The 2023 Bowman baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases each year for collectors and investors. While the cards have only been available for a short time, there are already some noteworthy rookies and prospects that could yield strong long-term value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top cards from Bowman 2023 and analyze their potential worth.
One of the headliners of the set is shortstop Jackson Holliday, who was taken first overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2022 MLB Draft. Holliday is considered a true five-tool talent and one of the best prospects to come out of the draft in years. His autographed rookie cards /99 and /50 have already sold in the $300-500 range on eBay. As Holliday rises through the Orioles system and potentially reaches the majors in 2024 or 2025, those low-numbered autographs could appreciate quite nicely. Even his base rookie card #132 could be a strong long-term hold, as a future star player’s first card holds significant cachet and value.
Another pitcher generating a lot of buzz is second overall pick Druw Jones from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Like Holliday, Jones has all the tools to be an absolute stud if he reaches his ceiling. His Bowman Chrome autographed refractor rookie /99 has already changed hands for around $400. Jones’ prospect status and rare refractors make him a viable investment, though investing in prospects always carries risk. His father Andruw was a 10-time Gold Glover in center field, giving Druw legendary baseball genes working in his favor.
Beyond the top two picks, outfielders Elijah Green (#3), Termarr Johnson (#4), and Brooks Lee (#8) are other highly-touted position players from the 2022 draft class that could yield returns. Green’s autographed rookie refractor /99 has sold for $150-200 already. Johnson’s and Lee’s low-numbered chrome refractors have traded in the $75-150 range on eBay. All three have the potential to be impact big leaguers and move their cards substantially higher with strong pro careers.
On the international side, shortstops Angel Martinez, Lazaro Montes, and Emiliano Giron have generated buzz in the prospect community. Martinez in particular has received rave scouting reviews out of the Dominican Republic, leading to his Bowman Chrome autographs selling between $50-100 already. The 16-year-olds have plenty of time to develop, but if even one pans out as a star, their low-print cards stand to gain value.
Veteran star cards are also a consideration, as Bowman is the only set that features players’ very first professional cards. Cards like Ronald Acuña Jr. #57 from 2012 or Juan Soto #157 from 2015 have sold for thousands in high grades. While present-day stars’ rookies from over a decade ago are out of reach for most collectors today, holding their cards long-term for potential future appreciation could prove wise.
As with any investment in prospects and young players, there is risk in Bowman cards. Not every touted prospect fulfills their potential. Injuries could derail careers. But for those willing to do the research, identify the true elite talents, and hold cards for 5-10+ years, the returns can be substantial. The 2023 Bowman set offers access to the next generation of baseball’s future stars and Hall of Famers. By focusing on top draft picks and international signings, collectors stand the best chance of selecting cards that appreciate exponentially in value.
While Bowman 2023 cards hold risk, they also present opportunity. Rookies of potential future superstars like Holliday, Jones, Green and others are obtainable now but could be worth ten times as much within a decade if those players blossom. Pairing patience with savvy card selection from the set can yield impressive long-term returns for investors. The 2023 Bowman release offers a promising crop of young talent that collectors would do well to keep an eye on and hold selectively for years to come.
