The Topps Company, Inc., the American icon known for Bazooka gum, candy, and collectibles, has announced the launch of its second 2021 Topps Baseball NFT collection. Following the successful MLB Inception NFT drop, this new series marks the company's largest Major League Baseball NFT release to date, utilizing the Avalanche blockchain.
Topps Series 2 MLB NFT Details
In late August, Topps launched the first series of its 2021 MLB NFT collection called "Inception." A month later, in October, the firm introduced the second series via the Avalanche blockchain, based on the sold-out 2021 Topps Series 2 Baseball physical product. Standard and premium packs went on sale October 4, featuring card rarities ranging from common to legendary. Tobin Lent, VP and Global General Manager of Topps Digital Sports & Entertainment, stated: "Our Topps MLB NFT products have created a fun, easy-to-use collecting experience for many who have collected NFTs before as well as those looking to make their first purchase. Series 2 Baseball provides a yearly snapshot of many of the twists and turns of an MLB Season and this release offers collectors a chance to collect those memorable moments in a unique new way."
Pack Pricing and Rarity Odds
According to the Topps NFT portal, a standard pack costs $15 and contains eight cards, with a total of 25,000 packs released. The chance of pulling a rare card is 16.64%, super rare 14.23%, and legendary a mere 0.04%. Each standard pack guarantees at least one rare. Premium packs are priced at $150 each, offering better odds: legendary at 0.88% and epic at 30.50%, with three epic cards guaranteed. Exclusive All-Star and 70th Anniversary Platinum Facsimile Signature NFTs are only available in premium packs.
The first 2021 Topps MLB Inception NFT collection sold out in just 96 minutes, with over 22,000 unique buyers. Top secondary sales include the 1-of-3 Legendary Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Letter Booklet and the 1-of-23 Epic Juan Soto Red Rookie and Future Phenoms Facsimile Signature NFT card.
Competition and Market Dynamics
Topps currently dominates the MLB NFT market, similar to how NBA Top Shot has captured basketball fans. However, the landscape is shifting. In 2026, Topps will lose its partnership with MLB, as the league has signed a deal with sports apparel giant Fanatics. Fanatics is expected to take over MLB NFT production. Additionally, MLB has partnered with Candy Digital, which has already released MLB-branded NFTs such as a 1-of-1 Lou Gehrig token. The Los Angeles Dodgers also issued an NFT version of their 2020 World Series ring. Candy Digital's founders include billionaire investor Michael Novogratz, digital media entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, and Fanatics chairman Michael Rubin, showing deep ties between the companies.
This release reflects the growing intersection of traditional collectibles and blockchain technology. As competition intensifies, the MLB NFT space is poised for further innovation and expansion, offering collectors new ways to engage with America's pastime.