Topps’ Mosaic baseball card product has become one of the most popular modern card inserts in recent years since its introduction in 2019. While 2020 brought some criticism of Topps for overproducing certain parallels, the 2021 edition of Mosaic found the right balance of scarcity and excitement to create some truly iconic rookie cards and chase inserts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best and most valuable Mosaic baseball cards from the 2021 release.
Wander Franco Silver Prizm Refractor (1/1) – Undoubtedly the crown jewel of 2021 Mosaic is the one-of-one Silver Prizm Refractor of Rays phenom Wander Franco. Pulling this ultra-rare parallel was akin to winning the lottery for whoever landed this legendary rookie card. Franco had one of the most hyped debut seasons in recent memory and this 1/1 encapsulates his star power. Secondary market comps have seen asking prices well into the five-figure range, reflecting Franco’s status as a true superstar in the making and the extreme scarcity of this parallel.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Violet Prizm Refractor (2/5) – Not far behind the Franco 1/1 in terms of prestige and value is this Guerrero Jr. Violet Prizmparallel that was limited to a print run of just five copies. Guerrero broke out in a huge way in 2021 while cementing his place as one of the game’s most feared power hitters. His on-card autograph combined with the rarity of this parallel make it one of the crown jewels of any high-end MLB card PC. Last secondary market sale comp was nearly $10,000, a testament to how coveted any low-numbered Guerrero Jr. relic or auto has become.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Green Ice Prizm Auto (/10) – As the face of the Atlanta Braves franchise and one of MLB’s biggest stars, any low-numbered Acuña card is bound to generate buzz. This Green Ice Prizm parallel checks all the boxes – on-card auto, eye-popping color match, and print run of only 10 copies worldwide. Acuña’s return from injury lent even more excitement to his 2021 campaign. This specific card highlights how Topps can craft truly one-of-a-kind memorabilia with selective parallels and scarce print runs. Comps in the $5,000+ range reflect its coveted status.
Shohei Ohtani Purple Ice Prizm Auto (/10) – The two-way Japanesephenom Ohtani put together one of the most incredible individual seasons in baseball history in 2021. Any prized Ohtani rookie or star relic from ’21 holds tremendous cachet, and this ultra-low Purple Ice parallel auto takes the cake. With its regal color, guaranteed on-card auto, and print run under a dozen copies, it epitomizes the chase and excitement of high-end modern card inserts. Ohtani mania shows no signs of slowing, keeping comps for prestigious pieces like this over $4,000 consistently.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Green Wave Prizm Auto (/35) – Tatis has quickly become one of the faces of MLB and a true five-tool superstar, making any hits of his amongst the most sought-after modern cards. This Green Wave Prizm Auto parallel was limited to a print run of 35 copies, accentuating its cachet. Tatis’ monster ’21 season where he led the league in home runs and showed off jaw-dropping defense reminded everyone why he is poised for continued superstardom. Comps have ranged up to $3,500+ reflecting his star power and the desirability of owning such an exclusive piece of his collection.
Spencer Torkelson Gold Wave Prizm Auto (/10) – While the Tigers’ top prospect hasn’t debuted yet, Torkelson’s stock remains sky high as one of the game’s most polished collegiate bats to enter the draft in years. This coveted short print parallel auto speaks to that. Its regal Gold Wave coloring, guaranteed auto, and microscopic print run of 10 copies worldwide stirred fervor amongst collectors. With enormous hype continuing to build for Torkelson’s debut in 2022, cards like this secure his place as a true franchise cornerstone for Detroit and one of the most desirable rookie cards on the market today.
Luis Robert Orange Ice Prizm Auto (/25) – After a torrid rookie campaign that saw him finish 2nd in Rookie of the Year voting, Robert looks primed for stardom as a young centerpiece for the White Sox. This Orange Ice parallel auto certainly corroborates his high-end prospect status. With a print run of 25, impressive coloring, and on-card signature, it checks all the boxes of a true statement piece card. Robert’s five-tool skillset and youth point to continued all-star caliber production, keeping this type of premiere card firmly in demand on the growing Robert collecting landscape. Comps have ranged up to $2,000.
Nolan Arenado Green /50 – One of the game’s most surefire Hall of Fame talents, Arenado has been a perennial MVP candidate and offensive/defensive force for Colorado. This exclusive Green parallel highlights how Mosaic can craft truly iconic cards for established legends too. Limited to 50 copies, it’s a true one-of-a-kind collectible for any serious Arenado PC. His pedigree and guaranteed HOF enshrinement ensures such rare Arenado relics hold value as long as he’s in the bigs. Comps have cracked $1,500 for this ultra-rare parallel.
In conclusion, Topps’ 2021 Mosaic release hit all the right notes in crafting some truly “once in a lifetime” parallel cards and one-of-one gems through its scarcity, on-card autos, and vibrant parallels. This combination created hallmark pieces for burgeoning stars like Franco, Tatis, and Robert as well as established talents like Acuña, Guerrero Jr., and Arenado. With the enduring popularity and chase for Mosaic inserts showing no signs of slowing, these flagship 2021 cards will surely stand the test of time as defining artifacts in the collections of savvy modern baseball card investors.
