The 2021 baseball season saw a number of highly touted rookies make their debuts and immediately impact their teams. While it’s still early, some are already establishing themselves as future stars. As a result, their rookie trading cards have taken off in value with collectors pursuing the cards of players they believe will achieve great success long-term in Major League Baseball.
Heading into 2022, the top rookie cards fetching the highest prices based on recent sales data and market demand include Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani, Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India, and Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. Let’s take a deeper look at each.
Shohei Ohtani (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto /99): As one of the most hyped and unique two-way talents the game has seen, Ohtani lived up to expectations in his first full MLB season in 2021. He ended up winning the American League MVP award while slugging 46 home runs and compiling a 3.18 ERA on the mound. The astronomical hype around his talents has driven his rookie cards, particularly short printed refractors and autographs, to tremendous heights already. Recent PSA 10 gem mint sales of his Topps Chrome Refractor Auto, of which there are only 99 copies in existence, have cleared six figures, cementing it as arguably the most valuable 2021 baseball card on the market right now.
Julio Rodriguez (2021 Topps Chrome Blue Refractor /150): Rodriguez burst onto the scene for Seattle down the stretch in 2021 and looks poised for stardom for years to come. His blend of five-tool talents, youth, and potential superstardom has collectors in a frenzy for his cards. Short printed refractors and autographs have trended towards five figures already for the 21-year-old. The Topps Chrome Blue Refractor, limited to just 150 copies, has begun regularly selling for $4,000-$5,000 in top grades and figures to hold tremendous long term value if Rodriguez indeed develops into a perennial All-Star.
Riley Greene (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor /150): As the fifth overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft, Greene came into pro ball with huge expectations. He showed why in his late season MLB debut, flashing his elite bat speed and athleticism. His prospect pedigree and early MLB flashes have made his cards very sought after. Like Rodriguez, his Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor, of which there are only 150 in existence, has begun selling for $4,000+ in high grades with more upside if Greene fulfills his offensive potential.
Adley Rutschman (2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor /250): Widely seen as the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman started his first full MLB season strong both at and behind the plate. As the future centerpiece of Baltimore’s rebuild, his cards are in high demand from Orioles collectors and those betting on his long term success. His Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor, limited to a print run of 250, has already achieved four figures in PSA 10 form and figures to only increase as he establishes himself.
Jonathan India (2021 Topps Chrome Pink Refractor /150): Coming out of the 2021 season as the National League Rookie of the Year, India immediately proved worthy of top 5 overall status from the 2021 draft. Capping a stellar debut year with that prestigious ROY award has brought tremendous value gains to all of India’s attractive rookie parallels like the Pink Refractor, of which only 150 exist. Graded examples have sold for $3,000-$4,000 and should continue climbing if India solidifies himself as a perennial All-Star.
Shane Baz (2021 Topps Chrome Red Refractor /150): As one of the top pitching prospects in baseball coming into 2021, Baz made his highly anticipated MLB debut late in the year for Tampa Bay with strong showings. Shoulder injuries limited him but if he can stay healthy, his triple-digit fastball might make him a future ace. Accordingly, the allure and rarity of his Topps Chrome Red Refractor, limited to 150 copies, has already pushed PSA 10 examples north of $2,000 with plenty of ceiling remaining should Baz blossom into the frontline arm many foresee.
While Ohtani is crowning 2021’s market so far, any of these rookies could surge even higher with another strong season in 2022. The allure of landing a future Hall of Famer’s first official MLB card will always be compelling to collectors. With their proven track records thus far and youthful prime years still ahead of them, these six rookies own the most promising 2021 rookie cards primed to appreciate exponentially if they fulfill their immense potentials.
