The 2021 MLB Draft featured many talented prospects that have the potential for stardom at baseball’s highest level. While it remains to be seen how these young players’ careers will unfold, collectors have already taken notice of some of the top names selected in last year’s draft class. Upper Deck’s 2021 Prizm baseball product offers affordable rookie cards for these newly drafted players, several of which have already seen noticeable price increases. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 2021 Prizm Baseball Draft Picks cards that could prove to most lucrative long-term holdings for savvy collectors.
Perhaps the biggest name from the 2021 draft class is Pittsburgh Pirates’ first overall selection Henry Davis. The catcher from Louisville was widely considered the best player available and finished runner-up for Golden Spikes Award as the top college player in the nation in 2021. His 2021 Prizm Orange Ice refractor rookie /499 has already eclipsed the $100 price point. The sheer scarcity and demand for Davis as the number one pick makes this one of the more valuable cards from the set at the moment. Davis will have plenty of opportunities to drive his values up even higher as the future backstop for the Pirates.
Detroit Tigers’ third overall pick Jackson Jobe has also impressed scouts with a plus fastball and well-rounded pitch mix. Jobe led the nation in strikeouts during his freshman season at Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City. His base Prizm Silver Prizm rookie sells in the $25-30 range currently. As long as Jobe continues developing his promising repertoire while rising through Detroit’s farm system, his Prizm rookies stand to gain more traction over the long run.
Another early draftee turning heads is Blue Jays’ fourth selection Gunnar Hoglund. The right-handed pitcher from Ole Miss underwent Tommy John surgery in 2021 but still landed a $3 million bonus from Toronto. Hoglund’s above average four-pitch mix and 6’4 size gives him a high ceiling if he can stay healthy. His Prizm Green Ice Prizm rookie /199 is priced modestly for now around $15-20 but is a solid long term prospecting target.
Later picks that could develop into steals for their respective organizations include Braves’ third round selection Ryan Cusick and Marlins’ fifth rounder Jacob Miller. Both prep arms flashed plus velocity that enticed their drafting clubs. Cusick’s Prizm Silver Pack Fresh Prizm rookie and Miller’s base Prizm rookie can currently be found for under $10 each, offering affordable upside plays. Paying attention to how these young hurlers progress might yield future rewards.
Switching to the offensive side, Tigers second rounder Izaac Pacheco has already shown five-tool potential in pro ball. Although drafted as a shortstop, the versatile Pacheco has split time at second and third base as well. His smooth lefty swing generated pop at the plate and his athleticism and instincts give him all-star upside. Priced around $15 presently, Pacheco’s Prizm Orange Ice Prizm rookie carries appeal as a potential breakout performer.
Looking further down draft boards, a few later selections with tools potentially waiting to blossom include Twins’ fourth rounder Armani Smith and A’s seventh rounder Lazaro Armenteros. Smith showcased elite speed that could profile in center field if his wood bat bat catches up. Meanwhile, Armenteros flashed big raw power from the left side to go along with a strong arm in right field. Both prospects can be obtained for under $10 per Prizm base rookie at this early stage, leaving room for appreciation as their games develop.
There are also a few 2021 draftees who opted not to sign professionally and instead intend to continue their college careers, headlined by Louisville catcher Henry Davis’ teammate and Ole Miss righty Drew McDaniel. While collectors will have to wait longer to see their first pro cards, Prizm collegiate rookies like Davis’ from 2020 have still conveyed solid returns for patient holders. McDaniel in particular has frontline starter upside and might re-enter next year’s draft class even more polished than before.
While it remains unknown how any of these players’ careers will play out long term, the 2021 MLB Draft class offers attractive risk-reward profiles for baseball card investors through affordable Prizm rookie options. With patience, some of these prospects could evolve into truly impact MLB talents whose earliest cardboard appearances increase greatly in value as a result. By doing thorough research on a player’s tools, skills and competitive nature, savvy collectors can identify draft picks most likely to blossom as professionals.
