Baseball cards have been a popular collectible item for decades, with some rare vintage cards fetching millions of dollars at auction. Even modern baseball cards from recent years can hold significant value, especially for rookie cards of star players who go on to have Hall of Fame careers. The baseball card market saw record high prices in 2021, as interest in the hobby surged during the pandemic. Here are some of the most valuable baseball cards from 2021 that collectors should be on the lookout for.

Shohei Ohtani 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Rookie Card (#161)

The Shohei Ohtani rookie card boom continued into 2021, as the Japanese two-way star cemented his status as a true unicorn in baseball. Ohtani’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallel is one of the hottest modern rookie cards on the market. Fresh PSA 10 gem mint examples were selling for over $1000 last year, with the price steadily increasing. Ohtani had another incredible season in 2021 that only added to the hype around his rookie card. This is likely one of the best long-term investments a collector could make, as Ohtani is still young at 27 and could end up as one of the all-time greats. Graded examples are expected to continue appreciating in value for many years.

Wander Franco 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor Rookie Card (#331)

Wander Franco had a phenomenal rookie season with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 that immediately put him on the map as a superstar. The hype around his rookie cards was immense, with the Topps Chrome refractor parallel being the most coveted. Pristine PSA 10 copies were selling for well over $1000 last year, a staggering price for a card from a player’s first season. Franco is considered a “once in a generation” type of talent and is poised for a likely Hall of Fame career. His rookie cards hold Brian Gwynn-like potential and are a can’t-miss addition for any collection. With Franco still just 20 years old, these cards have nowhere to go but up in value long-term.

Ronald Acuña Jr. 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in July 2021, Ronald Acuña Jr. was playing like an MVP and looked primed for another All-Star campaign. The 2018 NL Rookie of the Year already has two Silver Sluggers under his belt at just 23 years old. While the injury slowed his progress, most still believe Acuña will return to superstar form. His 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels remain some of the most coveted modern cards. Fresh PSA 10 copies were selling in the $800-1000 range last year. With Acuña’s young age and high ceiling, these cards hold great long-term appreciation potential if he gets back to full health and resumes his ascent up the career leaderboards.

Juan Soto 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

At just 22 years old, Juan Soto has already established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. The 2019 NL batting champion made his second All-Star team in 2021 and continues putting up video game numbers. Soto’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels were white hot in the collectibles market last season. Pristine PSA 10 copies were commanding well over $1000 due to his superstar status and incredibly bright future ahead. He hasn’t even reached his prime yet. Soto is arguably the safest modern investment a collector can make, as barring injury, he seems destined for a likely first-ballot Hall of Fame career. These cards are sure to appreciate significantly with time.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

After a breakout 2020 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. took his game to an even higher level in 2021. At just 22 years old, he’s already one of the most feared power hitters in baseball. Guerrero’s 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels exploded in popularity and price last year. PSA 10 gems were selling for $800-1000 due to his budding superstardom. Like Soto, Guerrero seems poised for a Hall of Fame career if he stays healthy. His rookie cards hold tremendous blue chip potential for long-term collectors. With Guerrero still so young, the best is likely still ahead of him on the field – and for the value of his coveted rookie cardboard.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (#331)

When healthy, Fernando Tatis Jr. is arguably the most exciting player in baseball. The 22-year old phenom was having an MVP caliber season in 2021 before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the second half. Tatis’ star power is off the charts, making his 2018 Topps Chrome rookie refractor parallels some of the most sought-after modern cards. Pristine PSA 10 copies were selling for well over $1000 last season. While injuries are a concern, a healthy Tatis has a chance to go down as one of the all-time greats when his career is over. His rookie cards hold immense long-term potential and make for a solid long-term investment holding for any collector.

While vintage cards from the 1950s-1980s will always be the most valuable in the hobby, modern cards can also net collectors a substantial return – especially for the rookies of budding superstars. The cards highlighted above feature some of the brightest young talents in baseball today who have Hall of Fame upside. With the massive growth of the sports card market in 2021, these cards established themselves as the new blue chip rookies for savvy collectors to target. With the players still early in their careers, these cards have significant room for future appreciation as their careers progress.