The 2021 MLB season was one for the ages when it came to rookie performances and the hobby of collecting rookie cards. Several rookies had historic debut campaigns that will surely be remembered for decades to come. With so many star prospects making their big league debuts and immediately contributing at an elite level, the 2021 rookie class created a tremendous buzz around their cardboard.
While individual standout rookie seasons often drive short-term card values, the true test of whether a player has created a rookie card destined for long-term appreciation is sustained success at the MLB level. There’s no question some 2021 rookies made an immediate splash captivating the interest of collectors. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from last season that hold tremendous value and investment potential.
Riley Greene – Detroit Tigers – Bowman Chrome Green Auto /99: The 5th overall pick from 2019 had one of the most anticipated debuts of the year. Although he only received a September call-up, Greene showed off impressive plate discipline and power potential. As the future centerpiece of the Tigers rebuild, Greene is poised for stardom. His prized rookie auto holds a mid-range 4-figure valuation currently.
Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners – Bowman Chrome Green Auto /99: J-Rod was arguably the breakout star of the rookie class, slashing .284/.345/.514 with 18 home runs in just 100 games played. His elite five-tool skillset and charismatic playing style made him a fan favorite. Rodriguez’s on-card autos from his prized Bowman Chrome set are some of the hottest rookie cards on the market, routinely fetching prices north of $2,000 each.
Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: After dominating the minors, Witt proved he was ready for the big show by launching 20 home runs as a 21-year-old. As the future face of the Royals, the #2 overall pick from 2019 has established himself as one of the premier young shortstops in baseball. His Topps Chrome auto holds a premium long-term valuation.
Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles – Bowman Chrome Green Auto /99: As the top prospect in all of baseball entering 2022, Rutschman lived up to the hype by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 50 games after his mid-season promotion. His elite all-around abilities make him a franchise cornerstone. Rutschman’s prized Bowman Chrome autos are some of the most coveted modern rookie cards available.
Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: After being selected #1 overall in 2020, Torkelson showed promising power with a .267 average and 5 home runs in 53 games. He’s a future middle-of-the-order thumper and will be a core piece for the Tigers. Torkelson’s Topps Chrome autos hold tremendous long-term appreciation potential.
Seiya Suzuki – Chicago Cubs – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: In his highly anticipated MLB debut season after starring in NPB, Suzuki impressed by slashing .262/.344/.436 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 112 games. As the new face of the Cubs’ Japanese community, Suzuki has established himself as a fan favorite. His Topps Chrome autos are some of the most valuable from the 2021 rookie class.
Joe Ryan – Minnesota Twins – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: Acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline, Ryan made an immediate impact by posting a 2.12 ERA and 0.96 WHIP in 12 starts down the stretch. The 25-year-old righty looks like a budding ace and cornerstone for the Twins moving forward. His Topps Chrome autos hold strong long-term value.
Jeremy Peña – Houston Astros – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: Stepping in for the departed Carlos Correa, Peña proved more than ready by slashing .289/.339/.492 with 22 extra-base hits and excellent defense to take home ALCS MVP honors. The rookie shined on the big stage and looks to be Correa’s long-term replacement. His Topps Chrome autos are some of the most sought-after on the market.
Jack Leiter – Texas Rangers – Bowman Chrome Green Auto /99: As the #2 overall pick from 2021, Leiter lived up to the hype by dominating the minors with a combined 1.72 ERA between High-A and Double-A. At just 22 years old, Leiter looks like a future ace and the new face of Rangers pitching. His Bowman Chrome autos are some of the prized rookie cards in the entire class.
Oneil Cruz – Pittsburgh Pirates – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: With his mammoth 6’7″ frame and elite tools, Cruz was one of the most physically imposing rookies in baseball last year. He showed off prodigious power by slugging 4 home runs in just 27 games. As a future cornerstone, Cruz’s Topps Chrome autos hold strong long-term value.
Nolan Gorman – St. Louis Cardinals – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: After dominating Triple-A, Gorman received a September call-up and immediately launched 7 home runs in 30 games. The 22-year-old looks ready to take over as the Cardinals’ future power source from Paul Goldschmidt. His Topps Chrome autos are some of the most valuable Cardinals rookie cards on the market.
MacKenzie Gore – San Diego Padres – Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /150: Once a consensus top 3 prospect in all of baseball, injuries slowed Gore’s rise. But he looked healthy and dominant in his late-season debut by posting a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings. As a future ace, Gore’s Topps Chrome autos hold tremendous long-term value if he stays on the mound.
While individual player success and team playoff runs often drive short-term card values, the true test of whether a rookie card holds lasting appreciation potential is sustained MLB success. There’s no question some of the rookies from 2021 like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Rutschman, Leiter and others made immediate impacts that captivated the hobby. Their prized rookie autos, particularly colorful parallels, established themselves among the most coveted modern cards available with tremendous long-term upside if they fulfill their potentials.
