” Alek Thomas brought his premium defense, speed, and contact skills to the D-backs’ outfield at just 21 years old. He got on base at a .347 clip and swiped 10 bags as more of a gap-to-gap hitter to start. While Arizona stumbled to another losing season, Thomas showed plenty to believe in as a long-term piece. Given his initial success and elite athletic profile, his rookie cards gained following over 2022. The best PSA 10 examples range from $10-15 in recent months as he solidifies himself as one of baseball’s top prospects to take the next step towards stardom.
Logan O’Hoppe, Philadelphia Phillies – As the Phillies’ emergence took baseball by surprise in 2022, catcher Logan O’Hoppe made his Phillies debut and displayed promise with the bat as a 22-year-old backstop. In just 46 games, he bashed six homers for Philadelphia’s playoff club. Given his solid start and the Phillies’ momentum, O’Hoppe’s cards gained attention late in the year. Upper-deck refractors around the $15 mark grab the most attention in the online marketplace. O’Hoppe may not have Rodriguez’s stats but offers a unique option as a young catcher in Philly’s rising lineup going forward.
Seiya Suzuki, Chicago Cubs – A mega star in NPB, Suzuki brought his impressive plate skills to Wrigley Field this season at age 27. He succeeded immediately with a .262 average, 17 homers and 44 RBI to make the All-Star team in his rookie season stateside. Suzuki has shown he’s capable of handling MLB pitching and brings top-of-the-lineup abilities. As such, his 2022 Topps base rookie jumped to around the $7-10 PSA 10 price point, making it one of the more investible cards from an older rookie who could succeed in Chicago with years still ahead of him.
Ben Brown, Cincinnati Reds – Though he only made a few late starts, Ben Brown showcased unbelievable promise on the mound with a 1.69 ERA over 32.1 innings for Cincinnati in 2022. His electrifying stuff and command bodes exceptionally well for a starting pitching prospect. At just 23 years old, Brown could be near the front of the Reds’ starting rotation in 2023 if he maintains this form. Given Cincinnati’s farm system strength and his own abilities, Brown’s Topps rookies sell briskly at $3-7 each, with extra attention on Prism refractors that bring $15 graded. He may prove to be an excellent long-term pitching pickup.
The star turns from elite prospects like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Strider, Cruz and Harris in their first MLB action created 2022 rookie cards that have exploded in demand and value. Meanwhile, established veterans, future impact players and breakout talents in Suzuki, Thomas, Brown and O’Hoppe offer options of intrigue that collectors have responded positively to as well based on their initial success or tools of promise. With these rookies primed to be tomorrow’s stars, their cards from 2022 may prove to be shrewd long-term investments for collectors as their careers blossom.
