The 2021 Minnesota Twins had an interesting season that was reflected in their baseball card releases that year. After making the playoffs in both 2018 and 2019, the Twins stumbled to a 73-89 record in the shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopes were high that 2021 would see the team return to postseason contention, led by starring players like Byron Buxton, José Berríos, and Taylor Rogers.
While the season did not pan out as hoped with the Twins finishing only 73-89 again, there were still many noteworthy baseball cards featuring Twin players released in 2021. Topps, Panini, Leaf, and other card companies produced sets showcasing the team’s talent and looking back on their history. Rooftop card collectors found several young players emerging as stars or having breakout seasons captured in cardboard.
Some of the top Minnesota Twins baseball cards from 2021 included standouts like:
Byron BuxtonDiamond Kings Base – Seen as the future of the franchise, Buxton had another injury-plagued season but remained one of the most exciting players in baseball when healthy. His Diamond Kings card showcased his elite defense and speed.
José BerríosChrome Update Refractor – After being traded at the deadline, Berríos’ star continued to rise. His Chrome Update Refractor captured him during his excellent start to the 2021 season before being dealt to the Blue Jays.
Taylor RogersDefinitive Collection Blue Foil Parallel /150 – The Twins’ stellar closer in recent years, Rogers put together another fine season before injury issues arose. This rare parallel version highlighted his importance in the bullpen.
Jorge PolancoAllen & Ginter Mini /25 – A breakout star in 2019, Polanco took a step back but still produced at the plate for Minnesota. This short print mini card chronicled his continuing development.
José MirandaBowman Chrome Blue Refractor /499 – As one of the team’s top prospects, Miranda impressed with his bat at Double-A and his card gains value as his potential is realized.
Alex KirilloffTopps Chrome Orange Refractor /150 – Injuries hampered Kirilloff’s rookie campaign after a strong debut in 2021, but collectors remain high on his talents long-term.
Bailey OberFinest Refractors – As a rookie, Ober showed promise as a back-end starter and continued Minnesota’s track record of developing pitching. His Finest Refractors captured this beginning.
Trevor LarnachTopps Fire Blue Refractor /99 – Another well-regarded hitting prospect, Larnach made his MLB debut in 2021 and flashed some power in a small sample size.
Gilberto CelestinoTopps Big League Debut /2021 – As one of the organization’s fastest rising international prospects, Celestino received playing time late in the season and his rookie card was highly sought.
In addition to starring players like Buxton and Berríos, the Twins’ strong farm system and prospect pipeline was highlighted in many 2021 releases. Snames like Ryan Jeffers, Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, and Jose Miranda appeared across Topps, Bowman, Leaf, and Panini products with parallels, refractors, and special rookie cards. Parallel versions of breakouts like Jorge Polanco also gained value.
Vintage Minnesota baseball fans and collectors found throwback options too. Ginter, Topps Heritage, and Archives sets paid homage to franchise icons like Harmon Killebrew, Kent Hrbek, Bert Blyleven, and Tony Oliva. 1986 Fleer GOAT parallels commemorated the late Kirby Puckett’s Hall of Fame career. Upper Deck Legends Included Tom Kelly and managers like Ron Gardenhire.
While the 2021 Twins underperformed, their baseball cards remained popular with collectors young and old. Products captured both established stars and emerging prospects, chronicling the present and future of the franchise for cardholders. Despite injury and inconsistency on the field, several young Twins gained attention and card value as their talents developed. And classic Twins continued to be honored in throwback cardboard decades after their playing days ended. All in all, 2021 provided Minnesota baseball fans plenty of intriguing options to add to their collections despite a difficult major league season.
