Tag Archives: 2021

2021 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors due to strong rookie classes in both the 2020 and 2021 MLB Drafts. While there are numerous rookie hits that hold value in the set, here are some of the standout cards that should be at the top of every collector’s want list:

Emerson Hancock Auto /25 (Panini Prizm Draft Picks Green #’d Parallel) – The No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Hancock has ace potential and was dominant as a starter at the University of Georgia. His autographed parallels that are numbered to just 25 copies each are the crown jewels of the set. Expect long-term appreciation as Hancock develops in the Mariners system. With his talent and the extremely low serial number, these green parallels could net thousands of dollars even now.

Tyler Soderstrom Auto /99 (Panini Prizm Draft Picks Blue Wave Parallel) – Many had Soderstrom projected as a top 5 pick before he surprisingly fell to the 26th pick and was snatched up by the Athletics. Scouts still rave about his hitting prowess behind the plate and say he has what it takes to be an offensive force at catcher. His autographed blue wave parallels are among the more coveted rookie cards in the set due to his talent and limited parallel numbering. As he progresses, these could turn out to be true gems.

Nick Gonzales Auto – The 2021 Golden Spikes Award winner and No. 7 overall pick exploded out of New Mexico State as one of the top college bats. He brings rare lefty power to shortstop that has drawn comparisons to Alex Bregman. As the highest drafted position player, Gonzales’ autograph cards are absolute must-haves for Pirates PC collectors or those wanting to get in early on what could be a true star.

Kumar Rocker Auto – While health concerns caused Rocker to slip all the way down to the 10th pick on draft day, he was considered by many to be the best pure stuff pitcher in the entire 2020 college class. As the Vanderbilt flamethrower continues to prove himself healthy after surgery, interest in his rookie cards will only grow higher. His autos are already in high demand from Rangers collectors and those betting on an ace-level career.

Jack Leiter Auto – The son of former big leaguer Al Leiter lived up to the hype as one of the most polished pitching prospects in the 2021 draft class. Leiter absolutely dominated SEC competition at Vanderbilt prior to being selected No. 2 overall by the Rangers. With ace potential and that elite bloodline, Leiter’s autograph cards are sure to be prime long-term keepers for discerning Texas collectors.

Colton Cowser Auto – An absolute stolen base at No. 5 overall, the explosive outfielder from Sam Houston wowed scouts with his advanced hit tool and smooth left-handed swing. As a Baltimore native selected by the hometown Orioles, Cowser’s autographs have taken on an extra layer of appeal. His cards look primed to resonate with collectors for years as he progresses up the ranks.

Sam Bachman Auto – Big and physical righties don’t come much bigger than Bachman, who used his 96-100 mph fastball to dominate as Miami’s Friday night starter in 2021. His selection at No. 9 overall was rightfully viewed as a potential steal by the Blue Jays. With ace stuff and Toronto pedigree, Bachman’s autographs hold strong long-term allure.

Kahlil Watson Auto – One of the most electrifying athletes in the entire draft class, the uber athletic Watson wowed scouts with his 80-grade speed, and game-changing tools on both sides of the ball. Though he has development ahead on offense, Watson’s upside is through the roof as one of the highest ceiling picks in recent memory for the Brewers at No. 16 overall. His autograph cards are a low-risk, high-reward pickup.

Gunnar Henderson Auto – Though off the radar of many entering the 2021 season, the late blooming Henderson exploded over the summer as one of the best all-around shortstop bats in the entire draft. Scouts rave about his advanced approach and hitting ability from the left side. Selected at No. 42 by Baltimore, Henderson quickly became one of the most sought-after prospects in the Orioles system. His autographed rookies are priced accordingly based on huge upside.

Sal Frelick Auto – An elite run producer and true five-tool talent out of Boston College, Frelick plays the game with a unique combination of polished skills and athleticism. Though he slipped some on draft day, the Brewers snatched up one of the most well-rounded prospects available at No. 15. Frelick looks primed for an quick ascent, keeping his autographed cards in high demand.

Ben Brown Auto – Big righties that miss plenty of bats don’t come around terribly often, but Brown fits that bill to a tee. The big 6’5″, 230-pound flamethrower struck out 161 batters in 111 college innings at California, showcasing the type of ace stuff that made him an early first round talent. Now pitching for the Marlins, Brown’s autographs are flying off the shelves.

This covers some of the premier hits collectors should be pursuing from the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set. With so much star potential and unique franchise prospects featured, the set offers a true who’s who of future MLB talent. For those wanting to get in early on the next generation of superstars, investing in the top rookies from this acclaimed draft class offers a superb opportunity. Many of these players and their iconic rookie cards are destined for great things as their careers progress.

MOST VALUABLE 2021 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 Bowman Baseball set showcased some of the best up-and-coming young talents in baseball. While the veterans and stars of today typically carry the highest valued cardboard, Bowman is all about identifying future Hall of Famers and investing early. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable rookie cards from the 2021 Bowman Baseball set that could pay big dividends for collectors down the road.

Heading into the 2021 season, Wander Franco was considered the number one overall prospect in baseball and regarded as a true five-tool superstar. All of that hype translated to his rookie cards, as the Topps Chrome Blue Refractor /50 is the most valuable at around $1,000 PSA 10 Gem Mint. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 also fetches close to $800. As the youngest player in baseball in 2021 at just 20 years old, Franco immediately became a franchise cornerstone for the Tampa Bay Rays. If he continues on his current trajectory, his rookies could end up being true long-term blue-chip investments.

Another uber-prospect generating immense excitement is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While playing in the Low-A West Virginia Black Bears in 2021, Rodriguez slashed .334/.436/.590 with 13 home runs in just 55 games. He’s considered an elite five-tool talent with 30-homer, 30-stolen base potential. The Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /399 PSA 10 is at the top of Rodriguez’s 2021 Bowman checklist valued at $800. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 and Topps Chrome Black Refractor /150 PSA 10 also trade in the $500 range as collectors scoop up one of the game’s most coveted future stars.

Many scouts and evaluators consider pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez the cream of the current Orioles’ crop. In 2021 while pitching for Double-A Bowie, the right-hander posted a 1.86 ERA with 149 strikeouts in 101.1 innings. He features a plus mid-90s fastball and hard breaking curveball that give him true ace upside. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Grayson’s 2021 Bowman refractors have also gained significant traction. The Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 PSA 10 is most valuable at $700. The Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 and Topps Chrome Black Refractor /150 BGS 9.5 each sell for around $500. Rodriguez appears destined for the Baltimore rotation for years to come.

White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet made a big league splash in 2020 by striking out 24 of the 67 batters he faced in 16 games, showcasing a lethal left-handed fastball that touched triple digits. Unfortunately, Crochet missed all of 2021 recovering from Tommy John surgery. Collectors remain very high on his long-term outlook given his tantalizing pure stuff prior to injury. Crochet’s most sought-after rookie is the Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /399 PSA 10 valued at $600. The Topps Chrome Black Refractor /150 and Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 have also traded hands for $400 in recent months. If he bounces back strong, Crochet rookies could climb even higher.

Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena had a breakout 2021 campaign that saw him slashed .276/.346/.435 with 13 homers between Double and Triple-A. Peña then took over as Houston’s everyday shortstop in the 2022 postseason after an injury to Carlos Correa. That exposure on a championship-caliber squad raised awareness of Peña’s upside. The top valued card is the Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 PSA 10 around $500. Other heavy hitters include the Topps Chrome Silver Pack Refractor /70 PSA 10 at $400 and Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 9.5 nearing $300. As the new face of an organization constantly in the playoff hunt, Peña is poised forstardom.

Twins pitcher Jordan Balazovic put up a microscopic 0.90 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 51 innings between High-A and Double-A in 2021, showcasing impressive command of a four-pitch mix headlined by a mid-90s fastball and knee-buckling curveball. That dominance translated to an International League All-Star selection. While injuries setback his rise slightly last season, scouts still believe in his high-ceiling arsenal long-term. The Topps Chrome Red Refractor /250 PSA 10 leads his Bowman cards valued at $400. The Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 BGS 9.5 and Topps Chrome Refractor PSA 10 also trade hands in the $300 range regularly.

Reds outfielder Matt McLain impressed in his 2021 pro debut slashing .265/.345/.420 with 12 homers between Low-A Daytona and High-A Dayton. While still just 21, McLain has a mature approach and well-rounded game that could allow him to move quickly. The shortstop converted outfielder is one of Cincinnati’s most valuable future assets. McLain’s premiere 2021 Bowman rookie is the Topps Chrome Refractor PSA 10 Gem Mint valued robustly at $375 given his current upward trajectory. The Topps Chrome Green Refractor /150 and Topps Chrome Orange Refractor /399 PSA 10s also sell for around $300 consistently.

This covers some of the most valuable and investable rookie cards from the intriguing 2021 Bowman Baseball crop. While future performance can alter values, these prospects all possess the type of immense offensive or pitching skills that make their cards worth following—and holding—as their careers progress. In today’s booming sports card market, getting in early on tomorrow’s household names has proven hugely profitable. The 2021 Bowman rookies of Franco, Rodriguez, Rodriguez, Crochet, Peña, Balazovic and McLain offer speculation on future superstars.

2021 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL VALUABLE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball product has produced several cards that are highly sought after by collectors. Panini Prizm Draft Picks features prospects from the 2021 MLB Draft class in their college uniforms. While it’s still early in the careers of these players, some have generated significant hype that has translated to strong demand and rising prices for their rookie cards. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most valuable 2021 Prizm Draft Picks baseball cards on the market today.

Perhaps the biggest star from the 2021 draft class is Vanderbilt pitcher Jack Leiter. Leiter was selected second overall by the Texas Rangers and was considered by many to be the top pitching prospect in the draft. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards have been some of the hottest items from Prizm Draft Picks. Leiter’s base Prizm Draft Picks rookie card can be found for $50-75 in a PSA 10 gem mint grade. His prizm and silver prizm parallels have reached much higher prices. Leiter’s silver prizm sold for over $1,000 raw on release day and has since climbed above $2,000 graded gem mint. His prizm parallel also demands a premium, selling for $500-800 raw or $1,200+ graded. As Leiter continues to impress in the Rangers system, these exclusive parallel cards could become extremely valuable long term holdings.

Another highly sought after rookie is University of Florida catcher Jud Fabian. Fabian slipped to the Red Sox at pick 40 due to signability concerns but possesses elite power potential at the plate. His base Prizm Draft Picks rookie sells for $30-50 raw but jumps to $150-200 in a PSA 10. Fabian’s prizm parallel is the real gem though, recently bringing in over $500 raw and north of $1,000 graded. As a potential middle of the order bat, Fabian’s prizm parallel could emerge as a true six figure card down the road if he develops into the player many scouts saw.

Staying in the SEC, Vanderbilt outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr has also generated buzz from Draft Picks collectors. While not as heralded as Leiter coming into the draft, Bradfield was taken in the 4th round by the Padres and showcased elite speed and defense in his debut pro season. His base rookie sells for $15-25 but the prizm parallel has brought in $150-250 raw so far. What makes Bradfield’s cards intriguing is his potential as a five tool player if he can refine his bat. With continued development, cards like his prizm could appreciate significantly.

Moving to the college ranks, two position players from the Pac-12 have also seen strong early interest. University of Oregon third baseman Gavin Cross was the 9th overall pick by the Kansas City Royals and possesses a promising lefty power bat. His base rookie sells for $15-25 but the prizm parallel has reached $150-250. An even more valuable card is Cross’ red prizm parallel, with a recent sale at $500. Over at Arizona, outfielder Tommy Splaine was a 5th round pick by the Cardinals who hit over .300 as a freshman. While more of a sleeper, Splaine’s prizm parallel has still commanded $75-125 due to his potential as a hit over power prospect.

On the high school side, perhaps no prospect generated as much hype as Georgia prep shortstop Termarr Johnson. Considered a potential top 5 pick, Johnson surprisingly fell all the way to the Pirates at 72nd overall. Collectors still show strong interest in his cards due to his five tools abilities. Johnson’s base rookie sells for $15-25 but his prizm parallel recently sold for an impressive $350 raw. As Johnson looks to prove doubters wrong, cards like his prizm could really take off if he develops into the player scouts once saw. Another toolsy high schooler, California outfielder Dillon Thomas, has also seen decent demand. The Angels 5th rounder’s prizm parallel sells in the $75-125 range.

While it’s still very early, the 2021 Draft class has potential stars at every level that could drive interest in their Draft Picks rookie cards for years to come. For aggressive collectors, taking positions in prizm, red prizm, and silver prizm parallels of top prospects like Leiter, Fabian, and Cross represents a chance at landing truly valuable long term holdings. Even base cards or parallels of potential breakouts like Bradfield Jr, Splaine, or Johnson offer intrigue at today’s affordable prices. The 2021 Draft class is full of talent and their rookie cards have only just begun their journey.

2021 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS MOST VALUABLE

Leave a reply

With the explosive growth of the trading card industry fueled by the popularity of sports cards and card collecting during the pandemic, the young stars of today have seen their modern rookie cards appreciate greatly in value in a short period of time. For collectors seeking the most valuable cards from the 2021 Panini baseball card releases, several rookies have clearly emerged as among the most coveted and valuable on the current market.

One of the most hyped rookie classes in recent memory featured future superstars like Rays shortstop Wander Franco and Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. Not surprisingly, their flagship rookie cards from 2021 Panini products have skyrocketed in secondary market value since their MLB debuts. Franco’s prized Prizm Green Auto parallel /99 from 2021 Prizm is currently regarded as the most valuable 2021 Panini baseball card, commanding offers well over $10,000 for top-graded PSA 10 examples. Most Franco autographs and memorabilia cards from 2021 Flawless, Transcendent, and Impeccable are valued over $1,000 as well given his immense hype and early success in the big leagues.

Jarred Kelenic’s tremendous tools and potential as a five-tool center fielder made him one of the most sought-after prospects entering 2021. As a result, his 2021 Bowman Chrome Auto Refractor /299 parallel rocketed up collector want lists. PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $3,000-5,000 currently. Other iconic Kelenic rookies like his 2021 Prizm Silver Parallel Auto /99 and 2021 Select Red White & Blue Auto have also topped $1,000 for top grades. After an up-and-down rookie season, Kelenic’s long-term outlook remains bright, keeping appreciation potential high for these flagship cards long-term.

While the biggest fortunes in modern baseball cards are usually made on rookies before they play a game, breakout offensive performers can also see big gains. For example, Reds second baseman Jonathan India captured the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2021 after batting .269 with 21 home runs in his first full MLB season. Fueled by his award-winning success, India’s 2021 Topps Chrome Red White & Blue Refractor Auto /150 exploded from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000 on average for top-graded versions. His lower numbered 2021 Prizm Purple Ice Auto /10 from the prized set may someday command over $5,000 for a PSA 10 gem.

Another young slugger who took the league by storm in 2021 was Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. While not technically a rookie, Tatis’ already hailed career was propelled to new heights with a 42 home run, 97 RBI season at just 22 years old. This cemented Tatis as a true modern superstar and greatest ambassador of the game. Unsurprisingly, perhaps the most valuable 2021 Panini card overall among non-rookies belongs to Tatis. His standout 2021 Transcendent Collection Auto Patch /10 with on-card autograph and swatch of his iconic uniform has already risen above $10,000 market value for high-grade copies, with room to grow given Tatis’ increasing popularity.

While players can experience injuries, slumps, or even off-field issues that can impact valuations, the ceiling remains extremely high on cards for top MLB stars early in their careers. For long-term investors, focusing on the biggest names and most iconic, low-numbered parallel cards from flagship Panini releases provides the best shot at holding cards that retain or exceed their current worth 5-10 years down the road. Rookies like Franco, Kelenic, India and perennial stars like Tatis offer as much excitement and profit potential as any in the entire 2021 baseball card season and beyond. Their most prized 2021 Panini cards are sure to remain destination listings for avid collectors and investors alike in the years to come.

While the baseball card market shifts constantly, Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic, Jonathan India and Fernando Tatis Jr. established themselves as the brightest young talents of 2021. Unsurprisingly, their premier rookie cards and autos from 2021 Panini releases have emerged as the most notable shortprints and memorabilia cards to track for current value as well as long-term hold potential. Collections including cards of these superstar players can provide both excitement in following their careers closely as well as financial protection through an investment in some of the most hyped modern names in the game.

2021 PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 Panini Chronicles Baseball set was released on August 11, 2021 and contains a variety of inserts, parallels, and rookie cards of the games top prospects and stars. Panini Chronicles is one of the leading baseball card brands on the market known for its original photography, diverse lineup of inserts, and flashy parallels. The 2021 edition maintains Panini’s standard of quality while commemorating the current season.

As with years past, the base set contains 234 cards spread across 9 teams per pack. Each pack contains 12 cards and retail boxes have 9 packs inside. Some of the notable rookies included in the base set are Jarred Kelenic, Spencer Torkelson, Bobby Witt Jr., and Ryley Mckay. While none are short prints, these rookie cards tend to be in higher demand than others from the base set. Beyond rookies, most of the biggest star players like Mike Trout, Ronald Acuna Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr. can all be found as standard base cards as well.

Several of the inserts in 2021 Chronicles showcase various top prospects through the years. The ‘Superfractor Prospects’ parallel contains full rainbow foil refractors of the top farm hands like Kelenic (Mariners), Witt (Royals), and Torkelson (Tigers). A ‘Prospect Pristine’ parallel also highlights these burgeoning talents. Both sets are scarce pulls that excite collectors. Another popular insert is the ‘Chronicles Ink’ autograph checklist. These on-card autographs span many eras but the modern names tend to have high values.

When it comes to parallels, Panini goes all out with their exclusive variations. The ‘Velocity’ parallel contains super short printed ruby versions that are true 1/1 finds. Other ultra-rare variations include ‘Emerald Prospects’, ‘Prism Prospects’, ‘Black Gold’, and ‘Onyx’ parallels. More accessible but still coveted are the ‘Rainbow Foil’, ‘Gold’, and ‘Silver’ parallels of the base cards. Collectors love chasing these alternate looks that make each card uniquely displayed in a binder or collection.

Panini dedicates significant portions of Chronicles each year commemorating the rich history and milestone moments in baseball. The 2021 set carries this tradition forward with inserts like ‘Field of Dreams’ spotlighting the popular 1989 film setting. Other nostalgia themed sets pay homage to ‘MLB Icons’, past ‘Postseason Performers’, and important ‘Anniversary’ seasons. International players also receive recognition through special ‘Heritage’ inserts from countries like Japan, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and more.

As with most modern baseball card products, autographed memorabilia cards are a major draw in Chronicles. Signatures are interspersed throughout the base packs but can also be found more frequently in the ‘Cracker Jack’ insert parallel boxes. Players don’t always sign abundantly for Panini so landing authenticated swatches and autos from stars increases demand exponentially. Rarer still are 1/1 materials like jersey relics parallel to the ‘Velocity’ parallels mentioned earlier.

The overall production values Panini infuses into Chronicles is among the highest in the industry. Cards feature vibrant color photos and designs with a luxurious premium feel. Beyond the trading cards, collectors also enjoy the elaborate packaging of sealed boxes and exclusive wrap-around covers to flagship releases. These presentation elements add to the prestige and shelf appeal that has positioned Chronicles as a topline brand.

The secondary market for Championship level hits from 2021 Chronicles have already started strong. RCs of Witt, Kelenic, and Torkelson pulled early have commanded 4-figure selling prices online. Rare 1/1 finds from the ‘Velocity’ and ‘Onyx’ parallels attract serious bidding wars. Even base rookie cards of top prospects routinely sell in the $50-100 range. With the season ahead to further establish young talents, values are projected to steadily rise barring injuries.

In summary, Panini’s Chronicles baseball set for 2021 maintains the high quality collectors have come to expect with a continued focus on exciting inserts, sought after rookie cards, and flashy parallels. As with years past, this flagship release provides something for all levels of enthusiasts whether pursuing affordable base variants or chasing the ultra-rare iconic hits. For those passionate about modern baseball cards, Chronicles from Panini reigns atop retail offerings each season as a must-have product.

BEST 2021 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 baseball card season featured some of the most highly anticipated rookie cards in recent memory as well as exciting veteran stars changing teams. Whether you’re a collector looking to find the hottest rookie cards or want cards featuring your favorite players on their new squads, here are some of the best 2021 baseball cards to keep an eye out for on the market.

Perhaps the biggest rookie card story of 2021 was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a true five-tool talent and top prospect in all of baseball, Franco’s rookie cards were in high demand from the moment he was called up in June. Topps Chrome Sapphire Wander Franco rookie refractor /10 is one of the most sought-after cards on the secondary market, but even his base Topps Chrome and Topps Finest rookie cards are selling for hundreds or even over $1,000. Franco looks like a budding superstar and his cards are some of the safest long-term investments in the hobby right now.

Another highly coveted rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Jarred Kelenic. A former top-5 Mets prospect, Kelenic was a key piece of the Robinson Cano/Edwin Diaz trade and made his MLB debut in May. His Topps Chrome Sapphire auto /10 and Topps Finest Sapphire auto /5 are near the top of want lists, but even base rookie cards are selling in the triple digits. With his five-tool ability and new home in Seattle, Kelenic seems poised for stardom and his cards could appreciate significantly.

Two other rookies with huge upside are Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz and Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson. Baz made his MLB debut in September and is considered Tampa’s next ace, while Pearson has electric stuff when healthy but struggled with injuries in 2021. Baz’s Topps Chrome Sapphire auto /10 and Topps Finest Sapphire auto /5 are already at $500-1000 raw, while Pearson’s top parallels have also cracked four figures. Both hurlers have ace potential and their cards could pay off in a big way down the road.

On the position player side, Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer are two highly touted prospects who had their rookie cards released in 2021. Greene, considered a five-tool talent, made his MLB debut late in the year and his autos and parallels are sought after. Mayer, the 4th overall pick in 2021, has incredible polish for a prep shortstop and his Topps Chrome Sapphire auto /10 is already priced at $500+. Both Greene and Mayer have all the tools to be perennial All-Stars, making their cards smart long-term investments.

Of course, veterans can also have exciting new cards when changing teams. When the Washington Nationals traded Max Scherzer and Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline, collectors scrambled to find their Dodgers debut cards. Scherzer’s Topps Finest auto /5 as a Dodger already sells for over $1,000 while even his base Dodgers cards command three figures. Turner, still in his prime at 28, also saw huge demand for his Dodgers rookies and even his 2021 Topps Update base card as a Dodger sells for $50-100. Both are championship caliber players on a perennial contender, keeping their new Dodgers cards very desirable.

Another big trade was Anthony Rizzo going from the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees. Rizzo had developed a huge fanbase in Chicago but also gained many new fans on the Yankees. His 2021 Topps Finest auto /5 as a Yankee already sells for $500 while even his base Yankees cards from Topps Update change hands for $30-50, a significant premium over his Cubs cards from earlier in the year. As a beloved lefty slugger now on baseball’s most famous franchise, Rizzo’s Yankee cards will remain very collectible for years.

Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, and Anthony Rizzo were not the only stars switching teams either. Other notable veterans who saw increased card values thanks to new uniforms include Joey Gallo (NYY), Adam Frazier (SDP), Kris Bryant (SFG), Javier Baez (NYM), Craig Kimbrel (CHW), and Nelson Cruz (TB). Even role players like Danny Duffy (LAD) and Andrew Chafin (OAK/CHW) saw short prints of their new team cards jump in value due to playoff contenders. With free agency and trades constantly reshaping rosters, staying on top of uniform changes can lead collectors to the hottest new cards.

The 2021 season gave collectors an abundance of exciting new rookie cards to chase like Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic and Shane Baz. It also featured many star veterans like Max Scherzer, Trea Turner and Anthony Rizzo who saw huge demand for their debut cards on new playoff contending teams. Whether targeting the next generation of stars or cards of proven big leaguers in new uniforms, 2021 had no shortage of collectibles that could retain or increase value for years to come. For building sets or investing, these provided many of the best baseball card options on the trading market.

PANINI BASEBALL CARDS 2021 VALUE

Leave a reply

The 2021 baseball card market was dominated by releases from trading card manufacturer Panini America. While Topps still had the MLB license for standard trading cards, Panini secured deals with player associations and leagues to produce unique alternative card products. Their 2021 offerings included Donruss Baseball, Immaculate Collection Baseball, Chronicles, and National Treasures Baseball. With decreased print runs and inserts featuring top stars, many of Panini’s modern baseball cards gained value throughout the year.

Donruss Baseball built on the retro design heritage of the original late 80s/early 90s Donruss set. The 2021 Series 1 release featured young stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Bo Bichette on the base cards alongside veteran talents. Parallels and autographed/memorandum cards of elite players commanded the highest prices. A Tatis Jr. X-Fractor parallel card /99 sold for over $1000 raw on eBay by the end of 2021. The excitement surrounding rookies like Bobby Witt Jr. also increased values for their lower-numbered parallel and auto cards.

Immaculate Collection took the retro aesthetic further by recreating the original 1990 Upper Deck design and quality at an ultra-high-end level. With extremely low print runs between 5-20 copies, cards in this set carried tremendous scarcity value. A Mike Trout autograph card from 2021’s release traded hands for upwards of $12,000. Other stars like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto cracked the $5,000 mark for their Immaculate autos as well. Iconic players from the past like Mickey Mantle and Tom Seaver also saw strong autos sales north of $3,000 a piece.

Chronicles blended product from various Panini brands into one master release. The 2021 edition incorporated cards from Donruss, Prizm, Optic, and more with parallel colored patches and autographs inserted throughout hobby boxes. Young slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was one of the biggest hit cards, with his /25 red parallel auto selling for over $1500 on average. Veteran stars like Mookie Betts, Christian Yelich, and Jacob deGrom also supplied valuable autographs at the $500-1000 level based on serial number. Rookies of the year like AL Winner Shane McClanahan provided affordable rookie hits around $100-200 as well.

National Treasures took card collecting to new heights by fusing rare game-used memorabilia with swatches of jerseys, caps, and even ball pieces. The 2021 National Treasures release encapsulated some truly unique 1/1 cards featuring hall of famers and active superstars. A Mike Piazza patch autograph /1 from 2021 traded hands for a staggering $30,000 at Goldin Auctions. A Babe Ruth “Triple Logoman” 1/1 patch card also climbed towards six figures on the open market. Even base autographs of Tatis Jr. and Acuna Jr. carried $1000+ valuations raw. With such rare pieces of history, National Treasures established itself as the high-end flagship of the Panini baseball world.

As the pandemic continued into 2022, the appetite for collectibles remained strong. Many 2021 Panini baseball rookies and parallels maintained or increased in secondary market value as the players’ careers progressed. Witt Jr.’s prized rookie autos held steady near $1000 on average. Parallels of Ohtani remained some of the most in-demand modern cards. Flagship sets like Donruss Series 1 also retained collector interest long-term. The 2021 Panini baseball releases thrived in a shifting marketplace by delivering novel designs, generous hits, and accessible hobby boxes at mass retailer levels while also tapping into high-roller demand through National Treasures. This blend of mass appeal and exclusivity helped establish continued value long after the original release dates.

Going forward, the competition between Panini and Topps will only drive more innovation across the board. But 2021 stands out as a seminal year where Panini baseball cemented itself as a viable alternative while pushing box value and parallel/hit scarcity to new limits. Sets like Donruss, Chronicles and Immaculate Collection delivered accessible paths to star rookie cards and autographs that retain appreciation. And National Treasures took one-of-a-kind game material collecting to a whole new stratosphere. With strong early interest holding strong one year later, many 2021 Panini baseball cards appear primed to enjoy stability and potential long-term upside that comes with capturing a unique moment in the trading card timeline.

TOPPS GALLERY BASEBALL CARDS 2021

Leave a reply

Topps Gallery has become one of the premier brands for high-end baseball cards in recent years. In 2021, Topps Gallery continued its tradition of producing exquisite works of art through its baseball card releases. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key 2021 Topps Gallery baseball card products and what made them stand out.

Topps Gallery made a major splash in the hobby in 2021 with the release of its Blockbusters sets. Blockbusters were hand-numbered parallels featuring some of the biggest stars and rookie stars in the game. Each Blockbuster card was individually crafted and featured intricate details and embellishments. The Blockbusters were only available through random pack or box breaks and featured legends like Mike Trout, pitchers like Jacob deGrom, and rookies like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Within the Blockbusters sets were the highly sought after 1/1 parallels. Each 1/1 was entirely unique artwork commissioned specifically for that player. Some examples included a Mike Trout card featuring him diving for a catch that was signed and embedded an actual game-used baseball atop the artwork. A Jacob deGrom 1/1 featured his windup amid dazzling fireworks in the night sky above Citi Field. Each 1/1 Blockbuster card sold individually for thousands of dollars and became prized possessions in collector collections.

Along with Blockbusters, Topps Gallery also released its highly anticipated Master Sets. Like in years past, Master Sets featured spectacular renditions of the biggest stars in baseball through stunning portrait illustrations. Ranging from superstars from across eras to the game’s rising talents, each Master Set card featured vivid attention to details and unique artistic treatments. The Master Sets sold out almost immediately upon release, as has become customary due to the limited print runs and high demand from serious collectors.

An exciting new addition to the Topps Gallery lineup in 2021 were the Master Inscriptions sets. Built off the foundation of the flagship Master Sets, Master Inscriptions took the artistic works to the next level with luxurious touches. Each Master Inscription card featured an individualized, illustrated calligraphy inscription relevant to the player directly on the artwork. Examples included Mike Piazza’s card featuring an inscription of his famous home run in the wake of 9/11, or Mickey Mantle’s with a nod to his iconic home run in Yankee Stadium. The elegant enhancements to the Master Set designs made Master Inscriptions a top 2021 issue.

In addition to sets featuring current players, Topps Gallery paid homage to baseball history with their Archive releases. Archive sets profiled legends, Hall of Famers, and iconic moments through vintage-inspired artistic designs. The Heritage and Moments sets within Archive transported collectors back in time with cards honoring legends like Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and more. Subsets within Archive also reprinted cards memorializing unforgettable occurrences in MLB lore. archive sets allowed collectors to not just celebrate the present game, but relive baseball’s storied past.

Another 2021 innovation from Topps Gallery were Hand-Painted Edition cards. Created by established sports artists, each Hand-Painted Edition card featured a unique, original watercolor painting of the featured player. With no parallel versions, each card was one-of-a-kind primary source art. The exquisite attention to each brush stroke and detail made Hand-Painted Editions breathtaking collectibles at the high-end of the hobby. With editions of only a few dozen for the game’s elite talents, Hand-Painted cards commanded premium secondary values.

In assessing Topps Gallery’s 2021 output, it’s obvious the brand once again raised the bar in premium baseball card design and production. From the intricate Blockbusters and Masterpieces to innovative sets like Master Inscriptions and fresh concepts like Hand-Painted Editions, Topps Gallery crafted works of collectible art celebrating the legends and luminaries of America’s Pastime. With limited issues and distinct artistic visions, 2021 Gallery releases took collectors experience to new heights and will undoubtedly become prized keepsakes in collections for years to come. Whether collecting sports cards as an investment or to enjoy the art, Topps Gallery established itself as a pinnacle brand for connoisseurs in 2021.

MOST VALUABLE 2021 TOPPS SERIES 1 BASEBALL CARDS

Leave a reply

The release of 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball cards brought tremendous anticipation and excitement from collectors eager to get their hands on the latest rookie cards and hits from the newest edition. With the emergence of new star players and a highly anticipated rookie class, this year’s Series 1 release contained several highly coveted rookie cards that has collectors chasing after and bidding up the top rookies. While it’s still early and player performance and longevity will ultimately dictate long term value, here are some of the most valuable 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball cards based on current secondary market prices:

Wander Franco Green Refractor (#166)/Topps Chrome Green Refractor (#51)- As the consensus top prospect in baseball and the best prospect Tampa Bay Rays have ever had, Wander Franco dominated his debut 2021 season hitting .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games for the Rays. Still just 20 years old, Franco is seen as a true five tool superstar and future cornerstone player for the Rays. His Topps Chrome Green Refractor debuted as the #1 most valuable card from Series 1 and has consistently sold in the $500-1000 range based on graded PSA 10 copies. His standard Green Refractor has also garnered strong demand, regularly selling in the $150-300 range in PSA 10 condition based on its rarity as the base Green Refractor parallel. Franco’s success and bright future has kept interest high in his rookie cards from Series 1.

Rylan Thomas India Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto (/2021)- Following an impressive 2021 debut that saw him win NL Rookie of the Year playing 3B for the Cincinnati Reds, Tommy India’s Orange Refractor Auto (/2021) emerged as one of the most valuable cards from Series 1. Graded PSA 10 copies of this ultra short printed refractor auto have fetched $1000-1500 based on multiple sales across eBay and major card auction sites like Goldin Auctions. India’s success and coveted auto on the highly sought after Orange Refractor parallel make this one of the true high-end hits to chase amongst Reds and prospect collectors.

Bobby Witt Jr. Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto (/150)- As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft and top MLB prospect going into 2022 playing for the Kansas City Royals, Bobby Witt Jr.’s Orange Refractor Auto was arguably the hottest card to chase from Series 1 releases. This ultra short printed parallel refractor auto was limited to just 150 copies made and graded PSA 10 examples regularly sell for $1500-3000 based on multiple confirmed sale prices since release. Witt’s immense talent and fame as son of former MLB All-Star Bobby Witt Sr. has created a huge following for any of his highly sought after rookie memorabilia, particularly short printed autographs like this coveted Orange Refractor.

Robinson Cano #36 Mariner Redemptions – One of the bigger “veteran” surprises from Series 1 was the inclusion of Seattle Mariners star second baseman Robinson Cano. After coming over from the Mets, Cano returned to Seattle and had a productive 2021 season batting .306 despite being 39 years old. Cano’s inclusion in Series 1 helped spark renewed collector interest in his rookie cards from 2005-2007 Yankees/Mariners issues which were previously quite affordable. This led Topps to include Cano redemptions in Series 1 packs which has made his #36 Mariner redemption one of the most in demand base cards. Raw copies have sold in the $30-50 range with higher grades like PSA 10 reaching the $100+ range.

Alek Manoah #279 Blue Jays – As the AL Rookie of the Year runner up in 2021 and ace of the Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff, Alek Manaoh emerged as one of the hottest rookies from Series 1. He went 9-2 with a 3.22 ERA and 147 strikeouts over 23 starts in 2021. Manoah’s standard #279 Blue Jays rookie card has been a monster hit, with PSA 10’s steadily selling in the $75-150 range on the secondary market. His Blue Refractor parallel also remains quite popular amongst PC collectors, regularly selling raw for $25-50. Manoah seems poised for continued success and his Series 1 rookie remains a surefire long term hold.

Jared Kelley #366 Rangers Refractor – As a potential future ace for the Rangers, Jared Kelley’s Blue Refractor parallel (card #366) generated plenty of hype upon release as one of just a handful of Kelley cards to come out thus far in his professional career. The lure of landing an early refracted parallel of a potential staff ace for Texas made Kelley’s Blue Refractor one of the biggest “sleeper” chase cards to come out of Series 1. Graded PSA 10 copies have sold in the $75-150 range. Along with continued development, Kelley’s Series 1 Blue Refractor should remain one of the most fun speculative holds over the coming years.

Other notable valuable and frequently traded cards released in 2021 Topps Series 1 include:

Julio Rodriguez Mariners Blue Refractor (#302)/Topps Chrome Blue Refractor (#50)

Adley Rutschman Orioles Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto (#76)

Matt Brash Mariners Green Refractor (#326)

Jack Leiter Rangers Refractor (#359)

Bryson Stott Phillies Refractor (#395)

Spencer Torkelson Tigers Topps Chrome Orange Refractor Auto (#25)

Jarred Kelenic Mariners Refractor (#289)

Shane Baz Rays Refractor (#304)

While prices will fluctuate with player performance, these provided the hottest cards at release based on player opportunity and parallel rarity. For diehard collectors chasing the biggest modern stars at the earliest stages, 2021 Topps Series 1 delivered some truly collectible rookie cards and parallels that should stand the test of time. It will be exciting to see which young stars emerge from this year’s highly anticipated rookie class.

2021 HOT BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS

Leave a reply

The 2021 baseball season showcased an impressive rookie class with several standouts making their MLB debuts and immediately impacting their teams. While it’s still early, some of these rookies are already establishing themselves as future stars and their rookie cards have become extremely coveted and valuable on the collecting market. With strong performances on the field continuing, these rookie cards should remain some of the hottest investments for years to come. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top rookies from 2021 and analyze why their cards have become so desirable.

Perhaps the crown jewel of the 2021 rookie class is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco wowed everyone by hitting .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games as a 20-year-old. Scouts had long raved about his rare combination of power, hitting ability, speed, and defensive skills. Franco lived up to the hype by also producing at a superstar pace in the postseason. His rookie cards immediately skyrocketed in value with his Topps Chrome Yellow Refractor parallel selling for over $15,000, making it one of the most expensive cardboard collectibles ever. Even his most common base rookie cards now trade for well over $1000. Franco has truly dazzling upside and with multi-year superstardom seemingly assured, his cards remain as hot as any in the hobby.

Another highly coveted rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While injuries limited him to just 89 games, Rodriguez still impressed by slashing .284/.334/.480 with 14 home runs and 60 RBI. The 21-year-old flashed breathtaking talent both offensively and defensively, showcasing why he was considered a top 10 prospect. Rodriguez’s cards were already valuable but demand grew exponentially following a torrid September where he hit .325. His Topps Chrome Sapphire Parallel rookie now sells for $3,000 on average. Rodriguez is an electric player who could develop into a perennial All-Star and with the rising Mariners, his cards will stay red hot.

Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia made tremendous strides in his first full MLB season. After experiencing control issues in 2020, Garcia emerged as a frontline starter by going 11-8 with a 3.48 ERA and 167 strikeouts. The 23-year-old showcased an impressive four-pitch mix along with impressive composure. As a result, Garcia helped lead the Astros to the World Series. His cards reflect a rising star as flagship rookies routinely sell for $150-200. Garcia could develop into an annual Cy Young contender with Houston and has all the tools to become one of the top hurlers in baseball for years, making his rookie season all the more pivotal.

Continuing the theme of breakout pitchers, Toronto Blue Jays rookie Alek Manoah turned in an outstanding first campaign. The massive 6’6 righty went 9-2 with a 3.22 ERA and 147 strikeouts over 23 starts. Manoah demonstrated pinpoint control with career-low walk rates while also missing plenty of bats. His dominance was a major factor in Toronto ending their playoff drought. Flagship rookie cards have already doubled from about $40 to $80 as Manoah’s star appears on the rise. With ace-caliber stuff and mentality at just 24, the future is extremely bright for Manoah and collectors are responding in-kind by snatching up his rookie product.

San Diego Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth exploded in 2021 by batting .266 with 21 home runs, 88 RBI and an .850 OPS. The 28-year-old established himself as one of baseball’s premier second basemen with elite defense complementing his much-improved power. Topps Chrome Blue Refractors of Cronenworth’s rookie cards have exploded from about $50 to now over $300 on average as collectors acknowledge his ascension into stardom. Cronenworth signed a long-term extension with San Diego, ensuring he’ll remain a focal point of one of baseball’s most exciting young cores. His success makes early versions all the more desirable.

On the Chicago White Sox, slugging outfielders Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets had solid rookie campaigns that saw their cards surge in demand. Vaughn hit .235 but showed power with 11 home runs in just 184 at-bats while also playing multiple positions. Flagship rookies have settled at $35 on average. Meanwhile, Sheets also slugged 11 homers with a .274 average across 89 games while providing a versatile lefty bat. Their flagship cards command $25. Both will look to build on promising debuts and with continued production could emerge as even hotter prospects.

A few other standout rookie cards gaining notoriety include Reds second baseman Jonathan India after winning NL Rookie of the Year, Marlins outfielder Jesus Sanchez who hit 15 homers, and Angels pitcher Janson Junk who dominated in a four-start debut. Prospects like Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson and Rangers pitcher A.J. Alexy saw cards surge on breakouts in expanded September roles. While small sample sizes, performers like these increased hype that drives collector demand for their early cardboard.

In summarizing, 2021 gave baseball fans an amazing rookie class headlined by stars like Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Luis Garcia. Strong debut campaigns established exciting futures ahead. For collectors, these rookies provided prime modern investment opportunities with many cards already appreciated substantially in value. As the careers of these talented players continued unfolding, demand will remain robust. With many possessing superstar upside, their rookie cards have a great chance to become even more Iconic with sustained excellence. The 2021 rookie crop delivered phenomenal on-field results while also producing some of the hottest recent baseball cards – a win-win for both fans and investors alike.