The 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball card collection was released in January 2021 and featured unique mosaic designs on each card. The set contains several parallels and variations that can significantly impact the value of individual cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies and stars from the 2021 Mosaic set and how their card values have fluctuated since release.
One of the biggest names and cards from the 2021 Mosaic set is Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. As a true two-way player who is one of the best pitchers and hitters in baseball, Ohtani’s cards are highly sought after by collectors. His base rookie card from the 2021 Mosaic set carries a value of around $30-40 in near mint condition. Parallels and short prints of his card can sell for substantially more. The Ohtani blue mosaic parallel clocks in around $60-80, while his black /50 parallel recently sold for over $250 on eBay. The extremely rare Ohtani red /10 parallel would command well over $1,000 raw in today’s market given his continued dominance on the diamond.
Rookie season cards for star newcomers are always popular, and Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s rookie cards from 2021 Mosaic sell quite well too. His base rookie pulls in around $15-20, with parallels bringing more funds depending on the print run. The Guerrero Jr. yellow /199 parallel has moved for $30-40, while his black /50 sold for $120 recently. His ultra-short print red parallel /10 would be an epic pull for any collector, with a valuation well into the multiple hundreds should one come up for sale.
Two-way Oakland A’s sensation Matt Chapman was having another elite defensive season in 2021 before injuries slowed him down. Though he missed much of the season, Chapman’s popularity remains strong. His 2021 Mosaic base rookie sells in the $10-15 range, with color parallels bringing a premium. The Chapman blue /199 sells for around $20-25, while his rare 1/1 printing plate autograph card emerged in a recent auction with a winning bid greater than $2,000. Should Chapman return to full health and production, his card values stand to climb significantly from Mosaic rookie levels.
While stars drive the hobby, breakout rookie performances also create buzz and demand. Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson had a breakout season after being called up, hitting 18 home runs and posting an .867 OPS. As a result, his 2021 Mosaic rookie card is a hot commodity, with the basic version moving for $15-20. Color parallels fetch multiples higher, such as the Carlson yellow /199 parallel at $30-40 recently. His black or red printing plate parallels would likely sell for well over $100 each given Carlson’s continued emergence as an everyday impact player in St. Louis.
Much like with any release, parallels and short prints substantially increase the value of cards from the 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball set. While the base cards for stars like Ohtani and rookie standouts carry affordable price tags in the $10-20 range, unique parallel versions can sell for hundreds or even thousands depending on the scarcity. Card values also fluctuate based on player performance and team success. As players like Guerrero Jr., Carlson and more establish themselves, so too will the demand and price tags on their impressive 2021 Mosaic rookie cards continue to climb over time. For collectors, this fun and visually striking set remains one to watch in both the short and long-term.
The 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball collection features a wide array of star players and rookie talents that make for phenomenal investments or additions to any collection. While base versions can be acquired for affordable prices, low serial number parallels provide a huge opportunity to truly unique and valuable cards. Players like Ohtani, Guerrero Jr., Chapman and breakout rookies like Carlson saw strong initial demand and values on their Mosaic cards that are poised to appreciably rise long-term as their careers progress. For fun mosaic designs, exciting short prints and quality investments, the 2021 offering remains one of the top modern releases from Topps in recent years.
