The 2021 baseball season was one of breakouts and unexpected rookies making a huge impact in their debut seasons. While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the start of the season and impacted rosters, it opened the door for several rookie players to get their shot in the big leagues earlier than expected. These newcomers seized the opportunity and quickly established themselves as future stars, making their rookie cards some of the most sought after collectibles on the market for the 2021 season and beyond. Let’s take a look at some of the top rookie cards from 2021 that MLB collectors need to keep an eye on.

Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays: Arguably the biggest rookie sensation of 2021 was Rays’ shortstop Wander Franco. Expected to be a future cornerstone, Franco got called up in June and immediately started raking. He batted .288 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI in just 70 games, showcasing elite bat-to-ball skills and plate discipline well beyond his 20 years. Franco’s prized rookie cards include his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest RC, Bowman Chrome RC, and Topps Chrome Update RC. With his five-tool talent and rumored 12-year, $185 million extension in the works, Franco’s rookie cards are projected to steadily gain value as he asserts himself as a true superstar.

Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers: As the number one overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, all eyes were on Torkelson from the start in Detroit. While he struggled at the plate in his 2021 debut, batting just .197 in 53 games, his immense raw power was on full display with 5 homers. As the expected future middle-of-the-order thump for the Tigers rebuild, Torkelson’s prized rookie cards like his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome Draft RC remain strong long-term investments. With Torkelson’s pedigree and work ethic, his production is expected to catch up to his tools in no time.

Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers: Across town from Torkelson, fellow Tigers top prospect Riley Greene made his big league debut in June and showed why he’s such an electrifying talent. In just 47 games, Greene hit .250 with 3 home runs while flashing plus speed and defense in center field. High-end variations of Greene’s rookie cards like his Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome prospects card are some of the hottest MLB rookie cardboard on the market right now. Like Torkelson, Greene could be a cornerstone for the Motor City kitties rebuild for years to come.

Tyler Stephenson, Cincinnati Reds: While not a true rookie after debuting in 2020, Stephenson became the Reds’ starting catcher in 2021 and immediately made a positive impact with his defense, game-calling, and developing bat. In 127 games, Stephenson hit .285 with 11 home runs and 45 RBI, establishing himself as one of the best young catchers in baseball. As a result, his 2021Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome Draft RC have all seen their values surge. Stephenson looks like a mainstay as the Cincinnati backstop for the long haul.

Jared Walsh, Los Angeles Angels: If not for an eight-game stint in 2020, Walsh would have been a true rookie sensation in 2021 after taking the league by storm with his 29 home runs and 88 RBI in just 139 games. While not considered a blue-chip prospect, Walsh has proven to be an excellent find by the Angels, stepping up as their first baseman of the present and future. His 2021 Topps Chrome Sapphire Refractor RC, Topps Finest Chrome RC, and Bowman Chrome Draft Parallel RC remain affordable gems for savvy collectors given his lofty production this past season and left-handed power bat profile.

While veterans like Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. rightfully stole the AL MVP headlines in 2021, these top rookies established themselves as future cornerstones for their respective franchises with their impressive debut campaigns. With Franco, Torkelson, Greene, Stephenson, and Walsh already displaying impact talent so early in their careers, their 2021 rookie cards are sure to retain and grow in value as they assert themselves among the game’s next generation of superstars. For MLB card collectors, these represent some of the smartest long-term investments that could yield huge returns down the road.

The 1998 baseball season was one of transition and tremendous rookie talent that has been immortalized on sports cards. This was the first season since the players strike shortened 1994 season that all teams played a full 162 game schedule. Roster slots opened up by the strike allowed many young players to get their first real shot in the big leagues in the mid-90s. By 1998, that new generation of stars was ready to take center stage.

Some of the biggest rookie stars of 1998 included Kerry Wood, Nomar Garciaparra, Andruw Jones, Todd Helton, and Mark Mulder. These players all had monster rookie seasons that have made their 1998 rookie cards highly valuable nearly 25 years later. Kerry Wood announced his presence with one of the most dominant pitching performances ever, striking out 20 Houston Astros on May 6th in just his 5th career start. His rookie card is one of the most iconic of the 1990s.

Nomar Garciaparra batted .306 with 30 doubles and 19 home runs for the Boston Red Sox and won the American League Rookie of the Year award. The talented young shortstop poised the Red Sox franchise for success for years to come. His cards were hot sellers in 1998 and remain popular today. Andruw Jones emerged as a defensive wizard and power threat for the Atlanta Braves, belting 36 home runs in his first full MLB season at just age 20. Jones is considered one of the best defensive center fielders of all-time.

Other notable rookies included outfielder Matt Lawton who batted .293 with 20 home runs for the Minnesota Twins, first baseman Todd Helton who hit .315 with 19 home runs and 95 RBIs for the Colorado Rockies in their inaugural season, and pitcher Mark Mulder who went 13-9 with a 4.43 ERA for the Oakland Athletics as a 22 year old. These players introduced themselves as future stars and their rookie cards captured tremendous attention from collectors at the time seeking to acquire the next big thing.

Upper Deck led the way as the premier baseball card manufacturer in 1998 and issued some of the most coveted rookie cards of the year. Their flagship Series 1 and Series 2 sets featured the likes of Wood, Garciaparra, Jones, Helton, Mulder and more. The metallic parallels and memorabilia cards from these sets hold significant collector value today. Topps also had Garciaparra, Jones, and Helton in their main 1998 sets along with Lawton and others. The Pristine rookie refractor parallels have grown in popularity from this brand.

Bowman’s was also a notable release in 1998 with Wood, Jones, Mulder, and Ray Durham among the top prospects covered. Bowman Chrome and Chrome Refractors took the hobby by storm that year. Various regional and minor league issue brands like Pacific, Pinnacle, and Stadium Club likewise featured many of these future stars in their early stages. Upper Deck also issued multi-player rookie packs and autographed memorabilia cards capitalizing on the excitement around the influx of new talent.

The stellar 1998 rookie class helped reinvigorate baseball card collecting coming out the strike. Their performances as rookies translated beautifully onto cardboard and provided a true snapshot in time of the next generation of MLB stars. Demand has remained high for the prized rookie cards of Wood, Garciaparra, Jones, Helton, and others from the beloved 1998 season which kicked off one of the most prosperous eras in baseball history. These vintage cards are prized by both casual fans and serious collectors alike for chronicling a truly special year for rookie baseball stars.

The 2023 baseball season is expected to feature another talented crop of rookie players making their MLB debuts. While it’s still early, here are some top rookie cards to keep an eye on in the upcoming year based on recent prospect rankings and players who have broken out in 2022 rookie campaigns.

Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor /150 – $400+): The consensus #1 overall prospect entering 2022, Rutschman lived up to the hype in his debut by hitting .254 with 5 home runs in 57 games. Scouts rave about his mature approach and receiving skills behind the plate. As the Orioles’ unquestioned franchise cornerstone, Rutschman’s cards hold tremendous long-term value. His autographs and rare parallels could appreciate significantly if he continues developing into a perennial all-star catcher.

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Kansas City Royals (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil /5 – $2000+): The #2 pick in 2019, Witt immediately made an impact by hitting .256 with 20 home runs and stealing 30 bases as a 21-year-old rookie. He displays five-tool talent and leadership abilities that could keep him in Kansas City for a long time. Witt’s rookies exploded in value after his call-up and have steadily risen further as he cements himself as a future superstar. His short print parallels are already commanding four-figure prices.

Spencer Strider, RHP, Atlanta Braves (Topps Chrome Black Refractor Auto /50 – $600+): A 6th round pick in 2020, Strider shocked the industry by breaking out as an electric late-inning reliever with an 11.5 K/9 across 95 innings in 2022. At only 23 years old, he has the stuff to develop into a frontline starter. As a unique power arm on a perennial contender, Strider is poised for stardom. His autos and parallels hold great long-term value potential if he remains dominant.

Jackson Jobe, RHP, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $1200+): The #3 overall pick in 2021, Jobe missed time in 2022 but displayed tantalizing raw stuff in A-ball with a mid-90s fastball and sharp slider. At only 20 years old and 6’3, he has the elite physical tools to develop into a true #1 or #2 starter for Detroit. Jobe’s cards skyrocketed after his selection and will continue increasing in demand if he stays healthy to begin realizing his limitless upside on the mound.

Jordan Walker, 3B, St Louis Cardinals (Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150 – $300+): Many scouts believe the 21-year-old Walker has the best pure power in the minor leagues, mashing 36 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2022. The Cardinals’ top prospect should debut by mid-2023 and has limitless potential at the hot corner with 60-grade raw power. With his massive breakthrough season, Walker instantly became one of the hottest prospects in baseball. His autos and parallels present an intriguing long-term investment opportunity.

Cade Cunningham, SS, Detroit Tigers (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $1200+): The #1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Cunningham blew away scouts by hitting .280 with 19 home runs at LSU as a true freshman. At 6’4 with plus power potential, many believe he will outperform the Tigers’ lofty expectations. His cards have already soared in value and will escalate rapidly if he makes a similarly explosive pro debut. Top prospect autos from the first overall pick rarely come available and could yield substantial returns.

Druw Jones, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $900+): The son of 5-time all-star Andruw Jones, Druw lived up to the hype as the #2 pick in 2022 by dominating the FSL as an 18-year-old. His rare 70-grade speed and defensive abilities in center field are matched by blossoming raw power. Jones instantly became the top prospect in the D-Backs system and one of the most highly anticipated debuts of 2023. His low-numbered parallels already sell for four figures and are positioned to explode further.

Termarr Johnson, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates (Bowman Chrome Blue Refractor Auto /150 – $250+): The Pirates nabbed the ultra-toolsy Johnson with the 4th pick in 2022 under the old CBA rules. Scouts compare his easy plus speed and electric athleticism to Michel Trout. After dominating the FCL in his pro debut, he should rise rapidly with a likely 2023 arrival in Pittsburgh. His hit tool and physical changes will determine his long-term value, but Termarr’s cards already stand out for major upside.

Jackson Holliday, SS, Baltimore Orioles (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $900+): The son of 7-time all-star Matt Holliday, Jackson lived up to billing as the #1 overall pick in 2022 by hitting .417 in his pro debut. With a plus hit tool and defensive polish, many foresee him emerging as a franchise cornerstone for the O’s. As the youngest player ever selected first overall, his rare low-numbered cards will skyrocket if he continues developing into the superstar that scouts forecast.

Brooks Lee, 3B, San Diego Padres (Topps Chrome Rainbow Foil Auto /5 – $600+): The #8 overall pick in 2022, Lee dazzled scouts with his lightning-quick left-handed swing and developing physicality at Cal Poly. Slotting in behind Tatis and Cronenworth long-term, he should be given the freedom to actualize his offensive potential in San Diego. His cards gained instant momentum in the draft and will maintain strong collector interest if he takes off as a top-of-the-order threat.

While this group of rookie players has yet to achieve MLB success, their elite upsides and placements with high-profile franchises position many for breakout stardom in 2023 and beyond. Rare parallel rookies and autographed cards of top prospects tend to appreciate exponentially more over time if those players live up to expectations. With such a wide array of tools and upside at a young age across these debuting rookies, their rookie cards could deliver multi-bagger returns for long-term card investors.

The 2020 rookie class in Major League Baseball featured many highly touted prospects making their debuts and beginning their careers. While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the baseball season and some rookies didn’t play as much as expected, several standouts emerged that captured the attention of both fans and collectors. Their rookie cards have taken off in the collecting hobby. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from the 2020 baseball season.

Wander Franco, SS, Tampa Bay Rays (#1 Prospect): Widely considered the number one prospect in all of baseball entering 2020, Franco only had an brief five-game cameo in the majors but still made a huge splash. The toolsy shortstop showed why he is such a special talent, hitting .571 with a 1.286 OPS in his small cup. Franco is still just 19 years old and likely to get regular playing time in 2021. His prizm and optic rookies have already eclipsed the $100 mark and have substantial upside as his career progresses. With his five-tool skillset and incredible patience and contact ability for his age, Franco is poised for superstardom and his cards could end up being the most valuable of this entire class.

Devin Williams, RP, Milwaukee Brewers: One of the biggest surprises of 2020 was Williams emerging as perhaps the single best reliever in baseball. In just 27 innings, he posted an absolutely filthy 0.33 ERA and 0.450 WHIP with 53 strikeouts. Williams possesses perhaps the nastiest changeup seen from a reliever in years, with batters hitting just .090 against it. His dominance has carried over to the card market, where Williams bowman chrome and topps chrome rookies routinely sell for $50-75. As a reliever with such an unusual and effective pitch, Williams has a good chance to maintain value for years even if his ERA regresses somewhat going forward.

Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox (#1 Prospect): After making his debut late in 2019, Robert had a full season to show off his five-tool abilities in 2020 for the White Sox. He didn’t quite live up to the astronomical hype with a .233 average and 432 OPS+, but Robert still flashed 20/20 potential with 11 homers and 12 steals in 56 games. Originally a highly sought after top prospect, Robert’s cards took a slight hit but are still solid holds. As a potential perennial all-star, his prizm, topps chrome, and bowman paper rookies should rise back over $50-75 range if Robert puts it all together in 2021.

James Karinchak, RP, Cleveland Indians: With 100 mph gas and a nasty curveball, Karinchak immediately made an impact in Cleveland’s bullpen in 2020 with a 2.67 ERA and 53 K’s in just 27 innings. His stuff is simply electric and batters hit just .156 against him. Karinchak emerged as a star in the hobby as well with his topps chrome rookie regularly fetching $75-100. As one of the elite flamethrowers in the game, Karinchak’s cards will hold value as long as he keeps missing bats in a late-inning relief role.

Sean Reid-Foley, SP/RP, Toronto Blue Jays: Despite posting middling stats, Reid-Foley’s rookie cards have surprised collectors. The flamethrowing righty showed swing-and-miss stuff in 21 innings with Toronto, and intriguingly, was still just 24 in his rookie season. Reid-Foley has a projectable 6’4 frame and with development could start in the future. His bowman paper rookies from 2015 have popped in price to $75-150 range recently, likely on speculation of a breakout in 2021. Reid-Foley is still largely an unknown quantity but with elite stuff and youth, he remains an interesting prospect play.

Andrew Vaughn, 1B, Chicago White Sox (#3 Prospect): After being drafted third overall in 2019, Vaughn mashed in the minors and earned a September callup. He hit .235 with 2 homers in 21 games but showed polished hitting skills and absurd college power. As a right-handed hitting first baseman, Vaughn faces an uphill battle to live up to lofty expectations at the MLB level. His topps chrome and bowman chrome rookies are solid holds around $25-50 if Vaughn can adapt to major league pitching. His cards still carry prospect sheen despite realistic concerns about his long-term profile.

Bo Bichette, SS, Toronto Blue Jays: Bichette technically had his rookie season in 2019 but still remained largely affordable with many upside in 2020. The slick-fielding shortstop had a breakout campaign, hitting .301 with 5 homers in 56 games. Bichette solidified himself as a core piece for the Jays going forward. His paper rookies rocketed up to $50-100 now as one of the most exciting young bats in baseball. Still just 23, Bichette looks primed for many all-star seasons ahead and his cards may have some room left to appreciate further.

Gavin Lux, 2B/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (#2 Prospect in 2018): Lux made his MLB debut in 2019 but 2020 was his first full season. While he hit just .175 in 56 games, Lux showed promise with 7 homers, 17 runs, and 4 steals. At just 23 in a loaded Dodgers lineup, Lux will get every chance to develop into a core player. His 2018 bowman paper rookies remain affordable around $20-30 and are a nice upside play given Lux’s pedigree and young age. With a breakout, Lux cards could easily 3-5x in value.

Garrett Crochet, SP/RP, Chicago White Sox (#11 Overall Pick in 2020): A hard-throwing lefty drafted out of Tennessee, Crochet immediately captivated with his stuff in the low minors before a callup. He showed nerves of steel against MLB hitters in 6 shutout innings. Crochet’s first bowman paper can be found for under $10 still and will be a popular hold long-term. At just 22 years old, he has frontline starter upside if he can harness his explosive 100 mph heater. Crochet could end up being a true steal for the White Sox.

While the COVID year made full evaluations difficult, this rookie class delivered several stars like Franco, Williams, Robert, and Karinchak. Many others like Bichette, Lux, Reid-Foley, and Crochet have established themselves as core prospects to follow. This class features a nice mix of impact 2020 performers and upside plays for the future. Savvy collectors would be wise to hold several of these rookie cards long-term as many have legitimate All-Star potential.

Rookie baseball cards from the 2021 season saw many highly touted prospects make their major league debuts. Between expanded rosters due to COVID-19 and several stars experiencing injuries, many teams opted to bring up their top prospects for playing time. This gave collectors the opportunity to obtain rookie cards for players who are expected to be franchise cornerstones.

Wander Franco headlines the class as one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory. The shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays dazzled in his brief debut late in the 2021 season, slashing .288/.347/.463 with 7 home runs in 70 games. Franco is considered a potential superstar and his rookie cards reflect that hype. The most common retail rookie cards can be found for around $30-50, with autographed and memorabilia cards selling for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. As Franco continues producing at an elite level in upcoming seasons, it’s likely his rookie cards will appreciate dramatically in value.

Another highly coveted rookie is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. The toolsy 21-year-old slashed .288/.394/.514 with 8 home runs in 53 games in his debut campaign. Considered a budding five-tool star, Rodriguez has limitless upside. Like Franco, common retail cards can be found for $30-50 but the highest valued parallels and autographed versions fetch big money already. His duel rookie card with fellow phenom Jarred Kelenic from Topps Chrome is one of the most sought after from 2021.

Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman is generating considerable hype as well. As the number one pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman is seen as the future anchor of the Orioles franchise. He made his debut in May 2022 after shining in the minors. While he only played 35 games in 2022 and struggled at the plate initially, collectors are banking on his all-around talents to flourish in future seasons. His Bowman Chrome rookie cards trade for $20-40 currently but could gain value quickly as he establishes himself.

The 2021 class saw other notable rookies include Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah, Detroit Tigers slugger Spencer Torkelson, Texas Rangers pitcher Jack Leiter, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ryan Pepiot, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene and Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert. All delivered in their debuts to varying extents and their rookie cards occupy a wide price range from $5-100 depending on parallels, autographs and production levels.

Some less heralded rookies also found cards that gained value from surprising debuts. Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz posted a 2.89 ERA in 32 innings prior to Tommy John surgery. His cards have climbed to $20-50 range. Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Nate Pearson showed promise before injury problems, with common rookie cards around $10-20. Cleveland Guardians slugger Steven Kwan was a revelation while winning ROY consideration. His cards have followed suit to the $15-30 range.

When looking at the rookie cards from 2021, it’s important to examine production in extensive samples before speculating on long term value. Franco, Rodriguez and Rutschman all have early track records of excellence in the minors prior to debuts and project to be stars. Witt Jr., Leiter, Manoah and Torkelson also showed five-tool potential or frontline abilties despite smaller 2022 samples. Those players’ cards profile as the safest long term investments, though upside remains for breakouts like Kwan, Baz and Pearson if health permits. The 2021 rookie class infused many new candidates at thethreshold of superstardom to make for an exciting vintage to collect.

The 2021 MLB rookie class showcased a bounty of blue chip prospects who are poised to be franchise cornerstones for years to come. Wander Franco, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman highlight a crop of talents who look primed for stardom. While players like Shane Baz and Steven Kwan came from lesser known origins, strong debuts have brought increased attention. For collectors, 2021 rookies present opportunities to acquire cards from what could develop into one of the great classes in baseball history at affordable prices before they potentially skyrocket in value with future accomplishments.