The 2020 Bowman Chrome baseball card set was released by Topps in June 2020 and contains prospects and rookie cards of future MLB stars. This set is highly sought after by collectors due to its shiny refractors and potential long-term value. Let’s take a deeper look at some of the top rookies and prospects from the 2020 Bowman Chrome set and analyze their current and projected future values.
One of the most valuable rookie cards in the 2020 Bowman Chrome set is Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Gavin Lux. Lux had a breakout season in 2019, hitting .347 across Double-A and Triple-A before getting called up to the majors. In the 2020 season, he showed flashes of star potential by hitting .376 with 2 home runs in September. Lux’s prized rookie refractors from 2020 Bowman Chrome currently sell for $80-100 in near-mint condition. Given Lux’s 5-tool ability and role on a powerhouse Dodgers team, these cards could appreciate significantly in the coming years if he becomes an All-Star caliber player.
Another top prospect who commanded high prices in 2020 Bowman Chrome is Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane Baz. The No. 12 overall pick in the 2017 draft, Baz has electric stuff with a mid-90s fastball and hard slider. He made his MLB debut in 2021 after dominating in the minors. Baz’s prized rookie refractor parallels from the 2020 set recently sold for over $300 each. As one of the top right-handed pitching prospects in baseball, Baz is a candidate to become an ace and lead his rotation one day. If he realizes his full potential, his 2020 Bowman Chrome rookie cards could be worth thousands in the long run.
Speaking of elite pitching prospects, Deivi Garcia of the New York Yankees had a breakout 2019 season between High-A and Double-A at just 20 years old. He showed three plus pitches with command beyond his age. In the 2020 set, Garcia’s prized refractors sell for $60-80 due to his sky-high ceiling as a potential No. 2 starter. The Yankees haven’t had a true homegrown ace in years, so if Garcia develops into that role, his rookie cards from 2020 Bowman Chrome could net five figures someday.
Two other highly valuable rookie cards from the 2020 Bowman Chrome set belong to Seattle Mariners prospects Jarred Kelenic and Logan Gilbert. Kelenic has all the tools to be a perennial All-Star with 20-20 potential. His prized rookie refractors recently sold for $150-200. Gilbert is a massive 6’6 righty with three quality pitches and command presence. His top rookie refractors have sold for $100-150. With their talent levels and spots on a rebuilding Mariners team, Kelenic and Gilbert have franchise player potential. If they become the cornerstones that Seattle hopes for, their 2020 Bowman Chrome rookies could be worth thousands of dollars per card in ten years.
Beyond the headliners, several other 2020 Bowman Chrome prospects that could appreciate significantly with breakouts include CJ Abrams, Bobby Witt Jr., Emerson Hancock, Spencer Torkelson, Austin Martin, Nick Gonzales, and Garrett Mitchell. All were top-10 overall draft picks with All-Star ceilings. Their prized rookie refractors currently sell between $50-150 based on organization, talent level, and prospect hype. But with breakthrough seasons, any could join the elite and see their earliest cards skyrocket to $1,000+ valuations down the road.
The 2020 Bowman Chrome baseball card set offers a treasure trove of future superstars at affordable prices today. While short-term values fluctuate with performance, top rookies like Lux, Baz, Kelenic and Gilbert have the highest long-term appreciation potential. For savvy investors, buying their prized rookie refractors now for $100-200 a card could yield returns of 5x to 10x or greater within 5-10 years if they fulfill scouting projections. The 2020 Bowman Chrome release will surely produce several Hall of Fame talents. For collectors willing to hold, the set remains a gold mine waiting to be unearthed.
