The 2022 baseball season is well underway, which means a new crop of rookie cards have entered the collectible market. While it’s nearly impossible to predict which young players will emerge as true superstars, certain 2022 rookie cards stand out as having significant long-term value potential. Investing in top rookie prospects provides an exciting way for collectors to potentially profit from a player’s successes down the road. With that in mind, here are some of the most valuable 2022 baseball cards to consider adding to your collection.
Perhaps the most coveted 2022 rookie card is that of Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners. Considered a true five-tool talent with extraordinary speed, defensive skills and raw power, Rodríguez is regarded by many evaluators as the best prospect in baseball. He’s off to a tremendous start in his MLB career as well, batting over .270 with multiple home runs through the season’s first month. Not surprisingly, his Topps Chrome Blue Refractor rookie card #151 has already reached the $300-$400 range and is expected to steadily increase in value if Rodríguez continues developing into the superstar many project. Any parallels or autographs of Rodríguez could be worth thousands in the years ahead.
Another touted rookie generating plenty of card buzz is Seiya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs. Signed out of Japan to a five-year, $85 million deal, Suzuki got off to a hot start at the plate and has impressed with his plate discipline and contact ability. While playing mostly left field, he’s considered an above-average all-around hitter. Suzuki’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor #125 is valued around $125 currently but has upside if he becomes an annual All-Star and cornerstone for the Cubs. His autographs and any 1/1 parallels would be true long-term keepsakes.
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals has all the skills and athleticism to be an annual MVP candidate in the years to come. Considered the top hitting prospect in baseball prior to the 2022 season, Witt got off to an electric start by slugging multiple home runs in his debut series. While he’s cooled off a bit since, most scouts still feel he has true 30-30 potential. Witt’s Heritage High Number rookie refractor #106 commands $75-$100 today and remains one of the crown jewel rookie cards from the 2022 Topps Series 1 set. Parallels could be worth thousands down the road if Witt realizes his vast potential.
Spencer Torkelson came into the 2022 season as the top ranked first base prospect in baseball after being taken number one overall by the Detroit Tigers in 2020. While he struggled initially in his MLB debut last season, Torkelson showed excellent plate discipline in the minors and is considered a true masher with the ability to hit for both power and average. He’s started to flash his immense talent more consistently this year. Torkelson’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor #97 holds a $50-$75 valuation currently but has major upside if he turns into the perennial All-Star many think he is capable of becoming.
One of the more promising American League rookie hurlers is George Kirby of the Seattle Mariners. Considered more of a sleeper entering the 2022 campaign, Kirby has opened eyes by consistently throwing in the mid-90s with his fastball while also showing a quality slider and changeup. In his first few MLB starts, he’s pitched effectively against good offensive lineups like the Houston Astros. As a future ace-caliber arm, Kirby’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor #200 will likely climb above its current $35-$50 valuation if he solidifies himself as Seattle’s number one starter.
Easily one of the flashiest defensive shortstops to debut this season is Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. At an astonishing 6-foot-7, Cruz dwarfs most players on the field but possesses impressive agility and closing speed for such a big man. While still developing at the plate, he has begun to tap into eye-popping raw power. Cruz’s Topps Chrome rookie refractor #125 carries a relatively low current value of $20-$30, presenting risk but immense potential reward if he figures it all out offensively and becomes a franchise cornerstone.
A couple of other notable rookie cards that could appreciate significantly given strong MLB performances include Reds 2B/OF Brandon Laird (Topps Chrome #162, $10-15), Twins OF Gilberto Celestino (Topps Chrome #117, $10), Diamondbacks OF Corbin Carroll (Topps Chrome #198, $15-20), and Rangers LHP Cole Winn (Topps Chrome #189, $10-15). All are high-upside talents who could make their respective rookie cards true steals in the coming years if they blossom into impact big leaguers.
The 2022 baseball season features no shortage of exciting rookie talent hitting card shelves. While results on the field will ultimately determine long-term values, select rookie cards from players like Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Seiya Suzuki and others profile as potential six-figure gems several years down the road if those players emerge as franchise cornerstones. For collectors with an eye on investment potential, selectively adding key 2022 rookies to a PC provides an engaging way to potentially profit from tomorrow’s stars today.
