The 2021 Topps baseball card product line featured some of the most highly anticipated rookie cards in recent years. After the short 2020 MLB season, fans were eager to see the next generation of star players make their rookie card debuts. Topps delivered many high-quality rookie options across their various baseball card products last year.
Some of the biggest rookie cards from 2021 included Wander Franco, a consensus top prospect who began his MLB career with the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco appeared on cards in Series 1, Series 2, Chrome, Bowman Chrome, and Topps Project 70. Many consider his Project 70 card, limited to only 70 copies, to be one of the top rookie cards of all time already due to his talent and hype. Franco lived up to expectations by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games as a 20-year-old, establishing himself as a true superstar.
Another huge rookie was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a five-tool player with 80-grade speed and power, Rodriguez debuted cards in Series 1, Series 2, Chrome, and Chrome Update. While injuries limited his MLB debut to 99 games in 2021 where he hit .274 with 18 home runs, scouts still view Rodriguez as a future perennial All-Star and Silver Slugger winner. His Topps Chrome Auto Green Refractor /1999 is already one of the most valuable 2021 rookie cards on the secondary card market.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene also made his MLB debut in 2022 after appearing on several 2021 rookie cards from Topps. The 5th overall pick in the 2019 draft, Greene showcased all-around skills in the minors and displayed his potential in 24 MLB games, hitting .302. Greene rookies from Series 1, Series 2, Bowman Chrome, and Bowman Draft remain popular with collectors.
Other noteworthy rookies featured prominently in 2021 Topps products included Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson, Rangers shortstop/outfielder Josh Jung, Phillies outfielder Bryson Stott, Blue Jays outfielder Kelenic, Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Pirates catcher Henry Davis, and Marlins pitcher Max Meyer among many others. Carlson in particular had a breakout season for St. Louis, hitting .266 with 16 home runs while establishing himself as a core piece of their future.
In terms of short prints and refractors that added to rookie card values in 2021 Topps products, prized pulls included Wander Franco Rainbow Foil and Gold Foil parallels, Julio Rodriguez Green Refractor /1999, Corey Seager Gold Refractor /70 and more. Topps Chrome and Chrome Update offered various refractor parallels of the top rookies that continued gaining popularity through 2021.
Some of the special Topps legacy sets that featured many coveted rookies included Topps Project 70, Topps Inception, Topps Archives, and Topps Chrome Update Series Black. These premium sets provided superior design elements and key rookie hits in lower print runs with true “one-of-one” potential. Complete sets and individual cards from each of these collections fetch high sums on eBay and through PWCC Marketplace today due to the prominence of the rookies involved.
Looking forward, many of these 2021 rookie classes have potential to achieve success and remain sought-after investments. While injuries or unexpected declines are always possible, stars like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and Riley Greene seem poised for All-Star caliber careers if they stay on track. Regardless of future on-field performance, their rookie cards have proven to be a hot commodity among collectors. The 2021 Topps product line captured magical rookie seasons and careers that were just beginning to blossom.
In summary, 2021 was a banner year forTopps rookie cards headlined by Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, and Riley Greene. Short prints, refractors, and special legacy sets increased parallel values. While results remain to be seen, this rookie class shows franchise-changing talent. Their Topps rookie cards from Series 1, 2, Chrome, and various specialty sets are already in high demand from collectors and will remain popular for years to come.
