Chasing J-Rod RCs and More
In 2017, the Mariners signed a 16-year-old from Loma De Cabrera, Dominican Republic, named Julio Yarnel Rodriguez. The slugger affectionately known as “J-Rod” landed in the Emerald City, laced up his cleats, and followed in the gigantic footsteps of Seattle greats Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Felix Hernandez, continuing the M’s legacy of snatching up prime-time prospects with infectious smiles and the skills to pay the bills. As a rookie in 2022, Rodriguez became the youngest first-year outfielder (21) to draw All-Star honors since Joe DiMaggio, the first player to hit 25 homers and swipe 25 bags in his debut season, and the AL Silver Slugger Award winner. He also hit 81 bombs during the 2022 Home Run Derby. Let’s explore and check out some of the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year’s coolest RCs and more.
In addition to dope J-Rod cards, we’re so excited to present Julio Rodriquez’s curated set, 2023 Topps x J-Rod: The Show Out Collection, available in August 2023.
2022 MLB TOPPS NOW® RC #17 Julio Rodriguez
In a pivotal moment on April 9, 2022, the Seattle Mariners were trailing by one run in the top of the 9th inning against the Minnesota Twins. Then, a 21-year-old sensation known as “J-Rod” stepped up to the plate, ready to make his mark. With a 2-2 count, J-Rod unleashed his power, sending a scorching hit toward left-center field. What would have been a routine single turned into a thrilling double as he hustled around the bases. The hit ignited a fiery rally, leading the Mariners to a 4-3 victory. Recognizing the significance of this moment, Topps swiftly immortalized it with the 2022 MLB TOPPS NOW® Rookie Card. Welcome to the wonderful world of J-Rod RCs.
2022 Topps Game Within the Game RC #8 Julio Rodriguez
Several of the original Julio Rodriguez Rookie Cards were online exclusives. That includes the 2022 Topps Game Within the Game RC #8 Julio Rodriguez. Shoutout to Paul Jennis on the artwork. He nailed the assignment.
2022 Topps Finest Flashbacks RC #60 Julio Rodriguez
Topps brought it back to ’95 for the 2022 Topps Finest Flashbacks RC #60 Julio Rodriguez. As a 90s baby, the design of this Julio Rodriguez RC reminds me of when neighborhood kids would go from house to house, eagerly trading cards with whoever else on the block had a collection. There wasn’t a care in the world: just us, trading cards, and a cold glass of juice inside one of the homies’ homes. Special days. Glad collecting trading cards is still a sport all ages can enjoy.
2022 Topps Definitive Collection Autographs #’d /50 Julio Rodriguez
The 2022 Topps Definitive Collection Auto is a true gem in the J-Rod Rookie Card collection, boasting high-end quality and immense market value. With only 50 numbered copies available, along with three additional parallels, there are a mere 86 of these highly sought-after cards in circulation. If luck is on your side and you manage to secure one of these elusive cards, it might just be an investment worth considering.
2019 Bowman Baseball Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-JRO Julio Rodriguez
The 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto #CPA-JRO Julio Rodriguez may not bear the RC logo. However, it is his 1st Bowman autographed card – his first auto in an MLB uniform – and the belle of the ball when talking Julio Rodriguez cards. To land this card, you had to invest in 2019 Bowman Baseball. It’s the Illmatic in the Julio Rodriguez trading card family.
2022 Topps Series 2 1987 Topps Baseball Auto #87 Julio Rodriguez
The 2022 Topps Series 2 1987 Topps Baseball Auto #87BA-JRO holds the coveted distinction of being the first-ever Julio Rodriguez autograph card available in packs. It’s a collector grail Julio Rodriguez RC. Inspired by the iconic 1987 Topps set, the card’s design adds to the allure and nostalgia surrounding this J-Rod RC. By purchasing the 2022 Topps Series 2, fans had a shot at owning this RC and celebrating 35 years of Topps Series 2 excellence.
Topps MLB® Living Set® #515 Julio Rodriguez
In 2018, while Drake’s “God’s Plan” dominated the airwaves, Topps followed its own divine plan with the launch of Topps MLB® Living Set®. This online-exclusive release paid homage to the iconic 1953 design with a modern twist. Fast forward to 2022, and the talented Jared Kelley blessed us with the Living Set® Julio Rodriguez RC masterpiece. Like Drake’s infectious hit, this card radiates pure positivity and captures the essence of the young “J-Rod” with a smile as bright as his chain. It’s a wholesome gem that’ll have collectors nodding along and feeling the good vibes.
2022 Topps Series 2 Short Print Variations #659 Julio Rodriguez
The anticipation was pop-fly high for the first Julio Rodriguez card in a Topps flagship line, and collectors couldn’t wait to get their hands on it. But here’s the twist: it’s not your typical base card – it’s a hidden gem. The Short Print Variation was nestled within the 2022 Topps Series 2 packs. Many expected J-Rod to be a part of the base set – a la fellow phenom Fernando Tatis Jr. – but Topps knew how to keep us on our toes. They reserved the J-Rod base RC for 2022 Topps Update Series Baseball, where Rodriguez made his grand entrance.
2022 Topps Museum Collection #65 Julio Rodriguez
The 2022 Topps Museum Collection Julio Rodriguez #65 Rookie Card welcomes collectors into the VIP room. It’s a premium option with a few parallels and autos. Think of it like the Cactus Jack of Julio Rodriguez RCs.
2022 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Brooklyn Back Hand #’d /25 Julio Rodriguez
Allen & Ginter did its spin on a Julio Rodriguez Rookie Card with the 2022 Topps Allen & Ginter Mini Brooklyn Back hand-numbered to 25. As Colin Quinn said, sometimes it’s good “Goin’ Back to Brooklyn.”
