The 2023 Bowman Baseball set is one of the most anticipated releases each year for baseball card collectors and investors. As the first major issue of baseball cards each season, Bowman provides the first glimpse at rookie cards of the top prospects in the minor leagues that could become future MLB stars. With the 2023 edition set to hit shelves in late March, here is an in-depth look at some of the top rookie cards to find in packs from the new Bowman Baseball release.
One of the headliners of the 2023 Bowman Baseball checklist is shortstop Jackson Holliday, who was taken first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft. Holliday had an outstanding debut season in the minors, hitting .301 with 4 home runs and 9 stolen bases across three levels. As the #1 pick and son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday, Jackson Holliday’s rookie cards are sure to be some of the most sought after in the set. Collectors will want to keep an eye out for his standard Bowman Chrome rookie card as well as parallels and autographed versions that could hold significant long-term value.
Another highly touted prospect on the Bowman rookie checklist is catcher Druw Jones, who was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The son of five-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, Druw has impressive power and athleticism behind the plate at just 18 years old. He launched his first home run during his pro debut season and showed off his arm strength. Jones’ rookie cards, including prizm, paper, and chrome variations, all have potential to gain value as he moves up the minor league ladder.
On the pitching side, one arm that will draw plenty of attention is right-hander Brock Porter, who went to the Colorado Rockies with the 8th pick in the 2022 draft. In his first taste of pro ball, Porter dominated with a 0.00 ERA and 24 strikeouts over 15 innings between the Arizona Complex and Low-A levels. He features a mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking ball. As one of the highest drafted pitchers, collectors will be hunting for Porter’s rookies as an investment in a future Rockies ace.
Another hurler with huge upside is righty Dylan Lesko, who the Texas Rangers selected with the 15th pick. Lesko entered the draft as the top prep pitching prospect and showed why by fanning 21 batters over his first 12.1 pro innings in the Arizona Complex League. At just 18 years old, Lesko has the ceiling of a future frontline starter with a deep arsenal. His Bowman cards, especially autographed versions, could pay off tremendously down the road.
Switching to position players, one of the most exciting bats in the 2023 Bowman Baseball set belongs to shortstop Mikey Romero. The Oakland A’s first rounder (25th overall) wasted no time launching his pro career with a .333 average and 4 home runs in 34 at-bats during his debut. Romero has plus power from both sides of the plate to go along with slick defense at a premium position. Collectors would be wise to stock up on his rookies before his stock rises further.
Another middle infielder to watch is second baseman Chase DeLauter, who was a first round compensation pick (29th overall) by the St. Louis Cardinals. DeLauter showed off his impressive all-around abilities by slashing .355/.452/.618 with 4 homers between two levels in a brief pro debut. He has a smooth left-handed swing and solid defensive actions that could allow him to stay up the middle. DeLauter’s Bowman rookies are primed to gain value as he develops.
Rounding out some other notable prospects on the 2023 Bowman checklist are outfielders Justin Crawford (Angels), Elijah Green (Royals), and Owen Caissie (Padres). Crawford, the son of Carl Crawford, has five-tool potential and got his pro career off to a great start. Green was one of the top power bats in the 2022 draft class and launched 3 homers in his pro debut. Caissie has huge raw power from the left side of the plate and should be a force in the minors. Collectors would be wise to grab base rookie cards of all three young outfielders while they can still be had at reasonable prices.
In addition to base rookie cards, Bowman is known for producing some of the most coveted autographed and memorabilia cards in the hobby each year. Keep an eye out for 1/1 printing plates, autographed patches, and memorabilia cards featuring hair, bat and uniform swatches of the top prospects. These ultra-rare parallel cards of players like Holliday, Jones, Porter and others could become true collector gems worth thousands in the years to come if the players live up to expectations in MLB.
The 2023 Bowman Baseball checklist is loaded with future stars with the talent to one day become household names. For collectors and investors, grabbing rookie cards of these top prospects while they can still be found in packs is a savvy long-term move. The 2023 Bowman release will offer the first chance to acquire cards from what could turn out to be a memorable draft class and crop of rising young talents in the minor leagues.
