The 2022 Topps Chrome Baseball card set was released in late August/early September and has proven to be another highly sought after release from Topps. As the flagship Chrome set each year, it offers refractor and blue parallel versions of the base Topps cards in a shiny Chrome finish. While still early in the product cycle, here is an overview of some of the top rookie cards and parallels from the 2022 Topps Chrome set that are gaining value in the trading card marketplace.
One of the biggest names and cards from the 2022 Topps Chrome set is Grayson Rodriguez. The Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher prospect had a breakout season, reaching Triple-A at age 22, and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. His base Topps Chrome card is steadily climbing in price, with PSA 10 gem mint examples now selling in the $100-150 range on eBay. This is up significantly from initial release price guidelines in the $20-30 range. Rodriguez also has several valuable parallel options, with his /499 green refractor among the most coveted. Graded PSA 10 green refractors have sold for $400-650 based on recent eBay closed auction data.
Another elite pitching prospect finding early value is San Diego Padres left-hander MacKenzie Gore. Once considered the top pitching prospect in baseball, injuries slowed his rise but he finished strong heading into 2023. His base Topps Chrome card demand remains high, with PSA 10s around $75-125. Gore’s prized parallel is the /299 peach refractors, with a single PSA 10 recently selling for an impressive $900. Orlando Arcia is a breakout brewing star for the Atlanta Braves who hit .273 in 2022 after being acquired from Milwaukee. His Topps Chrome rookie card holds steady around $50-75 graded gem mint.
Beyond rookies, some veterans are gaining added interest in Topps Chrome too. Reigning NL MVP and Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts remains one of the most popular modern players. His /50 blue refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Chrome sold for $850 in a PSA 10 slab. Mike Trout remains the golden boy and highest valued card in the hobby. Even base Topps Chrome Trout rookies from 2009-2011 are selling for $150-300 each in PSA 10 condition on the secondary market.
Topps Chrome remains one of the premier brands for parallel short prints and rare refractors as well. Some examples already becoming highly valuable include Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez’ /99 aqua refractor at $650 PSA 10, and Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman’s /99 orange refractor near $400 PSA 10. Reds 2B Jonathan India and Guardians OF Steven Kwan also have desirable /99 aqua and orange refractors respectively around the $150-300 PSA 10 range based on recent sales.
Looking ahead to possible long term risers from 2022 Topps Chrome, a few names to watch include rookie sluggers Oneil Cruz (Pirates), Bobby Witt Jr. (Royals) and Spencer Strider (Braves). While their base rookies have dipped below initial release values closer to $20 PSA 10, their short printed parallels like /499 and /150 could appreciate nicely with continued big league success. Likewise, breakouts like Reds 3B Brandon Drury, Rockies OF Kris Bryant and Tigers reliever Gregory Soto have /50 and /25 parallels that may gain buyers over the years.
While still early, the 2022 Topps Chrome set is following the typical hobby trends of rookie cards and stars appreciating the most. With its iconic shiny Chrome design and always sparse parallels, the flagship release remains a premiere modern sports card product. Savvy investors are targeting top prospects like Rodriguez and Gore, as well as short prints of big names like Betts and Trout. With strong on-field performances, certain 2022 rookies like Cruz, Witt and Strider also offer longshot appreciation potential down the road. As one of the final flagship releases before the Major League Baseball lockout, the 2022 Topps Chrome set will remain a collectors favorite for years to come.
