The 2011 Bowman Chrome Baseball set was released in 2011 and contains many young prospects and future stars at the beginning of their baseball careers. While the base rookie cards in the set typically don’t hold huge value long term, there are always exceptions and the prospect of batting average, home runs, MVP awards or Hall of Fame induction down the line provides intrigue and speculative value for collectors. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the notable rookies and parallels from the 2011 Bowman Chrome set to understand where true value may lie.
One of the biggest rookie hits from the 2011 Bowman Chrome set is Manny Machado’s prizm refractors. Machado went third overall to the Baltimore Orioles in the 2010 MLB Draft and showed superstar potential from a young age. Injuries slowed his ascent at times but Machado established himself as a perennial all-star and top third baseman. His raw talents included elite defense, impressive power, and a smooth left-handed swing. In PSA 10 condition, Machado’s prizm refractors now sell for $500-1000 each showing the long term value of elite young prospects realizing their potential. Base Machado rookies have less wow factor but still carry value of $50-100 in gem mint condition.
Another young star who burst onto the scene was Yankees pitcher Dellin Betances. Drafted out of high school way back in 2006, injuries and control issues delayed Betances ascent. But by 2013 he was dominating as one of the top relievers in baseball with a hard fastball and knee-buckling breaking ball. His prizm refractors in PSA 10 now sell for around $250 each while even base cards get $20-40. Betances’ success shows that while injuries delay progress for some young arms, those with elite stuff can still pan out. His cards are a nice longshot speculation.
Moving to position players with star potential, few generated as much buzz as Angels outfielder Mike Trout. While Trout mania didn’t fully take hold until his amazing 2012 rookie season, savvy collectors recognized his five-tool talent in the minors. Trout’s prizm refractors in PSA 10 condition now sell for $800-1000 each showing he was a true blue chip prospect. Even base Trout rookies maintain strong values of $75-150 based simply on his now certain future Hall of Fame candidacy. When identifying can’t-miss hitters even pre-debut, Trout was about as sure a thing as they come.
On the pitching side, Nationals hurler Stephen Strasburg still intrigues collectors despite injury concerns. Strasburg fell all the way to San Diego State in the 2007 draft due to signability concerns but threw harder than just about anyone once pro. His debut in 2010 was electrifying, with electrifying stuff and dominant results, before elbow surgery abruptly ended his season after just a few starts. Strasburg prizm refractors now sell for $400-600 each while even base cards fetch $50-100 based on his high-upside potential. When healthy, Strasburg looks like a sure-fire ace so his cards remain an intriguing longshot.
Turning to 2012 draftee prospects, few generate as much collector buzz as Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez. Selected 14th overall out of a Florida high school, Fernandez shot through the minors with a liveliness in his delivery and dynamism in his 96-mph fastball. Tragically, Fernandez lost his life in a boating accident in 2017 at just 24 years old. Given his charismatic presence and performances maximized by amazing control rare for power pitchers, Fernandez seemed destined for baseball lore. His prizm refractors now sell for $400-600 each showing the allure of his legend continues to grow. For a “what if” proposition, few prospects compare to Fernandez.
While many 2011 Bowman Chrome rookies hold values of $10-50 in top grades, discerning collectors recognize the longshot values that can exist for top prospects like Machado, Trout, Strasburg and Fernandez. Their ability to realize enormous potentials makes relic versions and prizm refractors particularly intriguing lots. But even base cards retain value based on Hall of Fame potential. With prospects, injuries can derail careers but careers can also exceed expectations. For savvy collectors, that speculative potential makes the 2011 Bowman Chrome set a fun one to curate.
