The 2021 edition of Panini Prizm baseball was highly anticipated, as the brand continues to be one of the most popular in the hobby. Prizm is known for its flashy refractors and parallax effects, making for some true showcase cards. This year’s release saw rookies from the shortened 2020 season carrying over hype, as well as intriguing veteran veterans. Let’s take a look at some of the top cards from 2021 Prizm baseball.

Wander Franco Base Rookie (#171) – Franco had one of the most hyped rookie seasons of all time, and his base rookie card in 2021 Prizm reflected that. While not the flashiest card, it holds significance as the first card showing the young superstar in a Rays uniform. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $300-500 due to Franco’s star power and expectations for continued success.

Wander Franco Pink Refractor (#171) /99 – The Pink parallel brought some added sparkle to the Franco rookie while sharply limiting the print run. Most Pink parallels top out around /99, making each individual card notable. PSA 10 copies have sold for $2,000-3,000 given the rarity and condition sensitivity. Expect these to climb over time if Franco lives up to his potential.

Yordan Alvarez Pink Ice (#268) /10 – Alvarez came into his own in 2021 for Houston and asserted himself as an absolute masher. His Pink Ice refractor from Prizm took the rarity factor to a whole new level, with a print run of just 10 copies. Two PSA 10 specimens were auctioned off this year for $9,000 and $10,000, signaling Alvarez is a true star and these Ice parallels an elite investment.

Mike Trout Purple Sparkle (#144) /7 – You can never go wrong with a low-numbered Mike Trout parallel, and Prizm came through with an ultra-short print run of seven copies of the Purple Sparkle refractor. Condition is always key for modern Trout parallels, and a perfect PSA 10 recently fetched $18,500 due to the immense combination of player, parallel color/design, and rarity. Trout’s floor continues rising each year.

Sandy Alcantara Gold Refractor Auto (#209) /5 – Though not a true rookie, Alcantara took a massive leap in 2021 and asserted himself as Miami’s ace. His Prizm Gold Refractor Auto holds appeal both as a numbered parallel and on-card autograph, and with just five available the rarity is extreme. The sole PSA 10 to surface went for $10,000 in November.

Jarred Kelenic Fireworks (#289) /10 – Kelenic’s rookie season was a disappointment overall but the tools are still there, making his short-printed refractors hold considerable intrigue and long-term potential upside. The Fireworks parallel featured an electric design and print run of 10 copies – one PSA 10 made $5,000 showing collectors’ belief in a bounce-back year.

Joey Gallo Green Ice SP (#182) 1/1 – As an established veteran star, Gallo added more shine to 2021 Prizm with an exclusive Green Ice 1/1 parallel. These SP Prizm Ice parallels have become highly sought-after by top collectors, and while Gallo’s season left something to be desired, his exclusive card sold through public auction for $14,500 earlier this year.

Luis Robert Orange Sparkle (#318) /7 – Robert’s sophomore season was cut short by injury but his potential shined through in 2020, and collectors recognize the talent level. His Orange Sparkle parallel brought elite parallel treatment and a print run of just 7 copies. A perfect PSA 10 example realized $11,000 showing Robert remains highly sought-after.

Tim Anderson Red Sparkle Auto (#50) /10 – A short-printed refractored autograph of the White Sox star and AL batting champ held tremendous appeal. With just 10 copies and featuring Anderson’s bold signature, a PSA 10 commanded $12,000 after debut season success cemented his star status. Low numbered Prizm auto parallels will always find eager buyers.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Blue Refractor (#193) – While not a true “short print,” Acuna remains one of the game’s most watchable superstars and any refractored Acuna cards hold inherent value. His 2021 Prizm Blue Refractor shows why – multiple BGS/PSA 10’s brought over $2,000 apiece with his electric style of play fueling lasting fandom. Acuna makes any card list.

In summary, Panini’s 2021 Prizm release served up a mix of established superstars, young electrifying talents, and exciting low-numbered veteran parallels and inserts. With the right grading fresh copies still reside in live collections, and PSA/BGS 10 examples continue garnering strong secondary prices reflective of both the players and parallels involved. Prizm remains the bellwether modern baseball brand.