The 2022 Topps baseball card set featured several young superstars and veteran legends that have produced some of the most coveted and valuable rookie cards and parallels on the modern trading card market. While prices can fluctuate daily based on recent performance and popularity, here are some of the top cards that have commanded the highest prices to date:
The undisputed number one card is the prized autograph rookie card of Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani. As one of the most unique two-way talents in baseball history as both an elite pitcher and hitter, Ohtani’s autographed rookie from the 2022 Topps Series 1 release is highly sought after by collectors. Premium autographed versions with a 10 franchise grade have sold for over $10,000, while PSA/BGS gem mint 10 examples without an auto have still brought prices of $3,000-5,000 due to his unprecedented dual talents and status as the current AL MVP.
Another exciting rookie at the top is Kansas City Royals catcher MJ Melendez. While he didn’t make his MLB debut until later in 2022, Melendez had a breakout season that showcase his power potential. Low numbered parallels and on-card autographs of his 2022 Topps Series 1 rookie have sold for $800-1,500, with PSA/BGS 10 examples reaching $400-600 due to hype around his future all-star upside.
Veteran superstars still carry high values as well. A prized pull is any 1/1 parallel of superstar Fernando Tatis Jr, which have sold for $1,500-3,000 despite his injury issues in 2022. The complete rainbow foil parallel set of his flagship rookie from Topps Series 1 has also topped $1000 due to his excitement as one of baseball’s biggest stars. For seasoned veterans, any Mike Trout inclusion like a 1/1 parallel or printing plate can reach $1,000-2,000 due to his decade of dominance and iconic status in the hobby.
Rookies of highly touted prospects like Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles and Druw Jones of the Atlanta Braves also command $300-600 for raw PSA 10 copies or $500-1,000 for autographed versions due to excitement over their elite tools and prospect pedigree coming into their first MLB seasons in 2023. Henderson in particular saw a bump after a stellar September cup of coffee.
Another factor that influences value is short prints, which complete high-end rainbow parallel sets. Rare SP variants of the flagship Ohtani, Tatis Jr or Trout rookies in PSA 10 can reach $750-1,500 each due to their elusive pops. In 2022, the most valuable short prints centered around rookies like catcher Adrian Del Castillo ($400-800 PSA 10), outfielder Chase Davis ($300-600 PSA 10) and pitcher Ryan Cusick ($250-500 PSA 10).
Overall production numbers also play a role – the lowest printed parallels command top dollar. Some examples include the prized Ohtani printing plate autographs (>$5,000 PSA 10), Tatis Jr Gold /2021 parallel (#’d to 2021 copies, $800-1500 PSA 10), or Trout refractor parallel (#’d to less than 10 copies, $1,000+ PSA 10). Numbered parallels like Silver Packs (#’d to 69 copies)fetch $300-600 in top grades of stars like Trout, Tatis Jr.
In terms of team sets, complete Rainbow Foil Variation set that features all 30 teams in PSA 10 can reach $1500-2500 due to rarity, while single cards of the popular Dodgers, Yankees or Mets in PSA 10 routinely sell for $150-300 due to larger fanbases.
While the volatile trading card market will see fluctuations, the rookie cards of generational talents like Ohtani and promising young prospects, as well as parallels and autographs of proven stars like Trout, Tatis Jr. and Soto will likely remain among the most coveted and valuable 2022 Topps baseball cards for years to come due to their on-field production and mystique in the hobby. Condition and serial numbers also play a key role in the long-term preservation of value.
