Tag Archives: 2021

DONRUSS OPTIC BASEBALL CARDS 2021

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Donruss Optic is a premium baseball card product released annually by Panini America. The 2021 edition continued Donruss Optic’s tradition of featuring cutting-edge designs and sought-after rookie cards in a modernized format. Here is an in-depth look at some of the key details and highlights from the 2021 Donruss Optic baseball card release.

Donruss Optic debuted in 2017 as Panini’s answer to Topps Chrome, taking the classic Donruss design aesthetic and giving it a sleek, refracted update. Like Chrome, Optic cards feature an ultra-modern “refractor” parallel design that makes the images shimmer and sparkle in hand. However, Optic differentiates itself through creative card designs and numerous parallel variations not seen in other products.

The 2021 set continued this trend, containing a base set of 150 cards along with numerous parallels and short prints. The base cards featured bold primary color borders and player images with a textured, pixelated look. Numbers on the front also had a digital, 8-bit appearance. This unique design style has become synonymous with the Optic brand.

In addition to the base set, Donruss Optic 2021 included several parallel inserts at different print runs. The most common was the Refractor parallel, available at around 1-in-4 packs. These featured the signature rainbow refractors that Optic is known for. Other less common parallels included the Purple Refractor (1-in-12), Orange Refractor (1-in-24), Green Refractor (1-in-36), Blue Refractor (1-in-72), and Red Refractor (1-in-144).

Rookie cards were also inserted as parallels, making the chase for stars like Wander Franco that much more exciting. Additional inserts like Autographs, Memorabilia Cards, and 1/1 Rarities kept collectors on their toes trying to track down the biggest hits. Overall pack odds provided a fun mix of chase and nostalgia across multiple levels of rarity.

One of the most anticipated aspects of Donruss Optic each year is the rookie class, and 2021 did not disappoint. Top prospects like Francisco Álvarez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Spencer Torkelson led the way. The true crown jewel was Wander Franco’s rookie cards. As the No. 1 overall prospect and one of the most hyped rookies in recent memory, Franco’s Optic rookies soared in demand and price.

Franco’s base rookie quickly became a $100+ card after his early MLB success. But his parallels, like the Green Refractor /150, commanded thousands due to their ultra-low print runs. Many consider the Wander Franco rookies from Optic 2021 to be the most valuable cards of any modern player at the time of release. They set the rookie card market on fire and still hold tremendous long-term potential.

Another major highlight from Donruss Optic 2021 was the return of the brand’s popular “Fluorescent” parallels for the first time since 2016. Printed on uniquely colored stock, these parallels featured players illuminated in bright green, pink, blue, or orange under blacklight. The Fluorescents caught collectors off guard and created a buzz that extended beyond the core Optic fanbase.

Overall, Donruss Optic 2021 delivered everything hobbyists have come to expect from the premiere modern brand – exciting designs, coveted rookies, and plenty of chase with the various parallels and inserts. While prices have cooled somewhat since the initial hype, cards like the Wander Franco rookies will likely retain their value for years as one of the most historically significant rookie card releases. With its blend of retro styling and cutting-edge technology, Optic has solidified its place among the elite brands in the modern collecting landscape.

BASEBALL CARDS TO LOOK FOR 2021

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The 2021 baseball season is in full swing which means it’s time for collectors to start scouting out valuable rookie cards and prospects to target for their collections. With a fresh crop of rookies making their debuts this year and established stars continuing to produce, there are plenty of exciting cards hitting the market. Let’s take a look at some of the top baseball cards collectors should keep an eye out for from the 2021 season.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays: Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco lived up to the hype by tearing it up in his rookie season. The 20-year old shortstop hit .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games. Franco’s autographed rookie cards from Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome are already selling for hundreds of dollars and that price will likely only rise as he establishes himself as a perennial all-star. Any Franco cards from 2021, especially autographed or numbered parallels, should hold tremendous long term value.

Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves: Acuña bounced back strong from a torn ACL that ended his 2021 season early by hitting .281 with 24 home runs in just 82 games played. The 24-year old is already a two-time all-star and silver slugger winner and will likely continue producing at an elite level for years to come. His 2021 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards remain affordable for now but could appreciate significantly if he adds MVP awards to his resume. Acuña also has a strong chance to reach the 500 home run milestone making any of his modern cards a worthwhile investment.

Juan Soto, Washington Nationals: At just 23 years old, Soto has already established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball. In 2021 he hit .313 with 29 home runs and 95 RBI despite playing through a shoulder injury. Soto’s rookie cards from 2018 Bowman Chrome and Topps Series 1 remain some of the most coveted on the market today. With a career OPS well over 1.000 already, he has a real shot at breaking records for career on-base percentage. Any Soto cards, especially autographed, from the last few seasons are primed to increase in value as he continues producing at an elite level.

Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres: Tatis missed much of the 2021 season with injury but still managed to hit .282 with 42 RBI in just 130 at-bats. The 22-year old shortstop has already racked up numerous accolades in just three seasons including a silver slugger award and all-star appearance. Tatis’ explosive offensive and defensive skills make him one of the most exciting players in the game today. His 2019 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards remain hot commodities and will likely continue climbing as he stays healthy and puts up MVP caliber numbers.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays: Vladdy Jr. broke out in a huge way in 2021 by hitting .311 with 48 home runs and 111 RBI to finish second in AL MVP voting. The 23-year old third baseman looks primed to be an offensive force for years to come. His 2019 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards are some of the most valuable on the modern market today and should maintain their strong upward trajectory. Any Guerrero Jr. cards, especially autographed, from the last few seasons are a safe bet to increase substantially in value long term.

Shane Bieber, Cleveland Indians: Bieber struggled with injury in 2021 but was dominant when on the mound, posting a 3.17 ERA in 16 starts. The 26-year old righty continues to be one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy as evidenced by his 2020 Cy Young award season. Bieber’s 2018 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards remain affordable for now but are primed to appreciate significantly if he can stay on the mound and put together another dominant season or two. His modern autographed cards in particular hold strong long term potential.

Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers: Greene had a strong showing in his MLB debut season in 2021 by hitting .301 with 5 home runs in just 46 games. The 21-year old outfielder is considered Detroit’s top prospect and the future centerpiece of their rebuild. Greene’s 2021 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards are still relatively affordable but should see steady increases in value as he establishes himself as an everyday player for the Tigers. Any autographed Greene cards from this past season are especially worth targeting as long term holds.

Luis Robert, Chicago White Sox: Robert missed much of 2021 with injury but showed in 2020 why he’s such an exciting talent by hitting .338 with 11 home runs and 31 RBI in just 56 games played. The 24-year old center fielder has legitimate five-tool potential and will be a cornerstone for the White Sox for years to come if he can stay healthy. Robert’s 2020 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards have held their value well and are primed to climb higher as he gets back to producing at an all-star caliber level.

Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles: Widely considered the top catching prospect in baseball, Rutschman made his MLB debut in 2022 and hit .222 in 35 games while showing promising defense behind the plate. The 24-year old has all the tools to be an offensive and defensive force for the rebuilding Orioles. Rutschman’s 2021 Topps Series 1 and Bowman Chrome rookie cards are still quite affordable but should see steady increases in value over the coming years as he establishes himself as the future face of the franchise in Baltimore.

This covers just a sampling of some of the most exciting young players who had rookie cards in recent years that collectors should be targeting. With such a talented new crop of stars continuing to emerge each season, there will always be valuable baseball cards worth pursuing from both the current year and recent past. Doing research on prospects and following players’ statistical progress is key to identifying cards poised for long term appreciation.

2021 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set was highly anticipated by collectors upon its release in July 2021. Panini Prizm has become one of the premier modern sports card brands known for its flashy refractors and prospects of big rookie card hits. The 2021 Draft Picks set focused on prospects from that year’s amateur draft class and had collectors hoping to pull cards of future MLB stars.

Some key things to know about the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball card set:

The set featured 162 cards total with base cards for every player selected in the 2021 MLB June amateur draft rounds 1-10. This included first round picks like Henry Davis, Jordan Lawlar, and Kumar Rocker.

Parallels and short prints added to the excitement of chasing rare cards. Refractors, pink ice, blue ice, and 1/1 auto parallels gave collectors multiple card variations to find of their favorite players.

Autograph and memorabilia cards sprinkled throughout blaster and hobby boxes gave people a chance to pull rookie swatches and signatures of draft picks like Jack Leiter, Jack Suwinski, and Sal Frelick.

Design similarities to the flagship Panini Prizm NBA and NFL sets made the baseball cards feel like part of the larger “Prizm Family” of modern sports products. Bright colors and refractors had a clean, flashy look.

With no minor league seasons in 2020 due to COVID-19, the 2021 Draft Picks class arrived with extra mystery and intrigue. Scouts had less recent data on some players, creating uncertainty around long term pro potential.

Cards of players taken in the later rounds held intrigue as a “lottery ticket” in case a low pick exceeded expectations. Examples being 11th rounder Spencer Schwellenbach or 25th rounder Tanner Murray who have since developed into prospects.

While release date was months after the draft, the set allowed collectors to accrue cards of players before their pro careers began. This created an opportunity to obtain rookie cards of future stars at affordable prices.

In the months since the set debuted, some 2021 Draft Picks cards have already grown in value:

1st overall pick Henry Davis’ prizm rookie card has appreciably increased in secondary market value as he had a strong pro debut season.

Vanderbilt RHP Kumar Rocker, taken 3rd, saw early cards rise after an impressive showing in his first full pro season in 2022 despite not signing with the Mets after the 2021 draft.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Termarr Johnson, a 2nd rounder, has garnered prospect hype and his prizm rookies have followed suit in price.

Texas Rangers 3B Cam Cauley, an 8th round selection, posted a breakout 2022 season and his draft picks cards jumped up collector want lists.

While it’s still very early, the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set provided an opportunity to obtain rookie cards of players who may develop into future all-stars. As more members of this class establish themselves in professional baseball over the coming years, their prizm rookies from this set stand to gain in both collector and investment value. The combination of the respected Prizm brand with the intrigue of a new draft class created a product that remains one of the more interesting modern release to follow in the years ahead.

HOTTEST BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS 2021

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The 2021 baseball rookie card market produced several highly sought after rookies that have already exploded in value. As more collectors pursue these coveted cards, prices continue rising rapidly for the top rookies from last season. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the hottest 2021 baseball rookie cards on the secondary market today.

Perhaps the hottest baseball card from 2021 is the Bowman Chrome 1st Refractor autographed card of Tampa Bay Rays super prospect Wander Franco. Franco had a phenomenal debut season in 2021 where he slashed .288/.347/.462 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in 70 games. Scouts have raved about Franco’s bat speed, plate discipline, and baseball IQ since he was a teenager in the Rays system. With his combination of tools and production already at the major league level at just 20 years old, Franco is widely considered a future superstar. Not surprisingly, his autographed rookie cards have skyrocketed in secondary market value since last season. PSA 10 examples of the prized Bowman Chrome Refractor auto routinely sell for over $10,000 now, with some bringing upwards of $15,000-20,000. Even PSA 9 copies command $4,000-6,000. Franco’s paper rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, etc. have also exploded and are going for $500-1,000 or more per graded PSA 10 copy. Any Wander Franco card from 2021 is coveted by collectors and considered the true crown jewel from last year’s rookie class.

Another incredibly hot 2021 baseball rookie is 2021 AL Rookie of the Year Randy Arozarena of the Tampa Bay Rays. Arozarena exploded onto the scene last postseason with a scorching playoff run that included 10 home runs, 20 RBI and a dominant ALCS MVP performance to power the Rays to the World Series. While he cooled off a bit in his first full MLB season in 2021, slashing .274/.351/.459 with 20 home runs and 69 RBI, Arozarena proved he can perform on the biggest stages. Naturally, his Topps flagship rookie card has skyrocketed in the past year. PSA 10 copies now sell for $400-600 on average, with true gem mint 10.5 graded cards fetching well over $1,000. Even raw, ungraded Arozarena rookies pull $100-200 each due to red hot collector demand.

Another member of the powerful 2021 Tampa Bay Rays rookie class seeing huge demand is shortstop phenom and Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Wander Franco. At just 19 years old in 2021, Franco put on a show in his MLB debut by slashing .288/.347/.462 with 7 homers and 39 RBI in only 70 games. Widely considered a future superstar, Franco’s flagship Topps Chrome rookie auto refractor has become the key trophy card from 2021. PSA 10 examples have exploded upwards of $15,000-20,000 in recent sales, while PSA 9 copies still command $4,000-6,000. Even Franco’s basic paper rookie cards from Topps, Bowman, etc. have shot up, with PSA 10s selling anywhere from $500-1,000. Franco is arguably the hottest rookie commodity in baseball cards today, and his autos and flagship rookies are some of the most expensive modern cards on the market right now.

The Chicago White Sox had a pair of impressive rookies break out in 2021 as well in outfielders Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets. Vaughn was the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 draft and slashed .235/.309/.411 with 10 home runs in his first season. Meanwhile, Sheets was even more productive at the plate by batting .267/.336/.503 with 11 homers in just 112 at-bats. Both Vaughn and Sheets debuted Topps Chrome autographed rookie cards in 2021 that are rapidly increasing in value on the resale market. PSA 10 Vaughn autos have reached $1,500-2,000, while Sheets hover around $800-1,200 for top grade. Even their basic Topps flagship rookie cards are selling for $75-150 in PSA 10 condition with increasing long term potential as these two continue developing in the White Sox organization and lineup.

One of the most surprising breakouts of 2021 was Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. An unheralded 7th round pick in 2018, Duran put himself on the map last season by slashing .287/.369/.462 with 5 homers and 15 stolen bases in just 46 games. His blazing speed and improved discipline at the plate have raised his stock tremendously and collectors have taken notice. Duran’s Topps Chrome rookie auto refractor is one of the hottest new commons on the market, with PSA 10 examples selling in the $400-600 range. Even raw, ungraded copies command $100-200 due to high demand. His standard Topps rookie has reached $50-75 in PSA 10 condition as well. Duran has a chance to emerge as an everyday player for Boston in 2022, making his cards prime candidates to continue increasing further in the years ahead.

Beyond these top stars, rookie cards are also flying off shelves for other up-and-coming young players that debuted in 2021 like Royals catcher MJ Melendez, Reds 2B Jonathan India, Blue Jays 3B/OF Austin Martin, Pirates 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes, and Tigers OF Riley Greene. All of these prospects had strong major league showings last season and could be future stars themselves in the making. Even collecting their basic flagship Topps rookie cards presents an affordable opportunity to get in early before prices potentially climb over the coming seasons if these guys blossom into long term impact players. While the 2021 rookie class may have been topped by a few elite talents, collecting cards of even the middle-to-bottom prospects provides avenues for gains down the line if any of them exceed expectations in their careers.

The 2021 baseball rookie card market has delivered several transcendent talents and investment opportunities that have already paid off enormously for collectors. Led by phenoms like Wander Franco, Randy Arozarena, and Jarren Duran, this class holds immense potential for further price spikes if these young stars continue ascending. But beyond the surefire MVP contenders, bargain hunting also exists for middle tier prospects that could unexpectedly emerge in the coming seasons. Between immediate gratification of Franco superstar cards, upside upside plays on prospects rising up rosters, and middle-range commodities primed for potential boom, the 2021 baseball rookie crop delivers diverse avenues for building a portfolio positioned for gains stretching several years into the future.

TOPPS 2021 BASEBALL CARDS FULL SET

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The Topps 2021 flagship baseball card set was released in January 2021 and consisted of 162 base cards plus additional insert sets. This marked Topps’ 71st consecutive year producing baseball cards and the set featured many of the game’s top stars and rising young players. With licensing agreements in place, Topps has the exclusive rights each year to produce the definitive rookie cards and base cards for every MLB player.

The 2021 set returned to the traditional card design Topps fans had come to expect over the decades. Each base card featured a current photo of the player in their team’s uniform along with their career stats and bio on the back. Some notable rookie cards included Wander Franco of the Rays, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals, and Jarred Kelenic of the Mariners. Veteran stars profiled included Mike Trout, Christian Yelich, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Fernando Tatis Jr.

In addition to the base set, Topps included multiple insert sets that added several hundred additional chase cards to collect. The ‘Topps Chrome’ parallel insert set featured refractor versions of selected base cards with a glossy finish. The ‘Topps Fire’ insert showcased additional player photos with animated fire effects. Topps also produced ‘Topps Now’ and ‘Photo Variations’ cards highlighting top performances and photographic anomalies from the previous season.

Perhaps the most coveted insert set in the 2021 release was the ‘Topps Heritage’ mini set. Paying tribute to the classic design of the original 1968 Topps cards, these retro-styled parallels featured today’s stars in a period-appropriate style that was a big hit with collectors nostalgic for the early days of the hobby. Other popular inserts included ‘Topps Highlights’, ‘Topps Gold Label’, and ‘Topps Holiday’ winter-themed variants.

While packs of the base 2021 Topps cards could be found in virtually any sport or hobby store, locating and completing all the varied inserts sets presented a sizable collecting challenge. As is typical for modern issues, Topps also released multiple factory-sealed retail box products at higher price points containing more guaranteed hits. These included ‘Hobby’ jumbo boxes, ‘Jumbos’ with guaranteed autograph or relic cards, and high-end ‘Hobby Master’ cases.

For the serious collector or investor, Topps offered a luxury ‘Tier One’ cloth-wrapped box product exclusively through its website. These extremely limited edition boxes guaranteed extremely rare 1/1 autograph cards and memorabilia cards featuring game-used equipment, with most cards hand-numbered to single digits. At prices ranging from $500 to $1000 per box, Tier One represented the ultimate premium Topps product.

When fully collected and assembled, the 2021 Topps flagship set plus all its affiliated inserts and parallels amounted to well over one thousand individual trading cards profiling the current MLB season. For aficionados of today’s sports memorabilia industry, it stood as a virtual catalog of the year’s baseball talent. Over the decades, Topps baseball cards have become one of America’s most iconic hobby collectibles, and the 2021 set aimed to continue that legacy while celebrating the game’s greatest stars. With sharp design, plentiful parallels, and high-quality printing, it offered collectors a start-to-finish journey chronicling the season that was.

BEST BASEBALL ROOKIE CARDS 2021

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The 2021 MLB season saw many promising young players make their debuts and establish themselves as future stars. As is always the case, these top rookie performances translated to some highly sought-after rookie cards on the trading card market. While it’s still early and careers can take unexpected turns, here’s a look at some of the most valuable and desirable baseball rookie cards from 2021 based on the players’ rookie seasons and future potential.

Rookie of the Year Candidates

Several rookies from 2021 have already positioned themselves as Rookie of the Year candidates and their cards have taken off accordingly. Heading the list is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a breakout season in which he slashed .284/.345/.480 with 28 extra-base hits and 16 stolen bases in just 100 games. He provided athleticism, power, and excitement for a rebuilding Mariners team. His explosive plays made him a fan favorite and the clear frontrunner for AL Rookie of the Year honors. Rodriguez’s prized rookie card is his Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from the 2022 Topps Series 1 release, which has sold for over $1000 already.

Another top ROY contender is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. In just 99 games, Greene showed off a complete offensive skill set by hitting .250 with 5 home runs, 26 RBI and a .769 OPS. He flashed plus speed and defense as well. Greene is seen as a cornerstone for the Tigers’ rebuild and his prized rookie card is the Topps Chrome Blue Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with PSA 10 gem mint examples selling for $800-1000.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2021 that was cut short by injury but still cemented him as a superstar. In 70 games, Franco hit .288 with 7 homers and 39 RBI, showcasing his precocious plate approach and ability to impact the game in many ways. While Franco made his debut late in 2021, his rookie cards remain highly sought after given his lofty expectations. The prized card is his Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with a PSA 10 selling for around $2000.

Pitching Standouts

Several rookie pitchers also made strong cases to be considered among the best from 2021. Atlanta Braves righty Spencer Strider had a breakout season in which he struck out 202 batters in 131.2 innings with a 2.67 ERA across both the majors and minors. His electric fastball-slider combo made him one of the most dominant rookie pitchers in baseball down the stretch. Strider’s top rookie card is the Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with a PSA 10 recently selling for $800.

Miami Marlins right-hander Max Meyer enjoyed a stellar MLB debut, making 7 starts with a 2.77 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. He showed three plus pitches and the ability to miss bats. At just 23 years old, Meyer looks poised to anchor Miami’s rotation for years to come. His prized rookie card is the Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1, with a PSA 10 selling in the $500-600 range already.

Tampa Bay Rays lefty Shane McClanahan took the league by storm in 2021, going 10-6 with a 3.43 ERA and league-leading 191 strikeouts in just 25 starts and 141.1 innings pitched. With a 100+ mph fastball and plus slider, McClanahan established himself as one of the most dominant young arms in baseball. His Topps Chrome Refractor parallel from 2022 Topps Series 1 is highly sought after, with PSA 10s going for around $400-500.

Breakout Position Players

Several position players also had rookie campaigns that far exceeded expectations:

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder/DH Alejandro Kirk turned heads by slashing .298/.401/.436 with 6 homers in just 78 games while playing excellent defense behind the plate. At just 21, Kirk looks like a long-term fixture in Toronto’s lineup.

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. lived up to the hype by hitting .256 with 20 extra-base hits and 40 RBI in 102 games. He showed plus power, speed and defense that have Royals fans excited for the future.

Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena was a surprise ROY candidate, hitting .289 with 22 extra-base hits while superbly replacing Carlos Correa at shortstop. He helped the Astros win the AL pennant.

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman showed why he’s the top prospect in baseball by hitting .254 with 5 homers in 50 games. He looks ready to be Baltimore’s next franchise cornerstone.

The prized rookie cards for these breakout position players include Kirk’s Topps Chrome Blue Refractor ($400 PSA 10), Witt’s Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Refractor (PSA 10 around $300), Pena’s Topps Chrome Refractor (PSA 10 $250-300), and Rutschman’s Topps Chrome Refractor (PSA 10 $200-250 range).

Long-Term Value

While it’s still very early in the careers of these rookies, those who sustained strong performances have seen their rookie cards appreciate greatly already based on future potential. Cards of players who look likely to become perennial All-Stars and franchise cornerstones hold the most long-term value. Based on skill sets, situations and early MLB success, names like Rodriguez, Franco, Greene, Strider and McClanahan profile as having the highest long-term ceilings, making their rookie cards great holds. Rookie cards in general carry risk, as one injury or change in development can alter trajectories. For the biggest risks and rewards, the prized rookies who exceed already high expectations could deliver ten-bagger returns down the road.

The 2021 rookie class has provided many promising young talents that are already paying dividends on the field for their teams. For collectors, these players’ rookie cards offer opportunities for both short and long-term gains, but require due diligence in evaluation to optimize returns on investment. The class remains one of the most exciting in recent memory and will be one to watch develop for years to come both on the diamond and in the collectibles market.

2021 PANINI PRIZM BASEBALL TOP CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Prizm baseball set was highly anticipated by collectors due to the popularity of the Prizm brand and the recent influx of new collectors and investors into the baseball card market. Panini Prizm is known for featuring shiny refractors and color parallels that drive excitement for the modern product. This year’s release did not disappoint, featuring several rookies and stars that have already proven to be some of the set’s most desirable “hit” cards.

One of the biggest rookie stars of 2021 was Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a future superstar, Franco became the fastest player in MLB history to reach career hits of 100, 150, and 200. Not surprisingly, his Prizm rookie cards have been clean-up items for collectors. Franco’s standard Prizm silver prizm rookie card (card #132) has been one of the most sought-after rookie cards from the set, routinely selling for $100-$200 even in PSA 10 gem mint condition. His rare color prizm and auto parallel cards have commanded prices much higher. Franco’s red prizm rookie (#132/125) and green prizm rookie (#132/49) regularly sell for $500-1000 each in top grades. But his ultra-rare black 1/1 prizm auto rookie is truly a crown jewel, with several examples selling for well over $10,000 since his impressive debut season.

Another monster rookie season came from Los Angeles Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani. In addition to being a top pitcher, Ohtani also proved to be one of MLB’s best hitters and placed in the top two in MVP voting. Not surprisingly, collectors went wild for Ohtani’s new rookie cards. While his standard prizm silver rookie (#255) settled in the $50-100 range PSA 10, his color prizm parallels skyrocketed. His red prizm (#255/125) and green prizm (#255/49) parallels reached the $300-500 level. But the absolute cream of the crop was his prizm auto Parallel (#255/10), with PSA 10 examples consistently bringing $2,000-3,000 each on the market. With Ohtani’s two-way talents, market demand for his cards is likely to remain very strong for years to come.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr also saw increased demand for his cards in his third MLB season after winning the AL batting title. While his 2019-20 cards held steady value, his 2021 Panini Prizm offerings jumped significantly. Guerrero’s base prizm silver (#278) remained around the $30-50 range PSA 10. His more scarce color variations like red prizm (#278/125) and green prizm (#278/49) more than doubled in value, reaching the $150-250 range for top graded gems. His prizm auto parallel (#278/10) also enjoyed newfound popularity, with PSA 10 examples selling in the $500-800 range on the secondary market. With Guerrero’s established bat and Toronto’s exciting playoff runs in 2021, his cards proved to be steady long-term investments.

One of the most hyped rookies of the year without having played an official MLB game was Boston Red Sox shortstop Marcelo Mayer. Considered a potential future superstar, Mayer’s first cards skyrocketed in value, especially from Prizm. His standard Prizm silver rookie (#341) initially sold for $50-75 but is now routinely bringing $150-250 in top shape. His red prizm (#341/125) and green prizm (#341/49) color parallels reached prices of $500-1000 each in the months following the 2021 season. The true six-figure cards proved to be his prizm auto parallel (#341/10), with several low-serial examples hitting bids well over $10,000 as collectors waited with bated breath for Mayer’s debut. With such immense hype already surrounding Mayer before an official MLB at-bat, only time will tell if he lives up to advanced billing on the field to justify these card values.

While rookies dominated Prizm headlines in 2021, established stars held strong demand as well. Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts (card #59) maintained steady $30-50 prices for his base Prizms. But his red prizm (#59/125) and green prizm (#59/49) regularly brought $150-250 each in top shape. It was Betts’ dual auto sticker parallel (#59/5) that really heated up, rising from $500 to an average of $2,500-$3,500 per copy as Betts continued cementing his case as one of MLB’s premier players. Fellow staple Mike Trout also saw nice growth, with his red prizm (#122/125) and green prizm (#122/49) reaching $200-300 levels, while his prizm auto (#122/10) doubled to a consistent $1,000-1,500 price point. Stars like Betts and Trout proved the enduring strength of established fan favorites in the baseball card market.

Looking at the entire checklist beyond the headlining rookies and veterans, many other 2021 Panini Prizm cards thrived for both investment and collector interest. Short prints numbering to only 10-25 copies of players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr, and Bo Bichette continued trading hands for thousands in top condition. Baseball’s elite prospects like Bobby Witt Jr. and Jackson Jobe found strong early demand potential before ever debuting. And fun parallels like Purple Galaxy (#/75) and Orange Sparkle (#/50) attracted collectors seeking flashy new PC additions of their player favorites at respectable secondary prices.

The 2021 Panini Prizm baseball set showcased the explosive growth of the modern card market, especially for the hot rookies and prospects who generated breathtaking numbers. While the full lasting impacts of rising values on both vintage and modern cards remain to be seen, 2021 established several clear flag-bearers as future cornerstones of the hobby. From Wander Franco to Shohei Ohtani to Marcelo Mayer, the next generation of stars took center stage in Panini Prizm and energized collectors with hopeful cards for the years to come. The 2021 release cemented Prizm’s status as the premier modern baseball set and proved its durability for long-term investment even beyond initial rookie season spikes.

2021 BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS CHECKLIST

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The 2021 Bowman baseball card release delivered another exciting set for collectors to pursue. As one of the premier rookie card releases each year, Bowman continues to unveil prospects heading into their first MLB seasons along with established stars. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the highlights from the 2021 Bowman baseball cards checklist.

The set includes 350 total cards with prospects, major leaguers, and paper/insert parallels. On the prospect side, the big names included 2020 top overall draft pick Spencer Torkelson, as well as 2020 No. 2 pick Austin Martin. Torkelson’s prized rookie card pulled in big bucks upon release. Additions like Martin and a host of other highly-touted farmhands made the set a must-have for prospect collectors.

Veteran stars in the main checklist included Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Mookie Betts among many others. Insert sets within Bowman also featured these types of big names. The Platinum Anniversary parallels paid tribute to stars who had been in the league for a full decade. Guys like Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw, and Nolan Arenado were highlighted through these commemorative cards.

International prospects were once again strong within Bowman. Names like Luis Matos, Jamar Hernandez, and Yoendrys Gomez started to gain recognition in the hobby. For Latin American signees, their shiny Chrome rookie cards from Bowman serve as an introduction to the collecting community. With continued development, some of these players could end up as stars down the line.

Paper parallels within the base set included Silver Packs, Gold Ink, Atomic Refractors, and Camo parallels among the more popular variations. The Chrome and Paper versions as always provided multiple opportunities for collectors at different price points. Higher-end parallels like 1/1 Superfractors ensured some cards maintained ultra-rare status as well.

This year’s Bowman product also unveiled a special Mike Trout “Card of the Year” insert. This premium card highlighting the reigning AL MVP was a huge chase for sets. Other popular inserts within the 2021 release featured Future Five Hobby-Exclusive parallels and Gold Blast parallels of top prospects. International Prospects inserts dug deeper into some of the overseas signees as well.

Autographs remained a major attraction of Bowman packs as usual. Top collegiate draft prospects like Jordan Lawlar, Termarr Johnson, and Sal Frelick all featured coveted 1st Bowman autos that collectors scrambled to pull. International auto parallels showcased the signings of organizations additionally. Higher-end parallels within auto sets like Printing Plates and Superfractors maintained rarity.

The 2021 Bowman baseball release delivered another exciting year of rookie cards, prospects, stars and parallels for collectors at every level. With another unusual MLB season in the books, the crop of rookies featured within provided an intriguing look towards the future of the league. The premier release always provides a fun and investable set to chase each spring. Based on the talent and variations included, the 2021 checklist poised collectors with plenty of viable cards to enjoy for years to come.

2021 TOPPS CHROME BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball Card set was released in December 2021 by The Topps Company. As one of the premium flagship products released each year by Topps, the Chrome set is highly anticipated by collectors and seen as an important indicator of the current values and demand for the newest rookie cards and star veterans in the hobby. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the key aspects that have driven the 2021 Topps Chrome values so far.

To begin, the design and photography of the 2021 Topps Chrome set were well received by the collecting community. As with past years, each foil bordered card featured modern action shots of the players with fun borders and colors that pop under the reflective technology added to the card surfaces. The aesthetics helped drive interest that has translated to strong initial secondary market prices.

When it comes to the rookie class, many were excited to see prospects like Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic, and others in their first Chrome cards after their call-ups in 2021 created buzz. The true breakout star has been Reds second baseman Jonathan India. As the 2021 National League Rookie of the Year, India’s rookie cards have taken off. PSA 10 examples of his Topps Chrome rookie currently sell for $500-700, showing how on-field accomplishments elevate rookies within the high-end hobby.

Another big mover has been Cardinals superstar pitcher Adam Wainwright, who at 40 years old proved he still has plenty left in the tank by winning 17 games in 2021. With rumors swirling about his potential retirement, collectors have driven up prices on his Chrome cards to commemorate one of the best pitchers of his generation in what could be his final season. A PSA 10 Wainwright sells in the $100-150 range now compared to under $20 last year.

When looking at the true aspirational vintage comparisons, living legends like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani seem to stand out above the rest, as they always do on the field. BGS/PSA graded examples of their Topps Chrome rookie and non-rookie cards remain the most expensive singles from the set at $500-1500 depending on the specific parallel, autograph, or on-card signature version. Their sustained excellence and megastar status in the game pushes collectors to acquire and preserve their cards for the long term.

Demand for star vintage parallels and short prints has added extra layers of interest and complexity to 2021 Topps Chrome values. For example, the Green parallel version of Wander Franco’s rookie currently fetches a $250 premium over the base rookie in a PSA 10, showing how parallel rarities are highly sought. The ’86 Style short print veterans like Clayton Kershaw and Nolan Arenado that pays homage to the classic ’86 set design have witnessed sharp price increases of 3-5x over the base designs in high grades.

Sustained excitement around rookie classes like 2021, career milestones, proven megastars, quality designs, parallel and short prints have all contributed to a thriving secondary market for the flagship 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball set in its opening year. With strong demand carrying over to the product’s first year out of print, values across the entire set’s spectrum are trending upwards as new collectors continue entering the popular modern collecting segment. Factors like award seasons, on-field success stories, and the specter of retirement will undoubtedly cause some individual cards to spike even higher, setting the stage for an intriguing evolution of 2021 Chrome values moving forward.

TOPPS BASEBALL 2021 SERIES 1 BEST CARDS

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The 2021 Major League Baseball season marked the start of new Topps Series 1 Baseball cards, the longest running and most iconic card set in the history of the hobby. As always, Series 1 introduced rookies, stars, and key moments from the previous season. While every pack holds the possibility of discovering a valuable pull, some stand out more than others. Here are the top cards collectors were hoping to find in their 2021 Topps Series 1 packs.

Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Base)

There may not be a more coveted card in all of Series 1 than Shohei Ohtani’s base rookie card. As the current face of baseball and reigning American League MVP, Ohtani has become a mega star in just his first few seasons. His prowess at the plate and on the mound make him a truly unique two-way player. While Ohtani rookies from previous years by Bowman and Topps fetch higher prices given their scarcity, his 2021 Series 1 base is a must-have for any collector. Graded gem mint 10 copies have already sold for well over $100 due to his continuing prominence in the league.

Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres (Base)

Like Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr. has quickly become one of the faces of MLB thanks to his electrifying style of play and ability to crush home runs. Winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2020 only added to his rising star power. Tatis’ Series 1 base continues to be a defining rookie card pulled from packs each year. Although not quite as valuable as some of his Topps Chrome or Bowman rookies at this time, his Series 1 is a cornerstone for any Padres or shortstop collection. Even in PSA 10 condition, copies can be acquired for under $50 but have strong long term appreciation potential.

Ronald Acuña Jr, Atlanta Braves (Base)

Ronald Acuña Jr. burst onto the scene with the Braves in 2018 and hasn’t slowed down since, making him one of the elite young stars in the game. Despite missing a chunk of the 2021 season with a torn ACL, Acuña remains a perennial MVP candidate and highlight reel player. As one of the best third year cards available, his 2019 Topps Series 1 base in a PSA 10 topping over $100 indicates how his on-field success directly translates to strong collectible value long term. Even raw, this card is a must-have for Braves PC builders.

Juan Soto, Washington Nationals (Base and All-Star Game Patch Parallel /150)

Juan Soto may be the most patient hitter in baseball with an elite plate approach well beyond his years. Winning the NL batting title in 2020 only further cemented his place among the game’s top young talents. Both Soto’s base card and his rare All-Star Game patch parallel numbering to 150 are standouts. While the base is affordable for any collector to add, the patch parallel demands a premium price given Soto’s rising career arc and the parallel’s limited production. Even at the height of the pandemic last year, PSA 10 copies easily cleared $300-400 and will continue their surge with more of Soto’s prodigious accomplishments.

Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (Base and Rainbow Foil parallel /2021)

As one of the most feared lefty hitters in the league, Yordan Alvarez is must-see TV every time he steps to the plate for Houston. Following a dominant 2019 rookie campaign that saw him win AL Rookie of the Year, Alvarez’ stock remains sky high. His base card is routinely among the top hitters collected, while his extremely short printed rainbow foil parallel offers the pinnacle pull. Limited to just 2021 copies, it is incredibly rare to find one grading a perfect gem mint 10. Those that do always command monster prices upwards of $1000 even ungraded due to Alvarez’s immense talent and Parallel’s extreme scarcity.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (#101)

As the consensus top prospect in all of baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype in his 2021 debut with the Rays. His monstrous talent and youth give him best prospect in the world type potential. While Franco lacks the years of accomplishments of the above stars, his rookie card autograph parallel is exceedingly rare with a scant 101 print run. Graded PSA 10 specimens soared past $2000 even before Franco’s MLB arrival thanks to his prospect pedigree. With Franco starring in Tampa, his autograph parallel is primed to become one of the holy grails for Rays PC builders and prospect headhunters alike moving forward.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Toronto Blue Jays (#1, Rainbow Foil /99, Gold #/10)

After a breakout 2020 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Vladimir Guerrero Jr is a certified superstar in the making. As such, his high number parallels in Series 1 hold significant cachet. Between his coveted #1 card, /99 Rainbow Foil, and extremely short printed Gold parallel numbered to just 10 copies, Vladdy Jr collectors were chasing the true short prints. All three carry premium values in high grades compared to even stars’ base cards. For Vladimir Guerrero Jr, the sun continues to rise on one of the sport’s emerging dominant talents with each passing season growing his parallel card values.

Lou Gehrig Memorial Patch (#/5)

Topps is renowned for its creative parallels paying tribute to baseball history. Perhaps none resonate more than the ultra-short printed Lou Gehrig Memorial parallel celebrating the Hall of Famer’s iconic career and battle with ALS. Limited to a tiny run of just 5 copies, even ungraded examples commanding 4 figures due to factors of rarity, subject matter, and historical significance. For vintage card collectors and those fascinated by the golden era of the game, adding this seminal parallel to a collection is a true coup and highlight. With so few in existence, finding even one in a PSA 10 state of preservation may take a lifetime.

That covers some of the most aspirational and valuable cards collectors were seeking to pull from their 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball packs. While every release holds hidden gems, these particular cards distinguish themselves through combination of subject matter, parallel scarcity, and rising trajectories of their featured players. For vintage enthusiasts, card investors, and fans alike, adding pieces representing the biggest names and moments remains the enduring appeal of America’s favorite hobby even after decades. The thrill of the hunt for cards like these is what makes eagerly ripping fresh product a ritual passed down through the generations.