The 2022 USA Baseball Stars and Stripes set features some of the top American prospects and rising stars in all of baseball. The annual set spotlights the nation’s top talent with memorable rookie cards that are sure to become prized possessions for collectors. With 138 total cards split between Series 1 and Series 2 releases, the 2022 edition highlights several future MLB standouts just getting their careers underway. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable rookie cards and players featured in this year’s Stars and Stripes set.
Druw Jones, OF, Atlanta Braves (Series 2, #93) – As the second overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Jones became the highest drafted player in this year’s Stars and Stripes set. The son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw has five-tool talent and elite athleticism that could make him a perennial All-Star if he reaches his full potential. His first pro card is sure to be one of the set’s most sought-after rookies.
Termarr Johnson, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates (Series 1, #74) – Another top 2022 draft choice, Johnson possesses oozing potential with his left-handed power bat and athletic center field skills. Still just 19 years old, he slammed homers at a torrid pace in his pro debut season and could develop into a prototypical five-tool stud. His Stars and Stripes rookie card captures the excitement around his long-term outlook.
Brock Porter, RHP, Texas Rangers (Series 1, #45) – As the top high school arm taken in the 2022 draft, Porter draws inevitable comparisons to fellow prep flamethrower Jack Leiter. His mid-90s fastball and promising slider already dominate minor league hitters. This early card establishes Porter as one to watch as he begins his quest up the organizational ladder.
Elijah Green, OF, – Green was considered by many scouts to be the best all-around hitter and pure athlete in the entire 2022 draft class. His blend of exciting tools was simply too tantalizing for teams to pass up, as the Giants selected him 5th overall. At just 18 years old, Green’s upside is through the roof and this card serves as an early reminder of his limitless potential.
Jackson Holliday, SS, Baltimore Orioles (Series 2, #3) – As the clear-cut top high school position player available in 2022, Holliday lived up to the hype by becoming the first overall draft choice. The son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, Jackson makes phenomenal contact and has a knack for rising to the occasion in big moments. His dazzling debut card establishes him as the premier young shortstop in the sport.
Daniel Espino, RHP, Texas Rangers (Series 2, #29) – Despite Tommy John surgery costing him all of 2022, Espino still dazzled scouts in his brief pro debut post-surgery. His electric 100 mph four-seam fastball and 82-84 mph curveball gave hitters fits. Now fully recovered, the 2019 first-rounder looks primed for stardom as one of the game’s premium young arms.
Eury Perez, SS, Cincinnati Reds (Series 1, #56) – Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, Perez quickly showed why he was worth a $3 million bonus at just 16 years old. The ultra-toolsy infielder possesses 70-grade speed and developing offensive prowess from both sides of the plate. Still just 19, Perez could ascend prospect rankings in a hurry.
Jackson Ferris, LHP, Cleveland Guardians (Series 2, #88) – The competitive fire and diverse four-pitch mix that made Ferris a first-rounder in 2022 was on full display during his pro debut. Command still needs polish but his low-90s fastball and fading changeup gave hitters fits. This early card represents the potential ace upside scouts rave about.
Anthony Solometo, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Series 2, #34) – After undergoing Tommy John surgery in late 2021, the former competitive balance round A choice looks primed to remind why he was so highly regarded as an elite prep arm. His deceptive delivery masks an 88-93 mph heater and tight slider combo that could yield frontline results as he returns to full strength.
Micah Dallas, RHP, Los Angeles Dodgers (Series 2, #89) – A classic pitching factory product from the junior college ranks, Dallas saw his stock surge thanks to a mid-90s heater and knee-buckling curveball in his brief pro debut. His advanced pitchability and results point to him rising quickly as a potential impact mid-rotation starter or late-inning reliever.
Those represent some of the premier talents and rookie cards to watch for in the 2022 USA Baseball Stars and Stripes set. With players like Jones, Holliday, Green and more headlining the roster of prospects, this year’s edition figures to become one of the most coveted in the set’s history. Collectors would be wise to snatch up cards of these future stars while they can still be had at affordable prices. In just a few short years, cards like these could serve as valuable reminders of seeing today’s brightest young talents at the very beginning of their journeys through America’s pastime.
