The 2022 baseball season has arrived which means a new year of Topps Series 1 packs being opened. Topps is the premier brand when it comes to sports card producing and their baseball cards are some of the most popular on the market. With Series 1 being the flagship set that kicks off each year, these cards offer aspiring collectors a chance to land iconic rookies and stars for a reasonable price early in the card cycle.
While every pack has a chance to surprise, some specific cards from Topps Baseball 2022 Series 1 have stood out as particularly valuable or desirable. Let’s take an in-depth look at several of the best cards collectors will want to target in this set.
Bobby Witt Jr. Chrome Refractor RC (#12) – As one of the top prospects in baseball, Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to the hype with an outstanding MLB debut for the Kansas City Royals in 2022. His Topps Series 1 Chrome Refractor is shining bright as perhaps the top card in the set. Only available through special Chrome or high-end jumbo packs, the Refractor parallel looks incredible in person with its color shifting refractors. Witt Jr. is a face of the next generation and will be a top star for years, making this an iconic rookie to acquire.
Julio Rodriguez Gold Label RC (#92) – Julio Rodriguez was nothing short of sensational as a rookie for the Seattle Mariners, coming in as a finalist for AL Rookie of the Year. His popularity has only increased since. The Gold Label parallel from Series 1 offers a premium version of the J-Rod rookie card with its gold-tinted label drawing the eye. Gold Labels are rare pulls that command a strong bonus in value. With Rodriguez’ ceiling as high as any young talent, this parallel stands out.
Spencer Strider Rainbow Foil RC (#479) – As a breakout ace for the Atlanta Braves, Spencer Strider made his Topps cards extremely sought after overnight. While the base rookie is nice, the Rainbow Foil parallel really makes his card pop. Its iridescent rainbow effect adds luxury to what is already a key rookie. Strider showed he may be a future staff ace, preserving long term value in his rookie cards like this specialized parallel.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Sepia RC (#132) – Even after missing much of 2022 due to injury, Ronald Acuña Jr. retains star power few can match. His flagship Topps rookie from 2018 remains a fan favorite card. The sepia tones on this parallel aged it to look like a true vintage issue. As one of Acuña’s earliest signature cards, its attractiveness and importance to his collection makes the Sepia parallel a coveted piece for any collector.
Sandy Alcantara Rainbow Foil SP (#498) – As the NL Cy Young winner in 2022, Sandy Alcantara showed he is one of baseball’s absolute best. His Topps cards gained tremendous value accordingly. The Rainbow Foil parallel shimmers beautifully and perfectly captures Alcantara celebrating his breakout award-winning season. His ascending status makes any specialty parallel like this coveted by serious collectors looking for Cy Young caliber stars.
Riley Greene Gold /2021 (#96) – As the Tigers top prospect, Riley Greene made a strong impressions in his debut campaign. While he has plenty of flagship rookies, the 2021 Gold parallel stands above the rest. Limited to only /2021 copies worldwide, its ultra-low serialed nature turns it into a true one-of-a-kind collectible. For Detroit fans and investor-minded collectors, this is a card that can gain immense long term value as Greene’s career progresses.
Juan Soto Printing Plate 1/1 (#186) – No player is as precocious an offensive force at such a young age as Juan Soto. His accolades already rival aging superstars. As one of only one printed per player, the 1/1 printing plate is the true platinum parallel. An unattainable treasure for most, it exemplifies Soto at the pinnacle of collectibles. Few cards hold as much prestige or allure for serious card investors. Any Soto fan would be overjoyed pulling this ultra-rare 1-of-1 card.
Austin Riley Gold Label /299 (#96) – While his stats dipped a bit from MVP caliber 2021, Austin Riley remains an All-Star level third baseman for the Braves. His Gold Label parallel offers that esteemed twist on an already highly viewed rookie card. The gold tint gives it luxury appeal and the low /299 print run scarcity. As a Braves fan favorite, collectors adore chasing any premium parallel for the rising slugger like this slick looking card.
Yordan Alvarez Photo Variation (#337) – As the league’s most feared slugger, Yordan Alvarez delivers jaw-dropping offensive feats for Houston. His limited photo variation switch-up stands out amongst standard issue cards. Featuring an alternate action shot, its scarcer nature draws intrigue. Alvarez is a cornerstone player for the Astros with MVP caliber skills. Chasing his rarer photography variants makes for an exciting addition to any collection.
Seiya Suzuki Sepia RC (#384) – As an international star signing, Seiya Suzuki brought excitement to Wrigleyville in his first MLB campaign with Chicago. His sepia toned Topps rookie is classic and captures his smooth left-handed swing. Sepia parallels age the image in a nostalgic way fitting for a historic franchise like the Cubs. Suzuki showed all the skills to be a steady leadoff man, giving his sepia issue long term staying power.
Shohei Ohtani Printing Plate 1/1 SP (#509) – No player captivates the sport quite like two-way star Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese phenom continues redefining expectations at a rate few can comprehend. His 1/1 printing plate super short print from Series 1 is essentially the Holy Grail for any collector. Attainable by virtually no one, it signifies Ohtani’s unique place at the very pinnacle of the hobby. Any fan would cherish the thrill of finding this unprecedented one-of-a-kind card.
This covers just a sampling of the standout cards to watch for in Topps Series 1 2022. With rookies of rising talents like Witt Jr., flagship cards of full-fledged stars, and scarce parallels, this beloved set offers something for every type of collector. For fans joining the hobby or investors long active in it, chasing these prized cards makes the annual release of Series 1 can’t miss fun.
