The 2022 Bowman baseball card release is one of the most highly anticipated issues of the year. As the flagship rookie card product for MLB’s top prospects, Bowman annually features the game’s future stars in their earliest card appearances. This year’s crop of rookies does not disappoint, headlined by prospects like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Jackson Holliday.
While individual cards and players will rise and fall in value over time, here is a look at some of the top rookies, parallels, and inserts to watch for in the 2022 Bowman set that collectors should be targeting.
Druw Jones – Considered by many to be the best pure hitting prospect in the 2022 draft class, Druw Jones was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The son of five-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, Druw has incredible bat speed and athleticism that could make him a future star in the outfield. His base rookie cards and parallels will be hot commodities.
Jackson Holliday – The first overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Baltimore Orioles, Jackson Holliday had a monster junior season at Stillwater High School in Oklahoma. A left-handed hitting shortstop with power potential, Holliday is already generating comparisons to superstars like Alex Rodriguez. His flagship rookie card will be a must-have for collectors.
Termarr Johnson – A switch-hitting shortstop with blazing speed and instincts on the basepaths, Termarr Johnson was taken fourth overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022. Still just 18 years old, Johnson has the tools to develop into an elite defender at a premium position with impact offensive potential. He will be one of the top rookies to watch across all of baseball.
Brooks Lee – The eighth overall pick in 2022 by the Minnesota Twins, Brooks Lee put up huge numbers as a junior at Cal Poly. A polished hitter with a smooth lefty swing and solid defensive skills at third base, Lee has the all-around game to move quickly. His Bowman rookies will be hot sellers.
Elijah Green – Considered a potential top-five pick before slipping to 17th overall where the Padres selected him, Elijah Green is an athletic outfielder with huge raw power. At 6-foot-3 with developing hitting skills, Green has a high ceiling if he continues progressing. His cards could emerge as steals.
Daniel Susac – A left-handed hitting catcher taken 19th overall by the Oakland A’s, Daniel Susac showed excellent power and plate discipline at Arizona. His defense behind the plate is also advanced for his age. Susac has the complete package to become a star, making his Bowman cards buys.
Brock Porter – The third overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Texas Rangers, Brock Porter has the type of power arsenal that excites scouts. Capable of hitting triple digits with his fastball while also showing a swing-and-miss slider, Porter dominated as a prep arm in California. He is a top pitching prospect to track.
Gabriel Hughes – A projectable righty with a power four-pitch mix, Gabriel Hughes was selected 23rd overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. At 6-foot-8 with room to fill out his frame further, Hughes offers immense upside if he can stay healthy and refine his command. His cards present a high-risk, high-reward profile.
Emerson Hancock – A former first-round pick of the Mariners in 2020, Emerson Hancock missed the 2021 season due to injury but re-established himself as one of the minors’ top pitching prospects in 2022. Back healthy with a plus fastball and slider combo, Hancock has the arsenal to develop into a frontline starter.
Eury Perez – Signed for $3.8 million as an international free agent by the Reds in 2021, Eury Perez is already generating buzz as one of the best hitting prospects in the low minors. Still just 17 years old, Perez has shown advanced plate skills and power potential from the left side. His Bowman cards could take off as he develops.
In addition to top rookies, several insert sets stand out in the 2022 Bowman release that collectors will want to target. The Black Border parallel is one of the most coveted variations, featuring a striking all-black design that is limited to /199 copies or less. These serve as high-end chase cards at the top of most wishlists.
The popular Rainbow Foil parallels that span /299, /150 and /50 copies in red, blue and yellow respectively are always in high demand. For top prospects, even the /299 red versions can gain value quickly. The Gold Rainbow Foil /50 parallel takes the design up a notch with a prestigious gold tint.
Bowman Sterling returns again in 2022 with its high-end parallels and autographed rookie cards. Featuring a sharp embossed design, Sterling offers Silver Pack parallels numbered to /99 as well as the coveted Gold Foil autographs that are limited to just /10 copies. These present some of the rarest and most investment-worthy cards in the set.
New for this year is the Bowman 1st Chrome set, offering the first chrome rookie card versions of top prospects. Ranging from Green Foil /499 to Superfractor /1, these cutting-edge parallels take flagships cards upmarket. For elite talents, even the base Green Foils can gain traction.
Of course, the biggest chase remains the elusive Bowman Chrome Rainbow Foil autographs, which feature the prized autographed rookie of a top player on the prestigious Rainbow Foil stock, serial numbered to an ultra-low /5 copies. Landing one of these is a true crown jewel for any collection.
The 2022 Bowman release shapes up as one of the most anticipated issues in years. With a loaded class of rookies that features future MVP candidates like Druw Jones and Jackson Holliday, this year’s crop of flagship rookie cards and inserts are sure to attract heavy collector interest and fuel the trading card market for years to come. Savvy investors would be wise to target deals on key cards from this release before they inevitably appreciate in value as these young stars’ careers progress.
