The 2021 season was an exciting one for baseball that saw the return of fans to ballparks and several breakout star performances. This led to many valuable baseball cards being produced that year. While prices fluctuate over time, here are some of the most desirable baseball cards from 2021 that saw high demand from collectors.
Shohei Ohtani, 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto Parallel (#’d /99)
Leading the list is Shohei Ohtani’s 2021 Topps Chrome Refractor Auto parallel that is serially numbered to just 99 copies. Ohtani had a historic 2021 season where he was the American League MVP by hitting 46 home runs and posting a .965 OPS as the Angels’ designated hitter, while also compiling a 9-2 record with a 3.18 ERA in 23 starts on the mound. His two-way ability was arguably the most exciting story in baseball that year. With his stardom rising rapidly, Ohtani’s rookie cards from his 2018 Topps series are already highly valued, making his Topps Chrome Refractor Auto from 2021 extremely sought after. The card sold for upwards of $2,000 in PSA Gem Mint 10 grade shortly after release and the price has only gone up since as Ohtani continues to be a phenom on both sides of the ball. This hard signed refractor parallel captures the superstar in his prime and will remain one of the premier Ohtani rookie cards in the long run given his likely Hall of Fame career trajectory.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 2021 Topps Finest Auto Patch (#’d /99)
Following Ohtani is Vladimir Guerrero Jr’s 2021 Topps Finest Auto Patch parallel that is limited to just 99 copies like the aforementioned Ohtani card. After struggling in his first two MLB seasons, Vlad Jr. broke out in a huge way in 2021 by leading the American League with 48 home runs. He also posted a .311 batting average with 111 RBI to finish third in AL MVP voting behind Ohtani. With his father Vladimir Sr. being a Baseball Hall of Famer already, there is strong belief Vlad Jr. will have a similar Cooperstown worthy career. His 2018 Topps rookie cards reflect that high expectation and demand. This 2021 Topps Finest Auto Patch captures Vlad Jr. at the peak of his breakout season while adding the prestige of on-card autographed relic. As a numbered parallel of a star young player, it sold for $1,500-$2,000 upon release in top grades and remains a cornerstone for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. collectors.
Jacob deGrom, 2021 Topps Update Printing Plate 1/1
While position players receive the most attention, elite starting pitchers can also have highly valuable modern baseball cards. Leading National League Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom’s 2021 Topps Update Printing Plate 1/1 takes the number three spot. DeGrom was dominant once again, going 7-2 with a 1.08 ERA over 15 starts despite battling injuries. He seemingly raises his already high standards with each passing season. The Printing Plate parallel from Topps Update captures deGrom’s continued excellence on the ultimate short print parallel of just 1 copy. Printing Plates command top dollar as the most exclusive parallel available, depicting the image used to print the base set. Graded mint by PSA, this coveted deGrom Printing Plate 1/1 sold for over $6,000, reflecting his status as the game’s most feared starting pitcher when healthy.
Fernando Tatis Jr., 2021 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil (/66)
An electric young superstar, Fernando Tatis Jr continues to have some of the most sought after modern baseball cards. From his early Topps Chrome rookie cards to more recent inserts, Tatis’ on-card autographed cards especially maintain high values. The 2021 Topps Series 1 Rainbow Foil parallel recognizes Tatis’ continued dominance as a budding face of the MLB. Numbered to just 66 copies, this short print parallel features Tatis’ photo in iridescent foil. While injuries cut his 2021 season short, Tatis remains one of the most entertaining players in baseball with incredible power and speed. His rising star power is reflected in premium card parallels like this Rainbow Foil that sold in the $1,500 range fresh off release in top condition. As Tatis continues to build his career accomplishments, cards like this from his heyday with the Padres will remain a core piece for any serious collector of the budding superstar.
Tyler Gilbert, 2021 Topps Opening Day Auto 1/1 RC
In what was one of the most improbable debuts in MLB history, Diamondbacks pitcher Tyler Gilbert made his first career start on August 14th, 2021 against the Padres – and threw a no-hitter. His out-of-nowhere no-hitter made Gilbert an overnight story and highlighted feel good underdog tale. Naturally, his rookie cards skyrocketed in demand, led by the prized short print parallels. At the pinnacle is his 2021 Topps Opening Day 1/1 on-card autograph, marking the sole existence of Gilbert’s Topps debut auto in the set’s highly anticipated base parallel. While Gilbert has not achieved consistent MLB success since, collectors recognize the uniqueness and lore of this 1/1 rookie card chronicling one of baseball’s unlikeliest and most unrepeatable debuts. Graded gem mint, it brought around $5,000 at release as the sole example of Gilbert’s top rookie card.
Ronald Acuña Jr., 2021 Topps Holiday Ornaments Auto (/10)
Prior to suffering a season-ending injury in mid-2021, Ronald Acuña Jr. was well on his way to another All-Star campaign for the Atlanta Braves. Highly collectible since debuting as a touted prospect, Acuña’s on-card autographs remain in high demand. The 2021 Topps Holiday Ornaments parallel pays tribute to Acuña at the peak of his abilities before injury. Limited to a tiny run of just 10 hand-signed copies, each depicts Acuña’s image within an ornate holiday tree border. Despite suffering the knee injury, Acuña’s 5-tool talents and proven track record make him one of baseball’s most exciting young stars. As a true short print parallel with an on-card auto, graded mint copies of this Acuña 2021 ornament card brought around $2,000 upon release as a true Acuña collection anchor card capturing a challenging season.
Bobby Witt Jr., 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto Refractor RC (Green)
While position prospects receive top billing in most visible prospect rankings, Bobby Witt Jr’s elite skills and bloodlines as the son of former MLB star Bobby Witt meant his arrival in the Royals system was highly anticipated. Witt lived up to hype in 2021 by winning AFL Player of Year honors before making his MLB debut. As the #2 overall pick in 2019, his prized rookie cards from that Draft year already brought big dollars. The premier parallel remains his 2021 Bowman Draft Chrome Auto Refractor parallel in the scarce Green refractor coating. Limited production and on-card auto of the star prospect made this the must own Bobby Witt Jr. card upon release at a $1,000+ price point for mint 10 quality. It proved an essential addition for any serious prospect collection as Witt looks poised for superstardom.
Spencer Torkelson, 2021 Topps Finest Chrome Sapphire Auto (/99)
The top overall selection in 2020 MLB Draft, Detroit Tigers slugging first baseman Spencer Torkelson arrived with immense hype as one of the finest college bats of recent memory from Arizona State. After quick promotions through the minors, Torkelson made his MLB debut in 2021 to much fanfare. His prized rookie cards include the prestigious 2021 Topps Finest Chrome Sapphire Auto parallel numbered to just 99 copies. Finest is long revered for its photo quality and premier parallels. As arguably the cream of Torkelson’s rookie crop with its brilliant refractor coating and on-card signature, this short print challenged carried an over $1,000 early ask price in top grades. While struggling initially his MLB stint, Torkelson has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star. This premier parallel captures the start of what collectors hope will be a storied big league career for the future Tigers slugger.
These comprise many of the most exciting and valuable baseball cards produced in 2021 that continue to hold strong collector demand. Between breakout stars, elite veterans, prized prospects, and unprecedented debuts; the 2021 season offered a plethora of outstanding on-card autographed and short print parallels from the top names in the game. As the careers and accomplishments of these players progress further, many of these premier 2021 cards will maintain significance as true flagship pieces in collections for decades to come.
