The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors due to strong rookie classes in both the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. While there are numerous rookie hits that hold value in the set, here are some of the standout cards that should be at the top of every collector’s want list:
Emerson Hancock Auto /25 (Panini Prizm Draft Picks Green #’d Parallel) – The No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Hancock has ace potential and was dominant as a starter at the University of Georgia. His autographed parallels that are numbered to just 25 copies each are the crown jewels of the set. Expect long-term appreciation as Hancock develops in the Mariners system. With his talent and the extremely low serial number, these green parallels could net thousands of dollars even now.
Tyler Soderstrom Auto /99 (Panini Prizm Draft Picks Blue Wave Parallel) – Many had Soderstrom projected as a top 5 pick before he surprisingly fell to the 26th pick and was snatched up by the Athletics. Scouts still rave about his hitting prowess behind the plate and say he has what it takes to be an offensive force at catcher. His autographed blue wave parallels are among the more coveted rookie cards in the set due to his talent and limited parallel numbering. As he progresses, these could turn out to be true gems.
Nick Gonzales Auto – The 2021 Golden Spikes Award winner and No. 7 overall pick exploded out of New Mexico State as one of the top college bats. He brings rare lefty power to shortstop that has drawn comparisons to Alex Bregman. As the highest drafted position player, Gonzales’ autograph cards are absolute must-haves for Pirates PC collectors or those wanting to get in early on what could be a true star.
Kumar Rocker Auto – While health concerns caused Rocker to slip all the way down to the 10th pick on draft day, he was considered by many to be the best pure stuff pitcher in the entire 2020 college class. As the Vanderbilt flamethrower continues to prove himself healthy after surgery, interest in his rookie cards will only grow higher. His autos are already in high demand from Rangers collectors and those betting on an ace-level career.
Jack Leiter Auto – The son of former big leaguer Al Leiter lived up to the hype as one of the most polished pitching prospects in the 2021 draft class. Leiter absolutely dominated SEC competition at Vanderbilt prior to being selected No. 2 overall by the Rangers. With ace potential and that elite bloodline, Leiter’s autograph cards are sure to be prime long-term keepers for discerning Texas collectors.
Colton Cowser Auto – An absolute stolen base at No. 5 overall, the explosive outfielder from Sam Houston wowed scouts with his advanced hit tool and smooth left-handed swing. As a Baltimore native selected by the hometown Orioles, Cowser’s autographs have taken on an extra layer of appeal. His cards look primed to resonate with collectors for years as he progresses up the ranks.
Sam Bachman Auto – Big and physical righties don’t come much bigger than Bachman, who used his 96-100 mph fastball to dominate as Miami’s Friday night starter in 2021. His selection at No. 9 overall was rightfully viewed as a potential steal by the Blue Jays. With ace stuff and Toronto pedigree, Bachman’s autographs hold strong long-term allure.
Kahlil Watson Auto – One of the most electrifying athletes in the entire draft class, the uber athletic Watson wowed scouts with his 80-grade speed, and game-changing tools on both sides of the ball. Though he has development ahead on offense, Watson’s upside is through the roof as one of the highest ceiling picks in recent memory for the Brewers at No. 16 overall. His autograph cards are a low-risk, high-reward pickup.
Gunnar Henderson Auto – Though off the radar of many entering the 2021 season, the late blooming Henderson exploded over the summer as one of the best all-around shortstop bats in the entire draft. Scouts rave about his advanced approach and hitting ability from the left side. Selected at No. 42 by Baltimore, Henderson quickly became one of the most sought-after prospects in the Orioles system. His autographed rookies are priced accordingly based on huge upside.
Sal Frelick Auto – An elite run producer and true five-tool talent out of Boston College, Frelick plays the game with a unique combination of polished skills and athleticism. Though he slipped some on draft day, the Brewers snatched up one of the most well-rounded prospects available at No. 15. Frelick looks primed for an quick ascent, keeping his autographed cards in high demand.
Ben Brown Auto – Big righties that miss plenty of bats don’t come around terribly often, but Brown fits that bill to a tee. The big 6’5″, 230-pound flamethrower struck out 161 batters in 111 college innings at California, showcasing the type of ace stuff that made him an early first round talent. Now pitching for the Marlins, Brown’s autographs are flying off the shelves.
This covers some of the premier hits collectors should be pursuing from the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set. With so much star potential and unique franchise prospects featured, the set offers a true who’s who of future MLB talent. For those wanting to get in early on the next generation of superstars, investing in the top rookies from this acclaimed draft class offers a superb opportunity. Many of these players and their iconic rookie cards are destined for great things as their careers progress.
