The 2022 Bowman Chrome Baseball set offers collectors a chance to pull some of the sport’s top prospects and future stars in chrome parallels. While it’s still early in these players’ careers, some of the prized rookies from this product already show immense potential. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most desirable rookie cards to hunt for in the 2022 Bowman Chrome release.
Perhaps the biggest name and most coveted card in this year’s set is Julio Rodriguez. The Seattle Mariners’ uber-prospect had a breakout season in 2021 that elevated him to top five on most prospect rankings heading into 2022. Rodriguez made his MLB debut on Opening Day and immediately flashed five-tool talent, hitting for power and running the bases with electrifty speed. His cards have skyrocketed in value as a result. A Julio Rodriguez chrome rookie /250 would certainly be the crown jewel of any Bowman Chrome collection.
Another emerging superstar is Cincinnati Reds’ catcher Elly De La Cruz. At just 20 years old, De La Cruz dominated High-A baseball in 2022 with a .325 average, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases. He possesses elite raw power potential and athleticism rarely seen from a catcher. De La Cruz could be a franchise cornerstone, making his chrome variants highly sought after long-term prospects.
Francisco Álvarez of the New York Mets had a breakout season between High-A and Double-A in 2022 at just 20 years old. As the top-ranked catching prospect in the minors, Álvarez turned heads by hitting .277 with 18 home runs and a .922 OPS over just 102 games between the two levels. With the hype continuing to build around his combination of bat and defensive skills, Álvarez could be the next great Mets’ catcher – making cards like a blue refract or purple refractor prized possessions.
Gunnar Henderson had one of the most dominant minor league seasons of any prospect in 2022. Across three levels from Low-A to Triple-A, the Baltimore Orioles’ top prospect slashed .312/.437/.534 with 27 home runs and 109 RBI in 134 games while playing stellar defense at multiple infield positions. Acclaimed for his advanced hit/power tool combo and precocious feel for the game, Henderson projects to be an all-star calibre player. His Bowman Chrome cards, especially numbered parallels, will continue appreciating for collectors.
No prospect grew their brand more in 2022 than Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. At an astonishing 6-foot-7, the 23-year-old shortstop has 80-grade raw power potential to go along with impressive speed/defense for his size. Cruz made his long-awaited MLB debut and immediately started hitting mammoth home runs. Even in a small sample, he looks like a franchise cornerstone – making his prospect cards a must-own for any Pirates PC orSET builds. Cruz’s prospects in a numbered parallel like aqua refractor /250 would be a true blue-chip gem.
One of the breakout position prospects of 2022 was Jackson Merrill of the Toronto Blue Jays. The prep shortstop hit .354 with 17 home runs and a 1.045 OPS between the Florida Complex and Bluefield leagues in his pro debut season. At just 19, Merrill showed excellent plate discipline and burgeoning raw power from the right side of the plate. He could rise up prospect lists quickly if building on his tools. As a potential future core piece, Merrill’s Bowman Chrome cards like a purple refractor would be valued.
Bubba Chandler also had a breakout debut season that has collectors taking notice of this Louisville commitment turned pitching prospect. The Red Sox selected Chandler in the third round this year with the hopes he could quickly rise as a power arm starter. In 2022, he pitched to a 2.93 ERA across four levels while showing a fastball up to 100 MPH to go along with an impressive frame at 6-foot-3. If Chandler continues developing his secondary stuff, the right-handed arm could rocket up prospect lists. His Bowman Chrome cards, including a blue refractor parallel, could pay great long-term dividends.
Royce Lewis missed almost all of 2022 recovering from injuries but remains one of the most toolsy middle infield prospects in the game when healthy. The former first overall pick has 70-grade speed, arm strength, and hitting ability from the left side of the plate. If he can stay on the field in 2023, Lewis has star potential as a future leader for the Minnesota Twins. Given the talent and pedigree, his Bowman Chrome refractors like aqua at /250 holds could be a bargain for patient collectors.
While Rodriguez might be the top name, collectors should also keep a close eye on the development of other elite prospects featured in 2022 Bowman Chrome like Jordan Walker, Brock Porter, Termarr Johnson, Daniel Espino and many more. With numerous prized prospects and future stars, the 2022 Bowman Chrome Baseball product provides a fun annual hobby release for collectors chasing the next generation of stars. While it’s still early in their development, many of these young athletes show the promise and tools to one day become household names. Their prospect cards offer an affordable entry point for collectors, with some holding immense long term value and investment potential.
