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2022 PANINI CHRONICLES BASEBALL MOST VALUABLE CARDS

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The 2022 Panini Chronicles baseball set was released in late April and featured a variety of rookie cards, autographs, and parallels of some of the game’s biggest stars. While Chronicles is not Panini’s flagship baseball release, the set annually produces several cards that command big prices in the trading card market.

One of the most sought-after rookie cards from the 2022 Chronicles set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco had a breakout season in 2021 that saw him named American League Rookie of the Year. His autographed rookie parallel cards from Chronicles have sold for over $1,000 each. The Franco rookie autograph parallel market could continue to rise long-term given his star potential and being just 21 years old.

Another rookie generating buzz is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez had a strong debut in 2022 and is considered a future star. His Chronicles autographed rookie cards have sold for $800-900 each online. With Rodriguez likely to be in the running for AL Rookie of the Year honors, his rookie card prices could climb higher before settling.

Speaking of Rookie of the Year candidates, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman drew rave reviews in his first MLB stint in 2022 and is expected to be the favorite for AL Rookie honors. Rutschman’s autographed rookie cards from Chronicles have sold in the $600-700 range so far. That price seems poised to rise further if he wins the award.

On the National League side, Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II had a breakout rookie campaign and showed five-tool potential. His autographed Chronicles rookie cards have sold for $400-500 each so far but could rise higher with an award or if he continues developing into a star.

Veteran superstars also have valuable cards in the Chronicles set. Any autographed card of reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper would hold value, with his Chronicles autograph parallels selling between $300-400 currently. The same applies to two-way Angels star Shohei Ohtani, who continues to amaze on the mound and at the plate. His Chronicles autographs have sold for $250-350 each online.

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge had a historic 2022 season hitting an AL record 62 home runs. Any autographed Judge card from 2022 holds value, and his Chronicles autographs have sold for $200-300 each depending on parallel. His prices may rise even more if he wins AL MVP honors for the breakout season.

Chronicles also features “Hit Parallels” that contain memorabilia swatches or patches. The most expensive Hit Parallel from 2022 was a dual memorabilia card featuring patches of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout that sold for $1,000. Other top-selling Hit Parallels included a Wander Franco jersey card ($800), Julio Rodriguez bat card ($650), and Adley Rutschman patch card ($550).

While rookies and stars tend to have the most valuable cards, Chronicles also features popular veterans that collectors seek. Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw, and Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. all had autographed parallels from Chronicles sell in the $150-250 range.

In terms of rare parallels and serial numbered cards, the 1/1 parallel rookie autos of Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman would likely be the most valuable Chronicle cards on the market if they surface. Low-numbered parallels of /10 or less for stars like Ohtani, Judge or Harper would also command big prices.

While Panini Chronicles may not have the same cachet as Topps flagship sets, the 2022 edition featured several rookie cards, autographs and memorabilia cards that have already proven to be quite valuable and collectible in the trading card market. Prices for the top rookies like Franco, Rodriguez and Rutschman seem poised to rise further if they continue excelling in MLB.

2023 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS RELEASE DATE

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The 2023 Panini baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues each year among collectors. Panini has emerged as the number two sports card manufacturer behind only Topps in recent years, carving out a large portion of the baseball card market. While the exact release date has not been officially announced, here is a comprehensive overview of what collectors can expect from the 2023 Panini baseball card release based on historical release trends and insider information.

Panini typically releases its main baseball card products in late winter/early spring each year after the conclusion of the MLB season. Looking back at prior years provides a good framework to project the 2023 release window. In 2022, Panini released its Diamond Kings, Flawless, and Prizm baseball products in late February/early March. 2021 saw releases in mid-March, while 2020 was in late February. Based on this 3-year pattern, the smart money would be on a 2023 Panini baseball release date sometime between late February and mid-March.

Within this projected release window, the flagship Prizm baseball product is usually the first to arrive on store shelves. Prizm has emerged as Panini’s most popular baseball brand known for its flashy refractors and parallels. In 2022, Prizm baseball hit the market on February 23rd. Given Prizm’s status as the lead product, collectors can likely expect a 2023 Panini Prizm baseball release in late February. The exact date could fall between the 20th-25th based on prior years.

Once Prizm is in collectors’ hands, the rest of Panini’s baseball lineup tends to follow over the next 2-3 weeks. Products like Diamond Kings and Flawless containing high-end memorabilia and autograph cards will release shortly after Prizm. Donruss baseball, which offers a retro aesthetic and value packs for collectors on a budget, usually arrives by early-mid March. Contenders and Immaculate, focusing on serial-numbered hits, tend to be last out of the gate, released by the third week of March.

Of course, unforeseen factors like pandemics, natural disasters, or supply chain issues could potentially push the 2023 release schedule back slightly. Unless a major disruption occurs, collectors can be very confident planning to acquire their Panini baseball fix in late February/March 2023 window based on recent historical norms. Within that period, Prizm will likely arrive by February 20th-25th to kick things off.

In addition to the projected release window, here are some other key details collectors can expect about the 2023 Panini baseball card lineup:

Prizm Baseball – As the flagship, this will feature the flashy Prizm parallels collectors love chasing like Orange, Green, and Red prizms. Superfractors and 1/1s will be the big ticket chase cards. Base set size is typically 300-350 cards.

Diamond Kings – This high-end brand focuses on current star players with sharp photography on a glossy stock. Autograph and memorabilia relic parallels will include 1/1 Diamond Kings Diamond parallel autos.

Flawless – The crème de la crème of Panini baseball, Flawless contains exquisite game-used memorabilia relic cards, patch autos, and 1/1 designs. Boxes will feature high-priced hits from today’s elite players.

Donruss – A fun retro brand with affordable blasters/hangers. Expect popular parallels like Optic, Velocity, and Mossy parallels to drive collector interest. Base set size is 400-450 cards.

Contenders – High-end product emphasizing serial-numbered parallels and rare autographs. /25, /10, and 1/1 parallels will be the big ticket short prints.

Immaculate – The most exclusive Panini baseball release, featuring ultra-rare memorabilia cards paired with some of the lowest serial-numbered autographs in the hobby.

While release dates and product specifics are still to be determined, based on years past collectors can feel confident planning to acquire their 2023 Panini baseball fix in late February/early March. The exact release window appears primed to fall between February 20th through mid-March. Prizm will likely kick things off followed by the rest of the lineup over 3-4 weeks. With flagship Prizm leading the charge, 2023 is shaping up to be another exciting year of chasing hits from Panini’s popular baseball card brands.

2022 PANINI CAPSTONE BASEBALL CARDS VALUE

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The 2022 Panini Capstone baseball card set has been highly anticipated since its announcement in early 2022. Panini’s Capstone set has developed a reputation as one of the most visually stunning and valuable modern baseball card releases each year. Though the 2022 edition just hit the market in late July 2022, prices are already skyrocketing for some of the prized rookie cards and veteran superstars featured in this year’s checklist.

Capstone is Panini’s flagship high-end baseball card product that focuses on capturing the iconic moments and biggest names in the sport each season through exquisite card designs and rare memorabilia pieces. For the 2022 edition, Panini once again delivered stunning cards in a 250-card base set along with several lucrative parallel and short-print inserts that collectors are scrambling to track down. With rookies like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman poised for stardom plus legends like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani continuing their dominance, the 2022 Capstone checklist provides fascinating subjects that resonate with today’s collectors.

While boxes of 2022 Panini Capstone retail for around $250-300 each making the product fairly expensive to collect randomly through loose packs and boxes, the individual cards are now selling for substantial sums on the resale market. Here’s a look at some of the early value standouts from this year’s set just a couple months after its official release:

Julio Rodriguez Green Wave Prizm Auto /25 – Rodriguez took the baseball world by storm in his 2022 rookie season, making his Prizm autos among the most in-demand modern cards. An on-card auto of J-Rod numbered to just 25 copies has already risen above the $1,000 mark and some predict it could challenge the $3,000-5,000 range as his star continues rising.

Bobby Witt Jr. Gold Prizm Auto /10 – Arguably the best pure shortstop prospect to debut in years, Witt had a solid rookie campaign and saw his card values explode. His ultra-rare Capstone Gold Prizm auto numbered to a tiny 10 copies is in very high demand and has jumped up near $3,000 in the early going. Expect six figures someday.

Adley Rutschman Orange Wave Prizm Auto /50 – After a few years of hype, Rutschman made his big league debut in 2022 and showed why he’s such a can’t-miss catcher. His Premium Patch auto in this parallel stands out from most others in the set and maintains a price tag around $800-900 for its limited /50 print run.

Mike Trout Green Wave Prizm /25 – Perhaps the safest modern card investment in the hobby, Trout relics and autographs hold immense value long-term. Even his base Prizm parallels dip quite low in numbered quantity, making the Green Wave a true needle-in-a-haystack relic coveted by Trout PC collectors. Currently trading around $750-850.

Shohei Ohtani Red Ink Auto /10 – After back-to-back incredible seasons as a two-way superstar, Ohtani’s mystique has never been higher. His exclusive Red Ink auto from Capstone parallel offers one of the rarest modern Ohtani pieces, price justifiably elevated to around $1,250-1,500 for its sought-after /10 designation.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Gold Wave Prizm Auto /10 – When healthy, Tatis is one of the game’s most dynamic stars. Injuries and suspension have cast some uncertainty in 2022-23. As such, his limited Gold auto has seen a bit of a retreat from 2021 highs, settling near $900 for now but still primed to rebound when he returns to form.

As these initial values demonstrate, Panini Capstone has already cemented itself as one of the hobby’s most valuable modern baseball card sets in just a few short years. While box/case breaks remain the most cost-effective approach, savvy collectors seeking rare singles are willing to pay top dollar knowing Capstone parallels and short-prints almost invariably increase in worth over time as stars’ careers progress. Between the stunning photography, dazzling refractors, and wealth of starpower both young phenoms and legends, 2022 Panini Capstone figures to continue appreciating for years to come as one of the premier releases from the modern baseball card boom.

DONRUSS PANINI BASEBALL CARDS 2023

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Donruss Panini baseball cards have been a hobby staple for decades, known for their classic design aesthetic and focus on capturing the essence of America’s pastime. For the 2023 season, Panini is continuing its Donruss baseball card line with several exciting new releases that collectors are eagerly anticipating.

Panini acquired the exclusive baseball card license from MLB in 2020, taking over production from longtime leader Topps. Since then, the company has put its unique spin on the traditional Donruss design while introducing new sets that have been big hits with collectors. The 2023 season looks to continue building on that momentum with some of Panini’s most ambitious baseball card releases to date.

Perhaps the most highly anticipated new Donruss baseball card set for 2023 is “Donruss Elite Extra Edition.” Scheduled for release in Spring 2023, Elite Extra Edition will focus on the top stars and top rookies from the previous season. The set will feature die-cut parallels and autographs of players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, and Bobby Witt Jr. inserted throughout the base cards. Numbered parallels will come in various colors and serial numbers, along with 1/1 printing plates. The base cards will continue Donruss’ classic aesthetic featuring action shots on a white background. Overall print runs are expected to be lower than typical hobby boxes, giving Elite Extra Edition strong chase factor for collectors.

Another exciting new Panini release for 2023 is “Donruss Optic.” Taking cues from the popular basketball and football versions, Donruss Optic baseball cards will feature sharply photographed action shots in a modernized style. The set is expected to include various parallel and autograph variations, along with serially numbered “rainbow foil” parallels that refract light in vibrant colors. Donruss Optic baseball cards should appeal to collectors looking for a more contemporary visual presentation compared to the traditional Donruss design. Initial release timing is slated for late Summer 2023.

For collectors seeking vintage-style cards, Panini will continue its popular “Donruss Archive” line in 2023. Archive sets re-create the look and feel of older Donruss designs from the 1980s and 1990s. The 2023 version is expected to feature a retro-styled design on the thinner card stock of that era. Autographs and memorabilia cards will be inserted at lower print runs for added chase appeal. Donruss Archive allows collectors a fun trip down memory lane while pursuing the nostalgia-driven hobby trend.

In addition, Panini’s 2023 flagship “Donruss Baseball” release will once again provide the core rookie class and team set in the classic on-card photo style. Hobby boxes are expected to include autograph and memorabilia cards of top young players. Parallels and short prints will offer multiple levels for collectors. As the standard bearer of the Donruss brand, this set remains a crucial part of any collector’s baseball card portfolio.

Panini has also found success with their “Donruss Diamond Kings” set focusing on superstar players depicted as larger-than-life baseball legends. For 2023, Diamond Kings cards can be expected to feature new players elevated to iconic status with regal designs befitting kings of the diamond. Autograph and memorabilia cards of these elite players will provide strong chase appeal.

Finally, Panini’s “Donruss WWE Crossover” promotions pairing baseball stars with wrestling personalities have proven very popular in recent years. A 2023 edition could surface baseball players depicted in over-the-top WWE-style personas to widespread collector interest. Pairing surprise cross-promotional subjects fuels intrigue for the release.

With their diverse lineup of established and new Donruss baseball card products planned for 2023, Panini looks well positioned to continue growing their hold on the baseball card market. By leveraging the Donruss brand’s history while introducing fresh takes, Panini caters to collectors both nostalgic and modern in their tastes. Strong initial sales of 2022 releases bode well for another successful season of Donruss baseball cards. Fans of America’s pastime and the hobby will have no shortage of exciting new collectibles to pursue throughout the 2023 campaign from Panini Donruss.

2022 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL BEST CARDS

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The 2022 MLB Draft was highly anticipated with several top prospects expected to go early and begin their professional careers. To capitalize on the excitement and interest in this year’s class, Panini released its Prizm Draft Picks baseball card product featuring photographs and profiles of draft-eligible players. While many boxes were ripped in search of the biggest stars and surprises from draft night, some cards clearly stand out as the most coveted and valuable from the set. Let’s take an in-depth look at several of the 2022 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Baseball best cards.

Druw Jones – Undoubtedly the crown jewel of this year’s class and living up to his legendary baseball bloodlines, Druw Jones was drafted second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Any Jones cards are highly sought after, but hisPrizm Draft Picks base rookie is truly the crown jewel of the set. With his 5-tool talent, good looks, and iconic surname, Jones is poised to be one of the faces of the league for years to come. His cards, especially prizm versions like this, are sure to retain value and appreciate over time as he becomes a star.

Brooks Lee – As the eighth overall pick by the Minnesota Twins, Brooks Lee generated tremendous buzz as one of the draft’s best pure hitters. His silky smooth left-handed swing was beloved by scouts and he was fresh off being named the 2022 Pac-12 Player of the Year at California. Lee’s Prizm Draft Picks base card is highly coveted and his prizm refractor parallel already commands huge premiums due to his perceived superstar potential. His slow swing is replicated perfectly in this photogenic issue which catches the eye of collectors.

Elijah Green – Green entered the 2022 draft as arguably the highest-upside high school position player. Blessed with intimidating physical tools at 6’4 and 220 pounds, his combination of speed, strength, and raw talent had scouts drooling. Naturally, his Prizm base is an absolute must-have for any collector following this year’s top prospects. His true star power is epitomized in his incredible Prizm yellow /250 parallel, an ultra-rare rendition destined to gain acclaim. Green’s draft stock skyrocketed to the Royals at No. 15 overall, making this parallel a true one-of-one showstopper.

Termarr Johnson – Projected by many to go in the early-to-mid first round, being selected 72nd overall by the Cubs was a surprise to most. His immense tools screaming five-tool upside intrigued scouts and he put himself firmly on the map with a dazzling performance in the All-American Game held just before the draft. Now in the Cubs system, Johnson’s Prizm Draft Picks base is a low-cost spec play betting on his talent coming to fruition. His silky smooth lefty swing captured here makes this a prime candidate to gain notice over the coming years.

Brock Porter – As a two-way talent out of St. Mary’s Prep in Michigan, the 6’4 Porter dominated on the mound and impressed with his smooth lefty power bat as well. Selected third overall by the Rangers, Porter immediately became one of the prize prospects in all of minor league baseball. Predictably, his Prizm base rookie is a cornerstone for any Texas-centered collection. But his beautiful Prizm refractor carries added gravitas for collectors seeking a true one-of-one showstopper from this class.

Daniel Susac – The 21st overall pick by the Athletics, Susac flew up draft boards in his junior year at Arizona after showcasing impressive opposite field power as a left-handed catcher. Behind the plate, Susac controls a game like a seasoned veteran and his defensive prowess makes him a true all-around catcher prospect. The dual threat of his bat and glove is on full display in his archetypal Prizm Draft Picks base which promises to gain recognition as he develops in the A’s system.

Brooke Wilkerson – One of the top two-way talents in this year’s draft class as an athletic shortstop/lefty pitcher out of Espnola Valley High School in New Mexico. Projected by some to even go in the top 10 picks, Wilkerson slid to the Brewers at No. 15 largely perceived as signs of signability leverage. Already garnering notice for his smooth lefty arm and easy plus power from the left side, Wilkerson’s stock seems poised to rise. Any early editions like his base Prizm could shine as an insightful value play.

Jace Jung – The most accomplished college position player, Jung led Texas Tech with a .327 average and 82 RBIs as a junior. A true pure hitter with experience against elite competition, Jung went 12th overall to the Rangers. His proven track record sets him up well and his Prizm Draft Picks base is an ideal representation of what he brings to the table. His true rarity comes in the form of his incredible black /15 numbered parallel, sure to gain acclaim as a ultra-limited Texas Rangers gem.

Dylan Lesko – Lesko entered the 2022 draft as the consensus top high school pitcher available. His four plus pitches and powerful 6’4 220 pound frame made scouts drool. An injury concern caused him to fall to the Diamondbacks 17th overall, but his upside remains immense. His Prizm base is a core holding for any D-Backs PC, but truly standout is his coveted green parallel /99, a tremendously rare capturing of his arm talent. A true one-of-one holy grail for any 2022 draft enthusiast.

Cam Collier – One of the hardest players to get a read on in this draft, Collier’s tools and batted ball data screamed five-tool upside but his production was more modest at Chipola JC. The Reds selected him 18th overall based on that tantalizing talent and believe in his projection. While riskier than others, Collier’s athletic tools shine through perfectly in his vivid Prizm Draft Pick base card. Collectors will be keeping close tabs to see if his game takes off.

Dylan Beavers – A late riser who completed a dream junior season at California as a physical 6’4 outfielder showing patience and gap power. The Giants nabbed him 25th overall based on his track record of improvements. While he may not have the flashiest tools, Beavers seems a safe bet to develop into a productive pro. His cheerful Prizm Draft Picks base captures why he’s an ideal prospect for savvy collectors.

While the 2022 MLB Draft class features many future stars still coming into their own, Panini Prizm Draft Picks provides a snapshot of these young prospects at a pivotal moment. For discerning collectors, the standout rookies profiled here represent the true crown jewels – potential franchise cornerstones immortalized in prizm in either base, parallel, or serial numbered forms. With so much talent and intrigue still ahead, cards from this set are sure to gain prestige as scouting reports come to fruition. Savvy collectors would be wise to invest in the best of the best while they can still be acquired.

2014 PANINI GOLDEN AGE BASEBALL CARDS

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The 2014 Panini Golden Age Baseball trading card set was a throwback release celebrating the early years of professional baseball from the late 1800s through the 1950s. With cards depicting iconic players, teams, and memorabilia from baseball’s early era, the set had strong nostalgic appeal for collectors interested in history of America’s pastime.

Panini’s 2014 Golden Age release included 300 total trading cards packaged in series one and two wax packs. The cards covered eight decades ranging from the 1880s through the 1950s. Some of the biggest stars depicted included Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, and Jackie Robinson. In addition to player cards, the set also featured cards spotlighting historic teams, ballparks, and even turn-of-the-century tobacco advertisements that served as early baseball card promotions.

What made the 2014 Golden Age set unique was its attention to historical detail and visual presentation that perfectly captured the era depicted on each card. Panini used high quality scanned reproductions of actual era-appropriate baseball photographs on the fronts of each card. This gave the release an authentic antique feel completely different than Panini or Topps’ modern baseball cards of the day. Even the card stock and coloring was designed to resemble yellowed newspaper print from decades past.

The card backs also took collectors on an engaging visual journey through time. In addition to basic player stats and career highlights, each back told the story of that specific season depicted on the front through historical facts, photographs and illustrations. This ranged from describing turn-of-the-century players hustling on dirt fields in front of small wooden grandstands to iconic shots from baseball’s Golden Age such as players in flat-brimmed caps sliding into bases or posing with championship trophies.

Captions on the card backs transported readers directly back to that moment in history. Descriptions brought to life details like “the Deadball Era” when pitching dominated over hitting or noted Babe Ruth’s record-setting 60 home runs in 1920 that changed the way the game was played. Backs also provided interesting nuggets such expanded baseball cards handed out in candy in the early 1900s through the first modern style cardboard issues produced by companies in the 1920s.

Through its authentic presentation and carefully researched historical storytelling, the 2014 Golden Age set offered far more than just a collection of baseball players. It became a portable trip through some of America’s most iconic eras captured in baseball cards. Not only did the release celebrate singular superstars, but also commemorated the social impact and evolving nature of America’s pastime over decades through intriguing factoids and visuals spanning from the late 1800s Industrial Age through post-WWII resurgence.

While historic players and moments served as the main attraction, collectors also enjoyed pursuing subsets within the larger set. This included focusing on specificplayer positions like catchers, memorable World Series teams, bygone ballparks, retired numbers icons and more. Some popular chase cards included legendary figures unavailable in any other modern sets like Cap Anson, Pop Lloyd and Smokey Joe Wood.

Overall in terms of production quality and historical accuracy, the 2014 Panini Golden Age Baseball set received widespread praise from collectors. The authentic scanned photographs and period details on both the fronts and backs made each card a true work of art. While not graded or rookies of modern stars, the release offered a one-of-a-kind collecting experience for those wanting to relive baseball’s rich history first-hand through memories captured in cards from over a century ago. Whether pursued individually or as a complete master set, the 2014 Golden Age release succeeds both as collectible artifacts commemorating America’s national pastime and portal back to some if its most memorable players and eras.

2021 PANINI PRIZM DRAFT PICKS BASEBALL TOP CARDS

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The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set was highly anticipated by collectors due to the talent and star power of the 2021 MLB Draft class. While Wander Franco and other top prospects were not included since they were not draft-eligible, there were still several can’t-miss prospects taken in the first round that made their Prizm rookie cards very desirable. Below we will take an in-depth look at some of the most coveted rookie cards from the 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball set.

Perhaps the most sought-after card from the entire release is the green laser prizm rookie auto of Jordan Lawlar. Lawlar, a shortstop from Jesuit Prep in Texas, was drafted #1 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He is considered a true five-tool player with elite potential both at the plate and in the field. His prizm laser auto, limited to only 10 copies, instantly became the crown jewel of the set. Competing for Lawlar’s signature out of the pack would easily cost collectors thousands of dollars due to his status as the top pick and the extreme scarcity of the parallel.

Another highly valuable card is the purple /49 prizm rookie auto of Jack Leiter. Leiter, the son of former big leaguer Al Leiter, fell to the Texas Rangers at #2 overall but many had him ranked as the top pitching prospect in the draft. He dominated at Vanderbilt with a blazing fastball and plus slider combo. The Leiter prizm auto is one of the most popular rookie cards in the entire release, and the limited purple parallel makes it extremely rare. Graded gem mint 10 examples have sold for well over $1000.

The prizm rookie auto of Henry Davis is also a highly sought-after card. As the #1 overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Davis was the first catcher taken number one overall since Joe Mauer in 2001. He is an advanced hitter with good power potential and solid defensive skills behind the plate. While his base prizm auto is plentiful compared to the above two prospects, graded versions still command big money due to his status as the top selection. The lower numbered parallels like purple and orange can also fetch big sums.

Another top prospect and highly valuable card is the prizm rookie auto of Jack Cushing from the Boston Red Sox. Cushing, a third baseman out of Boston College, has an advanced all-around game and was taken #4 overall. He has a smooth left-handed swing and solid power potential. While not quite as scarce as the Lawlar or Leiter cards, Cushing’s prizm auto is still one of the most popular Red Sox cards in the set. The lower parallel versions can sell for well over $500 in top grades.

The prizm rookie autos of Marcelo Mayer and Kumar Rocker also hold significant value. Mayer, a shortstop taken #4 overall by the Boston Red Sox, has five-tool potential and was considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the draft. Rocker, the Vanderbilt flamethrower taken #10 by the New York Mets, was a top three talent who fell due to signability concerns. Both players have a chance to become future stars and their prizm rookie cards, especially low numbered parallels, demand big money from collectors.

In addition to the above prospects, cards of other first round talents like Sal Frelick (Brewers), Brady House (Rangers), and Drew Gilbert (Twins) are highly sought after. While not quite as scarce or expensive as the top few picks, these players were all drafted in the top 15 and have the skills to become impact big leaguers. Their prizm rookie autos, especially serial numbered parallels, hold significant collector value.

The 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks baseball release was one of the most popular and valuable draft sets in recent memory. Headlined by the elite talents taken at the top of the draft like Lawlar, Leiter, Davis, and Mayer, the premier rookie cards from this year’s class are highly coveted by collectors. While the sheer scarcity and status of the #1 picks like Lawlar will likely always make their cards the most valuable, there is star potential up and down the first round checklist which continues to drive collector demand. For those able to pull or acquire the top rookies, especially in rare parallels, this set offers a great chance to invest in the future of baseball.

2021 PANINI BASEBALL CARDS WORTH MONEY

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The 2021 Panini MLB baseball card set saw many new rookie stars enter the league as well as redemptions of popular veteran players. While it’s still early, certain cards from this release are showing promise and could become valuable investments long term. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top 2021 Panini rookies and parallels that may end up being worth significant money down the road.

One of the most hyped rookies of 2021 was Wander Franco of the Tampa Bay Rays. Franco had a phenomenal debut season that saw him named AL Rookie of the Year. His base Prizm and Optic rookies can currently be found for $50-100 raw butgraded gems in PSA 10 could appreciate significantly given his superstar potential. Look for his rare color parallels and autographed cards to eventually be worth thousands as his career progresses.

Another big name rookie was Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert. As the #9 overall pick in 2018, Gilbert got his first extended MLB opportunity in 2021 and impressed with a solid rookie season. His Prizm and Optic rookies are currently around $20-30 but a PSA 10 could be $100+ in a few years. Keep an eye out for rare inserts and parallels that may provide even better long term returns.

Rookie shortstop Bobby Witt Jr was one of the most anticipated prospects heading into 2021 after being the #2 pick in the 2019 draft. While he struggled some in his MLB debut, his uncommon combination of power and speed has many convinced he will develop into a top player. His base Prizm and Optic rookies trade for $30-50 currently but blue and red pans/parallels are rarer and could be worth 5x as much down the road once he pans out.

Gold prizms and 1/1s tend to appreciate significantly more than base cards due to their extreme scarcity. Some 2021 gold prizms that may be worth big money someday include Wander Franco, Jarred Kelenic, Riley Greene, and Jack Leiter. Even #’d parallels like /25 could net thousands graded gem mint in the future for star players. Redemption cards also carry risk but have massive upside—just look at Luis Robert’s 2019 playoff parallel redemptions now hovering around $10,000 raw.

In addition to top rookies, certain veteran star refractors and parallels hold great long term potential. A Christian Yelich gold parallel auto redemption could be a $5K card someday. Fernando Tatis Jr red and blue refractors in PSA 10 from 2021 Update may appreciate to four figures given his superstar performance and fan favorite status. Bo Bichette and Juan Soto have proven themselves as young core players – look for their rarer 2021 refractor/parallels to multiply in value 5-10x over the next decade as they continue producing at an elite level.

Panini also tends to include special inserts focused on milestone achievements. Cards recognizing milestones like 3,000 hits (Adrian Beltre), 300 wins (Justin Verlander), or 500 home runs (Miguel Cabrera, Albert Pujols) hold obvious appeal and appeal to both PC collectors and investors. These one-off parallels can garner huge sums years later when players retire, especially in top grades.

While the results are not guaranteed, certain 2021 Panini rookie cards, stars, inserts, and rare refractors/parallels profiled above have the potential to become quite valuable as time progresses and those players cement their careers. For the serious long term baseball card investor, selectively acquiring desirable rated rookies and parallels from this recent release in gem mint condition could provide strong returns matching or exceeding other investments if those players live up to expectations. Of course, there is inherent risk that injuries or performance declines could diminish returns—but for those willing to hold for 5-10+ years, the 2021 Panini baseball offerings profile here present compelling prospects.

PANINI MOSAIC BASEBALL CARDS

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Panini America launched their new Mosaic trading cards in 2019 as part of their “Mosaic” line of sports cards. Mosaic promised collectors something new and different from traditional trading cards by incorporating unique visual styles and novel insert cards into packs. The baseball edition of Panini Mosaic released in Fall 2019 and received both praise and criticism from the collecting community for its innovative take on baseball cards.

Panini Mosaic baseball cards stood out from other brands with their “mosaic” design. Instead of traditional rectangular cards, Mosaic cards featured puzzle-piece shaped borders that gave the appearance of a mosaic when cards were arranged together. Themed “colorburst” borders highlighted key team colors and made for eye-catching aesthetics. But some collectors complained the unusual shapes made cards harder to protect or display compared to square cards. Organizing rainbow sets and binders also posed challenges compared to typical card dimensions.

Inside the mosaic shapes, photo selection received mixed reviews. Fan favorites like Mike Trout received crisp action shots as the centerpiece photographs. But less prominent players sometimes got stuck with awkward posed studio portraits. And photo quality varied noticeably from card to card within sets due to the mix of action shots, portraits, and publicity photos used. On the positive side, the uneven photo styles kept collectors on their toes when opening packs not knowing what to expect next.

Where Mosaic truly innovated was novel insert cards mixed into packs. “Diamond” parallels featured animated gemstone effects overlaid on photographs. Rarer ” nebula” cards incorporated special neon space backgrounds behind players. And exceptionally rare 1-of-1 “auras” replaced images entirely with painterly digital art renderings. These inserts took parallels and hit cards to a new level of visual excitement versus typical parallel numbering or autograph/memorabilia cards found in other brands.

On the downside, the sharp increase in parallel and insert varieties proved controversial. With nearly 30 parallels announced for some star rookies like Pete Alonso, the hobby feared valuable cards would lose scarcity and speculator demand fell. Even common cards came stamped with multiple parallels like “Galaxy”, “Nebula”, etc. That waters down excitement of chasing numbered versions. Meanwhile, pack odds didn’t improve to match all the extra inserts crammed in.

Overall quality control faced complaints as well. With so many varied photo and parallel styles punched and cut, edges came irregular and corners dinged at much higher rates than typical mass-produced cards. Centering problems especially plagued super-short-printed parallels, undermining their rarity. And quality varied between case breaks, indicating inconsistent printing between product runs.

Nevertheless, Mosaic got plenty right with collectors by breaking the mold. Alternative sports approaches beyond the bland status quo appealed to some fans. Spectacular 1-of-1 “auras” generated excitement like never before. And as a Panini product, Mosaic carried the cachet as the sole baseball trading card license competing with monopoly brand Topps. Despite issues, Panini Mosaic established itself as the new innovative force in baseball cards challenging traditions but drawing both fans and critics in the process. The brand seems here to stay, and Panini will surely continue refining Mosaic to improve quality, enhance the collecting experience, and better balance exclusive parallels and inserts versus common cards in future years.

In summary, Panini disrupted the baseball card market by launching the unique Mosaic set in 2019. Novel mosaic designs, animated inserts, and unprecedented parallel variations generated buzz unlike past offerings. Inconsistency, diminished scarcity concerns, and quality control drew criticism too in this debut year. With first-year kinks to work out but strong innovations as well, Panini Mosaic positioned itself as a formidable challenger in baseball cards going forward as they continue to refine the Formula. Collectors can expect this innovative brand to only get better with time.

MOST VALUABLE PANINI BASEBALL CARDS 2022

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The sports card hobby saw immense growth over the past couple years, with the rise of modern products like Panini competing against traditional giants like Topps. As interest in collecting surged, so too did card values – making 2022 an expensive year in the hobby. Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive and coveted Panini baseball cards to hit the market over the last 12 months.

Perhaps the most eye-popping baseball card sale of the entire year came courtesy of a Panini card. In June 2022, a 2013 Panini National Treasures Mike Trout autographed rookie patch card swapped hands privately for a staggering $3.9 million. The card features a beautifully intricate patch from Trout’s inaugural season with the Los Angeles Angels alongside his signature. Numbered to just 5 copies in existence, Trout rookies from National Treasures are the holy grail for collectors – and this example reinforced Trout’s status as the most valuable modern player in the sport.

While no other Panini card cracked the million dollar barrier in 2022, several came alarmingly close. Topping recent auction sales was a 2020 Panini Chronicles Black Gold Juan Soto dual auto patch card that realized $630,000 back in August. The card combined two of the industry’s hottest commodities – a dual auto of uber-prospect Soto alongside stunning black Gold parallel paper. With just 10 copies made, this proved Soto mania is in full force among today’s collector base.

Staying in the realm of uber-prospects, Bowman Chrome rookies also commanded top dollar on the Panini market. In June, a 2009 Mike Trout autographed rookie patch from Bowman Chrome fetched an even $500,000 through Goldin Auctions. Much like the monster National Treasures sale, this proved Trout’s first pro card remains untouchable a decade into his career. Similarly, a 2018 Bowman Chrome Luis Robert rookie autoPatch pulled $480,000 this summer, underscoring Robert’s star potential.

For football card parallel collectors, Panini’s 2020 Impeccable set offered some dazzling diamond-encrusted hits. In July, a 1/1 “Diamond” parallel patch auto of quarterback Joe Burrow crossed the block at Heritage for a stunning $315,000. Numbered uniquely to just one example in the world, it proved the Super Bowl-winning signal caller is a surefire asset in today’s memorabilia economy. Along those lines, a “Diamond” parallel dual patch auto of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes also topped six figures at $177,500 this fall.

Vintage collectors took notice of key early-career star rookies from Panini as well. A pristine 2009 Bowman Draft Picks & Prospects Mike Trout BGS Gem Mint 10 auto fetched an even $200,000 back in April. Similarly, a 2003 Bowman Chrome Rafael Palmeiro auto in BGS 9.5 condition pulled $107,500 this summer – strong results for a player whose allegations of PED use tainted his career. On the pitching side, a 1998 Bowman’s Best Pedro Martinez refractory auto in PSA 9 condition hammered for $122,000 in August sales.

Perhaps surprisingly for a modern product, 2021 Donruss Elite Patrick Mahomes autographed patch cards also held tremendous value all year. Multiple BGS/PSA 10 GEM examples changed hands privately in the $40,000-$60,000 range in 2022 sales. Such results reinforced just how coveted top QBs and star NFL assets are, even in relatively newer sets from just a season ago. Similarly, 2021 Donruss Elite Tom Brady patches topped $30,000 consistently this year – underscoring the legend’s enduring appeal regardless of uniform or product year.

While Topps baseball cards may never be unseated as the most iconic and collectible in the world of sports cards, Panini has made great strides to compete in the modern memorabilia market. Million-dollar hobby headlines, enormous six and seven-figure auction results, and the insane strength of new-age stars like Mike Trout, Juan Soto and Patrick Mahomes show Panini can hang with the big dogs. As more collectors diversify beyond Topps and seek alternative investments, look for Panini cards, patches and autographs to remain coveted – and continue appreciating exponentially in the year ahead.