The 2022 Bowman baseball card release was highly anticipated in the hobby and it did not disappoint. As with every Bowman release, it featured prospects and rookie cards of future MLB stars. The 2022 edition may hold extra significance as the baseball card market continues to boom and prospects like Julio Rodriguez, Bobby Witt Jr., and Adley Rutschman make their MLB debuts. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top rookie and prospect cards to chase from the 2022 Bowman set that could yield big returns in the future.
Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) – J-Rod absolutely exploded onto the MLB scene in 2022 and quickly became a fan favorite in Seattle with his electrifying play and infectious personality. Not surprisingly, his rookie cards have skyrocketed in value. The prized card from 2022 Bowman is his pink refractory parallel, limited to /150 copies. Expect this card to continue gaining value as Rodriguez develops into a perennial All-Star. The standard base rookie card is also a must-own for any PC.
Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) – After much hype as the #2 overall pick in 2019, Witt lived up to expectations by winning AL Rookie of the Year in 2022. He brings exciting talent and leadership to a rising Royals squad. Like Rodriguez, the pink parallel /150 is his top Bowman RC but both the base and other color parallels hold value. The sky is the limit as Witt looks to build off a strong debut campaign.
Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles) – As the #1 overall pick in 2019, Rutschman was arguably the top MLB prospect for 2+ years. He showed why in 2022 by controlling the game from behind the plate and flashing his elite bat. The Orioles look to content for the AL East in coming years built around Rutschman. His pink /150 remains the prized card but collectors would be wise to stock the full rainbow of parallels from Bowman.
Rookie Cup Parallels – Bowman introduced parallel sets featuring the “Rookie Cup” logo on particularly short printed parallels. These include the pink /150, red /100, blue /75, and orange /50 parallels. Featuring the sport’s top rookies like the three above, these exclusive parallels hold a significant premium and are keys to any collection.
Spencer Torkelson (Detroit Tigers) – After a slow MLB debut, Torkelson showed signs of turning it around in the second half. As the #1 pick in 2020, he remains one of the top young bats in the game. His pink /150 is a must-have for Tigers PC collectors.
Cade Cavalli (Washington Nationals) – The 2020 1st rounder has electric stuff and projects as a future ace. He made his MLB debut late in 2022 and will look to secure a rotation spot next year. The Nats have an exciting young core and Cavalli’s pink parallel leads the way for collectors.
Emerson Hancock (Seattle Mariners) – The Mariners farm system is loaded with talent like this 2020 1st round LHP. He returned from injury strong in 2022 and could help Seattle’s staff sooner than later. His pink /150 is a solid long-term hold.
Eury Perez (Miami Marlins) – Signed for $5 million out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, Perez is already turning heads in the minors with his raw tools. At just 18, his future is very bright and cards like the pink parallel could pay off.
Ezequiel Tovar (Colorado Rockies) – Still just 20, Tovar showed why he’s considered a top shortstop prospect by reaching Double-A in 2022. He has a complete game and should be in the Show within a couple years. The Rockies will build around him and young stars.
Jackson Jobe (Detroit Tigers) – The Tigers third 1st rounder from 2020, Jobe offers three quality pitches and projects well as he progresses. His pink parallel from Bowman is a solid long-term Tigers prospect piece.
Gavin Cross (Kansas City Royals) – As a 2021 2nd round pick, Cross made quick work of the minors in 2022 by reaching Double-A at age 21 with a well-rounded game. He could be up soon to aid the Royals resurgence.
In addition to these headliner rookie cards, Bowman is also known for its prospect autograph and memorabilia cards that provide another layer of excitement. Parallel and autographed versions of the above names along with other top prospects like Gunnar Henderson, Anthony Volpe, and Druw Jones offer significant long-term upside in what is shaping up to be a memorable rookie class for years to come. With the continued growth of the sport and player performance directly impacting card values, 2022 Bowman provides opportunities for astute collectors.
