The 2021 Topps Series 2 baseball card set was released on July 21st, 2021 and contained a few key rookies and parallels that have already become some of the most sought after and valuable modern baseball cards on the market. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards and parallels from the 2021 Topps Series 2 baseball set that collectors are eager to add to their collections.
One of the prized rookies from the 2021 Topps Series 2 set is Tampa Bay Rays star shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 where he slashed .288/.347/.462 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games. This helped him finish third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. Franco’s base rookie card from the 2021 Topps Series 2 set is widely available but some of the parallel and autographed versions have already reached huge price tags.
Franco’s rainbow foil parallel /499 has sold for over $300 PSA Gem Mint 10. His blue parallel /150 has gone for around $200 graded and his red parallel /25 has sold for well over $1,000 in top condition. One of the most valuable versions is Franco’s autograph rainbow foil parallel /50, with examples in a PSA/DNA 10 Gem Mint Autograph condition selling for north of $5,000. Clearly, Franco looks positioned to be one of the game’s biggest stars and his rookie cards are reflecting that level of demand already.
Another exciting rookie to feature in the 2021 Topps Series 2 set was Detroit Tigers pitcher Matt Manning. Manning had a solid debut in 2021 with a 4.47 ERA in 13 starts and showed the potential to be a key part of the Tigers rotation going forward. His base rookie card is attainable but some of the parallels have started to gain value. Manning’s blue parallel /150 has sold for $100-150 graded and his red parallel /25 has reached the $400-500 price range in top condition. Even rarer is his autograph blue parallel /15, with a PSA/DNA 10 example bringing close to $1,000 already. As Manning continues developing, these parallels stand to appreciate further for Tigers collectors.
One of the top rookies that made their MLB debut late in the 2021 season was Cincinnati Reds 2B Jonathan India. India finished second in the NL Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .269 with 21 HRs and 69 RBI in his first full season. His standard rookie card remains affordable but low-numbered parallels are gaining steam. India’s orange parallel /199 has sold for around $80 graded and his red /25 parallel has reached the $250 range. Even rarer, his 1/1 orange foil autograph plate from 2021 Topps Series 2 is a true prized possession for Reds collectors valued well into the thousands. As India establishes himself as a core piece of Cincinnati’s lineup, these rookie cards should retain and gain value long term.
In addition to prized rookies, some key parallels from veterans and stars from the 2021 Topps Series 2 set have also started to gain traction. Boston Red Sox star Xander Bogaerts had an All-Star caliber season, hitting .295 with 23 HRs and 79 RBI. His base card remains common but parallels have seen gains. Bogaerts’ blue /150 parallel has sold for around $50 and his red /25 for $150-200 graded. His 1/1 gold parallel plate auto from the set realized over $2,000, showing the demand for truly rare veteran parallels as well.
Another example is Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who followed up his American League MVP 2021 season with another excellent year. Ohtani’s standard card remains cheap but colors sell at a premium. His green /99 parallel has sold for $60-80 graded and his red /25 for $150-225 based on condition. His prized 1/1 gold parallel auto plate realized over $4,000, highlighting Ohtani’s current status as one of baseball’s biggest stars. With him likely repeating as AL MVP, these 2021 parallels stand to retain strong long term value.
Some other parallels from 2021 Topps Series 2 that have started to stand out already include Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s green /99 ($60), Fernando Tatis Jr’s blue /150 ($75), Juan Soto’s red /25 ($150) and Bo Bichette’s 1/1 gold parallel auto plate (over $2,000). Parallel short prints like Adley Rutschman’s green /99 SP ($150) and Bobby Witt Jr’s blue /150 SP ($125) show strong early collector demand despite the players’ lack of MLB experience thus far.
While the standard cards from 2021 Topps Series 2 remain widely available, several prized rookies like Wander Franco along with key parallels featuring stars like Ohtani, Bogaerts and veterans continue to gain traction and value with collectors. For sets released so recently, it’s a testament to the excitement surrounding these young talents and established ballplayers. With the continued success and progression of players like Franco, India, Manning and more rookies, their already valuable rookie cards and parallels should remain strong long term investments for collectors.
