The 2022 Topps baseball card set was released in February 2022 and contained several highly sought after rookie cards that have started to gain significant value only a few months after release. The 2022 Topps set continues Topps long tradition of producing the flagship baseball card product each year but also saw some notable changes to its design that have polarized collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies and parallels from the 2022 Topps set that are already showing strong value growth.
One of the most anticipated rookie cards in the 2022 Topps set was Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, who was the top overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft. Rutschman had a strong rookie season in 2022 that further fueled collector enthusiasm for his rookie cards. The standard Topps Rutschman rookie currently sells for around $30-40 raw but top graded gems in PSA 10 can fetch over $300 due to his breakout rookie season and star potential. Parallel and autographed Rutschman rookies have seen even stronger appreciation, with refractor, blue paper /99, and autographed versions regularly bringing over $100 already. As Rutschman continues his development, these rookie cards are expected to keep climbing in value as he establishes himself as one of baseball’s top young talents.
Another sought after rookie in the 2022 Topps set was Detroit Tigers flamethrower Spencer Torkelson, who was taken 1st overall in the 2020 MLB draft. Like Rutschman, Torkelson showed promise in his rookie season that has further excited collectors. His standard Topps rookie trades hands for $15-25 but higher end PSA 10 examples have sold for over $150. Rare parallels like the /299 red refractor and autographed rookie cards have jumped up to $300-400 range already based on early returns on Torkelson. With huge power potential as a first baseman/DH, Torkelson seems poised for stardom which bodes well for these valuable rookie cards to keep appreciating over the long run.
Seattle Mariners hard throwing rookie George Kirby also debuted an exciting rookie card in the 2022 Topps set. Kirby made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed electric stuff in his first season, with a standard rookie selling in the $10-15 raw range currently. Top graded PSA 10 examples have cracked $100 already though due to his standout stats and huge upside as a future ace. Short printed parallels like the green /399 and red /299 refractors have also gained value quickly, settling in the $50-75 price range right now. As Kirby continues to develop his command and cement his role atop the Mariners rotation, these rookie cards can be expected to ride his success upwards.
Another relative newcomer whose 2022 Topps rookie has found strong early demand is Boston Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story. Story signed a big free agent deal with Boston in 2022 but initially struggled to adapt, before finding his stride in the second half in his new environment. His standard Topps Story rookie trades between $15-25 right now. Higher end PSA 10 examples though have cracked $100 fairly easily due to his proven track record prior to 2022 and expectations he can bounce back to All-Star caliber play going forward. Short print refractors and parallels could emerge as true gems if Story does return to superstar form over the next few seasons in Boston.
In addition to breakthrough rookie talent, the 2022 Topps set also featured several highly sought after veterans with milestone accomplishments reached. For example, San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. eclipsed the 100 home run milestone in 2022 at just 24 years old, leading to his /100 home run parallel from Topps gaining steam. These rare Tatis /HR cards have jumped up to $300-$500 already due to his huge star power and potential to keep piling up milestones as one of the game’s brightest young stars. Additionally, Albert Pujols cracked 700 career home runs in 2022 with the Cardinals, elevating his similarly rare /700 HR parallel in Topps to $1000+ valued status already. Cards featuring pivotal milestones reached are often prized by collectors and these two parallel standouts from 2022 Topps exemplify how stats can boost card values.
Another area seeing strong early returns for the 2022 Topps set revolves around popular parallels and inserts. For example, the super short print Topps Chrome refractors featuring top stars like Ronald Acuna Jr. or Juan Soto have cracked $200+ in PSA 10 condition based on their rarity level being 1 per case. The even more elusive Topps Chrome Autograph Refractors have jumped up to the $500-$800 range for stars as demand sets in. On the insert side, cards like Topps ’86 design parallels or Ledger insert cards have started above $50 for stars due to their novelty designs and low print runs. Parallel and insert cards can emerge as long term value plays within an entire set release as collectors seek out variety.
While the big names and star rookies tend to dominate initial value traction, savvy collectors also look to unearthed values further down Topps 2022 set lists. For example, Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene had a standout 2022 and his standard rookie has started to increase beyond initial $5 value to the $15-20 range now after his impressive debut. Additionally, Atlanta Braves breakout star Michael Harris II saw his standard rookie increase 5x from initial values as he emerged with elite defense and hitting in center. Finding affordable emerging talents before they break out can lead to outsized returns.
While still relatively new, the 2022 Topps baseball card set release is already showing several rookies, stars, and parallels gaining meaningful value within just a few short months. Savvy collectors recognize monumental player achievements, breakouts, and short print parallel rarities will retain premiums in the long run. The next generation of baseball legends are beginning to introduce their definitive rookie cards within the 2022 Topps release that will certainly gain increased importance as their careers progress. This flagship set looks poised to produce several gems for future enjoyment, nostalgia, and investment potential.
