The 2021 MLB season saw another excellent crop of talented rookies make their debuts and establish themselves as future stars. While it’s still early, some have already shown superstar potential. Their rookie cards have captured the attention of collectors and offer exciting long term investment opportunities. Here are some of the top rookie cards from 2021 to watch in the coming years.
Randy Arozarena Tampa Bay Rays – Arozarena exploded onto the scene in 2020 during the Rays’ World Series run and carried that momentum into 2021. He hit .274 with 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in his sophomore campaign, establishing himself as a dynamic offensive threat. His flagship 2021 Topps Chroma rookie card remains one of the hottest on the market, already valued over $100 just one year after release. As a core member of the small market Rays, Arozarena’s cards hold steady appeal.
Wander Franco Tampa Bay Rays – Widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball, Franco did not disappoint after receiving his first MLB promotion in June. He slashed .288/.347/.463 with 7 home runs in 70 games at age 20 and showed glimpses of the offensive skills that could make him a true five-tool superstar. Franco’s ultra-short printed 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire rookie card is the undisputed jewel of modern baseball card investing, currently valued at over $1,000 despite the limited sales data. As he continues developing, it will likely appreciate significantly and become a true Holy Grail item for collectors.
Trevor Rogers Miami Marlins – The 2020 NL Rookie of the Year favorite established himself as Miami’s ace in just his first full season. Rogers went 7-8 but had an excellent 2.64 ERA and 155 strikeouts in 133 innings pitched. He profiles as an anchor for the Marlins’ young rotation. His flagship 2021 Topps Chrome rookie parallel to /299 has already doubled in price since release due to high demand. As an affordable ace with upside, Rogers’ cards represent a worthwhile long term investment.
Juan Soto Washington Nationals – While not technically a rookie since debuting in 2018, Soto continues reaching new heights with each passing year. In 2021, he slashed .313/.425/.534 with 29 home runs and 95 RBI’s at just 22 years old, finishing third in NL MVP voting and establishing himself as a true five-tool superstar. His impossibly rare 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto Patch rookie card is his holy grail, valued well into the six figures. Even Soto’s affordable 2021 Topps base cards hold steady value given his star power. As he enters his prime, Soto’s entire collection should appreciate nicely.
Bobby Witt Jr. Kansas City Royals – Considered by many to be the top college bat in the 2021 draft, Witt wasted little time proving himself in pro ball after signing. He hit .290 with 33 home runs and 29 stolen bases between AA and AAA, forcing a promotion to Kansas City in May 2022 at just age 22. Witt represents hope for the long-suffering Royals franchise and has five-tool superstar upside. His flagship 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire autograph rookie is a true blue chip, already valued over $500 and poised to climb long-term.
Jonathan India Cincinnati Reds – The 2020 first rounder had himself quite a debut season, winning NL Rookie of the Year hitting .269 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI. India brought an exciting intensity to Cincinnati and looks to be a core piece of their future. Despite lower overall prospect hype than others, India established himself as a true MLB star in year one. His 2021 Topps Chrome rookie already doubled in value and projects steady appreciation as he continues contributing at a high level.
Luis Garcia Houston Astros – Although he spent the 2021 season primarily in Houston’s rotation, Garcia really announced himself on the big stage during the Astros’ 2021 World Series run. He went 5-1 with a 3.48 ERA in the playoffs, showcasing his ability to thrive on the biggest stage at just age 23. Garcia’s blend of youth, playoff success, and future ace upside make him a worthwhile long term investment, starting with his affordable 2021 Topps Chrome rookie card.
Adley Rutschman Baltimore Orioles – As the top overall pick in the 2019 draft, Rutschman rocketed up prospect lists with his advanced all-around skillset and leadership at catcher. He made his long-awaited MLB debut in 2022 at just age 25, slashing .222/.338/.356 with 5 home runs in 129 at-bats. While not head turning stats, Rutschman’s defensive excellence and contact ability show his future star potential behind the plate. With Baltimore’s rebuilding timeline, his entire collection including flagship 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome autograph rookie should steadily appreciate.
Ryan Mountcastle Baltimore Orioles – Mountcastle established himself as Baltimore’s first baseman of the future in 2021 in just his second MLB season at age 25. He nearly hit 30 home runs, driving in 85 RBI while hitting .255. Mountcastle’s consistency and affordability make him an intriguing long-term pick, especially relative to prospects of similar profile. His flagship 2021 Topps Chrome rookie has remained affordable at under $20 but should slowly increase over the next few years.
Ke’Bryan Hayes Pittsburgh Pirates – Hayes stayed relatively healthy in 2021 to build on his 2020 ROY hype, hitting .287 with 8 home runs in 90 games at age 24. His advanced pure hitting skills, defense, and Pirates’ long term plans have collectors excited about his potential. Despite overshadowing in Pittsburgh’s poor season, Hayes’ 2021 Topps Chrome rookie card remains undervalued under $20 and looks poised to appreciate steadily as he continues producing at the MLB level.
In summary, 2021 featured several rookies who made strong cases to be future stars. Their rookie cards offer affordable speculative investments in athletic talent, youth, and intriguing long term roles. While results are unpredictable, cards from this class hold exciting potential appreciation trajectories as careers continue unfolding. The ability to identify emerging stars early often leads to substantial long-term rewards for savvy collectors.
