The 2021 MLB Draft was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with high school phenom and presumed No. 1 pick Jack Leiter headlining a star-studded class of future big leaguers. As always, Panini was on hand to commemorate the newest crop of professional ballplayers with its 2021 Prizm Baseball Draft Picks trading card release.
While it may be too early to definitively crown “the best cards” from the set, here is an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards and parallels from Draft Picks that collectors are already buzzing about. With so much young talent in this year’s class, these cards offer a glimpse at the next generation of stars and are primed to appreciate in value as draft picks develop their careers.
Jack Leiter RC – As widely projected, Vanderbilt righty Jack Leiter was the first name called on Draft night, going No. 1 overall to the Texas Rangers. The son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, Jack brings a high ceiling with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider. His Prizm Draft Picks base rookie card is a hot commodity for Rangers fans and prospect hounds alike. PSA 10 gems of this card recently sold on eBay for over $400.
Henry Davis RC – Taken first by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Louisville catcher Henry Davis is considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the class. His powerful left-handed swing and solid defensive skills could make him an anchor for the Pirates for years. Davis’ base RC is another coveted rookie card that has already broken the $100 mark in top grades.
Jordan Lawlar RC – Considered a possible No. 1 pick himself, shortstop Jordan Lawlar fell all the way to the Diamondbacks at #6. His 5-tool abilities have created immense buzz, and his Prizm base RC could emerge as one of the top cards from this class long-term. Even low-numbered parallels have sold for $150-200.
Kumar Rocker Auto /99 – The enigmatic Rocker was once a favorite to go first overall after an excellent freshman year at Vanderbilt but fell to the Mets in the end at #10 due to signability and injury concerns. His on-card auto carries intrigue as one of the biggest “what ifs” from this class. Low-numbered versions are already north of $300.
Brady House Auto /99 – Taken in the competitive balance round by the A’s, Brady House was one of the draft’s fastest risers after a huge senior year at Winder-Barrow HS in Georgia. His clean on-card auto in a short printed parallel makes for an intriguing sleeper prospect card.
Jack Leiter Black & Gold Prismatic /10 – One of the most visually striking cards in the set, Leiter’s black and gold parallel introduces another layer of rarity. Only 10 of these exist in the world, making it one of the true high-end prizes from Draft Picks. One recently sold for nearly $2,000.
Tyler Soderstrom Gold Prismatic Auto /5 – Taken 26th by the A’s, catcher Tyler Soderstrom is one of the most polished hitters in the class. His incredibly rare gold auto, limited to just 5 copies, is already among the most valuable cards from 2021.
Kahlil Watson Red White & Blue Prismatic Auto /10 – Considered a potential top-5 talent, the speedy Watson slipped to the Cubs at #16 in a bit of a draft-day surprise. His red, white and blue auto parallel combines a big name with intricate design and limited print run to 10 copies.
Kumar Rocker Gold Auto /5 – Rocker’s supershortprinted gold parallel auto takes his prospect allure and rarity to another level. Only five collectors can own this true 1/1-style card of the potential ace. It’s sure to become a true blue chip in someone’s collection long-term.
Jack Leiter Gold Auto /5 – To no one’s surprise, Leiter has multiple shortprint parallels that separate him as the undisputed prize of the set. His gold auto parallel, of which only five were produced, may end up being the single most valuable card to emerge from this class.
While prospects can always flame out or exceed expectations, these rookie cards and rare parallels offer a glimpse at the potential future stars from the 2021 MLB Draft class. With so much young talent involved, Draft Picks is poised to become one of the premier long-term investments from recent years if these players develop as hoped. For the top names like Leiter, Davis, Lawlar and others, a PSA 10 example of their base rookie card could gain thousands in value down the line. The true shortprints and 1/1 parallels profiled here have a chance to become true six or even seven-figure collector gems. Only time will tell how these careers unfold, but the cards live on no matter what – making 2021 Prizm Draft Picks one of the year’s most intriguing new releases for baseball collectors.
