The 2022 Bowman Baseball set was released in late May 2022 and features prospects, rookies, and young MLB stars. As with every year, the biggest question is which rookie cards may gain value with a breakout season or reach the majors. While it’s still early, here is an analysis of some of the top names to watch and potential value trends for 2022 Bowman Baseball cards.
One of the most hyped prospects is Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez. The 18-year-old Dominican signed for $5.1 million in 2020 and showed impressive power and hitting skills in his U.S. debut season in 2021, batting .270 with 9 home runs between the Florida Complex League and Low A Lakeland. Baez is considered a future star and his prospect card could appreciate significantly if he continues progressing. Look for his Bowman Chrome prospect card to be a bargain now around $10-15 but potentially reach $100+ with a full season above A-ball.
Another top prospect to watch is Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Gabriel Moreno. The 21-year-old from Venezuela has posted OPS figures above .900 at every minor league stop and made his MLB debut in 2022. Moreno is likely to start the 2023 season in Triple-A and could get regular playing time in Toronto by mid-season. His Bowman Chrome prospect card currently sells for $25-40 but has $100+ upside if he becomes an everyday player. Even his base Bowman cards around $5 now provide solid risk/reward.
Los Angeles Angels fans will be tracking shortstop Logan O’Hoppe, acquired from the Phillies during the offseason. The 21-year old catcher/middle infielder has displayed big power and hit .260 with 15 home runs in High-A in 2021. As a former first round pick with plus tools, O’Hoppe is on the cusp of the majors and his prospect cards priced at $10-15 offer value. If he gains traction in future top 100 prospect lists, prices could more than double within a year.
Pitching prospects always carry risk but Detroit’s Javier Vazquez has one of the highest ceilings in the 2022 Bowman set. The 19-year-old righty regularly hits triple digits with his fastball and completed his U.S. debut in 2021 by striking out 79 batters in 58 innings between the FCL and Low A. Even with needed refining of his secondary pitches, his prospect cards priced under $10 provide excellent upside. If he reaches High A in 2023 without issue, expect prices to climb above $30-50 range.
Breakout hitting performances have the most direct impact on increasing Bowman card value. One under-the-radar name to emerge in 2022 was Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick. The 2021 first rounder out of Boston College made his full season debut by batting .299 with 20 stolen bases between High A and Double A. Still just 22 years old, Frelick is on the quicker track to the majors and his Bowman Chrome rookie card has already appreciated from a $10-15 range to $25-35 based on his play. Frelick is one to watch closely if he gets fall league action or a 2023 spring training invite which could push prices even higher.
Every year, a few MLB rookies also see their Bowman cards gain value from successful debut seasons. In 2022, Miami Marlins pitcher Max Meyer may have the most upside. The third overall pick in 2020 went 5-5 with a 2.77 ERA between Double-A and Triple-A before a September callup where he showed glimpses of potential. Meyer will likely start 2023 in the Marlins rotation and if he finds success, his Bowman Chrome rookie card around $70-100 now could 2-3x within a year.
While prospects carry risk, Bowman provides affordable exposure to the games future stars for savvy collectors. This analysis covered just a sampling of names that could yield value gains in 2023 with strong play. Other breakout prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Walker and Drew Waters also offer long term upside. For players on the cusp like Moreno, Frelick and Meyer, their performance over the next 12 months will dictate whether 2022 Bowman cards end up as lasting trophies in collections or missed opportunities. Focusing on top talents in full season ball or higher with Bowman cards under $25 offers the best risk/reward for hobbyists.
