Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for over a century and there are always certain cards from each year that end up being more valuable than others. The 2021 season saw the sport start to return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted 2020. As fans collected the newest releases of cards to commemorate the year, certain rookies and star players stood out and their cards started demanding a premium. Here are some of the top baseball cards from 2021 that could be worth serious money down the road.
Shohei Ohtani – 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor #131 (Blue Parallel) – Ohtani had a historic season in 2021 as he excelled both as a pitcher and hitter. The two-way star out of Japan wowed fans with his ability to dominate on the mound while also providing big power at the plate. His rookie cards were in high demand and the refractors and parallels could be worth thousands in the years to come assuming he keeps up his superstar play. The blue refractor is one of the more coveted parallels.
Wander Franco – 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto #171 – Franco made a huge splash as one of the top prospects in baseball when he was called up by the Tampa Bay Rays in mid-June. He immediately showed why he was so highly touted by hitting over .300 while also flashing plus defense at shortstop. His autograph rookie cards exploded in value and the yellow refractor parallel could be a true long term gem, especially if he fulfills his potential and becomes a perennial All-Star.
Ronald Acuña Jr. – 2021 Topps Series 2 #349 – Acuña was well on his way to another All-Star caliber season before suffering a season-ending knee injury in July. The young Atlanta Braves outfielder had re-established himself as one of the brightest stars in baseball and his cards were in high demand. The 2021 Topps Series 2 base card shows him in the familiar Braves uniform and could be a valuable piece for any collector given his superstar status.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 2021 Topps Chrome Green Refractor Auto #163 – Guerrero broke out in a big way in 2021 by winning the AL batting title with a .311 average to go along with 48 home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays. After years of hype as a top prospect, Vladdy Jr. proved he was a true franchise cornerstone. His autographed rookie cards exploded and the green refractor parallel could be an especially desirable long term hold.
Fernando Tatis Jr. – 2021 Topps Series 2 #349 – Tatis missed significant time in 2021 due to injury but he had established himself as one of the most exciting and marketable young stars in baseball when healthy. As the face of the San Diego Padres franchise, Tatis’ cards were hot commodities and his base card from the Series 2 release shows him in the iconic Padres uniform that made him a star. It could gain value as his career progresses.
Juan Soto – 2021 Topps Series 2 #349 – At just 22 years old, Soto has already put together a resume that includes a World Series title and two All-Star appearances for the Washington Nationals. He’s considered one of the best pure hitters in the game and is a cornerstone piece for the Nats. His base card in the popular 2021 Topps Series 2 set alongside other stars like Tatis Jr. and Acuña Jr. stands out.
Trevor Rogers – 2021 Topps Chrome Green Refractor Auto #135 – Rogers broke out as one of the best young pitchers in baseball in 2021 with a 2.64 ERA for the Miami Marlins. The 23-year-old lefty flashed elite stuff while showing he can be a future ace. His autographed rookie cards surged and the green refractor parallel could be an especially valuable long term hold if he continues developing into the ace many project.
Bobby Witt Jr. – 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto #139 – Witt was one of the most exciting prospects to debut in 2021. The number 2 overall pick from the 2019 draft showed off plus power and defense at third base for the Kansas City Royals in a September call-up. His autographed rookie cards were hot and the yellow refractor parallel could pay off big if he becomes the star many think he will be.
Luis Garcia – 2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor Auto #158 – Garcia emerged as a key piece of the World Series champion Houston Astros’ pitching staff in 2021 at just 23 years old. The righty flashed three quality pitches while posting a 3.48 ERA in 25 starts. His autographed rookie cards surged and the yellow refractor parallel could gain serious value as he develops further.
Jared Walsh – 2021 Topps Chrome Green Refractor Auto #143 – Walsh broke out as one of baseball’s top power hitters in 2021 by slugging a career-high 29 home runs for the Los Angeles Angels. The 28-year-old first baseman/outfielder proved he can be a core piece of the Angels’ lineup for years to come. His autographed rookie cards spiked and the green refractor parallel stands out.
While the 2021 season saw many young stars like Ohtani, Guerrero Jr. and Witt Jr. take their games to new levels, it was also a year that rookies like Rogers, Garcia and Walsh emerged. Their top rookie cards, especially the refractors and autographs, could be valuable long term holdings if they continue developing into impact major leaguers. The 2021 season gave collectors several potential gems to chase.
