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.
