The 2021 Topps Chrome baseball card release was highly anticipated by collectors and provided numerous cards that have proven to be worth significant money. Topps Chrome is one of the premier modern baseball card products each year that offers photo negative-style images of players on shiny chrome stock. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookies and star players from the 2021 Topps Chrome set that have already seen their values rise dramatically.
One of the biggest hits and money cards from 2021 Topps Chrome is the Spencer Torkelson green parallel rookie card. Torkelson was drafted #1 overall by the Detroit Tigers in 2020 and had a solid debut season in 2021, showcasing his power potential. His standard rookie card from the flagship Topps base set already sells for around $100-$150 in mint condition. The green parallel from Topps Chrome, which has a print run around 1/10th the size of the base set, commands near $1,000 in a PSA 10 gem mint grade. Expect Torkelson’s value across all his 2021 rookie cards to continue rising as he develops into a star player for the Tigers.
Another highly valuable rookie to emerge from 2021 Topps Chrome is Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Alek Thomas. While not a top draft pick, Thomas had a breakout campaign in 2021 by batting .277 with 13 home runs in the minors before getting called up to the big leagues. His standard Topps Chrome rookie sells for $75-$100, but the prized green parallel fetches over $500. Longterm, Thomas has potential all-star upside and 5-tool skills that could make him one of the hottest rookie prospects over the coming years. His cards across all 2021 releases are ones to watch.
Topps Chrome also delivered big hits with rookies from the 2020 draft class like Garrett Mitchell and Jordan Walker. Mitchell, selected by the Brewers with the 20th pick, showed strides in his pro debut and his Topps Chrome rookie has doubled in value already to $150-$250 range. Walker, an elite power-hitting third baseman for the Cardinals, possesses rare raw power and athleticism. His Topps Chrome rookie lists at $100-$150 but has caught the eye of collectors. With a full season under his belt in 2022, Walker could be primed for stardom.
Veteran superstars also featured prominently in the 2021 Topps Chrome product. For example, Fernando Tatis Jr. continues to rise as one of the faces of MLB and is only signed longterm with the Padres. His standard Topps Chrome base card sells between $50-$75 while parallel and autograph variations command over $1,000. Similarly, 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu delivered another stellar season for the White Sox in 2021. His Topps Chrome base is around $30-$40 while parallels like green sparkle at $200+.
Rookies aren’t the only players driving demand for 2021 Topps Chrome either. Established young stars like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuna Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and others dominate collector interest lists. Soto’s base Topps Chrome sells near $80 while Acuna tops $150. Meanwhile, breakout sluggers like Salvador Perez after winning All-Star and Home Run Derby also gain traction. His base Topps Chrome recently eclipsed $50.
Of course, legendary living players like Mike Trout and Ken Griffey Jr. will always retain hardcore collector demand as well. A Trout Topps Chrome base in gem mint sells around $150+ while rare Griffey parallels skyrocket beyond $1,000 value easily. Other star veterans like Nolan Arenado, Mookie Betts and Yordan Alvarez round out consistent movers in the high end spectrum over $100 a card as well.
The 2021 Topps Chrome release has already proven to be an excellent longterm baseball card investment. Between emerging star rookies, established young talents, living legends, and breakout veterans, the product delivers a variety of investment opportunities at every collector budget level. While standard base cards offer affordable options, higher end parallels and autographs represent chances for tremendous future appreciation with the right players. For those who purchased hobby boxes at release, many are sitting on a shiny fortune of cards primed to gain worth for years to come as careers develop.
