The 2022 Bowman baseball set was released in late March/early April and there are already some rookie cards that are gaining traction as potential breakout prospects establish themselves in the majors. While it’s still very early, here are some of the top rookies from the 2022 Bowman set that could turn into expensive chase cards by the end of the season based on their prospect pedigree and early MLB performances.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles (Bowman Chrome Prospects Auto RC /299) – Rutschman has long been considered the top catching prospect in baseball and many believe he has franchise-changing talent. He was selected first overall in the 2019 MLB Draft and is now getting his first extended look in the big leagues after a strong start at Triple-A. In his debut series against the Rays, Rutschman went 5-for-13 with 3 walks and showed why the hype is real. With his skill set both at and behind the plate, if Rutschman settles in and produces as expected, his rookie cards could be chasing $1,000+ by season’s end.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (Bowman 1st Chrome Auto RC /499) – Witt was considered the best pure hitter in the 2018 draft class and has done nothing but hit since turning pro. He blazed through the minors and after a hot start at Triple-A, got the call to Kansas City where he’s continued mashing. Witt brings impressive power potential to the table along with plus speed. He’s been touted as a future all-star and with the Royals looking to contend soon, Witt will be a cornerstone for years. His autos and top rookies from 2022 Bowman could settle in the $500+ range by summer if he sticks.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Tork was the top hitter taken in the 2020 draft and has proven himself since with a .312/.413/.583 slash line in the minors. Many scouts feel his hit tool and approach are big-league ready and he will hit for power in Comerica Park. He had a cup of coffee in Detroit last season but was sent down to keep developing. Torkelson is tearing it up again at Triple-A and looks MLB bound shortly. As the new face of the rebuilding Tigers, Torkelson’s cards could pop higher than Witt’s if he contributes right away.
Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Rodriguez is an absolute freak athlete who has five-tool star potential. He made his MLB debut in April 2022 and has held his own despite his age (21). Rodriguez already mixes impressive power with game-changing speed. His defense in center field has also drawn rave reviews. J-Rod is a key part of Seattle’s young core and his 1st Bowman Chrome autos could rival Rutschman’s prices by season’s end if he carves out an everyday role.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates (Bowman Sapphire Prospects Auto RC /150) – At 6-foot-7 with exceptional raw power, Cruz draws comparisons to Roberto Clemente due to his combination of size and athleticism. After mashing at High-A/AA in 2021, he continued crushing in a brief stint in the AFL. Cruz was a non-roster invitee to Pirates camp in 2022 and impressed enough to make the Opening Day roster. With his huge upside, Cruz could emerge as a fan favorite as the Pirates rebuild. HisAutos from Sapphire and higher-end Bowman products are tickets to ride.
Jack Leiter, Texas Rangers (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – As the #2 overall pick in 2021 out of Vanderbilt, Leiter was seen as one of the safest pitching prospects in recent memory. He dominated in his pro debut and earned a quick promotion to Double-A. Leiter features a mid-90s fastball with elite secondaries and the makeup to stick as a frontline starter. If the 21-year-old continues firing zeroes, expect Leiter’s 1st Bowman Chrome autos to settle in the $300-500 range within months as Rangers faithful latch onto their new ace.
Geraldo Perdomo, Arizona Diamondbacks (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Perdomo made his MLB debut in April 2022 and has shown an advanced approach at the plate with good speed and defensive versatility. He can handle shortstop but also profiles for second or third base depending on need. With his contact skills and sneaky power, Perdomo has breakout potential batting at the bottom of a talented D-Backs lineup. He could emerge as a fan favorite and perennial trade chip for the rebuilding club.
Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – As the 33rd overall pick in 2020 out of Decatur HS (GA), Walker has enormous raw power potential that was on full display in 2021. He crushed 20 homers between High-A and Double-A in his first full pro season at just 20 years old. With his combination of strength and athleticism, scouts feel Walker has the build and skills to be a perennial 30-homer threat. Being in the Cardinals system bodes well for his development as well. Cards fans are eager to see what he can do in the majors.
Cade Cavalli, Washington Nationals (Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto RC /299) – Cavalli has perhaps the best pure stuff of any pitching prospect in the minors with a triple-digit fastball and a true power curveball. Selected 22nd overall in 2020, he was dominant in his first full season, striking out 140+ hitters between High-A and Double-A. Cavalli has ace potential and could ascend Washington’s depth chart quickly if he continues overmatching hitters. His autos will be scalped by Nats collectors hoping for the team’s next Max Scherzer.
That covers some of the top rookies to watch from the 2022 Bowman baseball release. As the season progresses and these prospects perform in the big leagues, collector interest and card values should rise accordingly. For those speculating on these talents, now is a great time to acquire their rookie cards at reasonable prices before they potentially explode later in 2022 or beyond. The 2022 Bowman baseball set provides an opportunity to get in early on what could develop into some true marquee rookie cards.
