The 2021 Bowman Baseball set was highly anticipated by card collectors and featured several young star rookies and prospects that have excitement building around their future potential. While every year’s Bowman release unearths new talents, the 2021 edition seemed to have more than its fair share. With paper shortages impacting print runs, cards from this year’s Bowman set have already started appreciating in value for savvy investors. Here are some of the top rookies and cards to watch out for from the 2021 Bowman Baseball release.

Perhaps the biggest name and star attraction of the 2021 Bowman Baseball set is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Franco is widely considered the number one overall prospect in all of baseball and is poised to take over as the game’s next superstar. His prospect cards in the 2021 Bowman set immediately skyrocketed in demand and price. The Wander Franco Chrome Yellow Refractor Parallel #162, limited to just 50 copies printed, has already sold for over $2,000 on the secondary market. Other key Wander Franco rookie cards that saw explosive early returns include the Autographed Black Parallel #162B and Rainbow Foil Parallel #162R. Both of Franco’s autographed refractor parallels are scarce and hold immense long term value as a true vintage Franco rookie card.

Another hugely popular rookie focused on in the 2021 Bowman Baseball set is Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene. Ranked as baseball’s 5th best overall prospect, Greene enjoyed a stellar pro debut in 2021 and shows five-tool talent that could make him a perennial all-star. Like Franco, Greene’s rookies saw massive spikes in price led by parallel and autographed refractor variations. The Rainbow Foil Parallel #191R and Autographed Refractor Parallel #191B have become two of the toughest Greene cards to acquire straight out of pack to binder. Both are assured to steadily gain in price in the coming years as Greene’s star continues rising in Detroit. Beyond Franco and Greene, keep an eye out for other 2021 Bowman rookies like White Sox phenom Andrew Vaughn and Diamondbacks fireballer Drey Jameson.

Aside from star rookies, the 2021 Bowman Baseball release had exciting new prospects and international signings spotlighted as well. Cards like the Julio Rodríguez Base Chrome #286 saw immediate attention because Rodríguez has absolutely torn up the minors since signing. The future Mariners outfielder has five-tool upside and his Bowman rookies carry prospector appeal. Cards like Blue Jays pitching prospect Adam Kloffenstein Base Chrome Refractor Parallel #420 have gained traction since Kloffenstein’s Triple-A promotion. His refractor variation is limited and desirable for Jays believer’s PC’s long term. On the international front, cards like Twins prospect Jhoan Duran Base Refractor #435 and Royals prospect Bobby Witt Jr. Autographed Black Parallel #508B popped with collectors seeking the games next Latin stars. Both Duran and Witt have superstar talent and their Bowman cards will retain premium collector value for years.

Part of what makes the Bowman Baseball brand so iconic to hobbyists is the set’s prospecting ability to uncover future MLB talents still playing minor league ball or landing overseas. This is where card investors can really find potential gems still at affordable prices. Some 2021 prospects to track include Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson Base refractor #369, Rangers third baseman Sherten Apostel Blue Refractor Parallel #570B, and Twins shortstop Marco Luciano Base Paper #700. If any of these risky, deep divers pan out it could mean a huge return on a modest Bowman investment years down the line. The 2021 Bowman Baseball set had a rare confluence of current stars and future elites to chase. With the explosive early increases in value of its biggest hits, it’s easy to see why this year’s Bowman release is poised to achieve classic status in the hobby.

While every release has fan favorites, the 2021 Bowman Baseball set stood out for showcasing Wander Franco, Riley Greene and other rookies who look poised to become franchise cornerstones. Parallel and autographed refractor hits of these players rocketed up collector boards immediately. Deeper diving prospect cards leave opportunity for patience to unearth potential all-stars still climbing the minor league ranks. With its prospecting insights and stars of tomorrow, Bowman remains the hobby’s most captivating annual issuer. The 2021 edition may go down as one of the most memorable in terms of returns on both present stars and future potential greats yet to debut.