Some of the 2021 Topps baseball cards that may hold significant value in the future include rookie cards of star players, short printed cards, autograph and memorabilia cards, and key cards from prominent subsets. While it’s impossible to predict exactly which 2021 rookies will become all-time greats, certain rookies showed huge promise in their debut seasons and their rookie cards are likely to increase in value over time.
Some top rookie cards to watch out for include Rays wunderkind Wander Franco, who emerged as a instant superstar in his rookie campaign. Franco’s paper rookie cards were widely distributed in Series 1 and Update Series but his paper rookie card is still a key piece to many sets. His autograph and memorabilia rookie cards hold the most long term value currently. Reds pitcher Jonathan India had a great rookie year and won the NL Rookie of the Year award, making his rookie cards a solid potential investment. Other rookies like Astros pitcher Luis Garcia, Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic, and MLB home run king Shohei Ohtani could see their rookie cards gain value if they continue ascending.
Short prints are always tough collector chase cards due to their low printing numbers. Topps used various techniques in 2021 like engraving plates, negative plates, and unannounced short prints to create scarce chase cards. Look out for negative image cards like Cleveland’s Triston McKenzie and Oakland’s Jesus Luzardo. Engraved plate cards featuring Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and Rockies outfielder Yonathan Daza are coveted by collectors. Some unannounced short prints have also begun emerging, like Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty and Tigers infielder Spencer Torkelson.
Autograph and memorabilia cards tend to hold value best long term since they integrate a notable player signature or piece of memorabilia. Top 2021 autographs to watch are Ohtani, Franco, Tatis Jr., Soto, Acuna Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Memorabilia cards featuring game-used pieces from stars are also highly sought after. The 2021 Topps Archives set paid homage to classic designs with rare autographs inserted. Numbered parallels like /5, /10 etc always hold greater value.
Key insert sets like Topps Opening Day, All-Star, Hall of Fame, and Postseason highlights can feature prospect or star performer short prints. As the 2021 season unfolded, players like Alonso, Corbin Burnes, Brandon Lowe, and Austin Riley had huge breakout performances spotlighted in these inserts. Rare parallel versions are especially prized by collectors long term.
Other miscellaneous subsets like Topps TV, Wander Franco’s Topps Now RC, and Derek Jeter positional sets spotlighted key 2021 storylines. Short printed parallels and autographed or memorabilia cards stand out for long term potential. Errors, unannounced parallel variations (like silver pack inserts), and 1/1 printing plates are true Holy Grail chase cards with immense value and collector demand.
While it’s hard to predict the future, investing in stars and young players who contribute to winning franchises and memorable postseasons tends to serve collectors best long term. Cards that effectively capture and commemorate important 2021 storylines, performances and teams through iconic photography and scarce production levels offer the highest chances of future appreciation and lasting collector interest decades from now. Following the future trajectories of today’s best rookies as their careers develop will also uncover which current young stars go on to achieve true immortality on the diamond and in the collecting hobby. With patience, strategic collecting focused on these qualitative aspects can yield strong long term returns from an investment in 2021 Topps baseball cards.
