The 2021 Major League Baseball season gave rise to several star rookies who are poised to have fantastic careers. Many collectors were eager to get their hands on rookie cards featuring these new talented players as they began to make a name for themselves in the big leagues. While it’s still early and careers can evolve in unexpected ways, here are some of the top MLB rookie cards from 2021 that seemed like wise investments based on early player performance and hype.
Rookie of the Year Shane Bieber threw for a 3.24 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 90.2 innings in his first full MLB season with the Cleveland Guardians in 2021. As the AL Cy Young winner in 2020, big things were expected of Bieber and he largely delivered. His 2021 Topps Chromachrome rookie card quickly became a hot commodity, with PSA 10 gem mint copies selling for over $300. While prices have come down some from the initial hype, it remains one of the most coveted rookie cards from last year. Collectors are betting Bieber will continue developing into an elite starter for years to come.
Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco only played in 70 games in 2021 but set the rookie record with a 43-game on-base streak and finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. The hype around the 20-year-old was already immense given his status as the number one international prospect ever when signed by the Rays. Franco’s 2021 Topps Chrome Superfractor rookie 1/1 is the crown jewel among his rookie cards, with PSA 10 editions selling for upwards of $20,000. Even base Topps Chrome rookie cards in mint condition have sold for over $1000 based on Franco’s incredible franchise player potential.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez was arguably the breakout star of the 2021 rookie class. Although he only played in 89 games, Rodriguez slashed .284/.351/.480 with 14 home runs and 25 stolen bases in his age-21 season. Showcasing five-tool star upside already, Rodriguez’ cards saw explosive price growth throughout the year. His Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10 sells in the $2000 range now after initially being around $100-200 upon release. Even base Topps Chrome rookie cards Grade PSA 10 command well over $500 with Rodriguez looking like a true centerpiece for the up-and-coming Mariners.
Houston Astros pitcher Luis Garcia was solid as the team’s number two starter in 2021, going 11-8 with a 3.30 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 155.1 innings at age 23. Garcia’s success has made his rookie cards steadily increase in value throughout his first full season. Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10s now sell for around $600-800 after initially being in the $50-100 range. Base Topps Chrome rookie PSA 10s have also seen impressive growth from under $20 to the $150-250 range currently. Garcia gives every indication he will be a rock in Houston’s rotation for years.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Alek Manoah burst onto the scene in 2021, anchoring the rotation with a 9-2 record and 3.22 ERA in 23 games (20 starts). The 24-year-old was nails down the stretch with a 1.69 ERA in nine September starts. Manoah brought electricity to every outing with his 6’6 frame and upper-90s heat. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor auto PSA 10 sells around $400-500 now after a slow initial release. Even base Topps Chrome PSA 10 rookies have grown to $75-150 range averages based on Manoah looking primed to develop into an ace.
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene proved he was worth the hype as the fifth overall 2019 draft pick by slashing .301/.359/.463 in 45 Triple-A games before his late-season MLB debut. The 21-year-old flashed five-tool promise and will likely be a fixture atop Detroit’s order for years. Greene’s Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10 sells around $400 now after initially being under $100 upon release. Topps Chrome base rookie PSA 10s have grown from under $20 to the $100-150 range on optimism for Greene’s star power.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz dazzled with a 2.03 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 31.2 Triple-A innings before making his MLB debut in 2021. The 22-year-old showcased mid-90s heat with plus breaking stuff. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor auto PSA 10 has settled in the $350-450 range after some early volatility. Baz seems poised for a prominent role in the Tampa rotation in 2022 and raises the ceiling of an already loaded farm system.
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson took a step forward in his second season, slashing .266/.344/.437 with 20 home runs at age 22. While not a rookie anymore, collectors still sought Carlson’s rookie cards given his continued development. His 2020 Topps Chrome Sapphire rookie refractor PSA 10 sells for around $200-250 based on Carlson looking ready for stardom now anchoring the Cards’ outfield.
Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Brice Turang was considered one of baseball’s top prospects and showed well in 32 MLB games, slashing .221/.278/.281 in limited playing time at age 21. Turang flashed elite defense at short and gives Milwaukee a long-term solution at the position. His Topps Chrome rookie refractor auto PSA 10 sells in the $200-300 range based on belief in Turang blossoming into an all-around star.
The 2021 rookie class featured several electric performers who immediately demonstrated they belong in the big leagues. Franco, Rodriguez and Manoah in particular look poised for superstardom while others such as Garcia, Baz, Greene and Carlson have All-Star upside. Collectors jumped at the chance to obtain premium rookie cards from this talented crop. While careers can still evolve unexpectedly, these stand out as some of the smartest rookie card investments from the 2021 MLB season based on early performance and long-term potential.
