The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for collectors due to its prospects and autographs. Bowman is famous for featuring the sport’s top prospects and rookie cards of current stars before they make their MLB debut. This year’s set promises to continue that tradition with several can’t-miss prospects signing autograph deals.
Topping the list for many is Druw Jones, the son of five-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones. Druw was selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2022 MLB Draft after a stellar career at Wesleyan High School in Norcross, Georgia. Scouts rave about the 19-year-old’s five-tool potential and compare his game to his father’s in his prime. Jones signed an exclusive autograph agreement with Bowman and collectors are eager to obtain his signed rookie card. Early estimates suggest the card could demand upwards of $500-$1000 in top grades due to his pedigree and hype as one of the top prospects in baseball.
Another highly sought-after autograph will be Jackson Holliday, the 2021 first overall draft pick by the Baltimore Orioles. Holliday had an outstanding debut season in the minors, slashing .290/.390/.510 with 10 home runs and 20 stolen bases between three levels. The 18-year-old shortstop has all the makings of a future all-star and his Bowman autograph card is sure to be a hot commodity. Like Jones, Holliday’s autograph rights belong solely to Topps and collectors can expect his signed rookie to carry a hefty price tag.
Aside from Jones and Holliday, several other elite prospects inked autograph pacts with Bowman that will make their signed cards valuable for years to come. One of the most exciting is Daniel Espino, a flamethrowing righty in the Cleveland Guardians system. Espino regularly touches triple digits with his fastball and mixes in a sharp slider. He made his MLB debut in 2022 out of the bullpen and will start the year in Triple-A. Espino’s autograph is a great addition for any prospect collector.
Brooks Lee also agreed to sign exclusively for Bowman after being selected 8th overall by the Minnesota Twins last summer. Lee had a stellar career as a third baseman at Cal Poly and has an advanced offensive approach for his age. Scouts rave about his bat-to-ball skills and feel he will hit for both power and average. His autographed rookie will be a cornerstone for any Twins PC.
Another can’t-miss pitching prospect signing with Bowman is Kumar Rocker, who re-entered the draft last year after health concerns caused him to fall in 2021. Rocker dominated in 2022 between High-A and Double-A in the Giants system and has the potential to be an ace. His autograph rights are highly coveted and collectors are hoping for a redemption card to land his John Hancock.
A darkhorse to become one of the top Bowman autographs is shortstop Mikey Romero. Romero was a fifth round pick by the Chicago White Sox last summer out of Orange Lutheran High School in California. He has plus speed, solid defense, and developing power that could make him a future all-star. His autographed rookie card carries sleeper appeal at a fraction of the cost of higher profile names.
In addition to prospects, Bowman also secured autograph deals with several young MLB stars looking to cement their legacies. Cardinals outfielder Dylan Carlson, Mariners rookie sensation Julio Rodriguez, and Giants pitcher Logan Webb are just a few examples. Their autographed cards from early in their careers will be valuable for collectors pursuing complete long-term PC sets.
As always, Bowman prospects and stars autographs will be the most sought-after rookie cards on the market. The exclusives signed with Druw Jones, Jackson Holliday, Kumar Rocker, and others make 2023 Bowman a must-buy for any serious baseball card investor or collector. With so much elite young talent, this year’s release is poised to produce cards that stand the test of time and gain tremendous value as players emerge as future all-stars. The hunt will be on this spring to track down these coveted autographed rookie cards.
