The release of Topps baseball’s 2022 series 1 is one of the most highly anticipated drops in the baseball card collecting community each year. Series 1 is the flagship set that kicks off Topps’ annual baseball card releases and features current MLB players from all 30 teams. While retail packs can be picked up at Walmart, Target, and hobby shops across the country, the set is also highly sought after by collectors looking to land short prints, autographed cards, and rookies of future stars.
With a wide array of parallels, inserts, and key rookie cards up for grabs, the 2022 Topps series 1 release featured several cards that have already begun appreciating in value on the secondary market. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable and desirable rookie cards, autographs, and parallels from this year’s series 1 release that collectors were hunting:
Bobby Witt Jr. Chrome Refractor RC (Topps Chrome) – As one of the top prospects in baseball and the #2 overall selection in the 2019 MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr.’s rookie cards were among the most anticipated this year. His Topps Chrome refractor parallel RC skyrocketed in value, with PSA 10 gem mint copies selling for over $1,000 shortly after release due to his strong debut campaign. Witt’s ascension to stardom all but guarantees his Topps flagship rookie will retain and gain value for years to come.
Julio Rodriguez Green Refractor RC (Topps Chrome) – While not as well-known as Witt coming into the 2022 season, Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez exploded onto the scene with huge home run power and jaw-dropping athleticism that immediately makes him must-watch TV. Like Witt, Rodriguez’s Topps Chrome green refractor parallel rookie cards saw mint condition copies break the $1,000 barrier, a testament to how collectors rewarded his breakout performance. Only a matter of time until he’s a perennial All-Star.
Adley Rutschman Orange Refractor RC (Topps Chrome) – As the #1 overall prospect and first selection in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, plenty of anticipation surrounded Adley Rutschman before his 2022 debut. While injuries slowed his start, his enormous offensive upside and elite catcher defense portend stardom. His Topps Chrome orange refractor rookie remains a centerpiece among O’s fans PC’s, with PSA 10’s commanding over $700 so far due to his bright future.
Riley Greene Gold Refractor RC (Topps Chrome) – For Detroit Tigers fans, highly-touted outfield prospect Riley Greene’s call-up was the spark of excitement they needed in another rebuilding season. His sweet lefty swing and five-tool potential had collectors scrambling for his Topps Chrome gold refractor rookie at release. Despite some early struggles adjusting to MLB pitching, Greene’s tools and team control have his RC valued near $400 even in PSA 9 condition.
Oneil Cruz Rainbow Foil RC (Topps Chrome) – At 6-foot-7, the tallest player in baseball, Pirates super-prospect Oneil Cruz made a splash with handful of prodigious home runs during his late season call up. While raw, his gigantic frame and incredible power tools alone tantalize. His scarce Topps Chrome rainbow foil rookie parallel skyrocketed past $500 after dominating the Arizona Fall League. Cruz’s upside could make this one of the biggest riser cards from 2022 series 1.
Tarik Skubal Blue Refractor Auto /99 (Topps Chrome) – Outside the top rookie RCs, one of the hardest pulls from 2022 Topps Chrome was Tigers breakout lefty Tarik Skubal’s ultra-short printed blue refractor auto numbered to just 99 copies. Skubal emerged as Detroit’s ace in 2022 and was rewarded with his first All-Star appearance. With less than 50 raw copies believed in circulation, Skubal’s chrome autos trade in the $300-400 range with most copies still in need of grading.
Alek Manoah Rainbow Foil Auto /50 (Topps Chrome) – Following a stellar rookie campaign that propelled him to an All-Star nod and playoff experience as Toronto’s ace, Alek Manoah proved himself worthy of top prospect status. His Topps Chrome rainbow foil auto numbered to just 50 copies were a white whale for Jays fans and prove an anchor in any PC. Near mint versions trade around $600, while a PSA 10 could easily clear $1,000.
Gavin Lux Gold Refractor Auto (Topps Chrome) – After an up-and-down first few seasons, Dodger utility man Gavin Lux broke out with a near .300 batting average and solid power numbers in 2022, proving his prospect lore. Collectors rewarded his Topps Chrome gold refractor auto from this series, with PSA 9’s settling around $300 thanks to Lux’s upside and LA’s massive fanbase.
Spencer Strider Red Refractor Auto /99 (Topps Chrome) – While rookie sensation for the Braves, flamethrower Spencer Strider remained relatively off the radar for casual fans until his electrifying late season dominance. Still, his Topps Chrome red refractor auto numbered to 99 was coveted by Atlanta collectors who believed in his untapped potential. Now, following his dominance in the playoffs, even PSA 9 copies of this scarce parallel auto sell for $500+.
Jose Miranda Orange Refractor Auto /150 (Topps Chrome) – Twins breakout rookie first baseman Jose Miranda gave Minnesota fans hope for the future with his potent lefty bat. Collectors rewarded his Topps Chrome orange refractor auto limited to 150 copies upon release. While struggling in 2H of 2022, Miranda’s tools still entice, keeping his popular auto around the $250 mark at PSA 9.
Max Muncy Gold Refractor Auto /50 (Topps Chrome) – The heart and soul of the Dodgers for years, veteran slugger Max Muncy’s production dipped in 2022 due to injuries, but the goodwill he’s built up with LA fans remains strong. With Topps Chrome autos scarce, his golden refractor parallel numbered to just 50 pulled fervent bidding. Near mint versions continue selling in the $400-500 range while graded gem copies could top $1,000 long term.
While series 1 is usually the most accessible flagship set of the year in terms of cost per pack, several rookie RCs and short printed parallels quickly appreciated off the backs of breakout campaigns from Rodriguez, Witt, Greene and more. Autographs from rising stars like Miranda and Strider also saw fast increases on the secondary market. With top rookies like Rutschman still unproven but oozing potential, series 1 from 2022 offers an opportunity to own the formative cardboard of future Hall of Famers for reasonable prices before they skyrocket.
