The 2021 Major League Baseball season marked the start of new Topps Series 1 Baseball cards, the longest running and most iconic card set in the history of the hobby. As always, Series 1 introduced rookies, stars, and key moments from the previous season. While every pack holds the possibility of discovering a valuable pull, some stand out more than others. Here are the top cards collectors were hoping to find in their 2021 Topps Series 1 packs.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (Base)
There may not be a more coveted card in all of Series 1 than Shohei Ohtani’s base rookie card. As the current face of baseball and reigning American League MVP, Ohtani has become a mega star in just his first few seasons. His prowess at the plate and on the mound make him a truly unique two-way player. While Ohtani rookies from previous years by Bowman and Topps fetch higher prices given their scarcity, his 2021 Series 1 base is a must-have for any collector. Graded gem mint 10 copies have already sold for well over $100 due to his continuing prominence in the league.
Fernando Tatis Jr, San Diego Padres (Base)
Like Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr. has quickly become one of the faces of MLB thanks to his electrifying style of play and ability to crush home runs. Winning a Silver Slugger Award in 2020 only added to his rising star power. Tatis’ Series 1 base continues to be a defining rookie card pulled from packs each year. Although not quite as valuable as some of his Topps Chrome or Bowman rookies at this time, his Series 1 is a cornerstone for any Padres or shortstop collection. Even in PSA 10 condition, copies can be acquired for under $50 but have strong long term appreciation potential.
Ronald Acuña Jr, Atlanta Braves (Base)
Ronald Acuña Jr. burst onto the scene with the Braves in 2018 and hasn’t slowed down since, making him one of the elite young stars in the game. Despite missing a chunk of the 2021 season with a torn ACL, Acuña remains a perennial MVP candidate and highlight reel player. As one of the best third year cards available, his 2019 Topps Series 1 base in a PSA 10 topping over $100 indicates how his on-field success directly translates to strong collectible value long term. Even raw, this card is a must-have for Braves PC builders.
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals (Base and All-Star Game Patch Parallel /150)
Juan Soto may be the most patient hitter in baseball with an elite plate approach well beyond his years. Winning the NL batting title in 2020 only further cemented his place among the game’s top young talents. Both Soto’s base card and his rare All-Star Game patch parallel numbering to 150 are standouts. While the base is affordable for any collector to add, the patch parallel demands a premium price given Soto’s rising career arc and the parallel’s limited production. Even at the height of the pandemic last year, PSA 10 copies easily cleared $300-400 and will continue their surge with more of Soto’s prodigious accomplishments.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (Base and Rainbow Foil parallel /2021)
As one of the most feared lefty hitters in the league, Yordan Alvarez is must-see TV every time he steps to the plate for Houston. Following a dominant 2019 rookie campaign that saw him win AL Rookie of the Year, Alvarez’ stock remains sky high. His base card is routinely among the top hitters collected, while his extremely short printed rainbow foil parallel offers the pinnacle pull. Limited to just 2021 copies, it is incredibly rare to find one grading a perfect gem mint 10. Those that do always command monster prices upwards of $1000 even ungraded due to Alvarez’s immense talent and Parallel’s extreme scarcity.
Wander Franco, Tampa Bay Rays (#101)
As the consensus top prospect in all of baseball, Wander Franco lived up to the hype in his 2021 debut with the Rays. His monstrous talent and youth give him best prospect in the world type potential. While Franco lacks the years of accomplishments of the above stars, his rookie card autograph parallel is exceedingly rare with a scant 101 print run. Graded PSA 10 specimens soared past $2000 even before Franco’s MLB arrival thanks to his prospect pedigree. With Franco starring in Tampa, his autograph parallel is primed to become one of the holy grails for Rays PC builders and prospect headhunters alike moving forward.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Toronto Blue Jays (#1, Rainbow Foil /99, Gold #/10)
After a breakout 2020 season that saw him finish second in AL MVP voting, Vladimir Guerrero Jr is a certified superstar in the making. As such, his high number parallels in Series 1 hold significant cachet. Between his coveted #1 card, /99 Rainbow Foil, and extremely short printed Gold parallel numbered to just 10 copies, Vladdy Jr collectors were chasing the true short prints. All three carry premium values in high grades compared to even stars’ base cards. For Vladimir Guerrero Jr, the sun continues to rise on one of the sport’s emerging dominant talents with each passing season growing his parallel card values.
Lou Gehrig Memorial Patch (#/5)
Topps is renowned for its creative parallels paying tribute to baseball history. Perhaps none resonate more than the ultra-short printed Lou Gehrig Memorial parallel celebrating the Hall of Famer’s iconic career and battle with ALS. Limited to a tiny run of just 5 copies, even ungraded examples commanding 4 figures due to factors of rarity, subject matter, and historical significance. For vintage card collectors and those fascinated by the golden era of the game, adding this seminal parallel to a collection is a true coup and highlight. With so few in existence, finding even one in a PSA 10 state of preservation may take a lifetime.
That covers some of the most aspirational and valuable cards collectors were seeking to pull from their 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball packs. While every release holds hidden gems, these particular cards distinguish themselves through combination of subject matter, parallel scarcity, and rising trajectories of their featured players. For vintage enthusiasts, card investors, and fans alike, adding pieces representing the biggest names and moments remains the enduring appeal of America’s favorite hobby even after decades. The thrill of the hunt for cards like these is what makes eagerly ripping fresh product a ritual passed down through the generations.
