The 2007 Bowman Chrome baseball set is one of the most desirable releases from the mid-2000s due to the star prospects and future Hall of Famers that it featured as rookie cards. While BowmanChrome releases since then have also provided valuable rookie cards, the 2007 edition stands out because it captured so many players very early in their careers who went on to tremendous successes in Major League Baseball. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable and important rookie cards from the 2007 Bowman Chrome set.
Perhaps the most desired rookie card in the entire 2007 Bowman Chrome set is that of Mike Trout. Trout had yet to make his MLB debut when included in this set as a draft pick of the Los Angeles Angels, but he would go on to become a perennial American League MVP candidate and widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. Trout’s remarkable skill was evident even as a prospect, which kept his 2007 Bowman Chrome rookie in high demand. Today, a PSA 10 Gem Mint copy of Trout’s rookie card can sell for well over $10,000, showing just how much his legendary career has increased the value of this early issue. Any Trout collector absolutely needs this stunning chrome parallel to showcase.
Another truly elite talent and future Hall of Famer featured in 2007 Bowman Chrome was Clayton Kershaw. Like Trout, Kershaw had yet to debut in the big leagues when Bowman included him but scouts were undoubtedly hyping his potential. Kershaw lived up to the billing by developing into a perennial Cy Young Award contender and one of the premier left-handed pitchers in MLB history. High grade copies of his chromium rookie have broken the $1,000 mark at auction. While not in the stratosphere of Trout’s, any Kershaw collection demands this crucial early issue showing his transformation from top prospect to star.
Staying in the National League West, the 2007 Bowman Chrome set also provided the rookie card of San Diego Padres third baseman Chase Headley. While Headley’s career did not reach the heights of Trout or Kershaw, he did have a fine career as a reliable corner infielder and hitter for average, making multiple All-Star teams for the Padres. Headley’s rookie remains a key PC/NC piece for Padres collectors on a budget. Even in PSA 8 Very Good condition, examples can be acquired for $100-150, showing decent demand persists.
Switching focus to the American League, 2007 Bowman Chrome included coveted early issues for Philadelphia Phillies star Andrew McCutchen and Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale. McCutchen exploded onto the scene for Pittsburgh and established himself as a perennial MVP contender and one of the best all-around outfielders of his era. While his career declined later on, his Bowman Chrome rookie remains a must-have for Pirates PC builders or collectors on a budget. Sale, meanwhile, developed into potentially the most dominant left-handed pitcher of the 2010s and a key member of Chicago’s championship core. High-grade versions of his first Bowman Chromium readily trade hands for $400-500. Both McCutchen and Sale demonstrated the value of capturing elite talents’ early years for collectors.
Staying in the AL Central, the 2007 Bowman Chrome collection also featured future Detroit Tigers superstar Miguel Cabrera, already on the verge of stardom as a young Marlins hitter at the time of issue. Cabrera went on to secure his status as a surefire Hall of Famer and one of the best right-handed hitters of all time. While a true gem mint Cabrera rookie would command a high 5-figure price, well-maintained mid-grades can still be found with patience for $300-400, a strong return on a PC investment. This set is essential for any Cabrera fanatic.
A few other notable stars that collectors search for in the 2007 Bowman Chrome collection include Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber, St. Louis Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright, longtime Tampa Bay Rays stalwart Evan Longoria, and durable Pittsburgh Pirates hurler A.J. Burnett. While perhaps not in the same rarefied air as Trout or Kershaw, decent mid-grade versions of these important players’ rookie cards can still cross the $100 mark. And for aggressive team-set builders, locating any of these stars at all provides a huge boost.
The superstar talent included and captured so early makes the 2007 Bowman Chrome baseball set one of the true elite prospect/rookie card releases ever. Featuring the likes of Trout, Kershaw, Headley, McCutchen, Sale, Cabrera, and several other MLB standouts provides incredible value and allure for patient collectors and investors decades later. While original hobby boxes have become extraordinarily costly to acquire, breakers are still unearthing original rookies of these future Hall of Famers. For any vintage or modern baseball collector, securing choicest examples from this deep set should be a long-term priority.
