The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for baseball card collectors and investors. While it’s still early and the rookie class is still developing their careers, there are already several prospects and young stars whose rookie cards hold strong value that is likely to increase over time. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top 2023 Bowman baseball cards to watch and understand where their current values are coming from.
One of the biggest names and faces on 2023 Bowman is Los Angeles Angels pitcher and two-way star Shohei Ohtani. As the reigning AL MVP and one of the most unique talents in baseball history able to excel as both a pitcher and hitter, anything related to Ohtani garners high interest from collectors. His base Bowman paper rookie card currently sells for around $15-20, while autographed and memorabilia cards can fetch hundreds or even thousands depending on the parallel and autograph style. Ohtani is still in his prime at age 28 and continuing to put up video game numbers, so his rookie card prices seem poised to climb higher over the long run as he solidifies his legend status.
Another Angels prospect generating a lot of buzz is shortstop Logan O’Hoppe, who is ranked as high as the 6th best prospect in the Angels system by MLB.com. While he spent most of 2022 at Double-A, O’Hoppe flashed some intriguing power and is seen as a potential future middle of the lineup bat. His base Bowman paper rookie sells in the $8-12 range currently, with parallels and autographs carrying commensurately higher prices. As O’Hoppe continues developing and potentially reaches the majors in 2023, more performance on a bigger stage could push his cards to new heights.
Over in the National League, Atlanta Braves’ prospect Justyn-Henry Malloy is making noise with his 6’6″ frame and left-handed power potential. Though still in A-ball, Malloy launched 15 home runs in 2022 to pique collector interest. His base rookie sells for $5-8 currently, with autographed and parallel versions in the $15-30 range. If Malloy can continue tapping into his raw power as he moves up the ladder, there is breakout potential that could significantly boost the value of his rookie cards in the coming years.
Shifting to the AL East, Toronto Blue Jays’ top prospect Gabriel Moreno has also become a must-watch player in the hobby. Regarded as an elite defender already at catcher with a polished bat, Moreno reached Triple-A at just 22 years old in 2022. He may debut in the bigs as early as 2023 and is considered a future cornerstone. Moreno’s base Bowman paper rookie sells in the $10-15 range now, with autographed and memorabilia versions reaching well into the triple digits. As he gets closer to the majors and establishes himself, his rookie cards could easily surpass $100 across the board.
Over in the NL Central, one of the top breakout prospects of 2022 was St. Louis Cardinals’ outfielder Jordan Walker. The massive 6’6″ slugger smashed 39 home runs between High-A and Double-A at just 20 years old. His immense raw power is already translating, and Walker has cemented himself as one of baseball’s elite prospects. Not surprisingly, collectors have taken notice – his base Bowman rookie sells in the $15-20 range currently, with higher priced parallels and autographs reaching $50-150. If Walker’s 2022 power surge carries into 2023, he could become a true star in the making and send his rookie card values skyrocketing.
Shifting to pitching, Detroit Tigers’ prospect Dylan Smith had an impressive 2022 campaign that has collectors excited. The former 2nd rounder struck out 130 batters with a 2.19 ERA between High-A and Double-A as a 21 year old. With his combination of size, stuff and control, Smith has the makings of a future frontline starter. Not surprisingly, collectors are already taking note – his base Bowman rookie sells in the $8-12 range currently, with parallels and autographs reaching the $25-50 range. Continued development and ascension through the minors could position Smith for a breakout and make his rookie cards a worthwhile long term investment.
Over in the AL West, Seattle Mariners’ top prospect Emerson Hancock is another young arm generating buzz. The former 1st rounder missed most of 2022 due to injury but flashed immense stuff when on the mound. Standing 6’4″ with a mid-90s fastball and plus slider, Hancock has true ace potential if he can stay healthy. With the Mariners perpetually in contention, he could reach the majors as early as late 2023. His base Bowman rookie currently sells in the $10-15 range, with higher priced parallels and autographs reaching $30-75. As Hancock gets further removed from injury and closer to the bigs, expect strong appreciation for his rookie cards.
While it’s still early and careers can change course, these select 2023 Bowman rookies from Ohtani and Moreno to Walker and Hancock represent some of the top names to watch based on pedigree, performance and future upside. With continued development and major league success, their rookie cards hold strong long term value potential for savvy baseball card investors. It will be exciting to track the progress of this exciting rookie class both on the field and in the hobby over the coming years. The 2023 Bowman set offers a great opportunity to get in early on what could become some of the most coveted modern rookie cards in the sport.
