The 2021 season was one that saw baseball make its return after shortened 2020 campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans were excited to get back to the ballpark and players were raring to get back on the field. For collectors, 2021 was a year where the excitement for the hobby reached new heights. Panini’s 2021 Optic Baseball produced some tremendously valuable rookie cards that are already commanding high prices on the secondary market.
Optic has become one of the premier modern baseball card products in recent years thanks to its sharp photography and focus on rookies. The 2021 edition was no exception, spotlighting many of the game’s rising young stars as they began to make their mark in MLB. Among the most coveted rookie cards found in ’21 Optic were those of Rays shortstop Wander Franco, Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic, Rangers outfielder Adley Rutschman and Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff. Each of these players possessed immense prospect hype that translated to strong early sales and gradeable potential for their rookie cards.
Wander Franco’s prized rookie card in ’21 Optic quickly took the hobby by storm. As the top-rated prospect in baseball, Franco possessed perhaps the most anticipation of any player coming into the season. His autograph and base rookies rocketed to the top of the product value hierarchy. PSA 10 examples of his auto now sell for upwards of $3,000 while pristine base cards trade hands near $400. Franco’s early MLB success cementing himself as the Rays’ star shortstop sure to be an MVP candidate for years to come only adds to the allure.
Another hugely valuable rookie from ’21 Optic was Jarred Kelenic’s collection of cards. The Mariners’ top prospect arrived in Seattle with beaucoup hype that he largely lived up to. His auto fetched close to $1,000 PSA 10 while even base rookies climbed over $100 in gem mint condition early in the season. Kelenic’s five-tool promise and dynamic play styles translates perfectly to the attractiveness of his traded rookie cards. As he continues developing into a perennial All-Star, those ’21 Optics are sure to stay highly sought.
The third biggest hitter from ’21 Optic rookies was Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Long viewed as the prize of a loaded 2018 draft, Rutschman brought unmatched anticipation as the future cornerstone of Baltimore’s rebuild. His autograph rookie raced north of $700 PSA 10 while the base parallel exceeded $80 for gems. Scouts rave about Rutschman’s elite plate discipline and defense behind the dish that made him an immediate MLB ready talent. With his star potential, these ‘21 Optic Rutschman rookies look primed to appreciate significantly with every accomplishment in Charm City.
Wrapping up the quartet of most valuable rookies from 2021 Optic is Twins outfielder Alex Kirilloff. Long one of the more polished hit tool prospects in the minors, Kirilloff saw his prospect luster transfers smoothly to strong early returns on his rookie cards. PSA 10 autographs reached $400-500 while even common base parallels eclipsed $50 for pristine copies. Kirilloff showcased an advanced approach in his MLB debut that will serve him well as he establishes himself in Minnesota’s everyday lineup. His future All-Star caliber play gives hope that the ’21 Optics could emerge as quite the rewards long term.
Beyond the biggest four, other rookies from 2021 Optic that hold notable value already include Reds second baseman Jonathan India, Marlins pitcher Trevor Rogers, Rays infielder Vidal Brujan, Giants catcher Joey Bart, Rangers pitcher Cole Winn and Cubs outfielder Brennen Davis among several others. Many of these players made positive impressions right away in 2021 that amplified collector demand for their rookie cards at the time of release. With continued developments in their MLB careers, there is solid potential for appreciation down the road.
In addition to the rookie card treasures, 2021 Optic offered several valuable inserts and parallels. The Flux refractors and Violet parallels numbered to /99 became immediate hits. Autographs and Memorabilia cards of emerging talent like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt and Riley Greene pulled huge interest levels. Serialized parallels like Gold (/10), Orange (/25) and Red (/5) achieved big prices due to their ultra-low populations. Veterans stars like Shohei Ohtani and Fernando Tatis Jr also had valuable cards that performed well.
As the hobby enters 2022 at another peak, the 2021 Optic rookies of Franco, Kelenic, Rutschman and Kirilloff plus others continue to hold strong valuations. Their cards are prized future investments for collectors banking that these young talents will reach stardom. With such a memorable rookie class captured, 2021 Optic Baseball is sure to go down as one of the most collectible and valuable modern issues in the sport’s recent history. For years to come, this release looks poised to bring substantial returns to those who had the foresight to lock in copies early.
