The 2019 Bowman Draft baseball card set is one of the more valuable recent Bowman Draft releases thanks to the exciting rookie class it features. Released in June 2019, just after the 2019 MLB Draft, the set showcased many of the top prospects selected that year who are now breaking through to the majors. With several notable rookies already making an impact at the highest level, 2019 Bowman Draft cards have gained popularity among collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards from the set and what they tend to sell for in the current market.
Perhaps the most valuable card from 2019 Bowman Draft is Adley Rutschman. The catcher out of Oregon State was the first overall pick by the Baltimore Orioles and is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. Rutschman’s rookie card can fetch hundreds of dollars depending on grade and version. The base paper rookie card in a PSA 10 gem mint condition has recently sold for over $700. The chrome refractors and autographed cards go for significantly more, with his gold refractor /50 selling for around $2,000 ungraded and his autographed red refractor /5 bringing in upwards of $5,000. As the presumed future star catcher and face of the Orioles franchise, Rutschman cards hold a ton of value and interest from collectors.
Another uber-prospect who has burst onto the scene is Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller. Drafted 15th overall out of Louisville, Miller made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed electric stuff out of the bullpen. His 2019 Bowman Draft base rookie PSA 10 has sold for around $500-$600 in recent months. The prized rare parallels also demand a premium, such as his purple ice refractor /250 fetching over $1500 ungraded. Miller’s autographed cards, including a true red refractor /5, have reached over $3,000. His emergence as a potential Dodgers closer or frontline starter has boosted enthusiasm for his rookie campaign.
Staying in Southern California, Padres shortstop CJ Abrams’ cards have surged following his early success in San Diego. The 6th overall pick in 2019 got off to a hot start in the bigs before an injury delayed his development. Abrams’ flagship base rookie in a pristine PSA 10 recently brought $450 at auction. His more limited refractors have climbed higher, with the orange ice /250 at $1,000 ungraded. The 21-year old possesses elite speed and defense that could make him a perennial all-star, maintaining interest in his first graded Bowman issue.
Over in Philadelphia, Alec Bohm’s solid play at third base for the Phillies has led to rising 2019 Bowman Draft card values. The 3rd overall selection poses with a sweet lefty swing and should anchor their hot corner for years. Bohm’s basic rookie PSA 10checks in around $350. Parallel versions fetch a premium, as evidenced by his purple ice /250 at $900 in mint condition. His super short printed red ice /10 is an ultra-rare find that could net over $2,000 for serious Phils PC collectors. Bohm looks like a future cornerstone that makes his initial cardboard that much more coveted.
Beyond the current MLB performers, several 2019 draft picks still developing in the minors hold potential long-term value based on their prospect status. One is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. Drafted 5th out of Hagerty H.S. (FL), Greene boasts plus power and hit tools that could make him a perennial All-Star. Even with just High-A stats so far, his base PSA 10 checks in around $300. Rarer parallels like the purple ice /250 and orange ice /150 consistently command over $1,000 each. As Greene climbs the ladder, his early cards stand to gain substantially.
Another future star with incredibly scarce first pro cards is Drew Waters. Selected 41st by Atlanta, the toolsy centerfielder has blazing speed and developing pop in his bat. Despite being traded to KC last year, Waters’ prospect stock remains high. His standard PSA 10 trails Greene’s value slightly at $250 or so. His true hitting talents shine through parallels – the purple refractor /250 routinely fetches $800+, with his red refractor /5 reaching estimated value of $1,500. Waters may blossom into a five-tool star, adding luster to his pre-pro issue.
The 2019 Bowman Draft presents an exciting glimpse at many rising talents that are now household names or hold elite prospect status. Veterans like Rutschman, Miller and Abrams anchor the set thanks to instant MLB success. Meanwhile, prospects Greene, Bohm and Waters maintain long-term hold value as their careers progress. Overall grades, parallels and autographs further boost individual card prices. For baseball card investors, the 2019 Draft class provides a gold mine of future potential and already paying major league dividends in top rookies making their mark. This fun release commemorating a fantastic draft class stands to only gain more collector following for years to come.
