The 2021 Panini Prizm baseball set debuted in October of 2021 and featured some of the top rookies and stars from that season. While still relatively new, some of the cards from this sought-after set have already proven to be extremely valuable for collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the 2021 Panini Prizm baseball cards that are commanding the highest prices on the secondary market.
One of the most hyped rookies of 2021 was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a true five-tool player with tantalizing upside, Rodriguez asserted himself as one of baseball’s brightest young stars with a strong rookie campaign. Not surprisingly, his prizm rookie cards have been some of the hottest sellers from the 2021 set. Rodriguez’s prizm red refractor rookie currently sells for around $500 in near-mint condition. The black prizm refractor is even more desirable, with NM copies fetching prices upwards of $1,000. The true crown jewel is his prizm red wave rookie, with just 15 copies produced. Unsurprisingly, this ultra-rare parallel regularly sells for well over $5,000 when one becomes available. Rodriguez has affirmed himself as a true superstar in the making, making his prizm rookies some of the safest long-term investments from the class.
Another prized rookie from 2021 was Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. While he missed significant time due to injury in his debut season, Greene displayed tantalizing skills when on the field and has cemented himself as a future cornerstone for the Tigers. His prizm rookie cards have benefited from this hype and projections of stardom. The base prizm rookie in NM condition averages around $150-200 depending on seller. The purple prizm refractor (#’d to 99 copies) sells in the $300-400 range. But the true blue-chip Green parallels remain his prizm Red Refractor (#’d to 49 copies) and prizm Red Wave (#’d to just 15 copies). The red refractor has comps over $800, while the ultra-exclusive red wave commands prices north of $2,000. While less heralded than Rodriguez this season, Greene has all the makings of a perennial all-star and his prizm rookies remain solid long term assets.
Outside of the rookie class, veteran superstars still drive huge collector interest as well. One of the biggest names in the game today is Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts. Betts put together another stellar season in 2021 while helping lead LA to yet another World Series title. As one of the faces of the sport, Betts’s prizm parallels carry a huge premium. His base prizm sells around $50-75 NM. But some of the top Betts parallels from 2021 Prizm are truly elite cards. His prizm blue refractor (#’d to 99 copies) averages $300-400. Both his prizm red refractor (#’d to 49 copies) and prizm red wave (#’d to 15 copies) routinely sell for well over $1,000, with the waves bringing in prices north of $2,000. As Betts continues cementing his status as a modern day legend, these ultra-rare 2021 Prizm cards should retain their value for dedicated collectors.
While rookies and superstars drive plenty of hype, 2021 breakout stars from the set have shined as well. One such example is Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler. Coming off a dominant 2021 season where he finished third in NL Cy Young voting, Wheeler established himself as an ace. His prizm cards from ’21 have benefited tremendously. His base prizm in NM sells around $75-100. But Wheeler parallel lovers chase his prizm green refractor (#’d to 99 copies), which brings $300-400. Perhaps the true crown jewel though is his prizm green wave, of which only 15 copies exist. When one surfaces, it routinely fetches bids well north of $1,000. Wheeler may not have the name recognition of veterans, but his ‘21 Prizm parallels are proving to have staying power thanks to his breakout season.
While rookies, stars and breakouts lead the way, even solid veterans can find appreciation through rarer parallels. Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes cruised to the 2021 NL Cy Young award and saw his stock rise tremendously. Though his base prizm sells only $30-50, more exclusive parallels shine brightly. His prizm yellow refractor (#’d to 99 copies) averages $150-200 in strong grades. But the true golden ticket remains his prizm yellow wave, with an ultra-limited print run of only 15 copies. When one hits the market, they regularly sell for well over $1000. While seemingly obscure a year ago, Burnes’s Cy Young campaign has vaulted these already rare cards into even more demand.
While still new, the 2021 Panini Prizm baseball set has already produced some genuinely valuable collectibles. Between star rookies like Rodriguez and Greene, superstar vets like Betts, breakouts like Wheeler, and Cy Young winners like Burnes, the set offers diversity of investment opportunities. The true crown jewels remain the lowest serial numbered parallels, especially the prizm wave refractors of which only 15 copies exist. With the staying power of Panini Prizm as a premier modern baseball brand, these rarest of the rare 2021 cards have a strong chance to appreciate tremendously with time. Collectors chasing the long game would do well to track down some of these coveted pieces while they can still be had.
