The 2021 baseball season saw an exciting new crop of rookies make their debuts in Major League Baseball. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted attendance and revenues across the sport in 2021, it did little to dampen enthusiasm for the next generation of young stars. As such, rookie cards from Topps’ 2021 baseball card releases are some of the most sought-after on the modern collecting market.
Topps remains the dominant force in licensed MLB trading cards, and its 2021 standard and high-end products featured rookie cards of players who made immediate impacts in their first seasons. Several 2021 rookies established themselves as franchise cornerstones with impressive debut campaigns, driving strong demand for their rookie cards among collectors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable and desirable rookie cards from Topps’ 2021 baseball offerings.
Perhaps the biggest rookie sensation of 2021 was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. The 20-year-old phenom slashed .288/.347/.463 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games, showcasing elite hitting ability and plate discipline beyond his years. Franco’s rookie debut was one of the most anticipated in recent memory, and collectors responded by snapping up his cards at record prices. His standard Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card quickly rose above $1,000 PSA Gem Mint 10 after his call-up and has settled in the $3,000-$4,000 range. Other top Franco rookies include his Topps Finest Auto Patch and Topps Inception Auto, both regularly trading hands for $5,000 or more. Franco looks poised for superstardom, cementing these cards as long-term blue-chip holdings.
Another rookie who made a massive splash in 2021 was Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Though he only played in 91 games, Rodriguez slashed .284/.345/.480 with 18 home runs and 50 RBI, showcasing five-tool potential. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is one of the most coveted cards on the modern market, with PSA 10 examples reaching as high as $3,000. Other Rodriguez standouts include his Topps Finest Auto Patch and Topps Inception Auto, which also command four-figure prices. At just 21 years old, Rodriguez has cemented himself as a centerpiece of the Mariners’ young core – making his rookie cards among the top long-term investments in the hobby.
Rookie pitchers also made waves in 2021. Detroit Tigers righty Casey Mize, the number one overall pick in the 2018 draft, enjoyed a promising debut with a 3.71 ERA over 25 starts. His Topps Chrome Refractor rookie is the most sought-after of his cards, with a PSA 10 bringing in around $800-900. Toronto Blue Jays righty Alek Manoah emerged as an ace-caliber arm, posting a 3.22 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 23 starts in 2021. His Topps Chrome Refractor has risen above the $500 mark for a PSA 10 copy. Manoah looks poised for continued success, giving his rookie cards strong long-term appeal.
Beyond the star debuts, several other 2021 rookies made positive first impressions with their potential. Philadelphia Phillies catcher/outfielder Bryson Stott had a solid debut and his autos remain hotly pursued. Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II turned heads with his defense and developing bat. Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung showed flashes of above-average hitting ability before injuries cut short his first season. Each of these players’ rookie cards remain buys with their best years likely still ahead.
When considering investments in the always fluctuating sports card market, it’s wise to focus on rookies with the highest chances of future success. The talented players who made their MLB debuts in 2021 clearly fit that bill. While the ongoing pandemic and economic uncertainty add risks, cards from stars like Franco, Rodriguez and others look positioned to appreciate significantly with continued on-field development. For discerning collectors, the top 2021 Topps rookies represent opportunities for long-term holdings that could pay dividends for years to come.
