The 2023 baseball season will see another highly-touted rookie class make their MLB debuts. While it’s still early, here are some of the top rookie cards to watch for players who could make an immediate impact and have their cardboard climb in value over the coming years.
Druw Jones, OF, Atlanta Braves (2021 Draft): As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Jones has immense expectations as the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. Still just 19, he batted .290 with 13 home runs in Low-A in 2022. Jones has five-tool potential and could push for the majors in 2023. His rookie cards from 2021 Bowman Draft and 2022 Bowman will be hot commodities.
Jackson Holliday, SS, Baltimore Orioles (2022 Draft): The top pick in the 2022 draft out of Stillwater High School (OK), Holliday has impressive bloodlines as the son of seven-time All-Star Matt Holliday. He has a smooth left-handed swing and should move quickly through the minors. Holliday’s rookie cards from 2022 Bowman Draft and any minor league releases could take off if he finds success in pro ball.
Emerson Hancock, RHP, Seattle Mariners: The Mariners’ first round pick in 2020, Hancock missed all of 2021 following Tommy John surgery but returned strong in 2022 posting a 2.13 ERA between High-A and Double-A. His four-pitch mix gives him frontline starter upside. Hancock’s 2020 Bowman Chrome Sapphire paper rookie could appreciate if he breaks camp with Seattle.
Eury Pérez, SS, Cincinnati Reds: Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2018, Pérez batted .302 with 13 homers, 30 steals between High-A and Double-A in 2022 at just 20 years old. He has plus speed, contact skills, and developing power that could allow him to stick at shortstop. Pérez’s 2018 Bowman Chrome paper rookie could take off with a strong Reds debut in 2023.
Jake Vogel, OF, San Francisco Giants: A second-round pick in 2021, Vogel hit .323 with 18 homers, 29 steals between High-A and Double-A in his first full pro season at age 22. He has the upside of a five-tool player and could push for San Francisco early next year. Vogel’s 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire paper rookie is one to watch.
Gavin Cross, OF, Cleveland Guardians: The No. 9 overall pick in 2022 out of Virginia Tech, Cross batted .326 with five homers in his pro debut season. He has a polished left-handed swing and should move quickly. Cross’ 2022 Bowman Chrome paper rookie could see early demand if he forces his way to Cleveland by mid-2023.
Ethan Murray, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays: A third-rounder in 2021 from Missouri, Murray hit .276 with 18 homers, 29 steals between High-A and Double-A at age 21 in 2022. He has a well-rounded game and could fill an opening at the hot corner for Tampa Bay. Murray’s 2021 Bowman paper rookie is one to watch.
Brooks Lee, 3B, Los Angeles Angels: The No. 8 overall pick in 2022 out of Cal Poly, Lee batted .325 with six homers in his pro debut season. He has a advanced hit tool and defensive skills at the hot corner. Lee’s 2022 Bowman Chrome paper rookie could take off if he forces his way to the Angels by late 2023.
Chase Petty, RHP, Minnesota Twins: The No. 26 overall pick in 2021 from New Jersey, Petty has electric stuff headlined by a 100+ mph fastball. He struggled with control issues in 2022 but still has frontline starter upside. His 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire paper rookie is a solid long-term prospecting play.
Termarr Johnson, 2B, Pittsburgh Pirates: A second-round pick in 2021 from Mays High School (GA), Johnson hit .281 with 13 homers, 37 steals between Low-A and High-A at age 20 in 2022. He has plus speed, gap power, and could stick at second base long-term. Johnson’s 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire paper rookie is one to watch.
Blake Walston, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks: The No. 26 overall pick in 2021 out of New Mexico State, Walston has a four-pitch mix led by a mid-90s fastball. He posted a 3.74 ERA with 84 Ks in 71 High-A innings in 2022. Walston’s 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire paper rookie could take off if he debuts in Arizona by late 2023.
Jake Bennett, RHP, Chicago Cubs: A fourth-round pick in 2021 from Oklahoma, Bennett had a 2.28 ERA with 118 Ks in 101 innings between High-A and Double-A in 2022 at age 22. He has the makings of a mid-rotation starter. Bennett’s 2021 Bowman Chrome Sapphire paper rookie is worth watching.
Jackson Chourio, SS, Milwaukee Brewers: Signed for $4.6 million out of Venezuela in 2021, Chourio hit .302 with 12 homers, 27 steals between Low-A and High-A at age 19 in 2022. He has budding five-tool potential and could push for Milwaukee by late 2023. Chourio’s 2021 Bowman paper rookie will be in high demand.
This covers some of the top rookies who could make their MLB debuts in 2023 and see their rookie cards appreciate accordingly. It’s still early, but these players have the talent to not just reach the majors but also potentially become stars long-term. Their rookie cards represent an investment in that future success.
