The 2021 Bowman baseball card release was highly anticipated in the hobby and did not disappoint collectors. Featuring the next generation of MLB stars as rookies and prospects, Bowman is known for identifying future Hall of Famers very early in their careers. With its eye-catching chrome refractors and prospects of tomorrow parallel sets, 2021 Bowman delivered several cards that are sure to be highly valuable for years to come. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most coveted rookie cards and parallels from the latest Bowman release.
Bobby Witt Jr. is widely considered the top prospect in all of baseball and his rookie cards from 2021 Bowman reflect that lofty status. The Kansas City Royals shortstop’s base paper rookie card can be found for around $50-75 in PSA 10 condition. His prized chrome refractor parallel /499 is already trading hands for $500-1000 graded gem mint. Witt absolutely dominated the minor leagues in 2021 and is expected to be a perennial all-star at the major league level. His autograph cards also carry premiums, with a simple on-card signature fetching $300-500 in top grades. The cream of the crop is undoubtedly his 1/1 black border refractor auto, which recently sold for an astounding $12,000 on eBay. Needless to say, Witt’s rookie cards, especially the rare parallels, are destined to gain immense value as he establishes himself as a superstar.
Another highly coveted rookie is Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. While he made his MLB debut in 2021, Bowman was the first chance for collectors to obtain Franco cards. His base paper rookie in a PSA 10 can be acquired for $100-150 currently. Franco is known for his precocious hitting ability and elite bat-to-ball skills. This is reflected in the value of his prized chrome refractors, with the /499 parallel at $600-800 in top condition. Like Witt, Franco autograph cards hold substantial premiums as well. A simple on-card auto hovers around $300-400 graded gem mint. The true blue-chip is his 1/1 black border refractor auto, with two recently selling for $15,000 each. Franco looks poised to become the face of the Rays franchise and a perennial all-star, making his Bowman rookies outstanding long term investments.
Another rookie position player generating tremendous buzz is Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez. While not as proven as Witt or Franco in the minors prior to 2021 Bowman, Rodriguez absolutely exploded onto the scene by hitting .314 with 33 home runs and 25 stolen bases between Double and Triple-A last season. This breakout performance is reflected in the rising prices of his Bowman rookie cards. His base paper rookie in a PSA 10 can be found for $75-100 currently. The prized chrome refractors carry even larger premiums, with the /499 parallel at $400-600 in top condition already. Rodriguez also has some very scarce autograph parallels, with his black border refractor auto recently selling for an astounding $9,000 graded gem mint. With his five-tool skillset and blossoming power/speed combo, Rodriguez could develop into a perennial all-star and the prices of his Bowman rookies are sure to follow suit in the coming years.
While position players tend to garner more attention and acclaim, pitchers can often be the smartest long term investments in the hobby. Two hurlers from 2021 Bowman that are really standing out are Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane Baz and Los Angeles Dodgers flamethrower Bobby Miller. Baz has electric stuff and was considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball prior to undergoing Tommy John surgery late in 2021. His base paper rookie in a PSA 10 can be found for $50-75. Meanwhile, his prized chrome refractors fetch $300-500 already in top condition, reflecting Baz’s blue-chip status. Miller is a raw athlete who can touch triple digits with his fastball. His base paper rookie also goes for $50-75 graded gem mint, while his chrome refractors command $200-350 due to his huge upside. Both Baz and Miller have a chance to develop into frontline starters, making their Bowman rookie cards from this year smart long term pitching investments.
While the above rookies and prospects garner most of the attention in the hobby, it’s also important to consider value players who can provide steady returns. A few under-the-radar gems from 2021 Bowman include Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Roansy Contreras, Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran, and Milwaukee Brewers infielder Brice Turang. Contreras sits mid-to-upper 90s with his fastball and shows three potential plus pitches. His base paper rookie holds steady at $30-50 graded mint, while his prized chrome refractors can be found for $150-250 currently. Duran is a potential five-tool talent who hit .283 with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A last season. His paper rookie holds at $30-50 as well, with chrome refractors around $100-150. Turang has plus contact skills and defensive abilities. His paper rookie sells for $25-40, with chrome refractors fetching $75-125. All three could develop into quality major leaguers, making their Bowman cards potential long shot values.
The 2021 Bowman baseball release featured an outstanding assortment of future stars in the making like Witt, Franco, Rodriguez, Baz and Miller. The set also provided opportunities to invest in potential value players like Contreras, Duran and Turang. With its eye for identifying Hall of Fame talents early, Bowman continues to be the premier product for collecting prospects and investing in tomorrow’s all-stars. The cards highlighted above offer a wide range of upside, from near-surefire blue-chip rookies to potential long shot values. With patience and savvy collecting, 2021 Bowman baseball cards have the potential to deliver tremendous returns in the coming years.
