If you were holding a Spencer Torkelson rookie card back in 2022, you probably felt like you had a winning lottery ticket. He was the number one overall pick. A college bat from Arizona State that was supposed to be "plug and play" for the Detroit Tigers. Then, the reality of Major League pitching hit. Hard. Torkelson's market became a rollercoaster of massive hype, deep despair, and now, in early 2026, a kind of calculated stability that is actually pretty refreshing for collectors who are tired of the "pump and dump" cycles.
Honestly, the guy has been maddeningly inconsistent. One year he's mashing 31 homers like he's the next Miguel Cabrera, and the next he’s getting sent down to Triple-A Toledo because his strikeout rate looks like a bowling score. But 2025 was a massive turning point. He avoided the "even-year slump" that plagued him early on, finishing with another 31-homer season and an improved .240 average. He’s 26 now. The prospect sheen is gone, replaced by the grit of a veteran first baseman who just signed a $4.075 million deal to stay in Detroit.
The Hierarchy of Torkelson Cards
Collectors often get confused between a "Prospect Card" and a "True Rookie Card." In the hobby, these are two very different beasts.
If you want the card that collectors value most long-term, you’re looking for the 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome. This features the "1st Bowman" logo. It’s not his rookie card by the technical MLB definition—that didn't come until 2022—but for the "investor" crowd, the 1st Bowman is the gold standard. A 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome Autograph (Orange Refractor /25) has seen price tags north of $7,000 in peak markets. Even a base Chrome Autograph can still command $1,800 to $2,200 if the grade is high enough.
Then you have the actual 2022 rookie cards.
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Key 2022 Rookie Releases
- 2022 Topps Series 2 #658: This is the basic flagship card. It’s cheap, it’s plentiful, and it’s the one most kids have in their shoeboxes. However, the Short Print (SP) variation—where he’s horizontal and running—is a legitimate monster. PSA 10 copies of the SP have recently hovered around the $30 range, but high-end parallels go much higher.
- 2022 Topps Chrome #151: The shiny version. This is where the Refractors live. It’s the "modern classic."
- 2022 Stadium Club #167: If you care about photography, this is the one. It looks beautiful. The Chrome parallels of this card are particularly popular because they don't have the massive print runs of the flagship Topps.
Why the Market is Different in 2026
The vibe around a Spencer Torkelson rookie card has shifted from "He's the savior" to "He's a reliable middle-of-the-order bat." That’s a huge distinction for your wallet. In 2022, you were paying for his ceiling. Now, you’re paying for his floor.
He’s no longer the "next big thing." He’s a guy who provides 30+ home run power in a lineup that finally looks competitive. When the Tigers made their postseason run in 2025, Torkelson's cards saw a 15-20% bump in volume. People weren't just speculatively buying; they were buying because he was actually producing in big moments, like that multi-double game against Cleveland in the playoffs.
Spotting the Rare Stuff
If you're hunting for value, stop looking at base cards. There are millions of them. Instead, look for the "Image Variations" and "Case Hits."
For example, the 2022 Topps Heritage Real One Autograph. Heritage uses the old-school cardboard stock and features on-card autographs. A PSA 10 of Torkelson’s Heritage auto is a "forever" card. It’s currently sitting around $200, which is actually a steal compared to where it was during the 2022 spring training hype.
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Another weirdly popular one is the 2022 Topps Cosmic Chrome. It’s a bit "out there" with the space theme, but the "Youth Invasion" inserts have a cult following. They aren't the most expensive, but they move fast on eBay.
What to Avoid
- Unlicensed cards: Panini and Leaf make beautiful cards, but because they don't have the MLB logos, the resale value is usually 30-50% lower than Topps/Bowman.
- Lower grades: A Spencer Torkelson rookie card in a PSA 8 is basically a paperweight. For modern cards, it’s PSA 10 or bust. The population counts are just too high for anything less to hold value.
- Mass-produced inserts: Just because it’s "shiny" doesn't mean it's rare. Cards like "Stars of MLB" are printed by the truckload.
The "Tork" Strategy for 2026
If you're looking to get into the Torkelson market now, the strategy is simple: Buy the dip on high-end 2020 Bowman Chrome.
His 1st Bowman is the card that will react most violently (in a good way) if he starts the 2026 season on a tear. He's currently healthy, his foot injury from the 2025 playoffs is a non-issue, and he's locked into the cleanup spot. The Tigers are actually good now, which means more eyeballs on his at-bats.
Look for 2020 Bowman Draft Chrome Refractors (numbered to 499) or Blue Refractors (numbered to 150). These are the "sweet spot" for collectors who have a bit of a budget but aren't looking to spend five figures on a single piece of cardboard.
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Actionable Steps for Collectors
Start by checking the Sold Listings on eBay, not the "Asking Price." People can ask $500 for a base card; it doesn't mean it's worth it. Filter by "Sold" to see that a PSA 10 base 2022 Topps Series 2 is actually moving for about $20-$25.
Next, focus on the low-population parallels. Instead of buying ten $10 cards, buy one $100 card that is numbered to /99 or less. In a world of mass production, scarcity is the only thing that protects your investment.
Finally, keep an eye on his strikeout-to-walk ratio in the first month of the 2026 season. If Torkelson keeps his walk rate above 11%, like he did in late 2025, his cards are going to climb. It shows he's matured as a hitter, and the hobby rewards maturity almost as much as it rewards home runs.