The 2021 Topps Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors due to the star power and potential of the players featured in the rookie class. While it’s still early in the careers of these prospects, some have already shown flashes of stardom that have collectors excited about their Prizm rookie cards. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards to watch out for from the 2021 Prizm Draft Picks baseball set.
Perhaps the most coveted card in the entire set is the Prizm red refractor rookie card of Detroit Tigers prospect Jackson Jobe. Jobe was selected third overall in the 2021 MLB Draft out of Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma. At just 18 years old, the 6-foot-2 right-handed pitcher already has an electric fastball that sits in the mid-90s and a devastating slider. Scouts rave about his pitchability and composure on the mound well beyond his years. In his professional debut for the Tigers’ affiliate in the Florida Complex League, Jobe struck out 12 batters over 6 innings while only allowing 2 hits and 1 walk. With his immense talent and sky-high ceiling, collectors believe Jobe has the potential to become a true ace in the majors, making his Prizm red refractor one of the riskier but highest upside rookies in the set. Fewer than 10 are believed to exist, and examples in gem mint condition have already sold for well over $1,000 on the secondary market.
Another highly coveted rookie is Jack Leiter, who was selected second overall by the Texas Rangers. The son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, Jack dominated at Vanderbilt University with a 0.81 ERA and 179 strikeouts over 111 innings as a sophomore in 2021, winning the Golden Spikes Award as the best amateur player in college baseball. With a mid-90s fastball and a wipeout slider, most scouts believe Leiter has the highest pitching ceiling of any player in the draft. While he has yet to make his pro debut, collectors are paying top dollar now for his Prizm rookies in anticipation of what they believe will be a long and successful major league career. Leiter’s red refractor is arguably the second most valuable card in the set behind only Jobe, though gem mint examples are still changing hands for $800-1,000 currently. As Leiter climbs the minor league ranks, expect values of his Prizm rookies to steadily increase.
Another highly sought-after rookie is Jordan Lawlar, selected first overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks out of Jesuit Prep in Texas. Lawlar has all the tools to be an impact shortstop at the major league level with plus speed, defense, and developing power in his right-handed bat. In his pro debut for Low-A Visalia, Lawlar slashed .286/.409/.429 over 34 games while stealing 12 bases. Scouts praise his advanced approach and baseball instincts, believing he has the makings of a true five-tool player. Lawlar’s Prizm rookies, including his red refractor, purple ice refractor, and black Prizm parallels are must-haves for D-Backs PC collectors and those who recognize his superstar upside. While not quite as valuable as Jobe or Leiter just yet, Lawlar prizm rookies still command $300-500 for top-graded gem mint examples.
Another highly regarded pitching prospect is Sam Bachman, selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Angels. The 6-foot-3 righty from the University of Miami owns a plus fastball that sits in the upper-90s along with a nasty slider and developing changeup. In his pro debut, Bachman struck out 12 over 5 innings while only allowing 1 hit and 1 walk for Low-A Tri-City. Scouts rave about his electric stuff and athleticism on the mound. While still relatively unproven compared to Jobe or Leiter, collectors see Bachman as a high-upside arm with true ace potential down the road. His Prizm rookies, including the red refractor, remain some of the more affordable options from the 2021 draft class but hold lots of long-term upside if Bachman develops as hoped. Expect his cards to steadily increase in value as he climbs the minor league ladder.
Another potential superstar position player is Henry Davis, selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Louisville. As a catcher, Davis possesses rare left-handed power potential for the position along with solid defensive skills. In his pro debut, Davis slashed .267/.368/.467 over 33 games in Low-A while displaying his promising offensive abilities. Scouts praise his mature approach and leadership qualities behind the plate already at just 21 years old. As a hometown hero and future franchise cornerstone for the Pirates, Davis’ Prizm rookies are highly sought after by Pittsburgh collectors. While his red refractor remains one of the more reasonably priced options at around $300-400 graded gem mint, Davis’ on-field performance will dictate future value increases. If he develops as hoped, Davis prizm rookies could end up among the set’s most valuable in the years to come.
A few other top prospects whose Prizm rookies hold promise include Benny Montgomery (Reds, 5th overall pick), Brady House (Rangers, 23rd overall), and Kumar Rocker (Giants, 10th overall). Montgomery is an elite five-tool centerfielder who slashed .326/.423/.491 in his pro debut. House is an athletic shortstop with plus speed and defense who hit .333 in his first pro season. And Rocker is a power righty who was selected third overall in 2021 before health concerns caused him to fall to the Giants – if he stays healthy, Rocker’s upside is immense. While these prospects are less proven than the top names, collectors recognize their talent and long-term potential. Their Prizm rookies remain affordable options currently but hold lots of upside if any develop into impact major leaguers down the road.
While still very early in the careers of these young prospects, the 2021 Topps Prizm Draft Picks baseball set features several future stars who are already showing why they were top draft picks. Cards like Jackson Jobe, Jack Leiter, Jordan Lawlar, Henry Davis, and others continue to gain traction as their minor league performances create increased buzz. For savvy collectors, snatching up prizm rookies of these top talents while still affordable makes for prudent long-term investments. As more emerge and produce at higher levels, their cards will steadily appreciate in value. The 2021 Draft class looks to be one of the most talented in recent memory, making this year’s Prizm set one to watch for years to come.
