The 2022 Topps Baseball Update Series was released in late August/early September and provided baseball card collectors the first chance to add new rookie cards and updated stats/information for players from the 2022 MLB season. As with every annual Topps Update release, there were plenty of exciting rookie and star player cards inserted throughout packs and boxes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards collectors were eager to pull from the 2022 Topps Update Series.
Among the most sought after rookie cards in the set were those of elite prospects who made their MLB debuts in 2022. Two of the top rookie pitching prospects barreled through minor league systems and quickly found success in the majors – Tampa Bay Rays righty Shane Baz and Los Angeles Angels lefty Reid Detmers. Baz’s rookie card shows him windmilling a pitch with a bright future ahead. As one of the final prospects to graduate from the vaunted Tampa Bay farm system, Baz brings electric stuff and promise of ace potential. Detmers also brought elite pitching prospects to the show in 2022 with a magnificent mustache and crafty repertoire. His card features a close up of the Angels lefty on the mound, capturing the attention of collectors.
Another major league debut that had collectors hunting packs was that of Seattle Mariners centerfielder Julio Rodriguez. As the best prospect in baseball entering the season by many accounts, Rodriguez did not disappoint with impressive power and Gold Glove caliber defense. His Topps Update Series rookie card pictured him rounding the bases after one of his early season home runs – an explosive moment that symbolized his rookie campaign. Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan also had an outstanding debut season that vaulted him into the American League Rookie of the Year discussion. Kwan’s card shows him laying out for an impressive diving catch to remind collectors of his elite contact and defensive skills.
Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani continued to tantalize and excite baseball fans with another unicorn season for the Los Angeles Angels in 2022. Topps highlighted Ohtani’s dual talents on the mound and at the plate with a card showing him mid-swing at home plate on one side, and mid-windup on the mound on the other – capturing both facets of his unique skillset. Speaking of unique talents, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt had an incredible resurgent season that saw him return to the top of MVP discussions. Goldschmidt’s card depicted him rounding third base with an intense, focused expression that exemplified his elite all-around season.
Rookies and breakout talents weren’t the only storylines for collectors though – established superstars delivered again as well. Two-time NL MVP and Los Angeles Dodgers ace Max Scherzer continued to dominate on the mound despite being traded mid-season, with his card capturing him in the follow through of a 100mph heater. Fellow Cy Young winners and aces Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros and Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins also had standout seasons that were highlighted on their Topps Update cards as well. The long awaited home run chase between New York Yankees counterpart Aaron Judge and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt also saw Topps highlight both sluggers. Judge’s mammoth 62 home run season and new AL record was celebrated perfectly on his record-setting card.
Veteran stars changing teams were also featured, such as Nolan Arenado thriving in his second season with the St. Louis Cardinals after being traded from Colorado. Arenado’s defense-first mindset that has helped stabilize the Cards lineup was on full display on his throwing motion card. Similarly, Xander Bogaerts impressed in his first year with the San Diego Padres after leaving Boston, and his contact-oriented hitting approach was summed up on a base hit card. Shohei Ohtani once again dominated on the mound and at the plate, continuing to amaze as a true two-way force. His Update card featured him pitching on one side and batting on the other.
Topps also ensured to include popular parallels and inserts throughout the Update Series product line. The ever-popular Topps Chrome parallels that include refractor, negative, and other refractors were present alongside base Update cards. Veteran stars on the move like Juan Soto following his trade from Washington to San Diego saw prized rookie cards released in Topps Chrome as well. Autograph and memorabilia cards of stars like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Ronald Acuña Jr., and more also gave collectors premium hits to chase. Insert sets like Topps’ “This Day In Baseball History” and “Stars Of MLB” provided contextual snapshots too.
Whether focused on superstar veterans, exciting rookies, or celebrated franchise milestones – Topps captured the narrative of the 2022 MLB season through photography and storytelling on the cards within the Update Series. With so many valuable and fun cards spanning from rookies to veterans, it’s easy to see why the release was highly anticipated. Collectors enjoyed re-living the season’s top moments and moments while scouring packs for favorites. The 2022 Topps Update Series succeeded in commemorating a memorable year of baseball through memorable cardboard that will be prized in collections for years to come. Thanks to standout photography, parallels, and inserts – this year’s Update provided the perfect wrap-up to a great season.
