The 2021 Bowman baseball card release was highly anticipated by collectors due to the exciting rookie class headlined by Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and others. While Bowman is known for its prospect heavy sets that feature the stars of tomorrow, this year’s release delivered big on present day talent as well with short prints of superstars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. Bowman continues to be the premier brand for finding the next generation of baseball legends before they hit the majors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top cards collectors were chasing from the 2021 Bowman release.
Perhaps the most sought after rookie card in the entire set was Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez. Considered one of if not the top prospect in all of baseball, Rodriguez’s prized rookie refractor parallel quickly became a highly valuable card on the secondary market. Rodriguez showed in his brief MLB cup of call in 2021 that he has the type of five tool talent that could make him a perennial all-star. His smooth left-handed swing and elite defense in center make him one of the most exciting young players in the game. The prizm and paper versions of Rodriguez’s rookie are also excellent long term prospects.
Another rookie who is poised to be an absolute star is Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr, son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt. Witt Jr. has all the tools to be an all-around force at a premium position with power, speed, and defensive wizardry. He was considered by many to be the best pure hitter in the 2021 draft class. Witt Jr.’s prizm and refractor parallels quickly gained value and will likely only increase over time as he establishes himself in Kansas City. His bowman paper rookie is also an affordable option for collectors.
Blue Jays fans were thrilled to see phenom catcher Gabriel Moreno get his first big league cup of coffee in 2021. Regarded as an elite defender with a polished bat, Moreno has the potential to be the Jays long term solution behind the plate. Moreno’s prizm and refractor parallels are some of the most valuable rookie cards in the set. Even his paper rookie holds long term value as Moreno continues developing in the Toronto system.
Reds fans were excited about the debut of 2B Jonathan India, who took home NL rookie of the year honors. India showed plus power and a great batting eye in his first season. His bowman refractors and prizms gained immediate value. India looks primed to be a consistent all-star caliber player for Cincy moving forward, making his rookie cards strong long term investments.
Tampa Bay Rays fans were eager to see shortstop Wander Franco get his first taste of the bigs. Though injuries limited his debut season, Franco is considered a true five-tool talent and possible future superstar. His bowman refractors and prizms are already some of the pricier cards in the set. Franco has all the skills to be a perennial all-star and the face of the Rays franchise for years to come.
While the 2021 set focused mainly on prospects, it also included some highly sought after short prints of current MLB stars. Perhaps the most valuable non-rookie card was a Fernando Tatis Jr. prizm parallel. Tatis has quickly become one of the faces of MLB and a true superstar talent. His prizm parallels from previous bowman sets have gained immense value and his 2021 short print will likely follow the same trajectory as Tatis continues dominating at the plate and in the field.
Another prized short print was a Ronald Acuña Jr. refractor parallel. Acuña was well on his way to superstardom before injuries derailed his 2021 season. When healthy he is one of the most electrifying five-tool talents in baseball. His refractor from this set is a prized card for Braves fans and collectors looking to invest in one of MLB’s brightest young stars.
While the 2021 Bowman release as always focused on top prospects and the stars of tomorrow, it also included some highly sought after short prints of current MLB superstars like Tatis Jr. and Acuña Jr. The rookie class headlined by players like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Gabriel Moreno, and Wander Franco gave collectors a chance to potentially acquire the next generation of baseball legends at affordable prices. Bowman continues to be the premier brand for finding future hall of famers before they hit the big leagues. The top cards from this year’s release are already gaining value and will likely increase exponentially as these young stars continue developing their incredible talents.
