The 2021 Topps Baseball card set was full of rookies and established stars that have the potential to become very valuable commodities in the future. While it’s still early, here are some of the most valuable Topps baseball cards from the 2021 season based on their current secondary market prices:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Auto Refractor (#171) – As one of thegame’s budding superstars, Guerrero Jr. carried tremendous hype coming into the 2021 season which was his third in the majors. The 23-year-old third baseman did not disappoint as he put together his best season yet, slashing .311/.401/.516 with 48 home runs and 111 RBIs, finishing second in AL MVP voting. This monster campaign has sent his already rising card prices through the roof. His 2021 Topps Chrome Auto Refractor parallel is one of the chase cards from the entire set and has sold for over $1,000 given his breakout season and star status. As Guerrero Jr. continues improving and ascend as an elite hitter, this card stands to appreciate significantly in the coming years.
Sandy Alcantara Auto (#333) – The Miami Marlins righty quietly put together a superb season, going 9-15 with a 3.19 ERA and 187 strikeouts over 205 innings pitched. While wins may have eluded him on a struggling Marlins team, Alcantara established himself as a workhorse starter. He tossed two complete game shutouts and finishes third in the NL in innings pitched. At just 26 years old, Alcantara looks to be cemented as Miami’s ace for years to come. His autographed rookie card from Topps is highly sought after, with multiple copies selling for $700-$800 due to his breakout ’21 campaign and promising future as a frontline starter.
Triston McKenzie Auto (#433) – Another breakout pitching star was Cleveland Indians starter Triston McKenzie, who at 24 enjoyed his first full season in the major league rotation. In 81.1 innings over 18 starts, McKenzie posted a stellar 2.68 ERA and 115 strikeouts for the rebuilding Indians. He flashed the potential to be a future ace and is still relatively young with plenty of upside. Because of this, along with its scarcity as an on-card auto from his rookie season, McKenzie’s 2021 Topps auto has sold for $500-$600 dollars despite still having many years left to enhance his value. As he continues to sharpen his skills, this card could end up being a steal.
Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Refractor Auto (#166) – The second overall pick in the 2019 draft, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. enjoyed a rapid rise, reaching the majors in April 2022 after just 124 games in the minors. With absurd power/speed combo and budding five-tool star potential, Witt became one of baseball’s top prospects. This sky-high hype made his ToppsChromeGold RefractorAutoone of the 2021 set’s most sought after cards. Its rarity and being Witt’s only on-card auto from his debut season gave it immense cache. Recent Ebay sales of this treasure have ranged from $800 up to an astounding $1,400, an incredible return for such a new card from a player just starting his career. Witt’s immense promise means this card isn’t likely to slow down in value any time soon.
Juan Soto Rainbow Foil (#188) – One of the game’s premier young talents, Juan Soto continued his excellence in 2021 by slashing .313/.465/.534 with 29 home runs and 95 RBI’s at age 22. That solid production increased excitement for Soto to hit free agency in the coming years. While he remains with the Nats for now, the ongoing speculation adds intrigue and eyeballs to any Soto cardboard. His 2021 Topps Rainbow Foil Parallel stands out for its beauty and rarity. Only a handful are believed to exist, making each one highly coveted and valuable. Recently one dazzling Soto Rainbow sold for a whopping $1,000, showing it has achieved premier status already among collectors. As Soto’s star continue ascending, so too may this flashy rookie card.
Spencer Torkelson Auto Refractor (#376) – As the top pick in the 2020 draft, all eyes were on Tigers first baseman prospect Spencer Torkelson heading into his first full pro season. Despite battling injuries, Torkelson flashed plenty of promise by slugging .267 with 6 home runs in 273 at-bats between AA/AAA. His impressive elite power and contact skills still make him one of baseball’s prime prospects, with many predicting he’ll be Detroit’s long-term solution at first. This status translates to big card dollars, with Torkelson’s 2021 Topps Chrome Auto Refractor widely regarded as the set’s true short-print legendary franchise cornerstone parallel. While still relatively new on the secondary market, examples have sold for as much as $750 with enthusiasm for Torkelson’s future. As he debuts in Detroit, that figure seems certain to multiply.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Rainbow Foil (#144) – One of MLB’s brightest young stars, Ronald Acuña Jr. was well on his way to another All-Star campaign in 2021 before a season-ending knee injury in July halted his dominance. Prior to getting hurt, Acuña was slashing .283/.394/.596 with 24 home runs in 82 games. Even after missing half the year, he finished 10th in NL MVP voting, showing his immense talents. The Braves outfielder is signed long-term, ensuring years ahead for his already sky-high cards to ascend. His coveted 2021 Topps Rainbow Foil promises to be one such riser, with its beauty and Acuña’s elite skillset combining to make it hyper-valuable. Early sales have hit $700, leaving plenty of room for growth as Acuña’s career continues unfolding.
Matt Olson Chrome Auto (#392) – Coming off a 2021 season where he made his first All-Star team and finished eighth in AL MVP voting, Matt Olson inked an eight-year, $168 million extension to remain an Oakland Athletic through 2029, ensuring his long-term presence on cardboard. The 28-year-old first baseman consistently produces 30+ home runs and is the unquestioned middle-of-the-order anchor for Oakland. This stability and elite offensive impact has collectors appreciating Olson’s products, including his desirable 2021 Topps Chrome Auto. With a strong season and new megadeal, examples have already crossed $500 online just months after release, staking claim as a definitive hold for years of steady appreciation.
This covers some of the most expensive and investable 2021 Topps baseball cards on the secondary market currently. With such hugely talented players and ample uncertainty around their long-term situations, these rookie products retain immense potential upside that will see close watching in the years ahead. For collectors, snatching up desirable parallels and autographs of these stars early could prove a lucrative long-term portfolio. As the 2021 season further recedes yet these players’ careers continue unfolding, the values attached to commemorating their emergence should only grow.
