Top 2021 MLB Rookie Cards Guide and Baseball Rookie Card Hot List
Prospects and rookies continue to help drive the hobby, and the 2021 baseball card season is no different. At this point, the 2021 RC class might not have the elite star power of previous years, but there are still many key options among the top 2021 MLB rookie cards.
Unlike the NBA and the NFL, official MLB rookie cards bring a bit more uncertainty. This is due to rules that dictate when players can receive the RC designation along with cutoff dates that may push a player's rookies to the following season.
For instance, popular player Wander Franco debuted in June 2021, but his official rookies came in the 2022 sets. On the other hand, Randy Arozarena was a notable name for 2021 Rookie of the Year, but his rookie cards arrived in 2020.
Where to Find 2021 Baseball Rookie Cards
Those looking for 2021 MLB rookie cards have no shortage of choices. Topps is the key manufacturer of baseball cards given that the company is the only brand to offer licensed cards with team logos. Panini releases MLBPA-licensed cards without team logos and there are also prospect brands that don't feature any league or team licensing.
Basically a year-round hobby, the baseball card collecting season starts in either January or February and goes until December (or later). Review the releases with full set details and checklists in the 2021 baseball cards guide.
Best 2021 Baseball Rookie Cards Sets to Collect
Naturally, tastes and budgets are different for each collector, but popular brands for rookies generally carry over each year. The flagship trio is an annual favorite, including 2021 Topps Series 1 Baseball, 2021 Topps Series 2 Baseball and 2021 Topps Update Series Baseball.
Other popular sets consist of 2021 Topps Heritage Baseball, 2021 Bowman Baseball, and 2021 Bowman Chrome Baseball, which covers rookies and prospects.
Fans also enjoy the shine found in 2021 Topps Chrome Baseball, 2021 Topps Finest Baseball, 2021 Panini Prizm Baseball and 2021 Panini Select Baseball. There are many high-end sets from Topps and Panini, as well.
Of course, the current demand is normally based on the most recent products available. To keep track of this, visit the New Release Calendar.
Curious about other sports? Check out top NBA, NHL and NFL rookie names using our detailed guides.
- Top 2020-21 NBA Rookies Guide and Basketball Rookie Card Hot List
- Top 2020-21 NHL Rookies Guide and Hockey Rookie Card Hot List
- Top 2020 NFL Rookies Guide and Football Rookie Card Hot List
Top Players
Top 2021 MLB Rookie Cards To Collect
As collectors know, players rise and fall often and the top 2021 MLB rookie cards may not be clear for several seasons. The list highlights some of the best names right now. Players are listed in order of draft/FA year. Each listing notes the player's MLB draft spot, college (where applicable) and year of birth (YOB).
Alec Bohm - Philadelphia Phillies
2018 Draft: 3rd overall / College: Wichita State / YOB: 1996
Jonathan India - Cincinnati Reds
2018 Draft: 5th overall / College: Florida / YOB: 1996
Jarred Kelenic - Seattle Mariners
2018 Draft: 6th overall / College: N/A (High School) / YOB: 1999
Jo Adell - Los Angeles Angels
2018 Draft: 10th overall / College: Louisville / YOB: 1999
Alex Kirilloff - Minnesota Twins
2016 Draft: 15th overall / College: N/A (High School) / YOB: 1997
Dylan Carlson - St. Louis Cardinals
2016 Draft: 33rd overall / College: N/A (High School) / YOB: 1998
Akil Baddoo - Detroit Tigers
2016 Draft: 74th overall / College: N/A (High School) / YOB: 1998
Ke'Bryan Hayes - Pittsburgh Pirates
2015 Draft: 32nd overall / College: N/A (High School) / YOB: 1997
Ryan Mountcastle - Baltimore Orioles
2015 Draft: 36th overall / College: N/A (High School) / YOB: 1997
Jake Cronenworth - San Diego Padres
2015 Draft: 208th overall / College: Michigan / YOB: 1994
Jazz Chisholm - Miami Marlins
2015 Draft: Int. FA / College: N/A (Bahamas) / YOB: 1998
RC Hot List
Most-Watched 2021 Baseball Rookie Cards Hot List
If you want to see some of the hottest 2021 MLB rookie cards at any given moment, check out the real-time list of the most-watched baseball card auctions currently on eBay.
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