The 2022 Bowman baseball card set was released in April 2022 and features prospects, rookies, and young MLB stars. As with every year, the Bowman set provides collectors the first chance to acquire cards of many of the top prospects in baseball. While it’s still early and player careers and values can change dramatically over time, here is an in-depth look at some of the top rookies and prospects from the 2022 Bowman set and their current estimated card values.
Perhaps the biggest name and prospect in the 2022 Bowman set is Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez. As the #1 overall pick in the 2021 MLB draft, Baez drew huge hype and excitement heading into his professional debut. His base rookie card from the 2022 Bowman set currently sells for around $10-15, with parallels and autographed cards fetching much higher prices. As Baez continues his minor league season and progresses towards the majors, his card values are likely to steadily increase.
Another highly regarded prospect who debuted in the 2022 Bowman set is Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman. As the #1 pick in the 2019 draft and consensus #1 overall prospect in baseball, Rutschman’s base rookie card sells in the $15-20 range currently. His autograph cards sell for $100-200 depending on parallel. Rutschman made his MLB debut in late May 2022 and is expected to be the Orioles long-term franchise catcher – his cards could explode in value if he gets off to a strong MLB start.
Seattle Mariners shortstop Noelvi Marte, the #1 international signing in 2018, is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. His base 2022 Bowman rookie card sells in the $10-15 range currently, with color parallels and autographs selling much higher. As Marte continues developing in the Mariners farm system and approaches an MLB debut, his cards have plenty of upside for future appreciation.
Another highly regarded young shortstop is Detroit Tigers prospect Cristian Santana, who signed for $1.5 million in 2021. His base 2022 Bowman rookie card sells in the $7-10 range currently. As one of the Tigers’ highest ceiling prospects, Santana’s cards could increase substantially in value if he develops as hoped.
One of the top pitching prospects debuting in the 2022 Bowman set is Chicago Cubs right-hander DJ Herz. The #4 pick in the 2021 draft, Herz has electric stuff and his base rookie card sells in the $10-15 range currently. His autograph cards fetch $50-100 depending on parallel. As Herz begins his pro career, his cards have significant long-term upside if he develops into a frontline starter.
Another highly touted pitching prospect is Milwaukee Brewers lefty Antoine Kelly. The 2021 2nd rounder has a live arm and his base 2022 Bowman rookie card sells in the $7-10 range currently. His autograph cards sell for $30-50 depending on parallel. Kelly is considered one of the Brewers’ top prospects and his cards could appreciate substantially if he moves quickly through their system.
A few other prospects from the 2022 Bowman set worth monitoring include Marlins catcher Joe Mack, Pirates shortstop Termarr Johnson, Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, Rangers shortstop Luisangel Acuna, and Astros shortstop Miguel Vasquez. While still early in their careers, each of these prospects have huge upside if they develop as hoped. Their base rookie cards currently sell in the $5-10 range, with autographs fetching $20-50 depending on parallel.
While still very early in the careers of these prospects, the 2022 Bowman baseball card set provides collectors an opportunity to acquire the rookie cards of many potential future stars at reasonable prices. Cards of top prospects like Baez, Rutschman, Marte, and Herz are already appreciating in value and have significant long-term upside as their careers progress. Lower level prospects like Mack, Johnson, Kelly, and Vasquez offer speculation potential – their cards could exponentially increase in value if they develop into impact big leaguers. For collectors with an eye on long-term investments, the 2022 Bowman set features many prospects still in the early stages of their journey who have careers with excitement yet to unfold.
