The 2023 Bowman baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues of the year. As the flagship rookie card product for MLB, Bowman provides fans the first chance to collect cards featuring the top prospects in baseball as they embark on their professional careers. While it’s still early, here is an overview of some of the top rookies and prospects in the 2023 Bowman set and their potential long term value.
One of the biggest names to watch is Druw Jones, the son of retired MLB star Andruw Jones. Druw was drafted second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2022 MLB Draft and is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. As the second pick, Jones is guaranteed to have multiple prominent rookie cards in Bowman including the base paper version, parallels, and autographs. Given his elite pedigree and tools that compare to his father, Druw Jones cards could appreciate significantly if he develops into the superstar many expect. His base rookie could realistically be a $50+ card within a few years.
Another top prospect that may have the highest valued cards is Jackson Holliday, the 2021 number one overall draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles. Holliday wowed scouts with his impressive all-around abilities in his debut pro season and will be one of the most sought after rookies in 2023 Bowman. His paper rookie could sell for $30-40 out of the gate with the potential to reach $100+ in a few years. Autographs and rare parallels of Holliday will demand big premiums right away.
Two other first round picks that should have solidly valued cards are Elijah Green, selected fifth overall by the Cincinnati Reds, and Brock Porter, picked third by the Texas Rangers. Both outfielders have five-tool potential and their Bowman rookies could sell in the $15-25 range initially with room to appreciate long term. Green in particular may have extra buzz as one of the top power bats in the draft.
Beyond the first round picks, keep an eye on cards featuring shortstop Jackson Chourio, who signed with the Brewers for over $4 million as an international free agent. Chourio wasted no time adjusting to pro ball and could be a star in the making. His Bowman rookie autographs may fetch $100+ right off the bat given the excitement around his talent. Fellow 2022 draftees and top prospects Daniel Susac (Oaklies), Dylan Beavers (Twins), and Chase Petty (Reds) could also have rookie cards that start in the $15-30 range.
In terms of longshots that could pay off big, keep an eye on cards featuring Braden Webb. The righty pitcher was a third round pick by the Cardinals who touched triple digits with his fastball. Webb made a strong pro debut and his cards could appreciate greatly if he develops into a frontline starter. Other lottery ticket prospects to watch include shortstops Endy Rodriguez and Robert Moore as well as outfielder Justin Crawford. All have star caliber tools and their Bowman rookies could be steals for under $10-15 initially.
As with any rookie card release, the 2023 Bowman set carries risk but also offers opportunity for savvy collectors. While it’s impossible to predict the future, focusing on cards of the top drafted players and highest upside international prospects increases the chances of finding cards that appreciate significantly with a prospect’s success. For those willing to do the research, 2023 Bowman offers a chance to get in early on the next generation of baseball stars at reasonable prices. Only time will tell which rookie cards from the set emerge as valuable long term investments.
While values are uncertain this early, Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday and Elijah Green profile as the prospects with the highest valued 2023 Bowman rookie cards based on their draft pedigree and elite talents. Autographs and rare parallels of any top prospects will command premiums. Values on prospects like Chourio, Susac, Beavers and Webb could surge with strong pro debuts as well. For collectors who do their homework, 2023 Bowman offers opportunities to potentially find the next big stars at affordable prices. It should be one of the most exciting rookie card releases in some time.
