Topps has been the premier issuer of baseball cards for decades, historically releasing new sets each year to coincide with the MLB season. 2022 sees some significant updates and innovations from Topps on both the product front and how fans can collect in the digital card space.
For the flagship Topps Series 1 release, fans can expect the base design to remain similar to years past with photo variations of each player on different teams. The big change for 2022 is the inclusion of the league’s universal designated hitter rule now being permanent. This means AL and NL cards of the same player will have consistent photos and stats rather than different positions designated. It streamlines production and makes dual-league rosters more sensible for collectors.
In addition to Series 1, Topps is continuing to expand their higher-end insert sets with exciting new parallels and short prints. The Allen & Ginter X set returns after last year’s well-received debut with fun photo variations and retro styled designs. Also look for Topps Chrome and Finest packs which provide high-gloss images and autographs of the game’s top talents. The popular ToppsNOW program also expands with more on-demand cards produced to chronicle no-hitters, milestones and other timely moments from the season.
For the first time, Topps is integrating NFT technology with physical baseball cards in 2022. Their Topps NFT platform will allow collectors to redeem special digital versions of specific inserts, parallels and hit cards from Series 1 and other standard release packs. These corresponding NFTs can then be safely stored in a Topps-branded digital wallet and showcased online. Additionally, ToppsNFT exclusive releases are planned that are NFT-only without physical counterparts.
More experienced collectors may want to watch the higher end auctions from brands like Leaf and Bowman for their latest autograph and memorabilia cards of baseball’s brightest stars. Panini also produces popular international licenses and offers alternative styled products to the Topps flagship sets. The competitive market seems to drive more innovation across the board.
For players themselves, Topps has a dynamic new agreement with MLBPA to includes sales of exclusive digital trading cards and assets. Individual player NFTs are expected which could open up new revenue streams and fan engagement beyond the traditional Baseball card model. It will be fascinating to watch how this partnership evolves in the coming years.
Topps Digital keeps gaining ground as a must-have companion app for casual collectors. Features include a streamlined way to build virtual base sets, show off favorite cards and track personal collection stats. Team-specific bonus and challenges encourage continued gameplay. Topps also runs popular subscription services like Topps Archives and HIGH TEN allowing fans richer visuals sets of yesteryear players or exclusive inserts at lower per card costs.
Whether collecting physically, digitally or both – Topps looks to remain the sports card industry leader as mainstream popularity surges. In 50+ years of documenting MLB’s greatest moments, Topps continues to adapt their tried-and-true cardboard traditions for new generations. With expanded NFT and digital capabilities in 2022 alongside classic retro designs – Topps baseball cards maintain their place at the heart of baseball fandom culture. It should be an exciting season of collections and discoveries for dedicated hobbyists and casual enthusiasts alike.
