The 2023 Bowman baseball release is one of the most anticipated card issues of the year. As with every Bowman set, it provides fans their first look at the next generation of MLB superstars. While the rookie cards in this set have yet to realize their full potential, there are already several cards that stand out as premium, high value cards for collectors. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 2023 Bowman baseball cards to target.

Perhaps the biggest story coming out of the 2023 Bowman release is the arrival of phenom shortstop Jackson Holliday’s rookie card. Holliday was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft after a stellar collegiate career at Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. Considered a true five-tool player with incredible bat speed and great defensive abilities, Holliday is viewed as a potential franchise cornerstone. Not surprisingly, his Bowman Chrome rookie card /399 has already achieved astronomical prices in the secondary market. PSA 10 examples have sold for over $1,000, while even low-graded copies in PSA 8 slipcases command $300-400. As Holliday starts turning heads in spring training and rookie ball, expect these prices to keep climbing rapidly throughout 2023 and beyond.

Another highly sought after rookie is Druw Jones, who the Arizona Diamondbacks selected second overall in the 2022 draft. The son of five-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, Druw possesses his father’s incredible defensive skills and speed. He also shows great baseball instincts at the plate. Jones’ Bowman Chrome rookie /399 has achieved a similar lofty status to Holliday’s, though prices are still marginally below given Holliday’s status as the top pick. PSA 10 Jones rookies have crossed $800-900, with PSA 9’s around $500 currently. As he begins his pro career, Jones will look to validate his immense talent and push his cards up near Holliday territory.

While not rookies, prospects Elijah Green and Termarr Johnson also have 2023 Bowman cards that are commanding big money already. Green, a toolsy outfielder with plus speed and power, was taken 5th overall by the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. His Bowman Chrome First /399 has broken the $300 mark in PSA 10. Meanwhile, the electric Johnson was a second round pick by the Miami Marlins in 2022 after winning the Perfect Game All-American Classic MVP award during his senior year in high school. Combing incredible bat speed and athleticism, Johnson’s Bowman Chrome First /399 checks in right behind Green’s around $250 PSA 10. Both Green and Johnson look destined for early promotions in the low minors in 2023, fueling interest that could see their cards rise sharply throughout the year.

While the aforementioned prospects dominate discussions, don’t overlook several emerging stars with promising 2023 Bowman Chrome Update Series cards. Shortstop Gunnar Henderson destroyed High-A and Double-A pitching after being Baltimore’s 2021 2nd rounder, slashing .312/.414/.553 with 19 home runs between the two levels. His Update Series black refractors /499 hold steady around $90 PSA 10 as he challenges for a 2023 MLB debut. Likewise, 2020 1st rounder Austin Martin stabilized after an injury plagued 2021, hitting .268 with elite plate discipline between Double-A/Triple-A as a 22 year old. His Update Series refractor /499 hovers around $80 PSA 10 as he vies for a 2023 Toronto Blue Jays job. Both Henderson and Martin have five-tool upside and could explode with a full healthy season, catapulting their Update Series Chrome cards even higher.

In focusing strictly on readily available rookie cards, prospects with heritage or familial ties often command a premium. The cards mentioned at the beginning fit this criteria perfectly with Holliday and Jones. But don’t overlook New York Mets prospect Francisco Álvarez either. The consensus top catching prospect smashed 30 home runs across two minor league levels as a 20 year old in 2022, showcasing frightening right handed power. Being a first generation Venezuelan ballplayer only adds intrigue. His Bowman Chrome Sapphire /150 parallel checks in around $175 PSA 10 already. With an outside shot at a late 2023 Mets debut, Álvarez’s star could rapidly rise further and take this premium parallel card along with him.

While the true potentials of these rookies are unknown, certain 2023 Bowman baseball cards clearly stand out already based on pedigree, early performance, and prospect hype. Heading into 2023, Holliday, Jones, Green, Johnson and Álvarez profile as the cards to target the most aggressively. Breakouts from Henderson, Martin or other emerging prospects could easily vault their Update Series issues into equally sought after territory before year’s end. For collectors bullish on today’s top MLB prospects, look for opportunities to acquire PSA 9+ or BGS 9.5+ copies of these keys cards sooner than later before prices escalate beyond reach.