The Topps 2021 Series 2 set features plenty of top rookies. Many of whom will make a major impact in MLB for years to come.
Below are the top 5 rookie cards from the Topps 2021 Series 2 set that collectors should add to their wish list. We’ve also included some additional memorabilia items.
Please note that since this series is only about a year old, many of the parallel and special edition cards have not hit the market yet.
Also, only very few graded versions of any of the 2021 Topps Series 2 set are available. Therefore, most prices will be estimates and are subject to significant changes over the upcoming years.
5. Sam Huff SSP #654
PSA 10 Value – $200
PSA 9 Value – $75
Although he has had a more limited role in the 2022 season compared to some of his peers. Sam Huff is one of the best catcher prospects in the 2021 rookie class and could have a major role with the Texas Rangers for years to come.
His greatest asset is his raw power, which if harnessed properly, could yield large numbers of home runs in the Rangers’ offensive-friendly ballpark. However, there are some questions about his defensive capabilities, as well as his high strikeout rates.
The SSP version of the #654 card pictures Huff in full-catcher gear. With his name and position listed in the bottom right of the card’s front, slanted upward right to left. There are three photo variations to choose from.
The rear of the card contains a short player biography and his major league stats from his brief tenure in the major leagues during the 2020 season.
4. Alex Kirilloff Chrome Black Autographs #CBA-AK
PSA 10 Value – $315
PSA 9 Value – $120
Although injuries have prevented him from getting off to the fast start that some of his peers in the 2021 MLB rookie class. When it’s all said and done, Kirilloff will probably end up having a tremendous career with the Minnesota Twins.
Although he has the skills to be an average to above-average corner outfielder. Kirilloff has also spent time at 1st base. His offense is where he will most likely make a major impact, as he possesses good plate discipline and power.
The Topps Chrome Black Autographs card is one of the best investment options for collectors in the entire Topps Series 2 set. The card pictures Kirilloff in the aftermath of hitting a ball. Looking into the distance, with his signature centered at the bottom.
The frontal design of the card is top-notch. Implementing a striking dark design with Kirilloff’s name and the Twins team name slanted upward right to left near the center of the card.
The rear of the card contains no player biography information or stats. It simply confirms that the card is an autographed card from 2021 Topps Chrome Black.
3. Alejandro Kirk Chrome Sapphire #551
PSA 10 Value – $350
PSA 9 Value – $130
The 2nd rookie catcher on this list. Alejandro Kirk is a very good contact hitter that should hit for a solid average for much of his career. Although he has a rather unique positioning stance behind the plate. Kirk’s defensive abilities are without question, as he excels at both blocking and framing the baseball.
The #551 Topps Chrome Sapphire card featuring Kirk is simply a thing of beauty. Showcasing a stunning blue and purplish border and background.
The card’s front is positioned in a horizontal layout. With a picture of Kirk picking up the ball in his catcher position, looking as if he is about to attempt to throw out a runner.
The rear of the card contains his major league stats from his short stint in the majors in 2020, as well as a short player biography.
2. Ke’Bryan Hayes SSP #644
PSA 10 Value – $500
PSA 9 Value – $200
The most highly touted prospect of the 2021 rookie class. Ke’Bryan Hayes is a great defensive third baseman. Although his offense hasn’t quite developed yet in the big leagues. He has enough batting skills and overall power to be at least an above-average offensive player for many years to come.
Hayes is one of the few MLB prospects to secure a long-term contract before hitting arbitration. Signing an 8-year, $70 million deal at the start of the 2022 season.
The card above features a photo of Hayes in the aftermath of a swing follow-through. About to start running to 1st base on the front.
There are three image variations to choose from in this SSP set. Hayes’ name and position are listed in the bottom right of the card’s front, slanted upward right to left.
The rear lists Hayes’ major league stats from his brief 24-game stint in the majors during the 2020 season. It also contains a brief player biography. Noting his quick start to the 2020 season when he was first called up, resulting in him winning rookie of the month honors.
1. Jazz Chisholm SSP #538
PSA 10 Value – $650
PSA 9 Value – $250
One of the best young shortstops in the game. Jazz Chisholm possesses an impressive combination of offensive and defensive talent, often a premium at a middle infield position. Although he has had some struggles defensively at times in the minors. Most scouts attributed this to a lack of experience, and point to his tremendous range as a huge upside to what his defense eventually will look like.
Interestingly, Chisholm was a part of a blockbuster prospect swap, as the Arizona Diamondbacks traded him to the Miami Marlins in exchange for starting pitcher Zac Gallen.
As before, there are three image variations. Our favourite is the Topps variation which pictures a close-up shot of Chisholm smiling on the front, with a minor league field in the background.
The rear contains a brief player biography. Noting that Chisholm is just the sixth player from the Bahamas to make the major leagues. And it also lists his major league stats from his 21 games played with the Marlins in 2020.
Bonus Memorabilia Items
In addition to trading cards, 2021 is also a great year for baseball memorabilia in general. Much of it featured on sportsmemorabilia.com.
A lot of great signed baseballs are available for Atlanta Braves fans, who saw their team win the 2021 World Series. Signed 2021 World Series baseballs by Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, and Austin Riley. All of whom played key roles in the postseason, retail for $299.99, $544.99, and $245.99 respectively.
An autographed Atlanta Braves Freddie Freeman jersey can be purchased for a very reasonable $726.99.
A Nolan Arenado-autographed bat is available for $3,662.99. And a Charlie Morton-autographed and game-used baseball cap can be purchased for $1,839.99.
A 2021 Home Run Derby baseball signed by Shohei Ohtani retails for $1,226.99. While a 2021 All-Star game baseball signed by Mike Trout can be purchased for $1,563.99.
A great option for Yankees fans would be an autographed and game-used bat by D.J. LeMahieu, for $4,083.99.
Finally, another great option for Yankees fans would be game-used pink and purple cleats by Aaron Judge, for a price of $4,999.99.
When I was just starting out with my card collection, I had lots of questions about authenticity, trading, and card conditions. But with not that much information available online, I felt quite alone in my queries. Some questions still haven’t been answered to this day.
This site aims to rectify this, and now, I am passing on my knowledge!
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