The 2018 Bowman baseball card set featured several young prospects and rookie cards that have gained significant value in the years since the cards were released. While it may take time for newly released rookie cards to appreciate in value, several 2018 Bowman cards have already proven to be worthwhile long term investments. This article will examine some of the top 2018 Bowman rookie cards and prospects that are currently worth pursuing for collectors looking to add valuable cards to their collections.
Perhaps the most notable 2018 Bowman card that has gained value is Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Dustin May. As a top pitching prospect in the Dodgers system, May made his MLB debut in 2019 and has since become a valuable arm in the Dodgers rotation. In 2018 Bowman, May had two prized rookie cards – a green parallel /150 and a red parallel /250. Both have gained steadily in value with the green nearing $200 in PSA 10 condition and the red approaching $150. With May still just 24 and already establishing himself as a quality MLB starter, his 2018 Bowman rookie cards hold strong long term value potential.
Another 2018 Bowman rookie to appreciate significantly is Atlanta Braves center fielder Michael Harris II. Considered one of the top prospects in baseball before debuting in 2021, Harris II burst onto the scene with the Braves and appeared in the 2022 All-Star game in just his first full season. His 2018 Bowman Chrome Update paper rookie card can be found for around $60-$80 graded in PSA 10 condition, while the rare red parallel /250 has eclipsed $250. As Harris II continues developing into a potential star, his 2018 rookie has solidified itself as an investment.
Shane Baz, the touted pitching prospect in the Tampa Bay Rays system, also made his MLB debut in 2022 following his 2018 Bowman paper rookie card release. While injuries limited Baz’s playing time, he still showed ace upside when on the mound. His flagship 2018 Bowman chrome card has climbed to around $150 PSA 10, while the silver parallel /150 has reached beyond $300. If Baz can avoid further injury setbacks and delivers on his frontline starter potential, these early Bowman cards will likely maintain strong long term value.
Within the 2018 Bowman set, perhaps no other rookie has more longshot potential than Seattle Mariners star outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered a borderline star prospect in 2018, Rodriguez broke out in 2021 and had a phenomenal rookie campaign in 2022 that culminated in an All-Star nod and legitimate AL Rookie of the Year case. His base 2018 Bowman paper rookie has exploded in value beyond $1,000 PSA 10. Even higher series parallels like the purple /150 and black 1/1 have reached astronomical prices befitting Rodriguez’s emerging superstardom. At just 22, J-Rod’s rookie value should remain sky high for years to come.
Along with stars, the 2018 Bowman set featured several other future quality big leaguers that hold value. Cardinals starting pitcher Andre Pallante, Guardians breakout starter Triston McKenzie, and Giants fireballer Camilo Doval all had paper rookies dip below $100 PSA 10 during the pandemic but have since rebounded closer to the $150-200 range. Pallante in particular could continue climbing as he solidifies his role in the Cardinals’ rotation.
While prospects carry risk, a few 2018 Bowman prospects who have yet to debut also offer intrigue. Rays shortstop Xavier Edwards may finally get his shot in 2023 after several strong minor league seasons, and his paper rookie has recent eBay sales around $75-100 graded. Tigers pitching prospect Kerry Carpenter has a live arm that could translate to success if called up, and his 2018 Bowman chrome sells for $50-75 PSA 10. Even riskier longshots like Blake Walston (Padres) or Brennan Malone (Reds) offer rare paper rookie parallels in the $50-100 range.
The 2018 Bowman baseball card set proved to be a goldmine of future young MLB talent. While investing in prospects carries inherent risk, Dustin May, Michael Harris II, Shane Baz and especially Julio Rodriguez have delivered immense value for early believers. Even secondary chips like Pallante, McKenzie and Doval have held steady worth. With stars continuing to emerge, plus a few prospects still awaiting debuts, several 2018 Bowman cards remain strong considerations for appreciation chasing collectors. Patience and selecting the right athletes can result in valuable long term holdings from this premiered prospect genre.
