The 2021 Mosaic baseball card set saw the return of the popular Mosaic brand by Panini after a year hiatus. Fans were excited to see what new technologies and designs Panini would incorporate after the successful 2020 NBA Mosaic release. While not as large as recent Topps flagship sets, 2021 Mosaic baseball offered collectors coveted parallels, memorabilia cards, and rookie sensations. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most sought after cards investors and collectors targeted from the 2021 release.
Wander Franco Green /49 – Arguably the biggest star of the 2020-2021 rookie class, Wander Franco’s autographs and parallels exploded in demand after his stellar Tampa Bay debut season. The Rays’ top prospect transcended the usual hype around rising prospects with his consistent production at just 19-years old. As one of the lowest numbered parallels available of Franco at /49, the Green parallel became the crown jewel rookie card for many collectors. Early PSA 10 examples of this short print Parallel sold for over $2,000 showing Franco had firmly cemented himself as a true franchise player investors had strong long term confidence in.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Blaze Orange /10 – Considered one of the game’s true five-tool phenoms, Ronald Acuna Jr. had established himself as one of baseball’s brightest young stars before an injury cut short his 2021 season. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor is one of the most valuable modern cards, but 2021 Mosaic offered Acuna collectors high-end memorabilia and parallel options like the ultra-rare Blaze Orange /10 parallel. With true generational talent and a lengthy career still ahead, these single digit Acuna parallels continue gaining value each year as more collectors seek them out. Early PSA 10 Blaze Orange ones surpassed $4,000 sales.
Sandy Alcantara Auto /99 – While not a true rookie, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara broke out in 2021 with major Cy Young consideration behind an NL leading six complete games and 228 innings pitched. Alcantara established himself as a steady workhorse ace still early in his prime at just 26-years old. His first auto in the 2021 Mosaic set at the low /99 parallel became a hot commodity for Marlins PC collectors seeking a cornerstone piece for their favorite hurler’s collection. PSA 10 versions have been selling in the $900 range showing growing belief in Alcantara’s stardom.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Green Wave /10 – The enigmatic superstar shortstop for the Padres, Fernando Tatis Jr. is already one of the faces of MLB while still just 23-years old. After a monster breakout campaign in 2021 that saw him hit .281 with 42 HRs and finish third in NL MVP voting, Tatis became one of the primary cover athletes for Topps in 2022. Green Wave parallels were some of 2021 Mosaic’s most popular inserts, and the Tatis /10 became a must-own for Tatis PC collectors. Early PSA 10 examples sold over $1,000, the same price as high-end base rookies showcasing Tatis’ star power.
Ohtani & Trout Dual Auto /49- Perhaps the two biggest names currently in MLB, the dynamic pairing of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout were featured in several 2021 Mosaic dual memorabilia cards. None were more sought after than their /49 parallel dual auto, one of just a handful in existence featuring arguably the two most talented players today. Selling initial for nearly $3,500 raw, PSA 10 grails of this dual auto have since crept past $5,000. Investors see both Trout and Ohtani as surefire Hall of Famers destined for many more accolades, making this 1/1 type card an elite long term hold.
Bo Bichette Rainbow Foil Auto /25 – As one of the heads of Toronto’s promising young core, Bo Bichette had established himself as an all-star caliber player by 2021 still just 24-years old. His popularity continued growing that year with a career high 27 home runs. The 2021 Mosaic Rainbow Foil Auto parallel presented collectors a true 1/1 style option of Bichette at the hyper short-print /25 edition size. Early PSA 10 sales eclipsed $1,000 for this premiere Bichette parallel showing strong belief in his continued breakout the coming seasons.
Bobby Witt Jr. White Sparkle Auto /10 – Bobby Witt Jr. did not disappoint as the #2 overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, showcasing 5-tool talent right away in the minors. Highly anticipated for a 2022 debut, Witt mania was in full effect going into the ’21 season. Investors and PC collectors targeted his premiere White Sparkle Auto in Mosaic as one of the set’s true crown jewels at the ultra-short /10 parallel size. PSA 10 examples sold initially over $2,000, demonstrating Witt had one of the hottest signatures in the prospect hobby even before reaching the majors.
Overall, 2021 Mosaic offered collectors parallel versions and memorabilia options of some of baseball’s hottest young stars and established franchise players. With several true short print parallels numbered under 25 copies and ultra-rare dual memorabilia cards, the set provided high-end collector opportunities and major investing pieces. 2021 established several rookies like Franco and Witt as generational talents attracting major card value already. With many of these stars still young with Hall of Fame potential careers ahead, the premiere 2021 Mosaic cards profiled will likely only increase in desirability and value for years to come.
