The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for collectors and fans. As the first major set to feature prospects and rookie cards of players that will debut in the upcoming season, Bowman gives a first look at the future stars of MLB.
This year’s Bowman set promises to be one of the deepest in recent memory in terms of star prospects. Headlining the rookie class is likely to be Cardinals catcher and 2019 first overall pick Andrew Jones. Jones made his MLB debut in 2022 and showed why he is considered a future superstar, hitting .280 with 13 home runs in 108 games. His prized rookie card is sure to be one of the chase cards in 2023 Bowman.
Another elite catching prospect that could debut in 2023 is Padres farmhand Luis Campusano. Once considered the top catching prospect in the minors, injuries slowed his progress but he hit .296 between Double-A and Triple-A in 2022. Campusano has plus power from both sides of the plate and should be near the top of San Diego’s prospect rankings. His Bowman rookie could be one to watch.
On the pitching side, Braves top prospect Michael Harris II made a strong MLB debut after being a standout in this year’s Bowman set. Fellow Braves hurler Spencer Strider also had a breakout rookie campaign that was previewed in 2022 Bowman. Strider’s prospect card jumped in value as he emerged as a future ace.
Some other top pitching prospects that may receive their first Bowman cards in 2023 include Druw Jones of the Braves, the #2 overall pick in 2022 and son of Andruw Jones. Jones has elite tools and could move quickly. Tigers lefty Jace Jung, the younger brother of Rangers third baseman Josh Jung, had a strong full season debut and may get his first card. Reds righty Hunter Greene had a solid rookie year and his prospect card could gain steam. White Sox prospect Garrett Crochet is another flamethrower to watch after missing 2022 due to injury recovery.
On the position player side, high school shortstop Termarr Johnson was taken 29th overall by the Red Sox and has star potential. Dodgers catcher Diego Cartaya is one of the best offensive catchers in the minors. Mariners outfielder Edwin Arroyo and Rangers third baseman Justin Foscue had breakout seasons and their prospect values increased. Cardinals outfielder Alec Burleson continued hitting at every level and may receive a Bowman rookie.
In terms of international prospects, keep an eye out for the first cards of Cuban infielder Lazaro Montes, signed by the Cubs for $3 million, and Dominican shortstop Robert Puason, signed by the Athletics for $5.1 million. Both have elite tools and could rise up prospect lists quickly.
When it comes to parallels and inserts, Bowman is known for its popular Chrome, Black, and Gold parallels along with hit prospects like Inception, Inception Velocity, and Sterling. Serial Numbered parallels like Green /50 and Orange /25 add to the chase. Autograph and memorabilia cards of top prospects like Jones, Campusano and the Jung brothers will be in high demand.
Bowman also features prospects from Japan with the Wander Franco Superfractor parallel being the biggest hit in recent years. Cards of current MLB stars in their prospect years like Shohei Ohtani add to the nostalgia of the set.
Release date for the 2023 Bowman baseball set is expected to be in late April or early May. Hobby boxes will contain 12 packs with 7 cards per pack. Jumbo boxes with 24 packs will also be available. As one of the first looks each year at the future of MLB, Bowman is a must-have for collectors looking to get cards of stars before they break out. With another elite rookie class on the horizon, 2023 Bowman is primed to be a highly popular and valuable set.
