The 2021 baseball card season was one of the most anticipated in recent memory after the boom in popularity of collecting during the pandemic in 2020. With rookie stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr., and others entering their third seasons, there was high demand for their latest rookie cards. Top rookies from the 2021 draft class like Marcelo Mayer and Jack Leiter also generated buzz. Meanwhile, legendary veterans like Albert Pujols chasing milestones had collectors searching for their latest releases as well. With so many exciting players and storylines, 2021 delivered some truly iconic baseball cards. Here are some of the best from the year:
Bowman Chrome Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Auto /99 ($1000+) – Vladdy Jr. took the MLB by storm in 2021 with his breakout season, winning the AL batting title. This short printed Bowman Chrome auto from his rookie year remains one of the premier Guerrero RC’s on the market. With his on-field dominance now matched by strong card values, this /99 parallel captured the excitement around one of baseball’s brightest young stars.
Topps Chrome Blue Refractor Fernando Tatis Jr. /50 ($2000+) – Tatis had established himself as a budding superstar and face of baseball even before 2021. But a monster campaign where he finished third in MVP voting only added to his legend. The coveted Topps Chrome Blue parallel remains the creme de la crop for Tatis RCs due to the ultra-low print run. His autograph version is the true holy grail.
Bowman’s Best Albert Pujols Auto 1/1 ($10000+) – Pujols’ chase of several all-time records, including passing Babe Ruth for career RBIs, was must-watch television in 2021. When he signed with the Dodgers down the stretch, the baseball world took notice once more. For collectors, his lone 1/1 auto from Bowman’s Best encapsulated the excitement over one of the game’s true icons chasing history.
Topps Chrome Refractor Julio Rodriguez Auto /50 ($3000+) – Rodriguez didn’t make his MLB debut until late 2021 but had already developed a massive following as one of baseball’s top prospects. This short printed Topps Chrome refractor captured the hype around his looming arrival. With his 5-tool talents and marketability, J-Rod is poised for stardom – making this a true future blue chip.
Topps Finest Wave Refractor Jack Leiter Auto /25 ($5000+) – As the #2 pick in the 2021 draft, expectations were sky high for Leiter coming out of Vanderbilt. This ultra-short printed refractor auto from Finest perfectly encapsulates the excitement around one of the minors’ most touted arms. With his pedigree and talent, Leiter first bowman cards hold immense long-term potential.
Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Marcelo Mayer Auto /50 ($4000+) – The #4 overall pick, Mayer wowed scouts with his advanced hitting abilities and athleticism. This Bowman Chrome blue parallel captured the buzz around one of 2021’s highest-drafted shortstops. With strong performances already in his pro debut, Mayer is poised for stardom – making his flagship chrome autos highly coveted long-term holdings.
Topps Finest Wave Auto Patch Wander Franco /10 ($15000+) – By the end of 2021, Franco had established himself as a true superstar and the face of baseball’s future. This exquisite 1/1 patch auto from Finest perfectly encapsulated the hype and history surrounding MLB’s brightest young phenom. With Franco’s otherworldly talents, this remains the true holy grail card in any Franco PC.
Topps Chrome Refractor Shohei Ohtani /50 ($3000+) – Ohtani had the greatest two-way season in modern history, dominating as a pitcher and hitter en route to AL MVP honors. This short printed refractor captured the unprecedented excitement around one of the game’s true unicorns. With his continued two-way success, Ohtani cards hold immense long term appeal.
Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Bobby Witt Jr. Auto /50 ($3500+) – After dominating the minors, Witt arrived in the bigs with a bang in 2021 to plenty of fanfare. This short printed Bowman Chrome captured the hype around one of the game’s top prospects finishing his journey to the show. With his 5-tool talents and marketability, Witt cards hold strong long term value.
Topps Finest Wave Refractor Ronald Acuña Jr. /25 ($4000+) – Before his season-ending injury, Acuna was playing like an MVP and reminded the baseball world of his limitless five-tool talents. This ultra-short printed refractor encapsulated the excitement and potential surrounding one of the game’s brightest young stars. With his return in 2022, Acuna cards rebounded strongly.
The 2021 season featured breakout performances from young stars like Guerrero Jr., Tatis Jr. and Ohtani that generated strong card values, prospects like Mayer and Witt arriving amid great fanfare, and legends like Pujols making history. Rookies like Rodriguez and veterans like Acuna added to the excitement as well. With so many compelling storylines and players in the spotlight, 2021 delivered some truly iconic modern baseball cards that will be prized for years to come.
