Topps Chrome is one of the premier licensed baseball card brands released annually by Topps. The 2022 Topps Chrome baseball card set was released in July/August 2022 and contains a variety of parallels, inserts, rookie cards, and autographs of today’s biggest MLB stars. Let’s take a closer look at the 2022 Topps Chrome set, key cards collectors are targeting, and what certain cards may be worth.
The base 2022 Topps Chrome set contains 330 cards and features current MLB players from all 30 teams. The cards have a semi-gloss/refractors design that sets them apart visually compared to the standard base paper cards found in the annual Topps Series 1 & 2 releases. Each base card has decent value ranging from $1-5 depending on the player and condition. Rookie cards and stars of the game command higher values.
Some of the most valuable base cards in the 2022 Topps Chrome set include rookie cards of emerging young talents like Adley Rutschman, Griffin Jax, Jarren Duran, and Matthew Liberatore. These have already achieved values of $10-30 in PSA 10 Gem Mint condition which is likely to continue rising as their careers progress. Established stars Fernando Tatis Jr, Ronald Acuña Jr, Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Shohei Ohtani also have desirable base rookies valued $8-15 each.
Like previous years, Topps Chrome introduced several parallel and serial numbered insert variations that excite collectors. The main parallels included are the Prismatic Refractors (1:10), Platinum Prizms (1:36), Negative Refractors (1:72), and Refractors (1:144). More valuable are the Rainbow Foil short prints numbers to 99 copies each. The parallel cards feature similar designs to the base cards but with different colored foil or refractor patterns. These command premiums over the base cards, often 2x or more for the more scarce parallels.
An exciting rookie focused insert set in 2022 Topps Chrome is the “Chrome Prospects”. This features the top 50 prospects in baseball including significant talents like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr, Jeremy Pena and Spencer Torkelson. With values $10-30 each for top names, these inserts recognize the next wave of future stars. Other sought after serial numbered inserts include the “Stars of MLB” featuring current greats, “Chrome Legends” honoring legends of the game, along with “Chrome Origins” highlighting the professional origins of today’s impact players.
Perhaps the crown jewels of 2022 Topps Chrome are the autograph and memorabilia cards scattered throughout hobby boxes. On average, 1-2 autographs can be pulled per box but hits can include premier rookies and stars. Some examples of high value autograph possibilities include Adley Rutschman ($100-150), Bobby Witt Jr ($80-120), Julio Rodriguez ($150-200), Torkelson ($60-90) and more. Rare 1/1 printing plates signed by these talents could reach thousands. Holy grails would be rare Autos of superstars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr or Shohei Ohtani approaching $500-1000 depending on condition. Memorabilia cards fusing autographs with uniform swatches, bats or other pieces of history elevate values even greater.
While base 2022 Topps Chrome cards may be inexpensive, the insert cards, parallels and hits containing autographs make it a very collectible and investable modern set. Strong rookie classes featuring Rutschman, Rodriguez, Witt and others make it one of the most anticipated releases each year. With rising young stars and a stable of current greats, Topps Chrome cements itself as a premiere choice for players looking to build MLB collections with modern shiny cardboard. Graded Gem Mint 10 examples of the above mentioned key cards are strong long term investments.
In summary, 2022 Topps Chrome provides collectors and investors opportunities across all price ranges from $1 base cards to potential $1000 rare autographs. Stack boxes for diversity and target your favorites. Top rookies, stars and serial numbered inserts form the cornerstone of an exciting modern baseball collection. With colorful refractors and prospects to identify the next generation, Topps Chrome continues captivating collectors while bringing MLB cardboard to life through its innovative designs and exciting chase for hits. It’s no wonder 2022 Topps Chrome remains a flagship release highly anticipated each summer.
