The MLB season is underway and that means it’s time to start scouting the hottest rookie cards on the market for the 2021 season. While no one truly knows how a rookie’s career will pan out, hitting the jackpot on a future star can yield huge returns on your investment. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards to target that could pay big dividends down the road.
Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (2020 Bowman Chrome White Refractor – $800+)
Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star and is expected to be the cornerstone of the Rays franchise for years to come. He’s already showing why in his brief MLB debut late last season. With incredible patience and contact skills at just 20 years old, his ceiling is as high as any player in the game. Rated as a potential future generational talent, Franco’s cards have skyrocketed in value and will remain some of the most coveted on the market. The 2020 Bowman Chrome White Refractor is his prized rookie and could be a true blue chip investment.
Jarred Kelenic, OF, Seattle Mariners (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor – $150+)
As the centerpiece in the much criticized Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz trade, Mariners fans are pinning their hopes on Kelenic panning out as the franchise cornerstone. He certainly looks the part offensively with a sweet left-handed swing and plus power potential. Scouts rave about his patience and discipline at the plate for one so young. If he hits as expected, his cards will soar in value. The 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor is the one to get as his true MLB rookie issue.
Roberto Perez, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (2021 Topps Chrome Refractor – $100+)
The crown jewel of the Phillies loaded farm system, Perez has all the tools to be an offensive and defensive standout. He showcases elite bat speed, generating solid line drives all around the field. With double-digit home run potential and solid defense, Perez has the ceiling of a perennial All-Star. His prospects cards have already gained traction and his true MLB rookie Topps Chrome Refractor is a must-have for Phillies enthusiasts or collectors seeking the next rising star.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B, Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire – $250+)
As the consensus #1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, Torkelson came with huge expectations and isn’t disappointing in his early pro career. With prodigious raw power from the left side and aggressive offensive approach, many scouts feel he has the ability to be a true franchise cornerstone. His cards from 2021 Topps products like the Chrome Sapphire parallel could yield huge returns as the potential face of the Tigers rebuilding efforts. This market is just starting to heat up on the recent top pick.
CJ Abrams, SS, San Diego Padres (2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire – $150+)
With his blazing speed and athleticism, Abrams compares favorably to players like Francisco Lindor at a similar career stage. As the 6th overall selection in the 2019 draft, Abrams entered pro ball with a complete tool set that could allow him to impact games in all facets. His stock rose even further after moving to shortstop full time. With the potential to cement himself as the long term solution at short for the Padres, Abrams carries tremendous upside that is reflected in the rising value of his early cards.
Michael Kopech, RHP, Chicago White Sox (2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor – $300+)
After overcoming Tommy John surgery and opting out of the 2020 season, Kopech is primed for a breakout 2021 campaign. With an elite four pitch mix and a triple digit fastball, many feel he has the ceiling of an ace if he can stay healthy. His prospect card values took a hit during his time away but are rebounding strongly as he makes his case for the Sox rotation. The 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor is a prized piece for believers in Kopech’s enormous potential.
Nate Pearson, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (2019 Bowman Chrome Prospects Refractor – $200+)
Blessed with a power arm that has produced triple digit heat, Pearson entered pro ball with tremendous expectations as one of the game’s top pitching prospects. Injuries slowed his progress in the minors but he showed why the hype was real with his MLB debut in 2020. If he can avoid injury issues in 2021 and lock down a rotation spot, Pearson has the raw stuff to develop into an ace at the top of the Jays staff. His prospect cards like the 2019 Bowman Chrome carry substantial risk but also immense reward potential.
Brennan Davis, OF, Chicago Cubs (2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire -$100+)
Davis entered 2021 as perhaps the top position player prospect in the loaded Cubs system. He combines impressive power potential with above average speed and a cannon arm in the outfield. Scouts praise his patient approach and believe he has the makeup to be a cornerstone. With Anthony Rizzo’s future now uncertain in Chicago, Davis could be in line to assume a long term role. His flashy 2021 prospect debut cards like Bowman Chrome Sapphire parallel are primed to pop if he delivers on expectations.
Luis Patiño, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (2020 Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor – $150+)
Obtained in the blockbuster Blake Snell trade, high expectations now follow Patiño as he takes over a rotation spot in Tampa Bay’s system. With a lively arm that produces both high heat and biting breaking pitches, many foresee a budding ace. He showed glimpses of that promise in his 2020 MLB debut and will be an interesting watch in 2021. Known for developing arms, the Rays system could be the ideal proving ground for Patiño to fulfill his sky high ceiling. His 2020 Bowman prized rookie cards remain a smart long term investment target.
This covers some of the top rookies and prospects whose cards appear poised for significant gains in 2021 if they take their anticipated steps forward on the MLB stage. With so much unknown, investing in rising young talent carries substantial risk but also offers a chance for enormous upside returns. Monitoring these players’ progress and performance will be pivotal, but their early cards are worthwhile targets for collectors seeking the next generation of baseball superstars.
