The 2023 Bowman baseball release is one of the most highly anticipated card releases of the year. As with every year, the 2023 Bowman set will feature prospects and young stars that have potential to become the game’s next big things. While it’s impossible to predict exactly who will emerge as superstars down the road, here are some of the top rookie cards to target based on player pedigree and future potential alone.
One of the biggest names to watch for in 2023 Bowman is Druw Jones. As the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, Druw was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2022 MLB Draft. Listed as one of the top prospects in all of baseball, the 18-year-old outfielder has all the tools to be an elite player. Even though he only has a handful of professional at-bats so far, Druw’s pedigree and physical gifts make him one of the highest ceiling prospects in recent memory. His rookie cards will likely be some of the priciest in the set from day one.
Another highly touted prospect is Jackson Holliday, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft by the Baltimore Orioles. The 18-year-old shortstop has all the tools to stay at a premium position long-term. Holliday has excellent bat speed and projects to hit for both power and average. He also has solid defensive abilities, though shortstop may not be his forever home. Holliday’s cards will be hot commodities due to his draft status and high upside.
One of the best pure hitting prospects eligible for 2023 Bowman is Elijah Green. The 6-foot-3 switch hitter has plus raw power from both sides of the plate and should hit for average as well. Green was selected fifth overall by the Cincinnati Reds in 2022 after a stellar high school career in Mississippi. He has drawn comparisons to Marcell Ozuna and could develop five-tool potential. Green is one to watch develop over the coming years.
On the pitching side, Brock Porter is one of the most intriguing arms in the 2023 Bowman class. The right-hander was selected third overall by the Texas Rangers and has a ceiling as high as any starter in the draft. Porter sits mid-90s with his fastball and shows the makings of at least plus secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup. He has a smooth delivery and projects to stay in the rotation long-term. If Porter develops as hoped, his rookie cards could pay off in a big way.
Another potential pitching star is Dylan Lesko, who was selected 15th overall by the Tampa Bay Rays. The 18-year-old lefty sits in the mid-90s with his fastball and shows two potential plus secondary pitches in his curveball and changeup. His command and control are also advanced for his age. Lesko has a high floor projection as a mid-rotation starter, but if he maximizes his talents, an ace ceiling is not out of the question. His cards could emerge as steals if Lesko reaches his potential.
Staying in the Rays system, shortstop Xavier Isaac is one to watch long-term. The 19-year-old was a second round pick in 2022 and has all the tools to stick at a premium position. Isaac has good hands, actions, and arm strength in the field. At the plate, he has a promising hit tool and should develop average to above power as he matures physically. Isaac is a potential five-tool player who could develop into a perennial All-Star if everything clicks.
One of the most polished prep bats in the 2023 class is Walker Pennington. The 18-year-old third baseman was selected 12th overall by the San Diego Padres after hitting .422 as a senior in high school. Pennington has an advanced approach at the plate and should hit for both power and average. He has the hands and actions to stick at the hot corner long-term as well. Pennington is one of the safer long-term bets to develop into an above-average regular.
For pitching prospects outside of the first round, one to watch is Brock Jones of the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander was taken in the third round and sits in the mid-90s with his fastball. He also shows the makings of a power slider and is working to develop his changeup. Jones’ athleticism and pitching acumen give him a high floor. But if he can sharpen his secondary stuff, a mid-rotation or better ceiling is not out of reach. His cards could be a value for Cubs believers.
The 2023 Bowman class features several blue chip prospects with the potential to become future superstars. While predictions are risky, Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, Elijah Green, Brock Porter, and Dylan Lesko profile as the headliners based on tools, draft pedigree, and long-term upside alone. Breakouts can happen, so keeping an eye on other top prospects like Xavier Isaac, Walker Pennington, and Brock Jones could unearth values. The key will be identifying who maximizes their abilities as professionals.
