The 2023 Bowman set is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year as it provides card collectors their first glimpses of prospects as they enter the professional ranks. While it’s impossible to predict before the season which prospects will make an immediate impact or have long-term success, here are some of the early favorites that collectors will be hunting for in the upcoming Bowman release based on pre-season rankings and name recognition.
One of the prized rookie cards collectors will be seeking is Druw Jones, the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones. Druw was regarded as the top overall prospect coming out of high school in the 2022 draft and was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Scouts praise his impressive five-tool talent and believe he has the potential to be an all-star centerfielder. His bowman chromaless refractor rookie card could demand a heavy premium considering his bloodlines and draft position.
Another highly coveted rookie for collectors will likely be Jackson Holliday, who was drafted first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 draft, making him the highest drafted position player ever out of high school. Holliday, the son of former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, consistently ranked atop prospect watch lists and showed maturity and prowess behind the plate at just 18 years old. His bowman refractors and paper rookies are sure to be hotly pursued.
2023 may also mark the first bowman cards for high school stars and top draft picks Dylan Lesko and Brooks Lee, provided they sign quick deals to join their new clubs. Lesko was drafted 8th overall by the Colorado Rockies after establishing himself as one of the greatest prep pitching prospects ever. Lee was taken 20th overall by the Boston Red Sox and could hit his way to the majors more quickly than others on this list. Given their draft slots and hype, their bowman rookie cards will likely attract strong demand.
International prospects signees could also emerge as top bowman cards. Shortstop Victor Baez out of Curacao was considered one of the top international talents from the 2022 class and signed for $2.5 million with the San Diego Padres. Son of former big leaguer Victor Baez, he draws comparisons to Fernando Tatis Jr. Also intriguing is Dominican outfielder Juan Den Boom, who inked for $1.5 million with the Kansas City Royals. Very toolsy with plus speed and raw power, his cards may garner buzz.
Collectors should also stay tuned for bowman rookies of successful prospects and AFL participants from the 2022 season. Catcher Henry Davis of the Pirates flashes huge offensive potential and his bowman cards jumped in demand following a strong AFL showing. RHP Brandon Barriera’s stuff absolutely took off in 2022 putting him on the map; his AFL dominance further validated his potential ace pedigree. Cards from prospects like Davis, Barriera, and others who established themselves this past season could maintain momentum.
In terms of investment holds, keep an eye out for especially polished college bats or arms that could fly through the minors. Cade Horton was a first rounder of the Cubs, while Ole Miss 3B Jacob Gonzalez signed with the Yankees as a comp pick. If they advance quickly in their first full pro seasons, their bowman cards would take off in value. Florida’s Sterlin Thompson went 11th overall to the Mets and could prove a rapid riser given his advanced approach and pitchability. His bowman cards warrant consideration as a longer term prospect.
Lastly, don’t overlook future phenoms that emerge from the international or draft classes shortly after 2023 Bowman releases. Acuna, Soto and Tatis all debuted as top prospects after their respective Bowman years but went on to become superstars that significantly boosted the value of those early cards in hindsight. Try to identify the next wunderkinds that could follow suit from the 2024, 2025 and beyond prospect crops. Their bowman rookie cards represent the ultimate speculative longshots that could pay off in a big way down the road.
The 2023 Bowman release is primed to feature many star prospects of tomorrow, from elite prep draftees to international amateurs to breakouts from the 2022 season. Knowing which new names to follow and rookies to acquire, both for short term demand and long term potential, will be instrumental in navigating the release profitably as a card investor. Immersing oneself in prospect rankings and scouting reports leading up to the product’s release helps identify the early favorites most likely to produce the prized $100+ refractors and $1,000+ autographs that make for stellar returns down the road. With a bit of research, the 2023 Bowman set should deliver on its annual promise of introducing future major league greats to the hobby.
