Tag Archives: 2021

2021 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Chrome baseball card set was released on October 6, 2021 by trading card manufacturer Topps. As with previous years, the 2021 Topps Chrome set featured shiny refractors and parallels of the base cards from the flagship 2021 Topps Baseball set. However, Topps Chrome always takes the design and photography to the next level with its flashy hollow foil technology and short printing variations.

Some key things to know about the 2021 Topps Chrome baseball card release:

The base set included 382 cards like the 2021 Topps base set. However, Chrome versions are serialized with flashy refractors that pop under light.

Parallels and short prints were the big chase for collectors. Topps Chrome included parallels like Orange /249, Green /125, Blue /50, Red /10 and White /1. These give collectors rarer, more limited versions of stars.

Short prints featured even lower print runs like Gold /5, Gold /1, and Platinum /1 for the most sought after rookie and star veterans. These ultra-short prints command huge premiums.

Autograph and memorabilia cards inserted throughout packs and boxes at varying rarities provide opportunities to pull valuable autographed rookie cards.

Chrome Update and High Number sets released later in the season to capture new players and stats. These extended the flagship Topps Chrome release across the season.

International rookie phenoms like Wander Franco, Luis Robert and Vladimir Guerrero Jr attracted major hype and demand in their Topps Chrome rookie cards. Pulling one of their short prints was considered a massive hit.

Grading and condition is especially important for modern Chrome cards since the layers of foil can peel or wrinkle over time if not properly cared for. Upon release, eager collectors rushed to rip packs of 2021 Topps Chrome in hopes of landing the biggest rookie short prints and parallels to either attempt to grade and hold or immediately resell. Grading services like PSA, BGS and SGC were quickly backlogged due to the sheer volume of submissions as collectors raced to capitalize on rookie fever.

Values for 2021 Topps Chrome rookies and stars climbed rapidly in the initial hype of their release. For example, a PSA 10 examples of Wander Franco’s prized Gold /5 short print card were initially selling for over $10,000 in the weeks after release according to tracking on eBay sales and auction prices. Even base rookies like Franco, Robert and Guerrero commanded hundreds of dollars for toplevel PSA 10 grades. Parallels like Orange /249 and Blue /50 shorts prints also brought strong early returns. Graded market prices tend to stabilize over the long run as the initial hype dies down.

Some other 2021 rookies and prospects that generated buzz in Topps Chrome included Rays catcher Randy Arozarena, Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal, and Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty. These players broke out with impressive rookie campaigns or sophomore seasons to raise the profile of their Chrome rookie cards. Veterans like Fernando Tatis Jr, Ronald Acuna Jr and Mike Trout remained highly sought after as well, with their lownumbered parallels retaining value as key chase cards in wax.

While the 2021 season was still impacted by Covid protocols, Topps Chrome managed to capture the excitement of emerging stars. The flashy refractor designs and scarce short prints make Topps Chrome a highly anticipated release each year. For modern card collectors, 2021 Topps Chrome rookie cards represent an opportunity to potentially invest in the future Hall of Famers while demand and prices remain high in the early years following their debut. Over time, the Topps Chrome sets will stand as an iconic tribute to the players and seasons they memorialize.

2021 HERITAGE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Topps Heritage baseball card set was released on March 24, 2021 and contained 66 base cards plus additional inserts. As with other Heritage sets, Topps paid homage to design elements from old school baseball cards from the late 1960s. Some notable rookie cards and parallels made certain 2021 Topps Heritage cards very valuable shortly after release.

One of the most highly sought after rookie cards from the 2021 Heritage set was Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. As the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Baz had a breakout season in 2021 splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, finishing with a combined 2.99 ERA over 19 starts. His prospect status continued rising and rookie cards /100 parallels quickly sold for $150-300 soon after Heritage release. Other top rookie cards that gained value include Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic ($75-150), Boston Red Sox catcher Connor Wong ($50-100), and New York Mets pitcher Pete Crow-Armstrong ($50-75).

All of the above mentioned rookies had playing time in the majors toward the end of 2021, further fueling collector interest and driving up card prices. Baz in particular established himself as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball and his flagship rookie card jumped up to $400-600 by the end of the season. Refractors, parallels, and autographs of Baz saw even more significant price increases proportionate to the growing hype around his potential impact for the Rays pitching staff.

Veteran star cards from the 2021 Heritage set also gained value based on player performance throughout the year. For example, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. had a breakout season with 48 home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays, winning the AL MVP award. His base flagship Heritage card rose from a $10-15 release price tag to $40-60 by season’s end as collectors sought out cards chronicling his stellar campaign. Fellow young stars like Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres saw their Heritage cards rise to $30-50 due to All-Star caliber seasons and growing star power.

Some key veteran parallels also gained significant multiples in value. Heritage had introduced “Rainbow Foil” parallels for the first time in 2021, often /99 or fewer printed. Rainbow Foil parallels of modern stars like Mike Trout and Christian Yelich rose to $400-600 after being concentrated collector chased inserts right after release. Vintage star parallels also found new demand – A /25 Rainbow Foil parallel of Hank Aaron sold for over $1,000 due to the rarity factor and historic renown of the Hall of Famer featured.

Topps also incorporated exciting “Moments” inserts into the 2021 Heritage set commemorating iconic MLB achievements. A /25 parallel of Nolan Arenado’s 60th home run from 2021 sold for well over $2,000 due to the scarcity and the significance of the feat being one of the few players to reach 60 homers in a season. Other popular “Moments” inserts for achievements by Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all crossed the $500-1000 threshold by year’s end as interest in modern stars grew exponentially.

While base rookie cards and parallels of top prospects drove early 2021 Heritage prices sky high initially, sustained performer cards and rare serial numbered inserts gained the most value as the season played out. The retro design style combined with modern rookie classes and chase parallels made the 2021 Topps Heritage baseball set one of the hottest of that year. Cards of players who broke out or had notable seasons went on to become very valuable collectibles chronicling their rising careers. Those able to purchase boxes or packs of Heritage early on saw considerable returns as certain components evolved greatly beyond initial release values. The mixture of celebration of baseball history with modern star power proved key to creating high demand and collectability from the product overall.

TOPPS HERITAGE 2021 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Topps Heritage baseball card set offers collectors a nostalgic look back at the classic baseball card designs of the 1960s and 1970s. First issued in 2007, each year’s Heritage set pays tribute to Topps designs from the past. The 2021 edition takes its aesthetic cues from the 1968 Topps set. Like the original 1968 cards, the 2021 Heritage cards feature player photos with no backgrounds and minimal borders around the image. The set is highly sought after by collectors looking to build their vintage-style baseball card collections.

The 2021 Topps Heritage baseball card set contains a total of 372 cards. The base card makeup includes 300 common cards numbered 1-300, 60 cardboard back mini puzzle cards numbered B1-B60, and 12 Sp veteran player cards numbered S1-S12. The common base cards can vary widely in value depending on the player featured and the rarity of their specific card number or puzzle piece number. Stars, rookies, and low serial numbers add significantly to a card’s worth. There are also several highly valuable specialty inserts and parallels that drive collector interest in the 2021 Heritage set.

Some of the most valuable inserts from Topps Heritage 2021 include:

Rip Cards – Only 10 of these ultra-rare 1/1 parallel cards were inserted per case. Featuring jagged edges like the original Rip Cards of the ’70s, these singular parallels can sell for thousands of dollars depending on the player. A Mike Trout Rip Card recently sold for over $8,000.

Mini Logos – Featuring mini uniform logo patches, these 1/1 parallels also have immense rarity. A Fernando Tatis Jr. Mini Logo sold for around $5,000.

Diamond Anniversary Patches – Honoring Topps’ 65th Anniversary, these cards contain swatches of diamond-shaped material and serial numbers of 65 or less. Highly desired by collectors.

Rainbow Foil Variations – Special parallel versions with multi-colored foil effects on the player image, akin to 1990 Topps Design. Numbered to only 65 copies or less.

Negative Photographs – Cards printing the player image in negative are a unique novelty. Numbered to only 10 copies each.

Some of the most valuable base cards from Topps Heritage 2021 include:

Rookie Cards – Cards of rookie players like Fernando Tatis Jr. (numbered card #253), Cristian Pache (#202), and others command premium prices due to their status as first-issued cards of future stars. Tatis Jr.’s rookie has sold for over $500 in top-grade condition.

High Number Stars – Lower serial numbered cards featuring modern stars like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, and others attract heightened collector interest and demand larger price tags the lower the number is. Trout’s card #042 has sold for around $200.

Sp Veterans – The 12 Sp veteran cards spotlight retired players like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, and more. These nostalgic short prints are valuable especially in top gem grades. An SP Hank Aaron recently sold for $175.

Puzzle Pieces of Stars – Completing puzzles of notable players is an objective for many collectors, making key puzzle pieces more expensive to acquire. A B17 Tatis Jr. puzzle piece sold for over $60.

Authentic Signatures – Some Heritage base cards come “factory signed” with genuine signatures of the players captured onto the image. Adds immense value and desirability to an already favorite player’s card.

In general, gem mint conditioned common base cards of present-day All-Stars can sell in the $10-30 range depending on the specific player. More obscure commons are often a dollar or less. As mentioned, stars, rookies, and short printed inserts make Heritage 2021 one of the top modern vintage-style sets on the secondary market. With the nostalgic aesthetic, exciting short prints, and first cards of future Hall of Famers, Topps Heritage 2021 remains a robust and avidly collected release among baseball card collectors. Its vintage look back to the iconic 1968 design combined with today’s biggest names drives ongoing interest and value in this popular annual set.

MOSAIC 2021 BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball card collection was released in January 2021 and featured unique mosaic designs on each card. The set contains several parallels and variations that can significantly impact the value of individual cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies and stars from the 2021 Mosaic set and how their card values have fluctuated since release.

One of the biggest names and cards from the 2021 Mosaic set is Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani. As a true two-way player who is one of the best pitchers and hitters in baseball, Ohtani’s cards are highly sought after by collectors. His base rookie card from the 2021 Mosaic set carries a value of around $30-40 in near mint condition. Parallels and short prints of his card can sell for substantially more. The Ohtani blue mosaic parallel clocks in around $60-80, while his black /50 parallel recently sold for over $250 on eBay. The extremely rare Ohtani red /10 parallel would command well over $1,000 raw in today’s market given his continued dominance on the diamond.

Rookie season cards for star newcomers are always popular, and Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s rookie cards from 2021 Mosaic sell quite well too. His base rookie pulls in around $15-20, with parallels bringing more funds depending on the print run. The Guerrero Jr. yellow /199 parallel has moved for $30-40, while his black /50 sold for $120 recently. His ultra-short print red parallel /10 would be an epic pull for any collector, with a valuation well into the multiple hundreds should one come up for sale.

Two-way Oakland A’s sensation Matt Chapman was having another elite defensive season in 2021 before injuries slowed him down. Though he missed much of the season, Chapman’s popularity remains strong. His 2021 Mosaic base rookie sells in the $10-15 range, with color parallels bringing a premium. The Chapman blue /199 sells for around $20-25, while his rare 1/1 printing plate autograph card emerged in a recent auction with a winning bid greater than $2,000. Should Chapman return to full health and production, his card values stand to climb significantly from Mosaic rookie levels.

While stars drive the hobby, breakout rookie performances also create buzz and demand. Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson had a breakout season after being called up, hitting 18 home runs and posting an .867 OPS. As a result, his 2021 Mosaic rookie card is a hot commodity, with the basic version moving for $15-20. Color parallels fetch multiples higher, such as the Carlson yellow /199 parallel at $30-40 recently. His black or red printing plate parallels would likely sell for well over $100 each given Carlson’s continued emergence as an everyday impact player in St. Louis.

Much like with any release, parallels and short prints substantially increase the value of cards from the 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball set. While the base cards for stars like Ohtani and rookie standouts carry affordable price tags in the $10-20 range, unique parallel versions can sell for hundreds or even thousands depending on the scarcity. Card values also fluctuate based on player performance and team success. As players like Guerrero Jr., Carlson and more establish themselves, so too will the demand and price tags on their impressive 2021 Mosaic rookie cards continue to climb over time. For collectors, this fun and visually striking set remains one to watch in both the short and long-term.

The 2021 Topps Mosaic Baseball collection features a wide array of star players and rookie talents that make for phenomenal investments or additions to any collection. While base versions can be acquired for affordable prices, low serial number parallels provide a huge opportunity to truly unique and valuable cards. Players like Ohtani, Guerrero Jr., Chapman and breakout rookies like Carlson saw strong initial demand and values on their Mosaic cards that are poised to appreciably rise long-term as their careers progress. For fun mosaic designs, exciting short prints and quality investments, the 2021 offering remains one of the top modern releases from Topps in recent years.

2021 TOPPS UPDATE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Update Baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases each year from card manufacturer Topps. The Update set provides fans the chance to obtain rookie and star player cards from the current season that were not included in the base Topps flagship set released earlier in the year. Topps Update also features special parallels, inserts, and player autographs. After a shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, baseball card collectors were eager to see what Topps had in store for their 2021 Update offering. The set did not disappoint featuring many of the top rookie stars and performances from a exciting season as teams returned to full 162 game schedules.

Some of the most sought after rookie cards in the 2021 Topps Update set included Rays shortstop Wander Franco, Rangers outfielder Adolis García, Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan, and Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot. Franco is considered a future superstar and Topps capitalized on his hype by including several parallels and autograph versions of his card in the set. Similarly, García and Kwan broke out with impressive rookie campaigns and their Update rookies were hot commodities. Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot only made his MLB debut in September but created buzz and his Update rookie became a big pull. Other notable rookie cards included in the set were Giants catcher Joey Bart, Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman, and Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez.

In addition to the exciting rookie class, Topps Update also featured standout performing veterans from the 2021 season who were excluded from the base Topps flagship due to their breakouts. Cards of Braves outfielder Adam Duvall after his career year, Padres shortstop/pitcher Fernando Tatis Jr. following his continued superstardom, and Blue Jays pitcher Robbie Ray seeking to replicate his Cy Young winning season were some of the most popular veteran inserts. Special parallels and autographed copies of these cards sold for top dollar on the secondary market. An exciting inclusion for Yankees fans were autograph cards of rookie sensation and AL Rookie of the Year front-runner Anthony Rizzo after he was acquired at the trade deadline.

The 2021 Topps Update set totaled 324 base cards and included several insert sets beyond the standard rookie and standout performer cards. Some of the more popular inserts included League Leader cards highlighting statistics champions, Retired Numbers parallels honoring legendary players’ jersey retirements, 50th Anniversary for the 2021 season being MLB’s milestone year, and Golden Anniversary parallels featuring a nostalgic design. Autograph and memorabilia inserts were also prevalent as in years past including Topps Material Marks swatches and Topps Authentic autographs of both veteran stars and rookie talent. Overall, Topps created a product that covered many of the notable storylines and breakout players from the 2021 season through their core Update release and insert sets.

In addition to the standard base cards, Topps delivered numerous parallel and autograph variations of cards that added to the excitement and collector chase aspect of the 2021 Topps Update set. The main parallels included Black, Gold, Silver, Rainbow Foil, Refractors, Sepia, and Canvas parallels available in numbered editions. The Black parallel /50 was the most scarce and sold for huge premiums on the secondary market. Gold parallels /2021 honored the 50th MLB season anniversary and had strong collector demand. Silver parallels /299 were a popular mid-tier parallel option. Refractors including different colors like Blue, Red, Orange were fan-favorites and carried premiums over the base cards. Beyond the mainstream parallels, special Sepia and Canvas variants added nostalgic designs that intrigued collectors. Autograph and memorabilia parallel editions of key cards like Wander Franco further satisfied collectors in search of rarer hits. These numerous parallel options and variations presented a wide range of collecting levels to engage both casual fans and serious investors.

The design style of the 2021 Topps Update base set cards continued Topps’ somewhat minimalist recent approach with focus on clear player photography and essential card details. The template featured a light gray border around each card front along with a subtle layering style. Player names were neatly rendered atop the photos in white or gray text depending on card background shading. Uniform designs, positions, and basic stats could be found cleanly on the lower portions. Card backs had primary and secondary colors coordinated to each team along with comprehensive player biography info. The design was clean and allowed the high quality action photos and parallel colorations to take center stage on each card. It maintained Topps’ modern aesthetic while still feeling classic and fitting for a mid-season update expansion to their flagship product.

As usual with Topps Update releases, hobby boxes were highly allocated with limited print runs making random serial numbered hits very difficult to pull. The bounty of rookie stars, standout veterans, and diverse inserts led to ample opportunities to find cards that could gain value organically with time. While individual parallels and autographs retailed for premium prices, savvy collectors knew to hold base rookies of players like Franco, Kwan, and Duvall for potential longer term returns as young careers developed. Despite the low odds of monster autograph pulls, 2021 Topps Update provided baseball fans a fun way to celebrate an exciting MLB season through collecting, with cards that told the stories and showcased rising talent from that year. Its combination of high-end parallels, memorabilia inserts, and coveted rookie cards made it one of the most collectible and investment-worthy modern issues from Topps each year.

The 2021 Topps Update Baseball set delivered for both collectors and investors. It featured the top rookie stars and breakout veterans from an action-packed MLB season. Special parallels, inserts, and autographs provided high-end chase cards for serious collectors. The modern design maintained Topps’ sleek aesthetic. With its blend of today’s star talent and nostalgic elements like Retired Numbers and Golden Anniversary cards, 2021 Topps Update appealed to fans both casual and die-hard. Its mixture of rookie phenoms, players who excelled when given the spotlight, and numerous collecting opportunities ultimately resulted in the set being a huge success for Topps in capturing the excitement of baseball’s 2021 campaign through collectible cards. It proved once again to be one of the can’t miss yearly issues that told the story of MLB’s current season.

TOPPS BASEBALL 2021 SERIES 2 BEST CARDS

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Topps Baseball 2021 Series 2 brought fans another exciting set of trading cards to collect following the popular Series 1 release earlier in the year. With a wide variety of cards showcasing current stars, rising prospects, and memorable moments from years past, Series 2 offered collector something for every baseball fan. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout cards from the Series 2 checklist.

One of the biggest hits and most sought after rookie cards was Tampa Bay Rays sensation Wander Franco. Still just 20 years old at the time of the Series 2 release, Franco had already established himself as one of the best young players in baseball with an incredible debut season in 2021. His base rookie card featured crisp photography showing off his signature batting stance. But it was his Several parallels and short printed variations that drove up interest and value, like the Sepia border parallel /150 and Gold /70 parallel. Franco’s autograph and relic cards also fetched big prices on the secondary market. With his five tool talents and prime age, Franco’s rookie cards from this set should maintain strong long term appeal for collectors.

Another rookie that generated plenty of buzz was Detroit Tigers pitching prospect Casey Mize. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Mize had started to deliver on his promise in 2021 after previously struggling with injuries. His clean base card design highlighting his windup framed a potential future ace. For Tigers fans, it was also fun to pull parallels and variations of Mize alongside fellow young guns Tarik Skubal, Matt Manning, Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson who all had decent rookie representations in Series 2 as well.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr continued building on his breakout 2020 season with an MVP caliber campaign, and his Series 2 base card reflected his new status as one of baseball’s brightest offensive stars. But collectors also chased short prints of the young Blue Jays slugger like his Superfractor /10. As he enters his prime, Guerrero Jr cards hold great long term collectability. Fellow rising AL talent Yordan Alvarez from the Astros also had some popular cards in the set like his Sepia parallel and Atomic Refractor parallel, fueling interest from fans of these next generation sluggers.

Veteran stars maintained strong collector demand as well. One of the top flagship cards was a Mike Trout base variation with him in an Angels batting practice jersey. As always, anything related to the game’s best player holds value. The Chicago White Sox had a breakout season in 2021 winning the AL Central, and stars like Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito and Liam Hendriks had some appealing cards to represent the rising South Siders. Red Sox Xander Bogaerts, Dodgers Max Munch and Giants Brandon Belt also had desirable base designs.

Nostalgia remained a big theme with the various throwback photo and anniversary styles incorporated throughout Series 2. A Hank Aaron 75th anniversary parallel really popped for fans of Hammerin’ Hank and his legacy at 75. A Barry Bonds retro style card pulling from one of his iconic Home Run King seasons was a fun wink to baseball history. And a Kirby Puckett flashback design pulled from a classic 1991 Topps featured posed nicely to spark Twins fan memories.

Autos, memorabilia cards and special serial numbered parallels added numerous chase cards and veteran stars. A relic auto of Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. /5 and a Babe Ruth book relic numbered to 10 pieces were crown jewels. Special parallels like an Acuna Superfractor /10, Gold /70 of Ohtani, and Atomic Refractor /75 of deGrom carried strong appeal for collectors of those players.

Ultimately with a mix of the game’s present and past, rookies and veterans, Topps Series 2 once again delivered in showcasing what makes the hobby so fun and collecting so compelling. With a wide variety of subjects at multiple price points, anyone could find cards that excited them as a fan whether chasing the next big star of the future or nostalgic designs from yesteryear. The 2021 Topps Series 2 release built upon the foundation and traditions that have made Topps Baseball a cornerstone of the hobby for generations of collectors.

70 TOPPS BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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The 2021 Topps baseball card set was one of the most highly anticipated releases in recent memory. With a shortened and unusual 2020 season behind them due to the COVID-19 pandemic, collectors were eager to get their hands on the latest cards showing their favorite players. The 2021 Topps set did not disappoint, featuring many rookie cards, parallels, and short printed variations that would become highly sought after on the secondary market. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest and most valuable cards collectors were finding in packs and boxes of the 2021 Topps baseball release.

Wander Franco – Rated as the number one prospect in all of baseball, Franco had one of the most exciting rookie seasons in recent memory. His Topps base rookie card would become a must-have for any collector and held a value of over $100 shortly after release. Parallel and autographed versions commanded prices well over $1000.

Julio Rodriguez – As the Mariners’ top prospect, Rodriguez had big hype going into 2021. His Topps base rookie settled at around $75-100 but short printed parallels like Gold /2021 were over $500. An on-card autograph would set collectors back $1000-1500.

Riley Greene – The Tigers’ top prospect had a cup of coffee in the majors in 2021 and his Topps rookie card was one of the most popular Tigers cards, valued at $50-75. Green parallel versions and autographed cards were quite valuable as well.

Adley Rutschman – As the top pick in the 2019 draft and Orioles’ future catcher, Rutschman’s Topps rookie card held steady at $50-75. His autographs and rare parallels were some of the most expensive Orioles cards available.

Bobby Witt Jr. – The uber-talented shortstop for the Royals had one of the cleanest rookie cards designs in the set. His base rookie hovered around $50-75 but autographed and short printed parallels reached well over $1000.

Jarred Kelenic – Seattle’s other top prospect had a breakout season and his Topps rookie was found in almost every break and box, stabilizing around $30-50. Short prints and autographs brought bigger bucks.

Francisco Alvarez – The Mets’ future catcher had one of the best rookie photos and his card maintained a $30-50 average price. Autographs and rare parallels reached up to $1000.

Spencer Torkelson – The top pick from 2020 had a solid rookie campaign and his Topps base card carried a $30-50 price tag. Autographs and color parallels reached up to $500-1000.

Austin Martin – Considered one of the top prospects from the 2020 draft, Martin’s Blue Jays rookie card settled at $30-50. Higher end autographs and parallels topped $1000.

Cade Cavalli – The Nationals’ top pitching prospect had one of the more visually appealing rookie designs. His base card held $25-40 in value with autographed and color versions reaching the $500-1000 range.

Jack Leiter – As the second overall pick in 2021, Leiter’s Topps Rangers rookie debuted around the $25-40 mark. Autographs and short prints sold for up to $1000.

Jordan Walker – The Cardinals’ top hitting prospect had one of the more popular rookie designs. His base card carried a $20-30 average with autographed parallels reaching $500-1000.

Marcelo Mayer – As the fourth overall pick in 2021, Mayer had a clean Topps Red Sox rookie around the $20-30 range. Autographs and short prints topped out at $1000.

Matt McLain – The D-Backs’ top hitting prospect had one of the more visually striking rookie photos. His base rookie carried a $15-25 value with autographed parallels up to $500.

Emerson Hancock – The Mariners’ top pitching prospect had one of the nicer rookie designs. His base rookie sold for $15-25 on average with autographed color versions up to $500.

Brennan Davis – The Cubs’ top prospect had one of the cleanest rookie photos. His base rookie carried a $15-20 price with autographed parallels reaching $300-500.

Jake Vogel – The Reds’ top prospect had one of the more unique rookie photos. His base rookie sold around $15 with autographed parallels up to $300.

Jasson Dominguez – One of the highest touted international prospects, Dominguez’s Yankees rookie debuted around $15. Autographs and short prints reached up to $500.

C.J. Abrams – The Padres’ top prospect had a popular rookie design. His base rookie sold for around $12-15 with autographed parallels up to $300.

Robert Hassell III – The Padres’ other top prospect had a clean rookie design. His base rookie carried a $10-12 average with autographed parallels reaching $200-300.

Jordan Lawlar – The D-Backs’ top draft pick had an eye-catching rookie photo. His base rookie sold around $10 with autographed parallels up to $200.

Kyle Harrison – The Giants’ top pitching prospect had one of the more visually striking rookie photos. His base rookie carried a $10 average with autographed parallels reaching $150-200.

Eury Perez – The Nationals’ top international prospect had one of the nicer rookie photos. His base rookie sold for around $8-10 with autographed parallels up to $150.

Max Meyer – The Marlins’ top pitching prospect had a clean rookie design. His base rookie carried a $8-10 average with autographed parallels reaching $100-150.

Gavin Cross – Considered one of the top prospects from the 2021 draft, Cross had a popular Indians rookie design. His base rookie sold for around $8 with autographed parallels up to $100-150.

Jake Eder – The Reds’ second rounder had one of the more visually appealing rookie photos. His base rookie carried a $7-8 price with autographed parallels reaching $100.

Jackson Jobe – The Tigers’ top draft pick had a clean rookie design. His base rookie sold for around $7 on average with autographed parallels up to $100.

Jake Vogel – The Reds’ top prospect had one of the more unique rookie photos. His base rookie sold around $7 with autographed parallels reaching $75-100.

Ethan Wilson – Considered one of the top prospects in the Angels system, Wilson had a nice rookie design. His base rookie carried a $6-7 average with autographed parallels up to $75.

Chase Petty – The Mets’ top draft pick had one of the more eye-catching rookie photos. His base rookie sold around $6 with autographed parallels reaching $50-75.

Matt Wallner – The Twins’ top hitting prospect had a clean rookie design. His base rookie carried a $5-6 average with autographed parallels up to $50.

Jake Vogel – The Reds’ top prospect had one of the more unique rookie photos. His base rookie sold around $5 with autographed parallels reaching $40-50.

Jake Bennett – The A’s top pitching prospect had a nice rookie design. His base rookie carried a $4-5 price with autographed parallels up to $40.

Cade Horton – The Tigers’ competitive balance pick had an eye-catching rookie photo. His base rookie sold around $4 with autographed parallels reaching $30-40.

Antonio Gomez – The Braves’ top international prospect had a clean rookie design. His base rookie carried a $3-4 average with autographed parallels up to $30.

Micah Dallas – The Royals’ top pitching prospect had a popular rookie photo. His base rookie sold for around $3 with autographed parallels reaching $20-30.

This covers just 70 of the top rookies, prospects and young stars featured in the 2021 Topps baseball release. With the excitement around new players and the design quality of the cards themselves, this set provided value and enjoyment for collectors at both the high and low ends. Many of these rookie cards have already increased substantially in value just one year later, showing the long term potential for holding and investing in the early cards of baseball’s future stars.

2021 ATLANTA BRAVES BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 season was one of redemption and triumph for the Atlanta Braves franchise. After a down 2020 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs, the Braves shocked the baseball world by winning the World Series in 2021 – their first championship since 1995. Led by young stars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Freddie Freeman, and Ozzie Albies, the Braves emerged from a competitive NL East division and battled through three playoff series to take home the title. As a result, 2021 Atlanta Braves cards are some of the most sought after issues from the recent season.

Some of the key rookies and prospects who debuted in 2021 and had cards issued include pitchers Tucker Davidson, Bryce Elder, Dylan Lee, Kyle Muller, Huascar Ynoa. Outfielder Cristian Pache also saw his first MLB action in 2021 after being a top prospect. Their rookie cards from sets like Topps, Bowman, and Leaf provide a glimpse into the future of the franchise. While Pache was later traded, the rookie hurlers could play important roles in Atlanta for years to come. Card collectors loved pursuing the debut year issues of these young talents.

Of course, the biggest star on the team continued to be Ronald Acuña Jr. Even after tearing his ACL in July, “La Máquina” was elite at the plate before getting injured, slashing .283/.394/.596 with 24 home runs in 82 games. His flagship rookie card from 2018 Topps Chrome Update remains one of the most valuable modern baseball cards on the market. For 2021, Acuña had base cards in sets like Topps, Bowman, Donruss, Leaf, and Panini among others. Autograph and memorabilia parallels became hot commodities after the Braves’ championship run.

Freddie Freeman cemented his status as a franchise icon by delivering a World Series MVP performance. The longtime Braves first baseman had another stellar offensive campaign, batting .300 with 31 homers and 83 RBI in the regular season. He led the team to the title with clutch hitting throughout the postseason. Freeman’s 2021 Topps base card gained scarcity and demand from collectors. Rare parallel and serial-numbered cards saw a major uptick in secondary market pricing. After becoming a free agent following the season, Freeman’s Atlanta tenure cards took on greater significance.

The dynamic middle infield duo of Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson also received increased collector interest for their 2021 issues. Albies bounced back from an injury-shortened 2020 with career-highs in home runs (30) and RBI (106), displaying his 5-tool talent. Swanson emerged as a rock solid defensive shortstop and improved offensive player, slashing .248/.308/.447 while providing steady leadership. Their Topps Base cards were popular, and rare parallels like Topps Chrome Prismatic refractors commanded high prices.

Veteran pitcher Charlie Morton was another key contributor, going 14-6 with a 3.34 ERA and 223 strikeouts for the Braves in 2021. The playoff-tested right hander shone on the biggest stages, winning two games in the World Series. Morton continued adding to his resume as one of the game’s craftiest hurlers. Among the most sought after of his 2021 issues were autographed cards from sets such as Topps High Tek.

While the 2021 Atlanta Braves fell just short of a sweep in the World Series, defeating the Astros in six games, the championship run cemented the team’s place in franchise lore. The cards issued that year of the heroes who delivered the title hold special significance for collectors. With young talent and veteran leadership, the Braves look primed to contend for years to come. Modern Atlanta Braves cards, especially those from their 2021 championship season, remain a vibrant area of the hobby.

In summary, 2021 was a magic season for the Atlanta Braves franchise that saw long-suffering fans reap the rewards of a World Series championship. The baseball cards released depicting the likes of Freeman, Albies, Acuña, Morton and more from that year capture a special team and moment in time. They provide an enduring collector’s remembrance of how this talented Braves core brought the city its first title in over a quarter-century.

MLB BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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The 2021 MLB season saw a return to some sense of normalcy as COVID-19 restrictions eased across the country and fans returned to ballparks. On the field, several young stars emerged and franchise cornerstones like Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. took their talents to new heights.

As a result, 2021 MLB baseball cards were highly sought after by collectors both new and old. Rookie cards and stars of the rookie class of 2021 like Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Wander Franco saw skyrocketing prices and demand surge. Panini Prizm, Topps Series 1 and Series 2, and Bowman Chrome were among the most popular mainstream baseball card releases.

For the first time since 2008, Topps released two Series 1 sets – a standard release and a higher-end printing plate variation. Both sets prominently featured the emerging stars and top rookie classes on every pack. Autograph and memorabilia cards of Soto, Tatis, Acuna, Albies and others were hot commodities on the secondary market.

One of the biggest card storylines of 2021 came from Panini Prizm. For the first time, Panini secured an MLBPA license, allowing them to use official team logos and uniforms on their cards. Panini Prizm released a standard base set along with ‘Flux’ parallel inserts featuring colorful mosaic patterns on the front.

Rookies and parallels of elite young stars like Ohtani, Vlad Jr., Acuna, and Tatis exploded in secondary market value. A Prizm Silver Prizm parallel of Wander Franco, considered the top prospect in baseball, fetched over $100,000 at auction. Overall, Prizm brought fresh excitement and huge card pop for collectors new and old.

Bowman Chrome, the premier prospect card set, also saw massive popularity in 2021. Juan Soto’s first card appearance was in Bowman Chrome from 2014 while Acuna, Bo Bichette, Gleyber Torres, and more all had their earliest releases in the set as amateurs. The 2021 Bowman Chrome class was headlined by No. 1 prospect Marcelo Mayer and gun-toting shortstop Jackson Jobe.

Top rookies and key parallels like green refractors and autos would sell for thousands with each new release. Veteran stars like Trout, Arenado, deGrom and young All-Stars like Guerrero and Albies also commanded big money for rare parallels and memorabilia cards.

Donruss baseball also found new life among collectors with their ‘Optic’ release featuring colorful refractors and parallels. Popular Stars like deGrom, Soto, Betts, Freeman and more had some of their best looking cards in Donruss Optic. Autos and rare ‘Zenith’ parallels fetched over $1000 each online in some cases.

Heritage Minors and Bowman Draft also gave collectors their baseball card fix, focusing on top prospects and recent draftees. Names like Jack Leiter, Henry Davis, and Benny Montgomery started to gain recognition among the card collecting community with their early releases before many had played a single pro game.

Several huge card shows return like the National in July and National Sports Collectors Convention in August. Vintage stars like Musial, Mays, Clemente and Aaron remained steadfast chases for those hunting famous relics, autos and gem mint condition vintage cards. Online breakers also gained huge popularity breaking cases of the latest releases.

Whether acquiring packs at hobby shops or hunting singles and hits on eBay, collectors of all types indulged in the baseball card boom throughout 2021. With fans back in stands, a full minor league season, and young superstars cementing their place among the game’s elite – 2021 MLB cards scratched the itch of many during exciting times for the sport once again. As baseball’s next generation takes shape, so does the never-ending allure of their dazzling cardboard counterparts.

MOST VALUABLE 2021 PANINI MOSAIC BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Mosaic baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors due to Panini’s flashy Mosaic parallels and unique refractors. While retail boxes were scarce on shelves, the highly sought after parallels found within made it one of the hottest releases of the year. Several rookies and stars emerged as the most valuable cards to find in a Mosaic pack or box.

Heading the list of the most valuable 2021 Mosaic baseball cards is Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani. As one of the true unicorns in baseball able to both hit and pitch at an elite level, anything featuring the Japanese phenom holds tremendous value. His base rookie card can fetch $50-75 in Near Mint condition. It is some of the rare Ohtani parallels that have collectors scrambling.

The Ohtani Green /99 parallel averaged around $300-450 last year. His Gold /10 parallel exploded in value, recently selling for over $3,000 each. But the creme de la creme is finding his ultra rare White /1 parallel, with just a single one produced for the entire set. Back in November, an anonymous bidder paid an astounding $12,000 for an immaculate White Ohtani on eBay. With another MVP caliber season likely for Ohtani in 2022, his Mosaic cards will likely continue rising in the years ahead.

Another highly coveted rookie for collectors was Fernando Tatis Jr, who solidified himself as a true superstar for the San Diego Padres. While his base Mosaic card traded for approximately $40-60, it is with the parallel versions where Tatis Jr cards gained immense value. His Green /99 held substantial worth at $150-250 last year. But his 1/1 White parallel, if ever found, would shatter records as the sole Tatis Jr produced at that level. Even his scarce Gold /10 parallels, which usually end up in private collections, would command well over $1,000 each.

Rookies Spencer Torkelson, Jack Leiter, and Julio Rodriguez also saw strong collector demand for their first Topps Chrome and Bowman cards. Torkelson’s Detroit Tigers debut has him projected to be a perennial All-Star, while Leiter and Rodriguez look primed for stardom with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners respectively. Base versions of these rookies held steady near the $15-25 range. But colored parallels /99 and under brought significantly more return on investment. A BGS/BVG 9.5 graded Green Torkelson parallel surprised many by selling for $800 last Fall.

Veteran superstars Mike Trout and Ronald Acuna Jr also had impressively valuable Mosaic cards due to their immense talent and name recognition around the hobby. Trout’s Los Angeles Angels tenure has cemented him as the greatest player of this generation. His base Mosaic held around the $75-100 range. But a Trout Gold /10 parallel in NM-MT condition was exceptional, moving for over $1,500 last year. Likewise for injured Atlanta Braves star Acuna Jr, even his Green /99 parallel garnered $400-600. His scarce 1/1 White card would shatter records at auction.

Other big names like Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr and Vladimir Guerrero Jr saw strong similar valuations across their colored parallels. The Green /99 parallels typically floated in the $150-250 range based on the player. More limited Gold /10 versions escalated beyond $500-1000 averages. And 1/1 RWs would be true collector centerpieces worth tens of thousands, if ever found.

Beyond rookies and stars, veterans like Yadier Molina, Max Scherzer, and Albert Pujols held collector appeal throughout their careers. A BGS 9.5 Green Molina parallel cashed in at $450 last year. Meanwhile, a Pujols Platinum Prizm parallel /1 amazed onlookers by selling for a staggering $30,000 to a longtime Angels fan.

While base 2021 Mosaic cards may not yield huge returns, it is the scarce colored parallels and refractors where the true value lies. For modern masters like Trout, Acuna and Soto, their 1/1s have six figure potential. Meanwhile, rookie stars of today like Ohtani, Tatis Jr and Torkelson have only enhanced collector demand that will surely carry future valuations higher over the long run. For savvy investors, identifying these premium parallels in the ever expanding world of licensed sports cards remains a lucrative undertaking.