The 2021 MLB season saw an exciting new crop of talented rookies make their debuts and many immediately shattered rookie records. These standout performances have skyrocketed the value of certain 2021 rookie cards to new heights. While prices fluctuate constantly based on player performance and hype, here are some of the top 2021 rookie cards to watch that have proven to hold strong long term value.
Without question, the crown jewel of 2021 rookie cards belongs to Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane McLanahan. McLanahan stole headlines by becoming just the eighth pitcher ever to finish with an ERA under 2 in their rookie season at 1.69 ERA over 132 innings. He established himself as the clear front runner for AL Rookie of the Year and top pitching prospect in baseball. Not surprisingly, his prized rookie cards have followed suit with his SAGE hitting price levels over $1000 for PSA 10s and Bowman Chrome autos bringing in over $500 graded. As McLanahan cements himself as the staff ace for the defending AL Champions, these cards stand to rise even higher.
Another rookie whose cards shot up was Minnesota Twins outfielder Trevor Larnach. While Larnach wasn’t the biggest household name entering 2021, he made strong contributions batting .313 in August and September to earn a spot in the regular Twins lineup. This breakout gave tremendous boost to Larnach’s valuable Bowman Chrome autographs, which have sold for up to $300 PSA 10. With his power bat continuing to develop, Larnach seems on the path toward stardom and his cards carry solid long term appreciation.
Oakland A’s electric arm Jesus Luzardo returned from injury to make his rookie debut in 2021 and his prized Bowman Chrome autos jumped accordingly. Originally injured in 2020, Luzardo showedACE upsideby striking out 11.6 batters per nine over 60 innings with a 3.49 ERA. The prized Luzardo Bowman Chrome rookie autos skyrocketed past $150 for PSA 10s showing his cards haveWithstood the test of time Despite injuries. If he can stay healthy, these are cards poised to keep climbing.
Not all top 2021 rookies came from MLB as Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year Jarred Kelenic made a huge splash for the Seattle Mariners organization before being called up. Kelenic destroyed Triple-A pitching to a 1.009 OPS and launched 23 home runs over just 90 games. His performance sent the cost of his coveted 2018 Bowman Chrome autos past $500 for PSA 10 graded examples. While struggles in his initial MLB stint leveled demand some, faith remains high in Kelenic and his card prices should stabilize and rise again long term as he establishes himself.
Across town, fellow Seattle prospect Julio Rodriguez joined Kelenic as a top Mariners rookie. Though less heralded than Kelenic entering 2021, Rodriguez smashed double and triple-A pitching en route to a September MLB call-up where he flaunted five tool talents. Rodriguez’ 2018 Bowman Chrome autos have entered the $250 range for PSA 10s showing strong long term potential if he pans out as an all-star. At just 21, Rodriguez has impressed scouts with rare raw upside and his prized cards have that blue chip feel.
No rookie list would be complete without mentioning 2020 AL Rookie of the Year pitcher Casey Mize of the Detroit Tigers. After debuting in 2021 and showing glimpsesof dominancewith a 3.71 ERA over 25 starts, excitement is high around Mize living up to his lofty draft status. This has his coveted 2018 Bowman Chrome autos steadily rising to the $150 level for gem mint PSA 10 graded cards. As Mize looks to establish himself as the Tigers ace, his valuable rookies still have plenty of upside to gain.
On the position player side, Rays starlet Wander Franco burst onto the scene by becoming the first player in MLB history with a hit in each of his first five games. Franco backed up the hype by batting .288 over 70 games and showed why he’s regarded the top prospect in baseball. His prized 2019 Bowman Chrome autos have entered the $250 range for PSA 10s as Franco looks primed for stardom. At just 20 years old, these cards should appreciate handsomely as Franco’s career continues upward.
No discussion of top 2021 rookies is complete without mentioning Athletics phenom Vince Fernandez. Fernandez burst onto the Oakland rotation in electrifying fashion, utilizing a 100mph fastball to post a 1.80 ERA over 111 innings. This breakout dominance spurred Fernandez’ prized 2018 Bowman Chrome autographs past $250 for top-graded PSA 10 cards. As Fernandez establishes himself as a legitimate ace, these cards seem primed to gain substantially in value. He’s cemented as the crown jewel of Athletics pitching prospects.
The standout rookie performances of 2021 produced many valuable baseball cards primed to gain significant value long term. McLanahan, Kelenic, Rodriguez, Franco and Fernandez especially showcased why their early cards hold such promise. As these players’ careers progress, their prized rookie cards stand to appreciate enormously given the immense potential and performances shown as neophytes. For savvy investors, these cards offer rare opportunity to get behind top young stars from the very beginning.
