The 2020 Bowman Baseball release offered collectors some intriguing rookie cards and prospects to chase. While star rookies like Luis Robert and Gavin Lux generated plenty of hype, savvy investors recognized value elsewhere in the sets as well. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards to emerge from the 2020 Bowman release when considering long term potential.
Headlining the crop of top rookie cards from 2020 Bowman was White Sox outfielder Luis Robert. Signed out of Cuba in 2017 for a $26 million bonus, Robert’s tools and five-tool ability captured the imagination of scouts and prospect hounds. He didn’t disappoint in his MLB debut in 2020, slashing .278/.337/.462 with 12 HR and 31 RBI over 51 games. Robert’s paper rookie cards across Bowman Draft, Bowman Platinum, and Bowman carried correspondingly hefty prices in hobby shops and the secondary market. The true blue chip card may be his autographed variations, which can be had for under $200 in PSA 10 condition on eBay. With superstar potential, Robert cards appear built to appreciate significantly as he puts up All-Star caliber campaigns.
Another hyped rookie who blossomed quickly was Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux. The 2016 first round pick has solid all-around skills and slotted in nicely as LA’s everyday second baseman, hitting .376 with two homers over his first week in the Show to kick off 2020. Lux signed as the highest paid position player from the 2016 draft, and thus any of his autographed cards command attention from collectors. Again, Bowman variations like negative refractors and autos can be found for under $200 in mint condition currently. As Lux develops into a perennial All-Star and the Dodgers maintain their pipeline of young contenders, his cards should age very well long term.
While Robert and Lux predictably garnered much of the 2020 Bowman hype, canny collectors recognized long term value in prospects like Nationals outfielder Victor Robles and Giants catcher Joey Bart. Robles had a breakout campaign in 2019 and looked primed for more success and increased power numbers in 2020. Unfortunately, injuries limited Robles to just 49 games, but at just 23 he has ample opportunity to develop further in a stellar Nationals’ lineup. Similarly, Bart was the second overall pick in 2018 and showed substantial power potential in the minors before the pandemic wiped out his 2020 campaign. Now two years into their careers, first Bowman refractors and autos of both Robles and Bart can be had under $75, presenting a buying opportunity ahead of anticipated rebounds in 2021 and beyond.
Outside the big league rookies and top prospects, 2020 Bowman provided intriguing value for collectors willing to do some digging. Marlins’ righty Sixto Sanchez exploded onto the scene late in 2020 and quickly became one of the game’s most exciting young flamethrowers. His true rookie cards were from 2019 Bowman. While pricier now, authenticated autos and 1sts from his initial Bowman release can still be found between $150-200 presenting an enticing long term hold. Meanwhile, Blue Jays’ flamethrower Nate Pearson, Diamondbacks’ catcher Daulton Varsho, and Rays breakout pitcher Shane Baz all had their rookie cards in 2020 Bowman. With careers poised to take off, collectors securing their autos and 1sts now in the $50-100 range look astute.
A name that may prove the best long term value play from 2020 Bowman is Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Gorman. The 2018 first rounder has immense power potential and was starting to tap into it in High-A before the 2020 hiatus. With plenty of development still ahead and a clear path to St. Louis’ hot corner, Gorman’s 1st Bowman Papers and Chromos can be had in the $15-30 range still. If he fulfills scouts’ lofty 25-30 home run projections, those early Gorman cards may prove the shrewdest long term investment to emerge from this year’s Bowman crop.
While 2020 presented many challenges, the year’s Bowman release still offered collectors an array of investment opportunities among both the flashy big league rookies and lesser-hyped prospects. Smart buyers securing Luis Robert, Gavin Lux, and others’ earliest certified autographed cards positioned themselves well. Meanwhile, values exists on under-the-radar standouts such as Sixto Sanchez, Nate Pearson and Nolan Gorman. For those with the discipline to hold long term, several gems from 2020 Bowman could provide sizable returns down the road. With patience and discernment, this year’s crop holds significant potential.
