The 2021 Donruss Optic baseball card set was released in December 2021 and contains a variety of rookies, stars, and parallels that have become highly sought after by collectors. Donruss Optic has developed a reputation for featuring flashy designs and innovative parallels that make the cards stand out in any collection. With so many exciting rookie cards and short printed parallels, identifying the true standouts from the 2021 release can be a challenge. Here is an in-depth look at some of the best cards collectors should be targeting from this year’s Donruss Optic set.
Perhaps the most coveted rookie card in the entire 2021 Donruss Optic set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco’s base rookie card. Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 where he slashed .288/.347/.467 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. He established himself as one of the brightest young stars in baseball and is considered a generational talent. Franco’s rookie cards from all sets have skyrocketed in value due to his early success and future superstar potential. The Donruss Optic base rookie is one of the more visually appealing designs and will undoubtedly gain value as Franco’s career progresses.
Another top rookie to target is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Like Franco, Rodriguez had a breakout 2021 campaign that has collectors excited about his future. In 92 games split between Double-A and Triple-A, Rodriguez hit .347 with 13 home runs and 71 RBI. He possesses elite power and speed that could make him a perennial all-star. Rodriguez’s Donruss Optic base rookie is an excellent long-term investment piece for any PC.
Two other rookies that performed well enough in 2021 to drive interest in their Donruss Optic rookie cards are Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia and Detroit Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo. Garcia went 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA as a rookie and looks poised to be a solid mid-rotation starter for years. Baddoo was a surprise standout who hit .259 with 13 home runs in 121 games as an unexpected rookie starter. Both players could continue developing into above-average major leaguers and their rookie cards remain affordable for now.
In terms of star veterans, the obvious top choice is Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani. After winning the American League MVP award in 2021, Ohtani mania is at an all-time high. His Donruss Optic base card has substantial upside potential as collectors recognize his once-in-a-generation talent. Other established stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. also have highly desirable base cards due to their young age, track records of success, and superstar potential.
When it comes to parallels, the true short prints from Donruss Optic 2021 have already become incredibly valuable. At the top of the list are Wander Franco’s Gold /50 parallel and Green /25 parallel, which routinely sell for well over $1000 each online. Other highly sought after low-numbered parallels include Julio Rodriguez Gold /50, Vlad Jr. Gold /50, and Fernando Tatis Jr. Green /25. Beyond the true short prints, the Rainbow Foil parallels that are numbered to /299 or less also hold solid value.
Collectors should also keep an eye out for exciting autograph and memorabilia cards from the 2021 Donruss Optic release. Top RCs to target with autos would be Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Jarred Kelenic. Veterans with strong fanbases like Ohtani, Acuña, Tatis, Soto, and Guerrero also have desirable autos. For relic cards, dual or triple jersey/bat cards of star players move the needle most. Franco, Rodriguez, and Kelenic 1/1 printing plates also command top dollar due to their ultra-rare status.
The 2021 Donruss Optic baseball card set delivered many hits for collectors with its exciting rookie class and flashy parallels. Keys to building a top-end collection from this release include flagship RCs of Franco, Rodriguez, Garcia, and Baddoo. Superstar veterans like Ohtani, Acuña, Tatis, Soto, and Vlad Jr. also make excellent long-term holdings. When it comes to parallels, the true short prints number to /50 or less stand out, as well as lower numbered Rainbow Foil versions. Autographs of top rookies and veterans will gain value over time too. By targeting the best rookie cards, stars, and parallels, collectors can assemble an impressive 2021 Donruss Optic collection primed to appreciate significantly with time.
