A Closer Look at the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series
Contents
- Introduction
- What’s new in the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series?
- The complete checklist
- The top cards in the set
- The key rookies
- The chase cards
- Final thoughts
- The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series in context
- What to expect from the 2021 Topps baseball Update Series
- A closer look at the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series
The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series is almost here, and we’re taking a closer look at what to expect from this year’s set.
Introduction
Topps has been churning out annual baseball card sets since 1951, and the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series is the latest edition. The update set is designed to supplement the flagship Topps Baseball Set with the latest player transactions and performance highlights from the 2020 season. As with previous editions, the 2021 Topps baseball Update Series features 350 cards.
The base set includes veterans, rookies, and newcomers who were left out of the main set. Among the key cards in the set are #1 Ronald Acuña Jr., #100 Mike Trout #251 Fernando Tatis Jr., and #321 David Peterson RC. The update set also features several subsets, including a 50-card “Season Highlights” subset featuring some of the top moments from the 2020 season.
While much of the focus with baseball cards is on rookie cards and autographs, there are plenty of collectibles to be found in the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series. Each Hobby Box contains 24 packs of 10 cards each, and each pack includes one puzzle card or sticker. There are also three different insert sets to collect: ” milestones”, ” Rise to Stardom”, and ” Postseason Heroes”.
What’s new in the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series?
The 2021 Topps baseball Update Series is the first mid-year set from Topps in quite some time, and it includes several new features that are sure to excite collectors. Here’s a closer look at what’s new in this year’s set:
-Topps Now cards: For the first time ever, Topps Now cards will be included in a Baseball Update Series set. These cards will showcase some of the biggest moments from the first half of the 2021 season, and they’ll be inserted randomly into packs.
-Rookie Debut cards: Another first for the Baseball Update Series, Rookie Debut cards will spotlight some of the top rookies who made their debuts during the 2021 season. These cards will be inserted one per Hobby Box on average.
-Legacy ClubHOUSE Collection cards: A throwback to one of Topps’ classic designs, these cards will feature retired legends and current stars who played for the Houston Astros during their storied history. These cards will be inserted one per box on average.
The complete checklist
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The top cards in the set
The Topps baseball Update Series is one of the most popular sets of the year, and for good reason. The set is loaded with top prospects rookie call-ups, and traded players. Here’s a look at some of the top cards in the set.
Topps Baseball Update Series Card #1: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays
Guerrero Jr. is one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, and he lived up to the hype in his rookie season. He’s an elite hitter with plus power, and he has the potential to be a perennial All-Star. This card is a must-have for any baseball fan
Topps Baseball Update Series Card #2: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
Tatis Jr. burst onto the scene in 2019 and became one of the most exciting young players in baseball. He has electric tools, including plus power and speed, and he’s already one of the best shortstops in the game. This card captures Tatis’ energy and excitement, and it’s a must-have for any fan of Tatis or the Padres
The key rookies
The 2021 Topps baseball Update Series is set to release on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020. The product will once again be anchored by a plethora of rookie cards including several key subjects.
While many of the rookies in the set have already made their Major League debut, there are still a handful of highly anticipated prospects yet to make their Big League debut. From top prospects like Jarred Kelenic and Jasson Dominguez, to established minor leaguers like Alec Bohm and Seth Beer, the Update Set will have something for every baseball fan
As always, the Topps rookie card will be one of the most coveted cards in the set. Some of the key rookies featured in the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Set include:
Alec Bohm – Philadelphia Phillies
Bohm was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft out of Wichita State University He made his Major League debut on August 10th, 2020 and immediately became one of the Phillies’ best hitters. In 28 games, Bohm hit .338 with 6 home runs and 27 RBI. He is considered one of the top third base prospects in baseball.
Seth Beer – Houston Astros
Beer was drafted by the Astros in the 1st round (28th overall) of the 2018 MLB draft out of Clemson University He split time between High-A and Double-A in 2019, hitting a combined .304 with 22 home runs and 103 RBI. Beer is considered one of the top power hitting prospects in baseball and should see time in Houston at some point during the 2021 season.
Jared Kelenic – Seattle Mariners
Kelenic was selected with the 6th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft by The New York Mets out of Waukesha West High School (WI). He was traded to Seattle during the 2019 offseason as part of a package for Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz Kelenic spent 2019 between Low-A and High-A, hitting a combined .291 with 23 home runs and 77 RBI. He is considered one of the top outfield prospects in baseball and is expected to make his Major League debut at some point during the 2021 season.
Jasson Dominguez – New York Yankees
Dominguez was signed by The New York Yankees as an international free agent out of The Dominican Republic on July 2nd, 2019. He played mostly center field during his first professional season in 2020, spending time between Rookie ball and Single-A ball. In 36 games, Dominguez hit .255 with 3 Home Runs and 18 RBI while also stealing 10 bases. Despite being just 18 years old, he is already considered one of The Yankees’ top prospects and one of the best young players in baseball
The chase cards
The chase cards in the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series are definitely worth chasing after! Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to find:
-Insert Cards: These are randomly inserted cards that feature veterans, rookies, legends, and All-Stars. You’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for these!
--Chrome cards These cards are parallels of base cards and inserts, and they’re printed on chrome stock. They’re sure to be a hit with collectors!
-Refractor Cards: These cards are numbered parallels of base cards and inserts. They’re printed on refractor stock and feature a holographic finish.
-X-Fractor Cards: These cards are numbered parallels of base cards and inserts. They’re printed on x-fractor stock, which is a premium cardstock.
Final thoughts
The Topps Baseball Update Series is a great way to get your hands on some of the year’s best cards, and there are plenty of reasons to be excited about it. The biggest issue facing the format is its lack of autographs and memorabilia, but even without those, there’s still plenty of value here. The checklist is deep and includes plenty of rookies and stars, while the base set is one of the best-looking in recent memory. Overall, the Update Series is a strong entry in Topps’ annual baseball lineup and should be a hit with collectors.
The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series in context
The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series is the most recent release in the Topps baseball card set. The update series is a subset of the regular Topps baseball set and includes cards for players who were traded or signed after the regular set was released. It also includes any rookies who made their debuts after the release of the regular set. The update series is typically released in late August or early September, just in time for the start of the baseball playoffs
This year’s update series includes 200 base cards, which is 100 more than last year’s release. The extra 100 cards are all short prints, meaning they are harder to find and more valuable to collectors. As always, there are a number of chase cards and inserts to look for, including autographs and relic cards.
The 2021 Topps baseball Update Series is a must-have for any baseball card collector. It’s a great way to complete your collection and make sure you have all the latest players.
What to expect from the 2021 Topps baseball Update Series
The 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series is set to release on November 24th, 2020 and will feature 300 cards. The product mix will consist of 225 base cards, 60 veterans, 15 prospects and 10 rookie cards The base set will include 50 new players and will be printed on premium stock. Card images will include a mix of photography and illustrations.
The update set will also feature several special subsets, including Veterans (60 cards), Rookies (10 cards), Traded Players (15 cards) and Prospects (15 cards). Each subset will feature its own design and palette. In addition, the update set will include four insert sets: Retired Stars (20 cards), All-Time Fan Favorites (10 cards), Dreams of Grandeur (10 cards) and Walk-Off Winners (10 cards). Finally, there will be one autograph card per Hobby Box
A closer look at the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series
The 2021 Topps baseball Update Series will feature many of the same players as the regular Topps Set but with updated statistics and new cards for traded and debuting players. The set will also include key rookies from the 2020 season. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from the 2021 Topps Baseball Update Series.