Topps has been the iconic brand that baseball card collectors turn to each year for the latest rookie cards, star players, and annual baseball card releases. As baseball ramps back up in 2022 after a full season in 2021 following COVID-19 interruptions, collectors and fans are anxious to see what Topps has in store for the new year of collecting.
While Topps does not give out specific release dates months in advance, there are some clues collectors can use to estimate when their favorite 2022 baseball card products may arrive. Based on historical release timelines and information from Topps itself, here is a breakdown of the expected major 2022 Topps baseball card release windows:
Flagship Series 1 – Late February/Early March
The traditional first series of Topps flagship is usually the first major baseball card release each year from the brand. This presents the first chance to acquire rookie cards and update cards for the upcoming MLB season. In recent years like 2021 and 2020, Series 1 has arrived with pack and boxes on shelves by the first week of March at the latest. Expect a similar late February/early March window for the 2022 Series 1 release.
Flagship Series 2 – Late April/Early May
Following Series 1 by about 6 weeks, Topps flagship Series 2 historically arrives in late April or early May once the MLB regular season is underway. This second series offers more player photography and stats from the first month or so of games. Last year Series 2 hit in early May, so 2022 may see a similar late April/early May timeframe.
Allen & Ginter – Mid-June
A perennial fan favorite set, Topps Allen & Ginter is known for its oddball non-sports relic and autograph parallels along with a retro design style. It has been released in mid-June in recent years as a summer treat for collectors. 2022 will likely continue this mid-June release window for A&G’s curiosities and curios.
Topps Chrome – Late July/Early August
Considered the ‘chase’ set each year, Topps Chrome is the premium flagship release complete with flashy chrome-like parallel refractors and autographs of stars. Its late summer release falls around the MLB All-Star break, making it an ideal gift for the holiday. 2021 Chrome landed the first week of August, so a similar late July/early August 2022 drop can be predicted.
Stadium Club – September/October
A high-end photography-focused set, Topps Stadium Club packs some of the crispest images of the year. It arrives as the regular season winds down and the playoffs heat up. The 2021 edition was out in late September, so the autumn release period of September/October will likely host the 2022 Stadium Club as well.
Playoff/World Series – October/November
n the home stretch of the year, Topps releases special playoff-focused and World Series retrospective products allowing fans to relive the recent postseason action. Insert cards highlight top performers while parallels chase big autographs. These late-season releases tend to land throughout October and November as the playoff drama unfolds.
Bowman – Early 2023
Topps’ premier prospect set, Bowman, has shifted release dates in recent years but still primarily comes out early the following year. While 2021 Bowman arrived unusually late in January 2022, the brand still used the early 2023 window to kick off its annual cycle once more. With the 2022 MLB season now complete, look for Topps Bowman 2023 to emerge first thing in the new year.
These projected windows are informed estimates based on Topps’ established release patterns, but specific dates could still vary some within each given timeframe. Additionally, Topps may continue experimenting with new product releases that further shift the overall calendar. This breakdown outlines the general expected flow of major new 2022 Topps baseball card releases across the year based on previous years as a helpful guide for collectors to watch for their next chase. With Opening Day right around the corner, the baseball card year is ready to start anew with those exciting initial Series 1 packs likely dropping before the end of February.
