The 2022 Topps baseball card set is set to hit shelves soon, and collectors are already eagerly anticipating which cards could prove valuable in the years to come. While it’s impossible to predict the future, here are some key Topps baseball cards from the upcoming release that collectors may want to keep an eye out for based on player performance, parallels, rookie cards, and more.
Shohei Ohtani cards: The reigning AL MVP had an unprecedentedly incredible season in 2021 that cemented his status as one of the game’s biggest stars. His base Topps cards from 2022 are almost guaranteed to hold value given his unique two-way playing abilities and marketability. Collector’s may want to target parallel and short-printed versions of his cards in particular. Many predict Ohtani has potential to become the face of baseball and any cards featuring him early in his career will be highly sought after long term.
Rookie cards of top prospects: Every year, collectors look to snatch up the rookie cards of players expected to breakout. Some names to watch for in 2022 include catcher Adley Rutschman (Orioles), shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals), and pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles). While performance ultimately determines value, their talented prospects make their rookies compelling targets. In particular, short-printed parallels could gain value quickly if any of these rookies blossom into stars as expected.
Juan Soto rainbow foil cards: The Nationals superstar is already establishing himself as a generational talent at just 23 years old. His 2022 Topps base card is sure to attract attention. But collectors may want to pursue high-end rainbow foil parallels, which feature dazzling colorful backgrounds. These limited print run cards of the game’s brightest young stars often spike in value faster. As Soto’s career progresses, any uber-rare versions of his rookie cards will hold tremendous long term appeal.
Debut cards of high profile signings: Every year there’s excitement surrounding the first baseball cards featuring big name free agents with their new teams. In 2022, eyes will be on cards showing Kris Bryant (Rockies), Corey Seager (Rangers), Marcus Semien (Rangers), Max Scherzer (Mets), and others in their new uniforms. While they may not end up being particularly rare, the debut aspects give these cards appeal to both team and player collectors.
Parallel jersey or autographed cards of emerging stars: Players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., Wander Franco, and others who are just starting to establish themselves as franchise cornerstones may have parallels and autographs that stand out. Parallel cards that feature on-card jersey swatches or game-used memorabilia hold inherent collector interest. And low-numbered autographs of current young talent could garner long term returns if their careers pan out as expected.
Golden Anniversary parallel sets: In 2022, Topps will produce special Golden Anniversary parallel sets to commemorate their iconic brand reaching the significant milestone of producing cards for 50 years. These parallel sets featuring players across the sport are sure to attract premiums given their commemorative nature. Within the sets, specific cards of star players may catch the eyes of collectors.
Top rookie card of winning Cy Young or MVP: It’s impossible to predict breakthrough seasons, but the rookie card of a player who unexpectedly wins Cy Young or MVP honors in their first or second year tends to gain immensely in value. Candidates like Cardinals pitcher Matthew Liberatore or Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez have talent to potentially make a major impact right away. Their rookies may become surprise valuables if they emerge as award winners or stars sooner than expected.
Short prints and error cards: As with any set release, short printed base cards and manufacturing errors tend to attract attention from error collectors. Specific players featured on such rare variations could see values spike depending on factors like the player’s profile and parallel specifics. Veterans like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, and others also pull interest for interesting error variations early in the card’s life cycle.
While the future is uncertain, by targeting cards of burgeoning stars, emerging rookies, potential award winners, parallels and variations, collectors can put themselves in a position to profit if some 2022 Topps cards appreciate based on player performance or collecting trends. Of course, it also takes a bit of luck to end up with the exact card that catches fire. But focusing on the players, teams and parallel types outlined above provides collectors informed guidance on what to pursue from the upcoming baseball release.
The 2022 season shapes up to be another exciting one on the diamond. And if history is any guide, Dansby Swanson, Juan Soto, Mike Trout and other top players from this year’s Topps series could end up as prized vintage pieces cherished by collectors for decades to come. With rookies like Adley Rutschman and Bobby Witt Jr. just beginning their careers, along with superstars Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr. entertaining fans, the 2022 issue seems poised to produce enduringly valuable cardboard long after the current campaign is in the books. Card collectors anticipating the set can target the above players, variations and circumstances to try and snag cards that appreciate based on on-field events or the passage of time.
