The 2021 baseball card season was another strong year for the hobby as interest in collecting reached new heights during the pandemic. Whether you’re looking for rookies, stars, parallels, or inserts, there was no shortage of exciting cards released over the past year. With so many great options to choose from, here are some of the best baseball cards collectors could find in 2021 packs, boxes, and sets.
Bowman Draft Jasson Dominguez – One of the most hyped international prospects ever, Dominguez lived up to the billing in his debut Bowman Draft card. Labeled “The Martian” for his otherworldly skills, the 17-year-old centerfielder is already turning heads in the Yankees system. With his rare combination of tools and youth, this card is a prized rookie to own.
Topps Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Rainbow Foil – Vladdy Jr. took a huge step forward in 2021, cementing his status as one of baseball’s brightest young stars. His flagship Topps Chrome refractor parallel became a must-have for PC builders thanks to the dazzling rainbow color combination. As Guerrero continues developing into a perennial MVP candidate, this card should retain and gain value.
Bowman Chrome Julio Rodriguez Auto /99 – The Mariners’ top prospect had a breakout season in 2021 and looks poised to be their next homegrown star. His prizm auto from Bowman Chrome is arguably the best card from the set, made more desirable by the low serial number. Rodriguez’s five-tool talents have collectors excited about his future and the investment potential of this card.
Topps Finest Mike Trout Rainbow Foil /2021 – Even a decade into his career, Trout remains the standard by which all other players are measured. His Topps Finest rainbow foil parallel felt like a fitting tribute, with the parallel count matching his uniform number. This card captures Trout at the peak of his powers and will stand as one of the defining Mike Trout cards of his generation.
Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Auto /99 – Vladdy Jr. had two of the hottest rookie cards in 2021 Bowman Chrome. While the base auto is highly sought after, the prizm version with a serial number match to his uniform number took things to another level. Few players have debuted with as much hype and lived up to it as Guerrero, making this a true star-in-the-making auto to hold long term.
Topps Chrome Baseball Blaster Blue Shane Bieber /99 – Bieber has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant starters when healthy. His Topps Chrome blaster blue parallel became one of the toughest short prints to pull in 2021. With a serial number match to his uniform, this card perfectly captures Bieber at the peak of his powers as an ace.
Topps Finest Ronald Acuña Jr. Rainbow Foil /2021 – When healthy, Acuña plays with a rare combination of five-tools that make him must-see TV every time he steps on the field. His Topps Finest parallel, with a serial number matching his uniform, is a true star-studded card that will retain value as Acuña continues chasing superstardom in Atlanta.
Topps Chrome Baseball Hobby Box Green Wander Franco /99 – The consensus top prospect in baseball, Franco lived up to the hype with a stellar debut in 2021 after being called up mid-season. His Topps Chrome green parallel became one of the most coveted short prints, and a prized rookie for any collector. As the future face of the Rays franchise, this card should hold and gain value for years.
Bowman Chrome Baseball Box Toppers Juan Soto Auto /99 – Soto has established himself as one of the game’s best young hitters, and his Bowman Chrome box topper auto only reinforced that. With a serial number match to his uniform, this card captures Soto at the height of his powers as one of today’s true five-tool talents. It’s a true crown jewel for any PC and a card that should retain strong value for the long haul.
Topps Finest Baseball Blaster Box Red Shohei Ohtani /99 – A true two-way force, Ohtani had another MVP caliber season in 2021 while proving his 2018 campaign was no fluke. His Topps Finest blaster box red parallel perfectly captures Ohtani in his prime as a generational talent. With a serial number match to his uniform, this card is sure to be a blue chip investment.
Topps Chrome Update Green Bo Bichette Auto /99 – Bichette emerged as the heart and soul of a young, exciting Blue Jays team in 2021. His Topps Chrome Update green parallel auto, with a serial number match, became one of the most sought after short prints of the year. As Toronto’s homegrown star, this card should retain strong value as Bichette hits his prime years.
Topps Finest Rainbow Foil Fernando Tatis Jr. /2021 – One of the most exciting players in the game, Tatis has established himself as a true face of the league in San Diego. His Topps Finest rainbow parallel, with a serial number match to his uniform, is the definitive Tatis card from 2021 – a true crown jewel for any PC.
Those were some of the best and most desirable baseball cards collectors could find across 2021 releases. With rookies like Rodriguez, Franco and Dominguez; young stars like Guerrero Jr., Acuña Jr. and Bichette; and veterans like Trout, Tatis Jr. and Ohtani, there was no shortage of talent featured. Parallels like refractors, autos, and short prints added another layer of rarity. With the continued growth of the hobby, 2022 is shaping up to be another big year for baseball cards. Top prospects like Jackson Jobe, Benny Montgomery and Druw Jones are poised for stellar rookie campaigns.
