The Top Rookies to Watch For in 2022

As collectors, the legends and those who have already made a name for themselves in our favorite sports already hold a special place in our hearts. Finding any one of these cards can be an exciting moment. But a true collector is always looking to expand their collection with up-and-coming players that might make a massive splash later in their careers. 

Are you trying to determine who you should be looking for when you’re buying new hobby boxes or cases? If so, let’s take a look at some top rookies to watch for in 2022 as you expand your collection!

Top Baseball 2022 Rookies to Keep Your Eye Out for

Finding the right rookie cards can be a home run, especially when players have had a stellar season in 2021 in the minor leagues and are expected to continue blazing a trail ahead and becoming one of the greats over time. But what are the top rookies and prospects that you should be looking out for when you work on expanding your collection in 2022? A few players that should be on your radar to collect their cards this year include: 

  • Wander Franco is without a doubt the top rookie to look out for in 2022. This generational talent is a true 5 tool player and made it on base in 43 consecutive games in his partial season in MLB in 2021. Franco is only 21 years old and it looks like the sky's the limit for the Rays shortstop.
  • Julio Rodriguez is another young stud who has a ton of talent and is really fun to watch. Keep an eye out for this Mariners outfielder, who is bound to be a future All-Star and is one of the fastest players in the game.
  • Seiya Suzuki was signed by the Chicago Cubs last year and was a superstar in the Japan Central League, before making his way to the majors. Suzuki brings global appeal and is one of the early favorites to win the NL Rookie Of The Year 

Top Rookies in Basketball to Track in 2022

As a collector and a sports fan, you might find yourself looking to diversify your collection with a wide range of sports cards (or you may simply prefer Panini basketball cards over baseball cards). If you’re looking for high-value basketball rookies to collect this year, here are a few to look out for in your hobby boxes and cases for the 2021/22 season. 

  • Scottie Barnes has stood out by performing well all across the court and proving his skills on the Raptors so much so that he was recently named as the Rookie Of The Year for 2021/22.
  • Evan Mobley is an absolute beast with a very high ceiling, playing on the up-and-coming Cleveland Cavaliers. 
  • Cade Cunningham was the #1 pick in the NBA draft last year for a reason - he had a good rookie season and will undoubtedly look to improve on his first taste of coffee in the NBA and should be an All-Star for many years to come.

2022 Top Rookies in Football

Another year brings a slew of potential, and there are plenty of football players that you should not only pay attention to on the field but in your cards as well. Here are a few 2022 rookies to watch for as you build your football collection

  • Kenny Pickett is the new face of the Steelers. Let’s face it - the hobby loves quarterbacks and Kenny Pickett was the first QB off the board in the 2022 draft. Having a chance to start in 2022 with Big Ben gone in Pittsburgh will provide Pickett with plenty of opportunities to impress.
  • Drake London should be a difference-maker right out of the gates for the Atlanta Falcons. London was the first skill position player selected in the draft, and the Falcons are thin at WR. In addition, they will likely be playing from behind in many games this year with lots of 2nd half passes being thrown, so London should see plenty of targets to put up some big numbers in his rookie year.
  • Garrett Wilson is another big-name WR who should also see lots of targets - especially in the 2nd half - as the Jets also should be playing from behind in many games this year. Wilson was an absolute stud at Ohio State, averaging over one receiving touchdown per game for the Buckeyes in 2021. 

Newest Releases at the Lowest Prices 

No matter which top rookies you want in your collection, you can only find them by investing in high-quality hobby boxes and cases. Here at Giant Sports Cards, we make it easy to find the hottest releases at the lowest prices, offering benefits like great customer service, free and fast shipping on orders over $175, and even $10 off of your order when you sign up for our newsletter. Discover new sports cards and acquire all the rookies you love by shopping with us today!