What You Need To Know About The 2022 Topps Chrome MVP Buyback

November 27, 2022

Topps made waves in the sports card industry last week when they introduced the head-turning “2022 Topps Chrome MVP Buyback” program to celebrate the MVPs of the 2022 Major League Baseball season.

Shop eBay for Paul Goldschmidt #82 2022 Topps Chrome cards.

Shop ebay for Aaron Judge #99 2022 Topps Chrome cards

As part of the offer, Topps is giving collectors store credit for use in their local hobby shop when exchanging most Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt 2022 Topps Chrome cards.

And just how much Topps is awarding in-store credit may surprise you — up to $200 depending on the card, amounts that are quickly changing the value of these cards.

Collectors will be eligible to receive the following amounts in store credits when exchanging these cards:

  • Base Aaron Judge or Paul Goldschmidt: $20 in store credit
  • Refractor Judge or Goldschmidt: $40 in store credit
  • Numbered Judge or Goldschmidt cards over 100: $100 in store credit
  • Numbered Judge or Goldschmidt cards 99 or less: $200 in store credit

The offer applies to most parallels and will also be applicable to Sonic and Logofractor versions. The offer does not apply for numbered cards of /5 or /1, however, those cards are worth more on the open market. For a full list of eligible cards, check here

The deal went into effect November 26th and runs through March of next year.

Since the promotion was launched, there was been incredible excitement among baseball card collectors. Given the uniqueness and “too good to be true” nature of the offer, there are many questions that collectors are asking about the program.

Topps Chrome 2022 buyback program Frequently asked questions

How do I participate in the 2022 Topps Chrome buyback program?

If you have a qualified card of either Aaron Judge or Paul Goldschmidt, you may bring the card to participating card shops and exchange them for store credit.

When does the Topps Chrome 2022 Buyback program run?

The Topps Chrome 2022 buyback program runs from November 26th through March 31st, 2023.

Is there a limit to the number of cards you can exchange?

There is no official limit, according to Topps. However, your local hobby shop can use their own discretion on how many cards they wish to buy back.

Do the cards need to be in a certain condition to be exchanged?

There is no specific requirement on condition except that the cards must be in one piece, not ripped or altered.

What cards does the 2022 Topps Chrome buyback program apply to?

The 2022 Topps Chrome buyback program is applicable to the main base and parallel cards of Aaron Judge (#99) and Paul Goldschmidt (#82) — except for the /5 and 1/1 numbered cards.

Why is Topps doing the Topps Chrome MVP buyback program?

The official reason for the promotion is to celebrate this year’s MVPs. However, the actual reason is likely more complicated than that.

November 26th is Small Business Saturday, an observation of the United States many small businesses and Topps is timing the promotion to coincide with the day.

Another reason theorized by collectors is that since the Short Print debacle with 2022 Topps Chrome boxes, sales have been sluggish. So they are possibly using this promotion to help clear out product, drum up interest in Topps Chrome in general or even use the offer as another form of compensation for collector troubles as a result of the missing short prints.

Regardless, of why they are doing it, it looks like collectors are the big winners.

Where can I find these cards?

You can find Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt cards in any Topps Chrome 2022 packs or by purchasing directly from a card store or through eBay.

How are prices being affected?

Shortly after the buyback program was announced, 2022 Topps Chrome cards of Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt were quickly gobbled up on eBay.

Since then, cards are going for a premium with value somewhat tied to the store credit value. However, if recent eBay sales are any guide, there definitely seems like there is some extra value on the table for those buying and flipping for store credit for certain cards:

Examples of November 27th sales of Aaron Judge 2022 Topps Chrome cards:

Aaron Judge base: $10-$14
Aaron Judge refractor: $30-$35
Aaron Judge aqua refractor (/199): $70-$80
Aaron Judge green parallel (/99): No recent sales

Goldschmidt cards seem to be going for similar prices. Some sellers are packaging Paul Goldschmidt and Aaron Judge cards together as lots, which could enable collectors to get an even better deal. Obviously, the possibility exists of sellers that are unaware of the buyout listing the cards for cheaper than market value, although the more time that passes, the less likely that this is a possibility.

Shop eBay for Paul Goldschmidt #82 2022 Topps Chrome cards.

Shop ebay for Aaron Judge #99 2022 Topps Chrome cards

How can I find what card shops are participating?

To find out if a store near you is participating in this offer, you can check this map. Topps has indicated that there is a separate process if you don’t have access to a participating local card shop. If this describes you, you can submit your cards via mail to Dave & Adams Card World or Blowout Cards.

You can use this form to submit your cards.

What is Topps going to with the exchanged cards?

Topps is not being specific with what they plan to do with Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt 2022 Topps Chrome cards. However. they have teased that something “fun and exciting” is planned for the cards and further details will be announced later.

Search your opened 2022 Topps Chrome cards and be sure to stay tuned to Cardlines for further updates and information related to the Topps Chrome 2022 Buyback MVP program as it develops.

Shop eBay for Paul Goldschmidt #82 2022 Topps Chrome cards.

Shop ebay for Aaron Judge #99 2022 Topps Chrome cards