The 2021 Topps baseball card update series is one of the most anticipated releases each year for collectors and fans. The update series is released by Topps midway through the MLB season and features rookie cards, autographs, and refractors of players from the current year. It provides a refresh to the base card sets released at the beginning of the season by including stats and performances from the first half of the season.
Some key things to know about the 2021 Topps baseball update series:
Release Date: The 2021 edition was released on August 18, 2021 in retail boxes, packs, and hyped hobby boxes. It followed the 2021 Topps Series 1 release from earlier in the year.
Design: The design continues Topps’ modern aesthetic with colorful borders and team logos prominently displayed on the front. Photos are crisp and clear. The back provides stats along with tidbits about the players. Parallels have reflective foil elements added.
Rookie Cards: Several top rookies from 2021 received their official rookie cards in the update, including Randy Arozarena, Jonathan India, Akil Baddoo, Trevor Rogers, and Shane McClanahan. These are some of the most desired rookie cards to collect from the release.
Prospects: While not true rookie cards, the update also features first Topps cards of top prospects like Jarred Kelenic, Spencer Torkelson, Julio Rodriguez, and Bobby Witt Jr as they near the majors. These serve as an early peek at future star talents.
Autographed Cards: The update featured several autograph parallels at different rarity levels. Some of the biggest names to pull include Fernando Tatis Jr., Mookie Betts, Fernando Tatis Jr., Juan Soto, and Ronald Acuña Jr. These 1/1 autographs could fetch thousands on the resale market.
Refractors: Popular refractors inserts consisting of players photographed with animated color effects were spread throughout packs and boxes. The most exciting are “rainbow foil” refractors that change colors as they catch the light. Superstar refractors are highly collectible.
Short Prints: Topps is known for including unannounced short print cards mixed into packs without a numbered identifier. Discovering a short print adds intrigue and value. The 2021 update contained short prints of Acuña Jr., Brandon Crawford, and others.
Variations: Topps introduced “negative/lineup” variations of select base cards. These featured players photographed from behind or partially obscured behind their teammates. Collectors chased these as they were quite scarce.
Memorabilia Cards: Dual and triple memorabilia cards contained game-worn materials like jersey swatches, batting gloves, and caps. Three-relic versions of hot rookies were especially exciting pulls.
Parallels: Numerous parallel inserts increased the challenge of completing rainbow sets for players. Included were Gold Foil (/2021), Silver Foil (/75), Black Foil (/50), Printing Plates (1/1), and Pink Refractor parallel (/2021) sets amongst others.
Upon release, the 2021 Topps update sold out quickly from major retailers as demand far outpaced supply. On the resale market, individual boxes sell for over $100, sometimes reaching $150-200 depending on the condition and availability. Hobby boxes intended for breakers routinely fetch $500-1000 due to pack value.
Some of the biggest hits from the release so far include a 1/1 Fernando Tatis Jr. Printing Plate that auctioned for over $15,000, and a Nolan Arenado autograph patch card that sold for nearly $5000. Rays prospect Randy Arozarena’s autograph has gained significant value as his star has risen. Rookie cards of emerging young talents Cronenworth, India, Rogers, and others also jumped in secondary pricing.
Now halfway through its cycle on the shelves, the 2021 Topps update series continues to be a rewarding and intriguing release for collectors. With its mix of established stars, rookies, and parallels, it offers something for every type of collector and creates buzz throughout the entire baseball card community. As players’ seasons progress and their careers develop, cards from this set will hold value and memories for years to come. The update series is undoubtedly a staple and high point of each new Topps baseball product line.
