The 2021 Topps baseball card set saw the return of fans to MLB ballparks after the shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, interest in collecting the latest Topps baseball cards skyrocketed. While it’s still early and the market is developing, here are some of the cards from the 2021 Topps base set and special releases that could be worth serious money in the long run based on characteristics like star players, rookie cards, serial numbers, and parallels.
One of the biggest storylines of the 2021 season was Shohei Ohtani’s historic MVP campaign as a two-way star pitcher and hitter for the Los Angeles Angels. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards have been some of the most in-demand on the secondary market. His 2021 Topps Chrome prospects card #PCP-SO has already sold for over $1,000 in PSA 10 condition. Other Ohtani rookie variations like gold parallels or autographed cards could exponentially increase in value as his career progresses. From the base set, his Topps Chrome Gold Refractor #165 and Rainbow Foil Variation #151 have sold for over $300 each graded gem mint.
Another rookie phenom tearing it up in 2021 was Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres. While he had cards in 2020, his official rookie season was delayed until 2021. His Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Auto #BCP33 sold for just under $2,000 in a PSA 10, showing the demand for a Tatis RC auto. His base 2021 Topps card #83 and rainbow foil parallel #139 have sold for $150-200 each in top condition as collectors chase any Tatis card they can get their hands on. Tatis’ star power and ability to stay healthy long-term will dictate how much higher his cards climb.
Rookie sensation Wander Franco made a huge splash after his call-up for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. The number one prospect lived up to the hype with his awesome debut campaign. Despite appearing in only 70 games, his 2021 Topps Chrome Gold Refractor Auto #BCP-WF graded a pristine PSA 10 gem mint sold for a staggering $13,000, showing he already has legendary card status. His base Topps RC #168 could grow exponentially in value as Franco establishes himself as a perennial all-star. The sky is the limit for any Franco parallel, auto, or numbered cards from 2021 Topps products.
Paramount to the hobby has always been serial numbered cards limited to specific print runs. The highly coveted 1/1 cards make up those runs. In 2021 Topps Chrome, Bo Bichette’s Blue Refractor Auto 1/1 #BCP-BB sold for a whopping $24,000. Similarly, Bobby Witt Jr.’s Gold Refractor Auto /25 #BCP-BW fetched $4,500. Low numbered parallels like /5, /10, and special 1/1 cards for stars like Mike Trout, Juan Soto, or Ronald Acuña Jr. could appreciate massively if they enter the marketplace. Scarcity breeds demand for these ultra-rare serial numbered cards.
Veteran stars with Hall of Fame resumes always maintain strong followings and card value as well. A Carlos Correa Rainbow Foil Auto /50 from 2021 Topps Series 2 sold for $900. Any auto cards, especially serial numbered, for Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols, Max Scherzer, or Justin Verlander have strong long-term holding potential. Their legacy and accomplishments give devoted collectors a reason to seek out and invest in their vintage cards long after retirement.
There’s no such thing as a sure thing when it comes to predicting future card values in a speculative hobby market. Cards that feature transcendent rookies, short printed parallels, serial numbered hits, and legends of the game tend to attract steady interest and appreciation over time assuming the players live up to expectations on the field. The 2021 rookie class has already shown plenty of superstar potential that bodes well for cards from this year’s Topps set to retain and increase in worth for savvy collectors. Only time will tell which specific 2021 Topps cards emerge as true gems and become pricey key pieces for collections.
