Bowman Chrome is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year from Topps. The 2023 edition is no exception, as it offers fans the chance to pull shiny rookie cards and prospects on the chrome card stock that collectors love.
Bowman Chrome is a follow up to the flagship Bowman set that is released each spring. While the base Bowman set features paper cards, Bowman Chrome switches to the popular chrome card stock that refracts light and gives the cards an eye-catching shine. The chrome parallels have become hugely popular with collectors in recent years.
For the 2023 release, Bowman Chrome will have the usual assortment of prospects, minor leaguers, and young MLB players on chrome cards. The biggest draws each year are the prized rookie cards of prospects expected to make their MLB debuts soon. Some of the top names collectors will be chasing autographs and parallels of in the 2023 Bowman Chrome set include:
Druw Jones (OF, ATL): As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Jones is one of the top prospects in all of baseball. His Bowman Chrome rookie cards are sure to be hot commodities.
Termarr Johnson (SS, PIT): The No. 4 overall pick from 2022, Johnson has 5-tool potential and is ranked as one of the best shortstop prospects in the minors.
Elijah Green (OF, KC): Green went No. 3 overall to the Royals and has huge raw power that could make him a future star.
Brooks Lee (3B, MIN): The No. 8 pick in 2022, Lee has excellent hitting skills and should move quickly through Minnesota’s system.
Jackson Holliday (SS, BAL): Taken No. 1 overall, Holliday has the pedigree and all-around game to be a future star for the Orioles.
Dru Baker (OF, HOU): An elite hitter with speed and defense, Baker could emerge as the Astros’ next great outfield prospect.
In addition to those prized rookie cards, Bowman Chrome will feature prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Walker, and Riley Greene among many others. The set always provides the first chance to get prospect cards on the shiny chrome stock.
When it comes to parallels and short prints, Bowman Chrome is known for offering collectors some of the most coveted rookie card variants. Top parallels that fans will be on the hunt for include:
Chrome Refractors (1:10 packs): These have become some of the most iconic and valuable rookie cards in the hobby.
Rainbow Foil (1:24 packs): A super shiny parallel that is tough to pull.
Black (1:36 packs): An ultra-short print parallel done on solid black card stock.
Gold (1:72 packs): Perhaps the most sought-after parallel for high-end collectors.
Atomic Refractors (1:288 packs): The true short prints that can net huge sums if a big name is pulled.
Autograph cards are also a major part of the Bowman Chrome allure. Top rookies will have base autographs around 1:150 packs on average. Rarer parallels like refractor autos or black autos make for true chase cards at around 1:500 packs or more.
When it comes to release date and product allocation, Bowman Chrome is expected to hit hobby shop shelves, Target/Walmart, and online retailers in late May or early June 2023. The release is usually accompanied by special high-end products too, such as Bowman Chrome Sapphire which features all short print parallels.
As with any hot new release, obtaining Bowman Chrome in retail will be extremely difficult due to scalpers, so hobby boxes may be the best way for most collectors to get their hands on the shiny rookie cards. A typical Bowman Chrome hobby box can be found for $100-150 depending on the retailer.
In summary, Topps Bowman Chrome 2023 is shaping up to be yet another highly anticipated baseball card release that collectors everywhere will be chasing. With prized rookies like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson and more on shiny chrome cards, it’s sure to create plenty of buzz and excitement across the hobby leading into the summer. The shiny rookie parallels and autographs will keep collectors hunting packs well into the new baseball season.
