The 2022 Bowman baseball card set was released in late May and as always, contains prospects, rookies, and young MLB stars. While there are always hidden gems to be found throughout any baseball card release, here are some of the top 2022 Bowman baseball cards collectors and investors will want to keep an eye out for.
Julio Rodriguez – Considered one of, if not the top prospect in all of baseball coming into 2022, Rodriguez had a huge debut season with the Seattle Mariners. Still just 21 years old, Rodriguez hit 28 home runs and drove in 75 runs while slashing .284/.345/.509 in his rookie campaign. His Chrome and Paper rookie cards are sure to be in high demand. Look for extra rare parallels and autographed versions to carry high values long term.
Bobby Witt Jr. – The #2 overall prospect and top shortstop coming into 2022 per MLB Pipeline, Witt lived up to the hype in his rookie year with the Kansas City Royals. Battling injuries at times, Witt hit 20 home runs in just 100 games while flashing plenty of potential with the glove as well. Like Rodriguez, Witt’s Chrome and Paper rookie cards will be big sellers. Be on the lookout for low-numbered parallels and autographs that could fetch a premium.
Oneil Cruz – Viewed as the top prospect in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, the 6’7″ shortstop has immense power potential. Cruz made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed off that power with 4 home runs in just 85 at-bats. Considered a future star, collectors would be wise to stock up on Cruz’s rookie cards now before his potential breakout.
Adley Rutschman – The top pick in the 2019 draft and #1 overall prospect, Rutschman finally made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2022 after an injury delayed start to his career. In 92 games, he hit .254 with 7 home runs while showing why he’s such a special talent both offensively and defensively behind the plate. His rookie cards will be hot commodities.
Spencer Torkelson – The #1 pick in 2020 out of Arizona State, Torkelson struggled initially as he adjusted to MLB pitching in 2022 for the Detroit Tigers. He started to heat up late in the season and should remain the Tigers’ first baseman of the future. His long-term potential combined with status as a former top pick makes Torkelson’s rookie cards worth targeting.
Emerson Hancock – The #6 overall pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2020 out of Georgia, Hancock is considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. He made his pro debut in 2022 after missing 2021 due to injury. As one of the highest drafted arms eligible for Bowman, Hancock’s cards could skyrocket if he develops into an ace.
Cade Cavalli – Another highly touted pitching prospect, Cavalli was selected #22 overall by the Washington Nationals in 2020 from the University of Oklahoma. He zoomed up prospect lists in 2022 by putting up great numbers between Double-A and Triple-A. Cavalli made his MLB debut that September and could be in the Nationals’ rotation for years to come. His cards offer breakout upside.
Griffin Conine – Son of former MLB All-Star Jeff Conine, the Toronto Blue Jays prospect has immense raw power potential. He crushed 23 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022 and could be a riser. With Toronto always developing young talent, Conine’s star could rise quickly making his cards an affordable long shot to hit.
Gunnar Henderson – Widely regarded as the top prospect in the Baltimore Orioles loaded system, Henderson raised eyebrows by reaching Triple-A at age 20 in 2022. With plus hit tool and power to all fields, Henderson could be next in line to contribute to the O’s “next wave” after Adley Rutschman. His cards are priced accordingly for his potential impact.
Eury Perez – A 20-year old center fielder in the Cincinnati Reds system who ranked as their #4 prospect after batting .309 with 16 home runs across High-A and Double-A in 2022. Perez offers on five-tool upside and just needs more development time. Cards can still be had at reasonable prices given his current prospect status.
Brooks Lee – The #8 overall pick out of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo by the Minnesota Twins in 2021, Lee hit .349 with an .890 OPS between High-A and Double-A in his pro debut season. Considered a safe and polished hitter with great intangibles, Lee could move quickly. His draft pedigree and performance make him an intriguing buy.
Romy Gonzalez – An international signing by the Atlanta Braves out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Gonzalez broke out by slashing .317/.360/.506 across multiple minor league levels in 2022 at just 21 years old. With his advanced all-fields approach already playing at Double-A, Gonzalez could make his MLB debut sooner than later for a perennial contender.
Jake Bennett – A 6th round pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021 out of Oklahoma, Bennett blew away the minor leagues in 2022 by putting up a 1.78 ERA with 144 strikeouts across 3 levels. With excellent control and movement on his pitches, Bennett profiles as a mid-rotation starter and could appeal to Rays prospect collectors.
Jackson Jobe – Selected #3 overall by the Detroit Tigers in 2021 out of Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma, the 6-foot-3 righty reached High-A as one of the youngest players this year. Jobe’s electric three-pitch mix and projectability make him a future ace if development goes smoothly. His draft pedigree creates appeal.
Jasson Dominguez – Signed by the New York Yankees for $5.1 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2019, Dominguez is nicknamed “The Martian” for his otherworldly natural skills and tools. Returning from injury that limited him in 2022, Dominguez still offers huge upside at just 19 years old down the road in pinstripes.
Ezequiel Tovar – Considered one of the top shortstop prospects in the game, Tovar batted .318 with 15 home runs between High-A and Double-A in the Rockies system in 2022 at just 20 years old. With a polished all-around offensive game, Tovar could be the Rockies next homegrown star. His cards still have breakout potential.
While there are always risks in investing in prospects, the 2022 Bowman set offers access to many future stars at affordable prices early in their careers. Collectors would be wise to comb through for the best young talents like Rodriguez, Witt Jr., Cruz, Rutschman, Torkelson, Hancock and others profiled who could pay off down the road whether on the field or in the hobby. With Topps still the king of the modern baseball card game, Bowman remains a prospect hunter’s best friend.