The 2022 Topps flagship baseball card set featured some of the biggest rookie cards and star player cards of the year. With the rise of the sports card market and popularity of rookie cards over the past few years, many of the top rookies and star players from the 2022 Topps set have already seen their card values skyrocket. While it may take years for the true long term valuable cards to emerge, here’s a look at some of the most valuable 2022 Topps baseball cards right now based on recent sales data:
Adley Rutschman #159 – As the top Baltimore Orioles prospect and considered a once in a generation catching talent, Rutschman’s rookie card has been one of the hottest on the market. His paper base rookie fetched over $80 raw shortly after release and PSA 10 gem mint versions have sold for upwards of $500. Many consider Rutschman the future face of the franchise and one of the premier prospects to debut in 2022.
Julio Rodriguez #249 – The Seattle Mariners young outfielder captured ROY honors and had a breakout season, propelling his rookie card to the top of value lists. Pristine PSA 10 editions have changed hands for $400-500 raw, with the lucky hitters to pull autographs fetching thousands. Rodriguez established himself as a true star and his cards hold great long term potential.
Bobby Witt Jr. #166 – Like Rodriguez, Witt burst onto the MLB scene for the Kansas City Royals in 2022 and had an electrifying rookie campaign. His cards skyrocketed accordingly, with PSA 10s going for $300-400 and autographed versions in the multiple thousands. Scouts had pegged him as a future superstar for years and he’s lived up to the hype so far.
Spencer Torkelson #253 – The top pick from the 2020 draft, Torkelson showed flashes for the Detroit Tigers in his debut season but also had his struggles. Nonetheless, he remains one of the game’s most prized prospects and his rookie paper sold for $50-75 out the gate. As he develops further, so too should his card values.
Oneil Cruz #167 – At 6’7″, the monstrous Pirates shortstop unleashed one of the hardest hits ever recorded and electrified with his elite speed and power displays. His rookie popped with $50-75 raw sales and an autograph version fetched an astounding $3400 PSA 9 gem mint grade. Cruz could be a true unicorn player.
Ronald Acuna Jr. #198 – After missing almost all of 2021 due to injury, Acuna returned with a vengeance to contend for another MVP award for Atlanta. He remains one of baseball’s brightest young stars and his base card sold in the $15-25 raw range. An on-card autograph jewel fetched an astounding $4300 recently, showing his star power.
Sandy Alcantara #212 – The breakout Miami Marlins ace led baseball in complete games and innings pitched, cementing himself as one of MLB’s elite arms. His base rookie held steady at $8-12 while an autographed booklet version exploded to $1400 PSA 10 grade. Alcantara is entering his prime and blossoming into an ace.
Riley Greene #268 – The Detroit Tigers touted outfielder had some highlight moments in his debut campaign and remains one of the game’s most exciting young hitters. His base rookie changed hands for $10-15 raw and an autographed black booklet reached $650 in PSA 10 glory. Greene looks ready for stardom.
Nootbaar Chrome #166 – This rookie refractor of Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar somehow became a hit on social media and its popularity drove up demand. Just a few months after release, raw copies hit $100-150 prices and a PSA 10 gem soared to a staggering $2100. A true card market anomaly but shows hype can create value.
Aaron Judge #144 – As arguably baseball’s biggest star in 2022 while chasing the AL home run record, Judge’s cards commanded all sorts of attention and money. One treasure was a 1/1 Printing Plate parallel that fetched a bonkers $51,000 at auction. Judge is a once in a generation talent and is showing his value keeps growing.
While these are just some of the highest profile 2022 Topps cards at the moment, the values are sure to fluctuate in both directions over time. Rookies like Harris, J-Rod, Strider and Gorman could surge further. And veterans like Trout, Ohtani or deGrom could see spikes from awards or milestones. The Topps baseball flagships remain one of the hobby’s best investments, with the top cards historically retaining value for decades.
