The 2021 Bowman Baseball set showcased some of the best up-and-coming young talents in baseball. While the veterans and stars of today typically carry the highest valued cardboard, Bowman is all about identifying future Hall of Famers and investing early. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2021 Bowman Baseball set that could pay big dividends for collectors down the road.
Heading into the 2021 season, Wander Franco was considered the number one overall prospect in baseball and regarded as a true five-tool superstar. All of that hype translated to his rookie cards, as the Topps Chrome Blue Refractor /50 is the most valuable at around $1,000 PSA 10 Gem Mint. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 also fetches close to $800. As the youngest player in baseball in 2021 at just 20 years old, Franco immediately became a franchise cornerstone for the Tampa Bay Rays. If he continues on his current trajectory, his rookies could end up being true long-term blue-chip investments.
Another uber-prospect generating immense excitement is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While playing in the Low-A West Virginia Black Bears in 2021, Rodriguez slashed .334/.436/.590 with 13 home runs in just 55 games. He’s considered an elite five-tool talent with 30-homer, 30-stolen base potential. The Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /399 PSA 10 is at the top of Rodriguez’s 2021 Bowman checklist valued at $800. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 and Topps Chrome Black Refractor /150 PSA 10 also trade in the $500 range as collectors scoop up one of the game’s most coveted future stars.
Many scouts and evaluators consider pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez the cream of the current Orioles’ crop. In 2021 while pitching for Double-A Bowie, the right-hander posted a 1.86 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 101.1 innings. He features a plus mid-90s fastball and hard breaking curveball that give him true ace upside. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Grayson’s 2021 Bowman refractors have also gained significant traction. The Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 PSA 10 is most valuable at $700. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 and Topps Chrome Black Refractor /150 BGS 9.5 each sell for around $500. Rodriguez appears destined for the Baltimore rotation for years to come.
White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet made a big league splash in 2020 by striking out 24 of the 67 batters he faced in 16 games, showcasing a lethal left-handed fastball that touched triple digits. Unfortunately, Crochet missed all of 2021 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Collectors remain very high on his long-term outlook given his tantalizing pure stuff prior to injury. Crochet’s most sought-after rookie is the Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /399 PSA 10 valued at $600. The Topps Chrome Black Refractor /150 and Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 have also traded hands for $400 in recent months. If he bounces back strong, Crochet rookies could climb even higher.
Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena had a breakout 2021 campaign that saw him slashed .276/.346/.435 with 13 homers between Double and Triple-A. Peña then took over as Houston’s everyday shortstop in the 2022 postseason after an injury to Carlos Correa. That exposure on a championship-caliber squad raised awareness of Peña’s upside. The top valued card is the Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 PSA 10 around $500. Other heavy hitters include the Topps Chrome Silver Pack Refractor /70 PSA 10 at $400 and Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 nearing $300. As the new face of an organization constantly in the playoff hunt, Peña is poised forstardom.
Twins pitcher Jordan Balazovic put up a microscopic 0.90 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 51 innings between High-A and Double-A in 2021, showcasing impressive command of a four-pitch mix headlined by a mid-90s fastball and knee-buckling curveball. That dominance translated to an International League All-Star selection. While injuries setback his rise slightly last season, scouts still believe in his high-ceiling arsenal long-term. The Topps Chrome Red Refractor /250 PSA 10 leads his Bowman cards valued at $400. The Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 BGS 9.5 and Topps Chrome Refractor PSA 10 also trade hands in the $300 range regularly.
Reds outfielder Matt McLain impressed in his 2021 pro debut slashing .265/.345/.420 with 12 homers between Low-A Daytona and High-A Dayton. While still just 21, McLain has a mature approach and well-rounded game that could allow him to move quickly. The shortstop converted outfielder is one of Cincinnati’s most valuable future assets. McLain’s premiere 2021 Bowman rookie is the Topps Chrome Refractor PSA 10 Gem Mint valued robustly at $375 given his current upward trajectory. The Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 and Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /399 PSA 10s also sell for around $300 consistently.
This covers some of the most valuable and investable rookie cards from the intriguing 2021 Bowman Baseball crop. While future performance can alter values, these prospects all possess the type of immense offensive or pitching skills that make their cards worth following—and holding—as their careers progress. In today’s booming sports card market, getting in early on tomorrow’s household names has proven hugely profitable. The 2021 Bowman rookies of Franco, Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Crochet, Peña, Balazovic and McLain offer speculation on future superstars.
