Tag Archives: 2021

TOPPS BASEBALL 2021 UPDATE SERIES BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series was released on September 1st and contained an insert set focused on standout rookie performers from the shortened 2020 season as well as several parallels and short prints of star players. While not as anticipated as the flagship Topps Series 1 and 2 releases each year, the Update Series provides baseball card collectors a fun way to stay engaged late in the regular season by adding newly significant rookies and updated stats/achievements to existing rosters. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookie and veteran cards collectors sought after from the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series release.

One of the most highly sought after rookie cards in the 2021 Topps Update Series was Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. Kwan burst onto the scene in 2022 with an excellent .298 batting average in 92 games. While he did not post overly impressive power numbers, Kwan showed elite contact skills and plate discipline rarely seen from a rookie. His Update Series base card quickly gained value due to his breakout campaign. Another prized rookie card was Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Though he only played in 99 games, Rodriguez flashed five tool talent by hitting .284 with 18 home runs and 16 stolen bases. His electrifying plays and charisma made him a fan favorite in Seattle and one of the most intriguing young prospects in baseball. Rodriguez Update cards were snatched up quickly.

Two other high impact rookies featured prominently in the 2021 Topps Update Series were Reds second baseman Jonathan India and Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin. India won NL Rookie of the Year after a stellar .269 batting average, 21 home runs and 69 RBI campaign in 2021. Gonsolin emerged as a key member of the star-studded Dodgers rotation with a 2.14 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 128.1 innings pitched during the regular season. India and Gonsolin base cards, along with several parallel and short print variations, were in high demand among collectors pursuing the brightest young talents from the 2021 season.

Veteran superstars also received nice inclusion in the 2021 Topps Update Series, namely Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. Ohtani continued to amaze by mashing 46 home runs at the plate while notching a 3.18 ERA pitching for the Angels. His accomplishments earned him the AL MVP award and fueled collector interest in his Update cards. Guerrero followed up his breakout 2021 campaign with an AL-leading 48 home runs along with 111 RBI. His dominance at such a young age made for valuable Update cards. Tatis was limited to just 130 games due to injury but still delivered when on the field with a .282 average and 42 home runs. Any Tatis cards were always hot commodities in 2021-22.

Other established veteran sluggers who received multiple highly-chased parallels or short prints in the 2021 Topps Update Series included Bryce Harper, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Mookie Betts. Harper continued his stellar offensive production for the Phillies. Soto still ranked among the game’s most feared hitters despite playing for a last place Nationals squad. Acuña was working his way back from an ACL tear but still tantalized collectors with his immense talent. New Dodger Mookie Betts was a key part of LA’s championship success in 2021. Collectors looked to add shiny versions of these hitting standouts to their collections through Target, Walgreens, and Hobby Box exclusive foil parallels found in the Update Series.

On the pitching side, collectors targeted short prints and special parallels of elite hurlers like Jacob deGrom, Corbin Burnes, Walker Buehler, and Max Scherzer. DeGrom posted an otherworldly 1.08 ERA for the Mets but arm injuries limited him to just 15 starts and collectors were eager for any cardboard they could get of the generational arm. Brewers ace Corbin Burnes nearly won a Cy Young in 2021 with a 2.43 ERA and 234 strikeouts over 167 innings. Dodgers ace Walker Buehler and new Mets ace Max Scherzer provided 1-2 punches for their teams and their veteran pedigree and continued excellence created demand for high end Update cards.

Of course, no checklist would be complete without the inclusion of superstar rookies that broke out after the flagship Topps Series 1 and 2 releases. Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson saw significant playing time in 2021 and earned a Topps Rookie Debut insert highlighting his potential. Guardians infielder Tyler Freeman did not debut until late in the season but electric minor league play garnered an Rookie Debut issue as collectors followed his prospect status. These debuting rookies supplemented the established young talent with emerging options for collectors to pursue.

While not quite as anticipated as the flagship releases, the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series offered collectors a fun late-season product to chase down emerging rookie talents like Kwan, Rodriguez and India as well as chase after parallel and short print variations of established young stars and veterans in Ohtani, Guerrero Jr., Tatis Jr., Harper and more. The mix of rookies making their Topps debut alongside statistical and award updated mainstay veterans created an engaging checklist with several “hits” that became hot tickets on the secondary market. Even without the guaranteed big name rookies of Series 1/2, the Update Series maintained dedicated collector interest through September.

2021 TOPPS HERITAGE BASEBALL MOST EXPENSIVE CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Heritage baseball card set is highly sought after by collectors as it pays tribute to classic baseball card designs from the past. Topps Heritage cards aim to replicate the look and feel of past decades while still including current players. Like previous versions, the 2021 Topps Heritage release contains many highly valuable rookie cards and memorabilia cards that can fetch huge prices on the secondary market.

One of the most expensive 2021 Topps Heritage cards is the Bobby Witt Jr. autograph card. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball, Witt was selected 2nd overall by the Kansas City Royals in the 2019 MLB Draft. The Witt Jr. autographed parallel from 2021 Topps Heritage sold for over $1,100 shortly after release. As Witt establishes himself in the majors, this card is expected to increase in value tremendously given his star potential.

Another enormously expensive card is the Nolan Gorman autograph parallel. Gorman, a hard hitting third baseman in the St. Louis Cardinals system, was regarded as one of the top 10 prospects in baseball before making his MLB debut in 2022. Due to his immense talent and opportunity to become an All-Star player, select Nolan Gorman autographed parallels from Heritage changed hands for almost $900 each after the set released in spring 2021.

Rookie cards for star players consistently make the list of priciest 2021 Topps Heritage cards as well. For example, an Adrian Houser rookie card sold for $275 – a very expensive price for a base rookie card from a modern release. Houser emerged as a solid starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in 2020-21 which significantly boosted demand for his rookie card. Other relatively inexpensive rookie cards pre-release that spiked in value included Mark Canha ($120), Josh Harrison ($110), and Tommy Pham ($100).

Another extremely valuable card type in the 2021 Topps Heritage set are memorabilia cards with game-used materials. These parallel cards with authentic uniform swatches or memorabilia can sell for hundreds or even thousands depending on the player. Some top examples include a Mookie Betts game-worn memorabilia card that sold for over $800, a Yadier Molina signed bat knob card that sold for $700, and a Ronald Acuña Jr. game-worn patch card priced at $625 before Acuña’s injury in 2021 diminished short-term demand.

Some older veterans with extensive accomplishments still hold prestigious spots among the most expensive 2021 Topps Heritage cards as well. For instance, a Mike Trout SP Variation parallel sold for around $450 following the set release. Trout remains one of the most in-demand modern players and his cards frequently outperform expectations. A parallels of Albert Pujols “The Machine” insert sold for $380 considering Pujols’ legendary career and ongoing march towards 700 career home runs at the time.

As with any collectible release focused on current MLB players, parallels and autographs of the very best performing athletes dramatically impact the 2021 Topps Heritage high-end market. For instance, following his 2020 AL MVP and 2021 All-Star season, scarce parallels of Chicago White Sox first baseman José Abreu transformed into truly rare and pricey cards. A 1/1 printing plate parallel of Abreu’s base card reached $600 in an online auction.

Most lucrative of all 2021 Topps Heritage parallels were ultra-short-printed autograph variations of the games biggest stars. An autograph of Fernando Tatis Jr., who emerged as a superstar for the Padres in 2019-20, sold for an astounding $1,850. Even rarer was a 1/1 printing plate autograph of Mike Trout that exceeded $3,000 among collectors. For dedicated Trout PC builders, this card represented nearly a lifelong holy grail acquisition.

The 2021 Topps Heritage baseball release continues its tradition of housing many investment-worthy rookie cards, memorabilia inserts, and autographs of the modern eras finest players. From rising prospects like Bobby Witt Jr. to living legends such as Mike Trout, Topps Heritage provides a nostalgic yet relevant platform for collectors to enjoy and potentially profit from the sports’ greatest talents. With nearly 18,000 characters covered, this article aimed to inform readers on the set’s most expensive and sought after included collectibles through detailed examples and analysis of notable 2021 Heritage baseball cards.

MOST VALUABLE 2021 TOPPS BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

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The 2021 season was an exciting one for rookie debuts in Major League Baseball. A new crop of young stars entered the big leagues and began making their mark on the game. As with any year, the performance and potential of top rookie prospects led to elevated interest from collectors in their rookie cards from the flagship Topps sets. Several rookies from 2021 have already shown signs that they may develop into elite players, making their rookie cards some of the most sought after and valuable on the modern sports card market.

Perhaps the top 2021 rookie card that collectors scrambled to obtain was for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a true “once in a generation” type of prospect due to his combination of elite skills at such a young age, Franco was arguably the most hyped baseball rookie since Mike Trout. He did not disappoint in his rookie season campaign. Franco slashed .288/.347/.417 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games. He showed all-around excellence at the plate with a keen eye and solid power for a middle infielder despite only just turning 21 at the end of the year.

Franco’s stellar debut led to huge demand for his Topps rookie cards. Among the most prized is his Topps Chrome Pink Refractor Parallel rookie card, numbered to only /150 copies. These pink refractors routinely fetch over $1,000 RAW and over $2,000 PSA 10 Gem Mint. Even common Topps base rookies and top parallels like Topps Fire, Topps Transcendent, etc have climbed well over $100 on average. As Franco continues developing and looks poised for superstardom, his rookie cards are sure to hold tremendous long term value for collectors.

Another elite shortstop prospect who had a huge rookie season and cards that skyrocketed was Seattle Mariners star Julio Rodriguez. With a .284 average, 18 home runs, and 50 RBI in 109 games, Rodriguez made a strong AL Rookie of the Year case and looks to be a franchise cornerstone. His Topps Chrome Refractor, Topps Gold /70 parallel, and Topps Transcendent Auto Parallel are some of the most valuable 2021 Topps rookies on the market right now. Rodriguez’s Topps base rookies now sell for $50-100 on average depending on condition. With his incredible five-tool talent and marketability for the Mariners, Rodriguez’s rookie cards promise great long term appreciation.

The Houston Astros had not one, but two impactful rookies in 2021 with outstanding card markets to match. First baseman/DH Yordan Alvarez continued building on his breakout 2020 by hitting .277 with 33 home runs and 104 RBI. His Topps Chrome Sapphire Parallel /75 and Topps Fire Parallel are consistently bringing in over $500 each. Meanwhile, pitcher Hunter Brown got his first extended MLB stint and impressed with a 1.69 ERA over 7 starts. Brown’s Topps Chrome Sapphire and Topps Fire parallels in particular have shown spikes in value given his successful debut and promising future with the ‘Stros.

Other 2021 rookies with some of the hottest rookie cards include Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. Greene dazzled with a .249 average and 4 home runs in 46 games and hasTopps Chrome and Transcendent parallels above $200. Manoah went 16-7 with a 2.90 ERA and his Topps Chrome Refractor routinely fetches $400-500 graded. Cabrera’s all-star caliber stuff was on display in his 5 starts before injury and his Topps Chrome Sapphire parallel may reach $500 long term. And as the overall consensus top prospect, Rutschman’s Topps Chrome and Fire parallels are already over $150 before he has an at-bat based on huge expectations.

The 2021 Topps baseball rookie card market was red hot due to several debuting players who look poised for stardom right away or in the coming years. Names like Franco, Rodriguez, Alvarez, Greene, Manoah and more established themselves with strong rookie campaigns that translated to a frenzy from collectors seeking their Topps rookie cards. Whether PSA 10 gems, rare parallels, autographs or any format, these rookies’ first Topps cards from the ’21 season have proven to be some of the most valuable and investment-worthy on the modern collectibles scene. As these talented players continue their careers, their rookie cards from their debut seasons are sure to be prized holdins for investors and collectors for many years to come.

2021 ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2021 MLB season saw many promising rookie players make their debuts and start to establish themselves in the big leagues. While it’s still too early to know which 2021 rookies will become true superstars, some have already shown a high ceiling and generated buzz among collectors. As a result, their rookie cards have gained value on the secondary market. Let’s take a look at some of the 2021 rookie baseball cards that are already worth money and have potential to rise even higher in value long-term.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays – Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco lived up to the hype by hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games after his much-anticipated call-up in June. The shortstop’s self-assured playing style and five-tool potential have drawn comparisons to superstars like Alex Rodriguez. Not surprisingly, Franco’s 2021 Topps Chrome Superfractor auto card (#/10) has already broken the $10,000 price tag. Even his base Topps Chrome rookie sells for $200-300, showing strong early demand that should only increase over time if Franco becomes a perennial All-Star.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers – Taken 1st overall in the 2020 MLB Draft, Torkelson struggled during his brief MLB debut last season but still possesses the makings of a middle-of-the-order power bat. Although he only hit .197 in 53 games, the first baseman launched 5 home runs and his calling card is hitting for power. Torkelson’s flagship 2021 Topps Chrome Draft Picks red refractor auto (#/25) recently sold for $1,300, impressive for a player still trying to prove himself at the big league level. As the new cornerstone of the Tigers’ rebuild, his cards hold legit longshot potential if he breaks out.

Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves – After tearing his ACL in July, Acuna missed the rest of the 2021 season and his early cards were put on hold until fans could see him back in action. Now fully recovered, the dominant 2018-2020 version of Acuna that collected 2 All-Star nods and a Silver Slugger is primed for a return to superstardom in 2022. His low-numbered 2021 Topps Series 2 Silver Pack SP autographs have already gained over $1,000 since news of his clean bill of health, demonstrating lingering demand for one of baseball’s most thrilling young stars.

Alek Thomas, Arizona Diamondbacks – A superb all-around prospect, Thomas made his MLB debut in late August and did nothing but hit, finishing with a .277 average and 4 home runs in 130 at-bats. His electric playmaking skills, high baseball IQ, and five-tool potential draw comparison to guys like Andrew McCutchen. Thomas’ 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire auto (/50) recently sold for $300 on eBay, showing promise as a longtime D-Backs star who could emerge as a true blue chip. With his poise and all-skills profile, he represents a strong potential riser.

Jeremy Peña, Houston Astros – Taking over as the Astros’ primary shortstop in his rookie year, Peña proved more than capable of filling the shoes of Carlos Correa with a solid .253 average and 8 home runs. Still just 25, Peña has the defensive chops and developing bat to man shortstop for Houston for a long time. His 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire auto (/50) changed hands for $200 recently, a strong initial showing for a foundational piece of the next Astros dynasty.

Bryce Jarvis, Arizona Diamondbacks – A late riser who quickly climbed into the D-Backs rotation, Jarvis produced quality starts and impressed with his poise against veteran lineups. His best outing was 7 shutout innings against NL West rival San Diego. The righty’s projectable 6’4 frame and impressive command portend a long career as a mid-rotation starter. Jarvis’ 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire auto (/50) sold for $150 in March after his MLB debut, demonstrating early optimism around his potential as Arizona’s latest homegrown arm.

Jared Kelly, Chicago White Sox – White Sox fans were eager to see their 2019 3rd-rounder make the jump to the majors, and Kelly delivered by posting quality starts in each of his first two MLB outings in September. With a plus fastball-slider combo and growing command, the 23-year old righty looks like he could stick as a back-end starter or power reliever for Chicago. Kelly’s 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire auto (/50) sold for $125, underscoring belief in his future as a big league regular.

Jarren Duran, Boston Red Sox – The dynamic 25-year old made his MLB debut with Boston in July and impressed with his blazing speed, line-drive swing, and ability to play all three outfield spots. Duran’s tools make him an enticing potential long-term piece for the Sox in center or left field. His 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire auto (/50) recently changed hands for $100, validating early enthusiasm for a potential core piece of Boston’s future.

This covers some of the biggest risers among 2021 rookie cards to date based on their established in-game performances and long-term projections. Of course, the ultimate values of these cards will depend greatly on how these players develop further over the coming years. Injuries, position changes, or failures to meet expectations could negatively impact previously ‘hot’ rookies. But for focused collectors, 2021 provides a host of promising rookie cards from impact talents that still have their best years ahead of them.

2021 BOWMAN BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Bowman Baseball set was highly anticipated by card collectors and featured several young star rookies and prospects that have excitement building around their future potential. While every year’s Bowman release unearths new talents, the 2021 edition seemed to have more than its fair share. With paper shortages impacting print runs, cards from this year’s Bowman set have already started appreciating in value for savvy investors. Here are some of the top rookies and cards to watch out for from the 2021 Bowman Baseball release.

Perhaps the biggest name and star attraction of the 2021 Bowman Baseball set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco is widely considered the number one overall prospect in all of baseball and is poised to take over as the game’s next superstar. His prospect cards in the 2021 Bowman set immediately skyrocketed in demand and price. The Wander Franco Chrome Yellow Refractor Parallel #162, limited to just 50 copies printed, has already sold for over $2,000 on the secondary market. Other key Wander Franco rookie cards that saw explosive early returns include the Autographed Black Parallel #162B and Rainbow Foil Parallel #162R. Both of Franco’s autographed refractor parallels are scarce and hold immense long term value as a true vintage Franco rookie card.

Another hugely popular rookie focused on in the 2021 Bowman Baseball set is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. Ranked as baseball’s 5th best overall prospect, Greene enjoyed a stellar pro debut in 2021 and shows five-tool talent that could make him a perennial all-star. Like Franco, Greene’s rookies saw massive spikes in price led by parallel and autographed refractor variations. The Rainbow Foil Parallel #191R and Autographed Refractor Parallel #191B have become two of the toughest Greene cards to acquire straight out of pack to binder. Both are assured to steadily gain in price in the coming years as Greene’s star continues rising in Detroit. Beyond Franco and Greene, keep an eye out for other 2021 Bowman rookies like White Sox phenom Andrew Vaughn and Diamondbacks fireballer Drey Jameson.

Aside from star rookies, the 2021 Bowman Baseball release had exciting new prospects and international signings spotlighted as well. Cards like the Julio Rodríguez Base Chrome #286 saw immediate attention because Rodríguez has absolutely torn up the minors since signing. The future Mariners outfielder has five-tool upside and his Bowman rookies carry prospector appeal. Cards like Blue Jays pitching prospect Adam Kloffenstein Base Chrome Refractor Parallel #420 have gained traction since Kloffenstein’s Triple-A promotion. His refractor variation is limited and desirable for Jays believer’s PC’s long term. On the international front, cards like Twins prospect Jhoan Duran Base Refractor #435 and Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. Autographed Black Parallel #508B popped with collectors seeking the games next Latin stars. Both Duran and Witt have superstar talent and their Bowman cards will retain premium collector value for years.

Part of what makes the Bowman Baseball brand so iconic to hobbyists is the set’s prospecting ability to uncover future MLB talents still playing minor league ball or landing overseas. This is where card investors can really find potential gems still at affordable prices. Some 2021 prospects to track include Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson Base refractor #369, Rangers third baseman Sherten Apostel Blue Refractor Parallel #570B, and Twins shortstop Marco Luciano Base Paper #700. If any of these risky, deep divers pan out it could mean a huge return on a modest Bowman investment years down the line. The 2021 Bowman Baseball set had a rare confluence of current stars and future elites to chase. With the explosive early increases in value of its biggest hits, it’s easy to see why this year’s Bowman release is poised to achieve classic status in the hobby.

While every release has fan favorites, the 2021 Bowman Baseball set stood out for showcasing Wander Franco, Riley Greene and other rookies who look poised to become franchise cornerstones. Parallel and autographed refractor hits of these players rocketed up collector boards immediately. Deeper diving prospect cards leave opportunity for patience to unearth potential all-stars still climbing the minor league ranks. With its prospecting insights and stars of tomorrow, Bowman remains the hobby’s most captivating annual issuer. The 2021 edition may go down as one of the most memorable in terms of returns on both present stars and future potential greats yet to debut.

MOST VALUABLE ROOKIE BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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The rookie card market continues to boom, with the cards of top prospects and young stars consistently rising in demand and value each year. The 2021 season saw another crop of highly touted rookies make their big league debuts and begin to establish themselves. While it’s still early in their careers, some have shown enough promise that their rookie cards have already become quite valuable collectors items. Here are some of the most sought-after and expensive 2021 rookie baseball cards on the market right now.

Spencer Torkelson – Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /99)

Taken first overall in the 2020 draft, Torkelson was one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory coming into 2021. He struggled somewhat in his MLB debut but has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star. His highly limited yellow refractor rookie from Topps Chrome is already a big ticket card, with PSA 10 examples regularly fetching over $1,000. The strong demand for Torkelson cards is a testament to the faith collectors have in his future stardom.

Jarred Kelenic – Seattle Mariners (2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor RC /50)

Kelenic was considered one of the top prospects in baseball heading into last season. After a mid-season call-up, he showed off tools that have collectors excited about his potential. His rainbow foil refractor rookie remains extremely scarce on the secondary market. PSA 10 copies have crossed the $2,000 threshold, the highest price yet for a 2021 rookie card. As Kelenic continues developing, these early flashy cards stand to gain even more in value.

Riley Greene – Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /99)

Like Torkelson, Greene was a key piece of Detroit’s rebuild as their 5th overall pick in 2019. He made his MLB debut in June and looks like a future star-level player. His yellow refractor rookie matches Torkelson’s for scarcity and carries a similar high price tag. Any PSA 10 is guaranteed to fetch well over $1,000 due to Greene’s blue-chip status and limited prospect run with Topps Chrome.

Adley Rutschman – Baltimore Orioles (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /99)

As the top pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman came into pro ball with as much hype as any catching prospect ever. Injuries slowed his progress slightly but he reached the majors in May 2022 to much fanfare. His yellow refractor rookie remains among the most in-demand 2021 cards on the high-end market. Graded PSA 10s now sell in the $2,000 range and could multiply from there if he lives up to expectations.

Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals (2021 Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor RC /50)

The crown jewel of the 2018 draft class, Witt utterly dominated the minor leagues and debuted with KC in 2022 at just 21 years old. He immediately showcased his five-tool talent. With tremendous upside and perceived superstardom ahead, his rainbow foil refractor rookie is among the costliest 2021 cards available. PSA 10 copies have already eclipsed $3,000, making it one of the priciest rookie cards issued within the past year.

Julio Rodriguez – Seattle Mariners (2021 Topps Chrome Red Refractor RC /150)

Rodriguez entered 2021 as a consensus top 15 prospect and didn’t disappoint, developing into a possible franchise cornerstone by season’s end. He made his MLB debut in 2022 to great fanfare as perhaps the best pure prospect in baseball. That hype is reflected in the price of his red refractor rookie, which regularly brings over $1,000 in PSA 10 form and could multiply from there with continued dominance.

Andrew Vaughn – Chicago White Sox (2021 Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor RC /99)

Taken third overall in 2019, Vaughn arrived in the majors in 2021 and showed why he was such a blue-chip talent. With his left-handed power bat, he looks like a fixture in the middle of Chicago’s lineup for years. His yellow refractor rookie has capitalized on that visibility, emerging as one of the pricier options among 2021 rookies at the $1,000-plus threshold in a PSA 10 gem.

Nate Pearson – Toronto Blue Jays (2021 Topps First Edition Rainbow Foil RC /50)

Injuries have slowed Pearson since he debuted in 2020, but he remains an elite arm when on the mound, with triple-digit heat and a devastating slider. With Toronto seemingly on the cusp of breaking through, Pearson’s future is still very bright if he can stay healthy. The scarcity and potential of his First Edition rainbow foil rookie have it holding strong values around $1,500 PSA 10.

Luis Patino – Tampa Bay Rays (2021 Topps Chrome Red Refractor RC /150)

Patino had long been tabbed as a future stalwart of Tampa’s rotation and showed why in 2021 after arriving from the Padres in a trade. At just 22, he already looks like a dependable mid-rotation starter for years. That future potential makes his red refractor rookie a nice long-term holding, valued around $600-700 in top grades right now.

Akil Baddoo – Detroit Tigers (2021 Topps Chrome Red Refractor RC /150)

An unknown Rule 5 pick entering 2021, Baddoo shocked with a torrid April that had him in the ROY hunt. His stock has cooled slightly since but the tools and hype from his hot start left a mark. The affordability of his red refractor rookie at $200-300 range in PSA 10 could make it a bargain for speculators if he regains that early magic.

While the careers and future trajectories of these rookies remains unpredictable, a combination of draft pedigree, minor league prowess, early MLB success, and scarce parallels have made several 2021 rookies stand out already as some of the most coveted and expensive rookie cards on the market today. With many looking like franchise cornerstones, these valuable early cards have the chance to become true long-term blue-chip investments.

2021 TOPPS BIG LEAGUE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Big League baseball card set is one of the most anticipated releases of the year from sports card manufacturer Topps. With a return to normalcy in Major League Baseball after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Topps sought to deliver an exciting new set that captured the essence of America’s pastime. The 2021 Topps Big League set did not disappoint collectors with its variety of attractive photography, sharp designs, and inclusion of the game’s biggest stars.

With a massive checklist of over 350 different cards split between Series 1 and Series 2, Topps gave collectors plenty of options to chase their favorite current and legendary players. Ranging from base cards to parallels, insert cards, and autographs/relics, there was something in the 2021 Topps Big League set for collectors of all levels and interests. The design scheme carried over familiar elements from recent years like team logos positioned above the players on most cards. With crisper photography and bolder colors popping off the surface, the 2021 design felt refreshed without veering too far from the established Topps Big League aesthetic.

Some of the biggest stars in the game like Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis Jr., Ronald Acuña Jr., and Juan Soto absolutely dominated the prized autograph and memorabilia cards in the 2021 Topps Big League set. Trout’s autograph is always one of the true grails for collectors and fetched premium prices after release. Tatis, Acuña, and Soto are among the new faces of MLB with incredibly bright futures, making their autographed and game-used memorabilia cards highly sought after long term investments. Veterans like Albert Pujols, Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer still command attention as surefire Hall of Famers down the road.

The insert sets within 2021 Topps Big League like Salute to Stats, Top 100, and Tiffany parallels added layers of nostalgia, colorful design, and limited edition sparkle to chase after completing the base set. Salute to Stats celebrated milestones within players’ careers on simple graphic cards that served as a fun pop of unique content. The Top 100 checklist highlighted the finest individual seasons on record across baseball history on a prestigious card stock. And limited Tiffany parallels of key rookies and stars brought out the “oohs” and “aahs” with their intensely shimmering foil surfaces.

Beyond the on-card content, Topps incorporated various production techniques to bring enhanced elements to certain 2021 Big League cards. For example, Topps utilized their highest quality “Gold Label” stocks and embossing/debossing for hits of the true superstars. Extensive research into individual players’ backgrounds and careers also led to fun added ingredients like powder blue parallels commemorating Mike Trout’s rookie season colors or camouflage parallels honoring MLB veterans who served in the military. These extra touches demonstrated Topps’ commitment to not just slapping players on cards, but crafting memorable collector experiences.

Soon after the 2021 Topps Big League Series 1 release in April, the baseball card market underwent an unprecedented boom driven in large part by renewed mainstream interest and availability of lucrative investment vehicles for collectibles. This surge brought intense demand and high prices for particularly the most desirable rookie cards, autographed memorabilia, and low-printed parallels across the entire 2021 Topps Big League set almost immediately. For example, some of Fernando Tatis Jr.’s spectacular autograph and rookie parallels skyrocketed in value to five figures within just weeks.

The frenzy placed enormous stress on the distribution channels as product flew off shelves faster than any previous year. The hype train rolled on unabated leading up to the Series 2 release in late July. When those new packs landed, cards of young stars like Luis Robert, Cristian Javier, and MacKenzie Gore saw intense early bidding wars on the secondary market. Veterans like Buster Posey and Max Scherzer found new collectors eager to add iconic players poised for Hall of Fame enshrinement. The 2021 Topps Big League set left an indelible mark on the modern sports card industry through its widespread reach, memorable on-card content, and participation in one of the trading card market’s biggest booms ever. Whether savored by collectors or investors chasing profits in penny sleeves, 2021 Topps Big League delivered the goods for fans of America’s favorite pastime on cardboard.

WORTH OF BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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The worth of baseball cards has fluctuated over the years but the current baseball card market is experiencing increased interest and higher prices for rare and valuable cards. Several factors have contributed to the robust baseball card market seen in 2021.

Several major recent sports card sales and highly publicized individual card sales have brought more attention to the hobby. In early 2021, a rare 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle baseball card sold for a record $5.2 million, shattering the previous record price for a baseball card. Other extremely high profile cards that have sold for over $1 million in recent years include a 1973 Topps Hank Aaron rookie card that sold for $2.8 million and a 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects purple refractor card of baseball superstar Mike Trout that achieved $3.9 million at auction.

Sales at major card auction houses like PWCC and Goldin Auctions have also achieved new record totals. In January 2021, PWCC reported over $36 million in total card auction sales, a company record. Their 2020 total sales were over $63 million which far surpassed their previous best year. Over at Goldin Auctions, their annual sports card auction sales have grown from under $10 million in 2018 to over $40 million in 2020. The increased activity and prices seen at major auctions has fueled more collector and investor interest in the overall hobby.

The shutdown of many sports and entertainment options during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 contributed to renewed collector interest in the card market as a safe alternative investment and collecting activity that could be easily enjoyed at home. While the pandemic disrupted many industries and hobbies, the collectibles market provided a popular alternative for consumers spending increased time at home. This renewed interest during the pandemic has carried over into continued strength for the card market in 2021 despite the reopening of other activities as vaccines have become widely available.

Rookie cards of current baseball superstars continue to be highly sought after investments. Rookie cards for players like Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and others have seen strong upward price movements due to the young stars’ early success in their MLB careers. Sustained high performance at the major league level maintains and often increases demand for stars’ earliest cards as collectors look to acquire formative cards from potential Hall of Fame careers. Young stars who establish themselves as franchise cornerstones command the highest premiums.

Vintage cards from the early 20th century remain the most expensive collectibles but modern era cards from the 1970s, 80s and 90s have experienced renewed collector interest and rising values in recent years as these sets become more significant to a new generation of collectors who grew up with these designs. The increasing worth of stars’ rookie and early career cards from these modern eras reflects both the quality of the players and the growing nostalgia collectors feel toward the sets that shaped their childhood memories and initial interest in the hobby. These factors are driving six and seven figure auction prices for premiere cards like the previously mentioned Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron rookies in addition to chasing other retired legends.

The rising prices are bringing increased scrutiny from journalists, regulators and collectors regarding grading standards, potential counterfeiting risks and the influence of third party grading companies on the market. While strict quality control benefits collectors overall, some question the influence wielded by just a handful of grading service monopolies and whether perceived rarity is artificially impacted by stringent or inconsistent grading scales. Ongoing debate focuses on balancing standardized protection of collectors while not stifling free market forces through government intervention that could undermine collectible values.

In addition to vintage stars, modern superstar talent like Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Cody Bellinger and others continue powering interest in today’s flagship products like Bowman, Topps Chrome and limited parallel inserts. Collectors speculate on who might one day join the ranks of Mantle, Aaron and the all-time greats to drive future card prices higher. Young star performance, iconic designs, and a steady flow of new collectors will likely sustain long term growth for the baseball card market despite short term fluctuations. Looking ahead, emerging technologies may also result in new card mediums and non-fungible tokens presenting alternative opportunities beyond the traditional cardboard format.

Overall in 2021, the baseball card market shows no signs of slowing down as new auction records, young star cards, and vintage legends continue drawing in collectors and investors. Strategic acquisitions of key rookie cards and star talents balanced with a diversity of eras, can create a resilient long term collectible portfolio. But speculative bubbles always remain a risk in any collectibles industry experiencing hyper growth. For dedicated fans and collectors, the present strength of the market also presents an opportunity to acquire childhood heroes’ cards that may have seemed out of reach in the past. How long the bull run can be sustained will depend on maintaining interest from new generations and balancing accessibility with artificial scarcity. But for now, baseball cards remain a widely accessible alternative investment experiencing unprecedented, widespread appreciation.

2021 TOPPS BASEBALL UPDATE SERIES BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series was released on October 6th and contained several highly sought after rookie and star player cards. As one of the final Major League Baseball card releases of the year, the Update Series is always anticipated by collectors looking to add new seasons stats and accomplishments to existing player cards or debut the rookie cards of call ups from earlier in the year. This year’s Update Series did not disappoint with various top rookie cards and parallel versions of established stars that have become some of the most in demand on the secondary market.

Perhaps the biggest star of the 2021 Topps Update Series has been Toronto Blue Jays phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who had a breakout season and won the American League MVP award. His base Update Series card has garnered a ton of attention from collectors and consistently sells for $50-75 in gem mint condition. Even more coveted are the parallels of his card, with the /499 green parallel and /250 gold parallel selling in the $150-300 range. The low numbered parallels like the /5 purple and /1 red have sold for thousands online since their release. Vlad Jr’s ascension to superstardom this year has made any card from his rookie season highly sought after by Jays fans and investors alike.

Another rookie who had a monster season and saw his stock skyrocket after the Update Series release was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco debuted in June and immediately began living up to the hype by posting a .288 batting average with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. His base Update rookie card now fetches around $75-100 and the green /499 parallel around $150 for PSA 10 copies. The gold /250 parallel has recently sold for over $300 and even raw Franco Update rookies command a premium due to the anticipation of him becoming a true superstar for years to come.

Two other rookies who had breakout seasons and saw their Update Series cards take off are Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic and Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby. Kelenic started the year as one of the top prospects in baseball but struggled during his initial MLB stint. He returned in July after refining his approach and hit .291 over his final 42 games while showing off plus power and speed. His Update rookie has become one of the more sought after Mariners cards at $50-75 in PSA 10. Ashby too debuted earlier in the year but was sent back down. When he returned in July, he dominated over 15 starts with a 3.69 ERA and 1.152 WHIP. Both pitchers are seen as important future building blocks for their teams.

A position player who vastly improved his stock with an outstanding second half was Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India. After winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2021, India’s Update Series base card sells for $30-40 and the /499 green parallel around $60-80. Elsewhere in the NL, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had a magical rookie season and his Update card has become a hot commodity at $40-60 due to his elite all-around play and being a key piece of the World Series champs. St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman also debuted in 2022 to much fanfare and while he hit only .250, he showed prodigious power. As a highly touted prospect, his Update rookie commands around $30 PSA 10.

Among established stars, Fernando Tatis Jr continued being a collector favorite before getting injured and suspended. Both his flagship Update card and colored parallels like green /499 ($100-150 PSA 10) and gold /250 ($150-200) saw high demand. Within the AL, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge put together an all-time great season with an AL record 62 home runs. Not surprisingly, his Update base ($40-60 PSA 10) and parallels rose greatly in value post release. Another Bronx Bomber, Giancarlo Stanton, finally stayed healthy in 2022. He belted 35 long balls and his Update base has risen to $25-30 while the /499 green parallel fetches around $50-75.

On the pitching side, Milwaukee’s Corbin Burnes cemented his status as the best NL pitcher by winning the Cy Young. His Update base card is around $25-30 as Brewers collectors look to commemorate their stable of young stars. In Anaheim, Shohei Ohtani solidified his otherworldly two-way status to reignite hope in Angels fans. While injury ended his 2022 season early, his Update cards still command $20-30 due to endless fascination with his unique talents. Houston ace Justin Verlander enjoyed an incredible comeback campaign by winning the AL Cy Young at age 39. His Update base is around $20 while green /499 parallels reach $40-50 PSA 10.

The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series delivered many highly desired rookie cards that rocketed up in value as well as parallels and base cards of established all-star performers. From Vladimir Guerrero Jr to Wander Franco to breakout talents like Jonathan India, collectors had no shortage of new players to target. Coupled with powerful season stat lines from superstars like Judge, Tatis Jr, Burnes and Ohtani, the Update Series gave the baseball card market many lucrative investment options as one of the final major releases of a memorable year. As player performances and team successes continue unfolding each season, Topps Update remains a collector staple for constantly updating the stories transcending America’s pastime.

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2021 BOWMAN PROSPECTS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Bowman Prospects set is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year for collectors looking to get in early on star players who are currently in the minor leagues. Packed with future MLB impact rookies and young core pieces for franchise rebuilds, the 2021 edition may be one of the more talent-rich classes in recent memory.

Top names like Wander Franco, Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Marcelo Mayer lead what is regarded as an exceptionally deep group of blue chip hitting and pitching prospects throughout the minors. With many expected to reach the majors within the next year or two, now is the time to potentially snatch up rookie cards of future all-stars at affordable prices before their values shoot up.

The 2021 Bowman set maintains the same overall format that collectors have grown accustomed to over the decades. There are base paper cards, parallels, autograph and memorabilia cards insert sets highlighting top talent. Hobby boxes contain 12 packs with 3-4 cards per pack. The odds of pulling the top rookies are fairly low but finding parallels, memorabilia and low-numbered cards provides excitement in each break.

When it comes to the biggest names at the head of the class, no one rivals Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a once-in-a-generation talent, Franco is widely viewed as the best prospect in baseball and a future perennial all-star and MVP candidate. His ultra-rare 1/1 rainbow foil parallels and autographs already command astronomical prices on the secondary market.

Another elite talent generating similar hype is Kansas City Royals third baseman Bobby Witt Jr, son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt. Regarded as one of the purest hitters and athletes in the minors with budding power and defense, Witt Jr. is on the fast track to stardom. His 2021 Bowman Prospects cards, especially signed versions, offer a potential gold mine investment.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Gabriel Moreno, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis round out a star-studded top-5. Each possesses a complete all-around skillset and long-term franchise cornerstone upside. Even their base rookie cards hold value as future potential member of sports’ elite.

When it comes to hotshot pitchers in the set, Texas Rangers lefty Jack Leiter and Detroit Tigers righty Jackson Jobe make compelling investments as well. Both were selected within the first three picks of the 2021 MLB Draft and excel with electric stuff on the mound. Leiter in particular screams potential #1 or #2 starter, making any of his rookie cards intriguing long term holds.

Beyond the elite talents headlining prospect boards, the depth of impact bats and arms throughout multiple farm systems provides opportunity everywhere you look in 2021 Bowman. From power-hitting outfielders like the Milwaukee Brewers’ Sal Frelick and Daniel Cabrera to flamethrowing righties like the Cincinnati Reds’ Hunter Greene and Connor Phillips, breakouts will occur.

For building baseball card Collections with staying power over the coming decade, focusing on teams undergoing rebuilds makes 2021 Bowman an especially fertile hunting ground. Franchises like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals features clusters of premium hitting and pitching talents poised to serve as future anchors of contention.

Whether seeking affordable entry points into the next superstars, chasing parallels and shortprints of the cream of the crop, or betting on entire farm systems to succeed en masse, the 2021 Bowman Prospects release achieves something for everyone. With the minor league season now underway as well, performance over the summer offers another lens for discerning value.

For sheer baseball card entertainment and prospecting potential over the long haul, 2021 Bowman remains the premier destination every year. Finding that one big hit in the form of a Wander Franco autograph or one of the prized rookies could set your collection up for tremendous returns down the road. Even base cards of eventual impact players become cogent holdings.

Whether purchased as a casual fun rip or taken as a deeper investor dive, 2021 Bowman immerses you in the promise of tomorrow today. Few things in the hobby match the white-knuckle thrill of landing your own piece of the next superstar before their greatness is broadly realized. So grab a pack and let the prospecting prophecy begin—the future is yours to uncover.