The 2021 Prizm Draft Picks Baseball trading card set was released in August 2021 by Panini America. This set focuses specifically on prospects and draft picks from the 2021 MLB Draft. With the popularity of baseball card investing and prospecting rising sharply in recent years, 2021 Prizm Draft Picks has become one of the most sought after new issue card releases. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key details and notable rookies featured in this comprehensive trading card set.
The 2021 Prizm Draft Picks set contains 200 total cards and features prospects and picks from all 30 MLB teams. Each team has designated parallels for their top selections from the recent draft class. Some of the bigger names like Jordan Lawlar, Jack Leiter, and Henry Davis who were taken 1st, 2nd, and 1st overall respectively receive multiple Base and parallel cards to meet collector demand. Beyond the Base parallel, Prizm Draft Picks also includes several popular parallel inserts such as Silver Prizm, Gold Prizm, Black Prizm, and Rainbow Foil. These parallels often hold a significanly higher value than the Base due to their rarity and prestige.
Setting itself apart from other baseball card products, Prizm Draft Picks does an excellent job focusing on and profiling prospects before they ever play a professional game. This gives collectors an opportunity to potentially acquire cards of future MLB stars for lower prices before their values skyrocket once they debut. Although prospects are inherently riskier investments than established athletes, Prizm Draft Picks provides an entertaining way for fans to follow their favorite team’s draft selections and minor leaguers.
Some key names featured across multiple parallels in the 2021 Prizm Draft Picks set that could turn out to be great long term investments include: OF Henry Davis (Pirates #1 pick), RHP Jack Leiter (Rangers #2 pick), SS Jordan Lawlar (Diamondbacks #1 pick), 3B Sal Frelick (Brewers #15 pick), RHP Kumar Rocker (Mets), SS Jordan Walker (Cardinals), and OF Benny Montgomery (Rockies). All of these players were very high draft selections who project to move quickly through minor league systems. If they develop as anticipated, their rookie cards could gain substantial value in 3-5 years once they establish themselves in the big leagues.
A notable technological element of Prizm Draft Picks is the inclusion of Serial Numbered and 1/1 Rated Rookie Autograph cards. These highly coveted autographed parallels feature prospects signing cards for the first time as professionals. Some examples from 2021 include a Jack Leiter Auto /99, Henry Davis Auto /75, and Sal Frelick Auto 1/1. Obtaining a low serial numbered or 1 of 1 draft year autographed card of a future all-star could yield an immense return on investment down the road.
In the months since its August release, the 2021 Prizm Draft Picks set has already seen cards of top prospects greatly appreciated in secondary market pricing. For example, the Jack Leiter Base RC jumped from a $100-150 initial price tag to consistently selling over $300-400 raw within just a few months as hype surrounding his potential continues growing. As Leiter and others begin dominating in the minors next year, these types of early draft year cards will likely maintain strong collector demand.
Overall, 2021 Prizm Draft Picks Baseball provides a intriguing snapshot at the newest wave of upcoming MLB talent. Featuring exclusive photo variations, parallels, and autographs of the highest performing draft picks, this set allows baseball card investors and fans to get in early while prices remain reasonable. With its mix of high-end prospect photography, design, and investment potential – Prizm Draft Picks has cemented itself as one of the premier modern draft class card releases on the market each year. This 2021 edition in particular included several can’t-miss prospects that could end up paying huge long term dividends for savvy collectors.
