The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year. As the flagship prospect set from Topps, Bowman annually features the best up-and-coming young players in baseball just before they make their MLB debuts. While it’s impossible to predict who will ultimately have the most successful careers, here’s a look at some of the top rookies and prospects featured in the 2023 Bowman set that could become the best long-term investments.
Druw Jones (Atlanta Braves) – As the second overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, many scouts believe Jones has the highest ceiling of any player in this year’s class. The son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw was arguably the best pure hitter and best all-around player available in the draft. He possesses five-tool potential with impressive power, speed, defense, and batting skills. His autographed or especially high numbered rookie cards could become extremely valuable if he lives up to the hype.
Termarr Johnson (Pittsburgh Pirates) – Considered a potential top-5 pick prior to the 2022 draft, Johnson surprisingly fell all the way to the fourth round due to signability concerns. His immense talent was too good for the Pirates to pass up and they signed him for well over slot value. An electric athlete with plus speed and defense in center field, Johnson also has developing raw power and hitting ability. His cards could boom if he progresses quickly.
Brock Porter (Texas Rangers) – The third overall selection in the 2022 draft, Porter was considered by many to be the best high school pitching prospect available. Blessed with a powerful fastball that sits in the mid-90s along with a plus curveball, Porter dominated high school hitters and could move quickly. As a high draft pick with frontline starter upside, his rookie cards hold plenty of long-term appeal.
Daniel Espino (Cleveland Guardians) – Although Espino made his MLB debut in 2022, he is still rookie eligible for 2023 Bowman since he did not exceed rookie limitations. With a triple-digit fastball and one of the best sliders in the minors, Espino has the pure stuff to be an ace if he refines his command. His cards remain quite affordable and could multiply in value as he establishes himself in Cleveland’s rotation.
Emerson Hancock (Seattle Mariners) – Injuries have slowed Hancock’s progress, but when right he flashes one of the best repertoires among pitching prospects. He utilizes a plus sinker and shows the makings of three above-average secondary pitches. As a former first rounder with frontline starter potential, Hancock’s cards are a buy-low opportunity. A breakout season could make him one of the top risers.
Jackson Holliday (Baltimore Orioles) – The number one overall pick from the 2022 draft, Holliday is the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. He has impressive all-around hitting skills with a smooth left-handed swing and developing power. Holliday makes consistent hard contact and should hit for a high average. As the top selection and highest drafted position player, his cards carry considerable long-term value.
Gavin Cross (Cleveland Guardians) – A lefty-hitting outfielder with impressive raw power, Cross was considered one of the best pure hitters in the 2022 draft class. He shows the ability to hit for both power and average while also providing solid defense in right field. Cross was a first round pick and his cards could appreciate nicely if he develops into the middle-of-the-order force that scouts envision.
Brooks Lee (San Diego Padres) – A smooth-swinging shortstop with a advanced hit tool and feel for the game, Lee was a first round selection in 2022. He consistently squares up the ball and uses the whole field. While his power is still developing, Lee’s ability to hit for a high average and his defensive skills make him an intriguing long-term prospect. His autographed rookie cards offer breakout upside.
Ethan Murray (Tampa Bay Rays) – Considered a potential top-10 pick prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Murray fell to the third round where Tampa Bay snatched him up. When healthy, the high school shortstop possessed one of the best pure bats in the entire class with feel for hitting along with some present power. His cards are an injury-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay off big if he bounces back strong.
Gavin Cross (Cleveland Guardians) – A lefty-hitting outfielder with impressive raw power, Cross was considered one of the best pure hitters in the 2022 draft class. He shows the ability to hit for both power and average while also providing solid defense in right field. Cross was a first round pick and his cards could appreciate nicely if he develops into the middle-of-the-order force that scouts envision.
Ethan Murray (Tampa Bay Rays) – Considered a potential top-10 pick prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, Murray fell to the third round where Tampa Bay snatched him up. When healthy, the high school shortstop possessed one of the best pure bats in the entire class with feel for hitting along with some present power. His cards are an injury-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay off big if he bounces back strong.
Of course, prospect success can never be guaranteed. Injuries, adjustments to pro ball, or other unforeseen factors could derail any of these players. For discerning collectors looking to invest, the top rookies in the 2023 Bowman set offer as much upside as any recent card release. With their immense talent and as the earliest cards showing players in a major league uniform, cards from this set of baseball’s next great stars have a solid chance to appreciate significantly with a successful career. By focusing on players with the highest ceilings like Jones, Johnson, Porter and others, 2023 Bowman offers opportunities to potentially find the cards that become true gems years down the road.
