The 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball base set brought a tremendous number of highly anticipated rookie cards to the modern trading card hobby. As one of the premium products released by Topps each year, Mosaic offers collectors parallels, memorabilia cards, and unique designs highlighting some of the best young talent in Major League Baseball. Several rookies from the 2021 rookie class had monster seasons that has vaulted the demand for their respective Mosaic rookie cards to new heights.
Among the headliners is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a true five-tool superstar, Franco became the first player in MLB history with a hit in each of his first four games. He finished the season batting .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. Franco’s Mosaic rookie auto parallel and memorabilia cards immediately became the most coveted rookie cards on the secondary market. Low serial numbered parallels of his base rookies also demand massive premiums over their issue price.
Another true breakout star from 2021 was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While he only played in 109 games, Rodriguez slashed .284/.334/.517 with 18 home runs, 50 RBI, and 25 stolen bases. He established himself as a dynamic young talent and future cornerstone for the Mariners. Rodriguez’ Mosaic rookie cards, including short prints and parallels, sell for higher prices than most other rookies from the class outside of Wander Franco. His autographed memorabilia cards can fetch over $1000 raw.
Two other rookies who had impressive debut seasons and carry excitement around their Mosaic cards are Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Greene hit .301 in 50 games but looked like a future star when healthy. Rutschman debuted later in the year but batted .243 with 5 home runs in 45 games to kick off what many expect to be a long and productive MLB career. Their low serial numbered Mosaic parallels remain coveted by collectors investing in these promising prospects.
A number of pitchers from the class saw success that has driven collector interest in their respective Mosaic rookie cards. Miami Marlins lefty Jesús Luzardo tossed 123 innings with a 3.24 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in his first full season after joining Miami from the A’s. He could develop into an ace. Atlanta Braves pitcher Spencer Strider showed electric stuff in 75 innings with a 2.67 ERA and 11.5 K/9. His Mosaic base rookies can be acquired for reasonable prices now before his career potentially takes off.
Another pitcher who had an impressive rookie season and carries prospect pedigree is Tampa Bay Rays lefty Shane Baz. He missed time with an elbow injury but struck out 39 batters over 41 innings with a 2.06 ERA when on the mound. Baz’s pedigree and potential keep his Mosaic rookie cards attracting attention. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah tossed 196 innings with a 2.24 ERA and 180 strikeouts in his debut season, solidifying his Mosaic rookies as potential long term investments.
While the aforementioned rookies received the most buzz so far, several other notable rookies from the class also debuted in 2021 with Mosaic rookie cards that hold promise depending on how their careers unfold. San Diego Padres shortstop C.J. Abrams struggled initially but showed electric tools. Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran hit .244 with 10 home runs in just 88 games to begin to realize his potential. Philadelphia Phillies infielder Bryson Stott remains an intriguing prospect after batting .234 with 5 home runs in 56 games.
Collectors have reason to keep an eye on the careers of these rookies and monitor the prices of their respective 2021 Topps Mosaic baseball rookie cards. While prices have already exploded for the true breakouts like Franco and Rodriguez, other cards like Manoah, Baz, and Greene still offer reasonable entry points that could pay major dividends if any of these rookies emerge as perennial All-Stars. The 2021 rookie class carried tremendous hype and many have begun to realize that potential on the field over the course of the season. As results continue to unfold, so too may the values of these historic first Mosaic rookie cards.
The 2021 Topps Mosaic baseball base set brought one of the most exciting modern rookie classes to the collecting hobby through visually striking designs and parallel variations highlighting today’s brightest young stars. Cards of Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and others who truly broke out like Riley Adley have already seen astronomic price increases. Values have yet to be established for others who showed flashes of promise. The careers of this rookie class are just getting started and their Mosaic rookie cards have strong potential to become valuable long term investments based on how individual talents continues to grow.
