The 2022 New York Yankees had a historic season, finishing with a record of 99-63 and making it to the American League Championship Series. Their success has translated to a strong crop of baseball cards being released for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top Yankees cards to look out for from sets released in 2022.
Aaron Judge undoubtedly had the biggest year of any Yankee, crushing an AL record 62 home runs to capture the Triple Crown. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards from 2012 Bowman Sterling and 2013 Topps have skyrocketed in value. But collectors are also chasing his many incredible inserts and parallels from 2022 releases, featuring his home run feats. Some of the most coveted include his 1-of-1 and low-numbered parallels from Inception, Finest, Sterling, and Allen & Ginter.
Gleyber Torres also had a career season, hitting 24 home runs while providing stellar defense at multiple infield positions. His 2018 Topps Update rookie card remains a staple in collections. But collectors are also clamoring for his 2022 Chrome refractors and parallels, which feature him having his best season since breaking into the majors as a highly-touted prospect years ago.
Gerrit Cole remained dominant atop the Yankees rotation despite some injury issues. His 2018 Topps Update rookie card is a favorite of collectors, showcasing him in an Astros uniform before his mega free agent deal with New York. For Cole cards from this season, the standouts include his green /150 and red /10 parallels from Stadium Club, capturing one of the game’s most talented pitchers.
Anthony Rizzo proved to be a terrific midseason acquisition, providing left-handed power and solid defense at first base throughout the second half. Collectors are seeking out his 2016 Topps Update and Bowman Chrome rookie cards at the moment. For Rizzo cards issued this year, the top picks include his auto and memorabilia cards from products like GQ and Racing Froms of SP.
Rookies like Oswaldo Cabrera played meaningful roles down the stretch and in the postseason. His prominent playing time has collectors excited about getting all of his acclaimed 2022 Topps Chrome rookie variations like paper, orange refractor, and autograph before they potentially appreciate in value like the rookie cards of past prospect-turned-Yankees like Clint Frazier or Aaron Hicks.
Beyond the big names, collectors are also seeking out cards of breakout pitchers like Nestor Cortes Jr., rookies like Oswald Peraza, and even depth pieces like Jose Trevino, who provided invaluable defense behind the plate. Their impressive 2022 seasons have collectors hunting parallels and serial numbered inserts from this year’s releases before the players potentially rise even higher on the Yankees depth chart in the future.
The thrill of the Yankees’ deep playoff run will stick with fans for a long time. For collectors, 2022 Topps Update and Topps Archives will surely include popular inserts and parallels of big Yankees moments and highlights from this season for fans to commemorate. Cards from high-end sets like Contenders, National Treasures and illustrious brands like Leaf will also capture the magic with prized 1/1 hits featuring swatches, autographs and memorabilia of stars like Judge, Cole and company.
Of course, the biggest Yankees cards each year remain the coveted rookie cards of any players that break into the majors. Fans are eagerly awaiting potential issues of top prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe, should they debut at some point in 2023 or beyond. Those that invest early in their Topps Chrome rookies could see huge payoffs down the line if the prospects reach their ceilings.
No matter the player, collectors will continue chasing Yankees cards for years to come from this special 2022 season that saw so many remarkable individual and team accomplishments. The cards issued this season provide a tangible way for Yankees fans to preserve the magic forever through America’s favorite hobby. With such a bright future ahead as well, there’s never been a better time than the present to build a New York Yankees baseball card collection.
