Summer 2022 is in full swing, and with approximately 45% of baseball’s regular season complete, I wanted to look at some players who I believe are worth watching as the year progresses.  Based on their performance through the first 70 games, the rookie cards for the players listed below could be solid value buys, especially if we continue to see downward pressure on prices in the sports card market.

Manny Machado

In 2019, Machado signed a massive 10-year deal with the Padres and struggled in his first two seasons with the club.  Last year he returned to playing at an All-Star level, and this year he is in the conversion for National League MVP.  With Fernando Tatis Jr. out until late June following surgery on his left wrist, Machado has carried the San Diego offense.  His wins above replacement total of 3.4 ranks fourth in all of baseball, and he is on pace to hit 30 home runs and tally over 100 runs batted in.  More important for long term collectors, is that with his resurgence in 2021 and 2022, Machado appears to be back on pace for the Hall of Fame.  Machado is still only 29, and only needs three more All-Star caliber seasons to have a legitimate case for induction.

Machado’s first Bowman Chrome card is from 2010.  A PSA 9 copy costs around $70.  Also, keep an eye on his 2012 Topps Chrome, which usually can be obtained for less than $60 in mint condition.

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