There are several 2021 baseball cards that are attracting a lot of interest from collectors and have the potential to be worth good money in the future as investments. Many of the top rookie cards from the 2021 season are already selling for significant prices. Some of the key 2021 baseball cards that are considered most valuable include:
Juan Soto – Juan Soto had another excellent season in 2021 and remains one of the biggest stars in MLB at just 22 years old. His rookie cards from 2018 are already very expensive, selling for thousands. His top 2021 cards like silver and gold parallels from Topps Transcendent and Bowman Sterling are still chase cards for collectors. Many believe Soto has a chance to become a Hall of Famer so his modern cards should retain value well.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Vlad Jr emerged as the American League MVP favorite in 2021 while leading the league in key offensive categories. He had a breakout season that validated his hype as one of the game’s best young hitters. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card remains very costly but his flagship 2021 Topps cards, including numbered parallels, are hot sellers now too as collectors speculate on his long-term value as a potential superstar.
Ronald Acuña Jr. – Acuña suffered a season-ending knee injury in July 2021 but was well on his way to another All-Star caliber campaign before that. He remains one of the most electrifying young players in MLB when healthy. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect card is extremely valuable. For 2021 cards, collectors are seeking out his rare parallels and autograph cards which could appreciate nicely if he returns to superstar form.
Bo Bichette – Shortstop Bo Bichette had a breakout season in 2021 where he led the league in hits and made his first All-Star team as part of the new young core with the Toronto Blue Jays. The Jays have a large and growing fanbase, which adds to Bichette’s appeal. His 2016 Bowman Chrome Prospect card already demands big money but his 2021 Topps Flagship rookie autographs and numbered refractors are the ones to watch now.
Wander Franco – While he only played in roughly half a season in 2021, Wander Franco established himself as perhaps the biggest hitting prodigy in baseball. At just 20 years old, he has remarkable plate discipline and hit .288 with 7 home runs in 70 games for the Rays. All of his 2021 cards could appreciate immensely as he has true superstar potential. His Topps Chrome Update autograph and fractor cards carry especially high estimated returns if Franco fulfills his lofty potential.
Bobby Witt Jr. – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Kansas City Royals, hype surrounded Witt Jr.’s professional debut in 2021. He did not disappoint, hitting .290 with 13 home runs between Double and Triple-A before debuting in the majors in late April. He projects to be a franchise cornerstone. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect 1st cards still have astronomical growth potential but among 2021 issues, his Topps Chrome autographs and parallels could be the wisest long term holds.
Jarred Kelenic – Kelenic has immense talent and was one of the top prospects for years but struggled initially in his 2021 MLB debut. He has the tools and work ethic to turn it around and become an offensive force. As a result, his cards dipped in value but savvy collectors see that as a buying opportunity. His 2018 Bowman Chrome cards remain the keys to his collection currently, but affordable 2021 Topps Chrome refractors could pay off immensely if he puts it together at the highest level going forward.
Julio Rodriguez – Rodriguez emerged as one of the best prospects in baseball after a massive 2021 campaign split between High-A and AA where he hit .347. Despite playing only 59 minor league games, the Mariners aggressively promoted the tooled-up center fielder to the majors where he showed exciting flashes. His 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospect autographs are pricey now but affordable 2021 Topps Chrome rookies could be a superior long term play as he develops into a star for Seattle.
Brendan McKay – McKay missed nearly all of 2021 recovering from shoulder injuries but remains an intriguing talent as a two-way player when healthy. His 2017 Bowman Chrome Draft cards feature an early autograph of the former #4 overall pick and still have room for massive growth if he can re-establish himself as an impact big leaguer. For 2021 cards, collectors are hunting numbered parallels and autographs in hopes McKay returns to the form that had him projected as a franchise cornerstone.
Jack Leiter – As the #2 overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, Leiter generated palpable hype with his electric fastball-curveball combo. Although he has yet to log an official professional inning, Leiter’s cards skyrocketed in the short term frenzy around draft day. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Draft autographs and colored parallels are commanding the highest prices now but could multiply further if he advances quickly and reaches the majors to stay early in his career.
Cade Cavalli – Another prized arm from the 2021 MLB Draft class, Cavalli shined as the #22 overall pick by the Washington Nationals. With his experience pitching in the SEC for the University of Oklahoma also adding to his credibility, Cavalli’s arsenal and projection have collectors hunting for his 2021 Bowman Chrome Draft autographs and numbered parallels which could appreciate well in the 5-10 year window if he becomes an impact starter.
Riley Greene – As the #5 overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Detroit Tigers, Greene blazed through the minors in 2021 and made his MLB debut before season’s end. His slick left-handed swing generates loud contacts. His 2019 Bowman Chrome Prospect autos remain highly coveted, but affordable 2021 Topps Chrome rookies andcolored refractors are upside plays for collectors banking on Greene to blossom into a perennial All-Star.
While investments in 2018-2019 prospect cards of established young stars like Soto, Acuña and Albies offer more blue-chip stability, the 2021 rookie cards of breakout players like Bichette, Kelenic and Rodriguez as well as elite draft prospects including Leiter and Cavalli provide intriguing risk/reward opportunities. Patience will be needed with many as their careers develop, but the upside is immense if they fulfill their potential over the next 5-10 years.
