The 2022 Bowman baseball card release offered collectors a chance to get cards of top MLB rookies and prospects outside of the flagship Topps products. As with every year, Bowman delivered some highly sought-after rookie cards and prospects that have the potential to be valuable long-term holdings. With its focus on minor leaguers and those just entering pro ball, Bowman often gives collectors an early look at the next generation of baseball stars. Here are some of the most notable and potentially valuable rookie cards from the 2022 Bowman set that collectors targeted.
Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners – At just 21 years old, Rodríguez had a phenomenal rookie season that has vaulted him into stardom. His prospect pedigree and MLB debut that saw him hit 28 home runs and steal 25 bases made his Bowman cards very hot. The prized red border parallel /150 pulled huge prices. Rodríguez looks like a perennial All-Star and his cards could become iconic pieces in collections for years to come.
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – As the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, Witt had big expectations that he largely met in his rookie campaign. Displaying five-tool talents and power/speed combo, Witt’s Bowman Prospect card parallels like Gold /50 and Orange /150 sold for thousands. He’s a cornerstone player for KC and if he continues developing, Witt’s rookie cards will retain and gain value.
Adley Rutschman, Baltimore Orioles – A switch-hitting catcher with elite defense, Rutschman had been the top-ranked prospect in baseball and lived up to the hype in his debut. As the future face of the Orioles’ rebuild, collectors snatched up Rutschman’s prized Bowman Prospect parallels and autographs. He looks to be an anchor for the team for years and his cards could boom with sustained success.
Spencer Torkelson, Detroit Tigers – After going #1 overall in 2020, Torkelson showed in his rookie year why he was such a coveted college bat. While he struggled at times, his raw power is undeniable and the Tigers will be patient. Torkelson Prospect cards like the Gold /50 parallel hold great long-term upside if he puts it all together consistently in Motown.
Oneil Cruz, Pittsburgh Pirates – At 6-foot-7 with tantalizing raw tools, Cruz had breakout flashes in his first extended MLB action in 2022. With a rocket arm and surprising speed for his size, Cruz could be a budding star if he refines his game. His Bowman Prospect autographs and color parallels like Orange /150 caught fire with collectors banking on continued improvement.
Rookie of the Year contenders like Michael Harris II (Braves), Steven Kwan (Guardians), and Alek Thomas (Diamondbacks) also had desirable Bowman Prospect cards. Harris II parallels like Gold /50 sold well after his stellar debut season. Kwan showed why he was such a coveted prospect and his Bowman Prospect cards held value. Thomas flashed five-tools and could be a budding star, making his cards solid long-term prospects.
Top international prospects like the Twins’ Luis Matos, the Cubs’ Kevin Alcantara, and the Red Sox’ Marcelo Mayer produced some of the most expensive signed Bowman Prospect cards on the secondary market. Matos dazzled with his speed and defense in low-A ball, stoking interest in his autographed rookie cards. Alcantara and Mayer remain further away from the majors but their signings showed why they were such prized 16-year-old prospects.
Other notable names that could pay off down the line include Gunnar Henderson (Orioles), Emerson Hancock (Mariners), and Shane Baz (Rays). Henderson quickly rose through the minors with his polished bat, generating buzz. Hancock returned from injury with promise as one of the top pitching prospects. And Baz showed ace upside when healthy that makes his Bowman Prospect cards solid long shots.
The 2022 Bowman release gave collectors an early chance to snatch up cards of the next wave of young MLB stars, many of whom had breakout rookie seasons. While it’s impossible to predict the future, cards from players who sustain success like Rodríguez, Witt, Rutschman and more stand to gain tremendous value in collectors’ portfolios for years to come. The set as a whole represents another opportunity to get in early on the next great talents in baseball.
