The 2021 MLB season saw many promising young players make their debuts and establish themselves as future stars. As is always the case, these top rookie performances translated to some highly sought-after rookie cards on the trading card market. While it’s still early and careers can take unexpected turns, here’s a look at some of the most valuable and desirable baseball rookie cards from 2021 based on the players’ rookie seasons and future potential.
Rookie of the Year Candidates
Several rookies from 2021 have already positioned themselves as Rookie of the Year candidates and their cards have taken off accordingly. Heading the list is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a breakout season in which he slashed .284/.345/.480 with 28 extra-base hits and 16 stolen bases in just 100 games. He provided athleticism, power, and excitement for a rebuilding Mariners team. His explosive plays made him a fan favorite and the clear frontrunner for AL Rookie of the Year honors. Rodriguez’s prized rookie card is his Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from the 2022 Topps Series 1 release, which has sold for over $1000 already.
Another top ROY contender is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. In just 99 games, Greene showed off a complete offensive skill set by hitting .250 with 5 home runs, 26 RBI and a .769 OPS. He flashed plus speed and defense as well. Greene is seen as a cornerstone for the Tigers’ rebuild and his prized rookie card is the Topps Chrome Blue Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with PSA 10 gem mint examples selling for $800-1000.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2021 that was cut short by injury but still cemented him as a superstar. In 70 games, Franco hit .288 with 7 homers and 39 RBI, showcasing his precocious plate approach and ability to impact the game in many ways. While Franco made his debut late in 2021, his rookie cards remain highly sought after given his lofty expectations. The prized card is his Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with a PSA 10 selling for around $2000.
Pitching Standouts
Several rookie pitchers also made strong cases to be considered among the best from 2021. Atlanta Braves righty Spencer Strider had a breakout season in which he struck out 202 batters in 131.2 innings with a 2.67 ERA across both the majors and minors. His electric fastball-slider combo made him one of the most dominant rookie pitchers in baseball down the stretch. Strider’s top rookie card is the Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with a PSA 10 recently selling for $800.
Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer enjoyed a stellar MLB debut, making 7 starts with a 2.77 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He showed three plus pitches and the ability to miss bats. At just 23 years old, Meyer looks poised to anchor Miami’s rotation for years to come. His prized rookie card is the Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with a PSA 10 selling in the $500-600 range already.
Tampa Bay Rays lefty Shane McClanahan took the league by storm in 2021, going 10-6 with a 3.43 ERA and league-leading 191 strikeouts in just 25 starts and 141.1 innings pitched. With a 100+ mph fastball and plus slider, McClanahan established himself as one of the most dominant young arms in baseball. His Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1 is highly sought after, with PSA 10s going for around $400-500.
Breakout Position Players
Several position players also had rookie campaigns that far exceeded expectations:
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/DH Alejandro Kirk turned heads by slashing .298/.401/.436 with 6 homers in just 78 games while playing excellent defense behind the plate. At just 21, Kirk looks like a long-term fixture in Toronto’s lineup.
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to the hype by hitting .256 with 20 extra-base hits and 40 RBI in 102 games. He showed plus power, speed and defense that have Royals fans excited for the future.
Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena was a surprise ROY candidate, hitting .289 with 22 extra-base hits while superbly replacing Carlos Correa at shortstop. He helped the Astros win the AL pennant.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman showed why he’s the top prospect in baseball by hitting .254 with 5 homers in 50 games. He looks ready to be Baltimore’s next franchise cornerstone.
The prized rookie cards for these breakout position players include Kirk’s Topps Chrome Blue Refractor ($400 PSA 10), Witt’s Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (PSA 10 around $300), Pena’s Topps Chrome Refractor (PSA 10 $250-300), and Rutschman’s Topps Chrome Refractor (PSA 10 $200-250 range).
Long-Term Value
While it’s still very early in the careers of these rookies, those who sustained strong performances have seen their rookie cards appreciate greatly already based on future potential. Cards of players who look likely to become perennial All-Stars and franchise cornerstones hold the most long-term value. Based on skill sets, situations and early MLB success, names like Rodriguez, Franco, Greene, Strider and McClanahan profile as having the highest long-term ceilings, making their rookie cards great holds. Rookie cards in general carry risk, as one injury or change in development can alter trajectories. For the biggest risks and rewards, the prized rookies who exceed already high expectations could deliver ten-bagger returns down the road.
The 2021 rookie class has provided many promising young talents that are already paying dividends on the field for their teams. For collectors, these players’ rookie cards offer opportunities for both short and long-term gains, but require due diligence in evaluation to optimize returns on investment. The class remains one of the most exciting in recent memory and will be one to watch develop for years to come both on the diamond and in the collectibles market.
