The 2021 Topps Big League baseball card release brought many exciting rookie cards and veteran standouts for collectors to chase. With Base Set cards, Special Parallels, Autographs, and Memorabilia cards, there was no shortage of big hits to be found in wax boxes, blasters, and hobby boxes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most desirable cards collectors searched high and low for throughout the 2021 season.
Perhaps the biggest rookie card excitement came from Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. The 21-year-old phenom had one of the greatest starts to a career in MLB history and established himself as a true five-tool superstar. His Base rookie card quickly became one of the most sought-after rookies of the year. Parallel versions like the Rainbow Foil and Black Border Parallel variations carried premium price tags as well. Autograph cards, like the Rays Team Logo swatch parallel, commanded 4-figure prices due to Franco’s immense star potential.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, the #1 overall pick in the 2019 draft, had another highly-coveted rookie campaign. As the future centerpiece of the O’s rebuild, collectors pounced on any Rutschman cards they could find. While his Base card remained reasonably affordable, autographed versions and parallels with on-card signatures regularly sold for $500 or more. His Chrome Refractor rookie also gained popularity as a short-print parallel with eye-catching color.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez flashed five-tools of his own as a 21-year-old rookie. Considered a future All-Star, J-Rod’s rookie cards paralleled Franco with high demand. Rainbow Foil and Green Refractor parallels stood out. Like Franco, any Julio Rodriguez autographed cards became difficult to pry from seller’s hands due to his quick ascent up prospect rankings. Memorable jersey cards showed fans could look forward to years of highlight-reel plays from the baby-faced star.
Veteran superstars provided collectibles of their own. New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom remained one of the most difficult pitchers to get a base hit against when healthy in 2021. His Topps Finest refractor parallel and Base autograph maintained lofty prices that mirrored his dominance on the mound. Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols racked up career hits as he chased the 700 home run milestone with the Dodgers. Collector demand for any Pujols RCs from years past never wavered and his 2021 insert cards gained popularity knowing each at-bat could make history.
Shoehei Ohtani continued to transcend expectations in his encore AL MVP season with the Los Angeles Angels. The two-way star’s Base card became a flagship collectible after another one-of-a-kind campaign hitting and pitching. His National Baseball Card Day Blue Parallel gained notoriety while autographed Ohtani cards skyrocketed following his October awards. Rookie sensations Wander Franco, Adley Rutschman and Julio Rodriguez were not the only young phenoms shining brightly either.
Bobby Witt Jr smashed his way to stardom with the Kansas City Royals in a memorable debut season. His silky-smooth skills at shortstop and prodigious power potential captivated fans. The #2 pick from 2019 saw his singles game cards climb steadily as scouts compared his style of play to a young Alex Rodriguez. Big League Chrome parallels like the Orange Refractor gained notice from collectors. Acuna Jr continued terrorizing opposing pitchers in his return from injury for the Atlanta Braves. After missing most of 2021, store shelves couldn’t keep Acuna’s cards on stock fast enough.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr further proved his dominance for the Toronto Blue Jays, blasting home runs with ease and earning down-ballot MVP votes in 2022. Across the border in Seattle, shortstop JP Crawford and outfielder Jarred Kelenic had breakout campaigns of their very own. Their Prospect cards from previous years spiked as the Mariners young core started to chip away at MLB’s best record. Gold Label Memorabilia cards like JP Crawford’s Game Used Bat positioned them well as developing stars on the rise.
Whether collecting for investing purposes or just love of the players and sport, the 2021 Topps Big League release brought no shortage of thrill for baseball card collectors. Chasing the rookie sensations of Franco, Rutschman and Rodriguez or remembering careers of legends like Pujols, Topps delivered memorable cardboard for fans across the country and around the world to appreciate. With bright futures ahead, these rookies and young stars are sure to continue capturing the spotlight both on the field and in the highly competitive hobby of baseball memorabilia.
