The 2023 Bowman Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year, as it features prospects and draft picks from all 30 MLB organizations. While prospects can always flame out or surpass expectations, Bowman cards offer a unique opportunity to get in early on players who may become future stars. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top prospects featured in the 2023 Bowman set.
Druw Jones (OF, ATL) – As the highest draft pick in the 2022 draft (2nd overall), Jones comes with immense hype and expectations as one of the crown jewels of the Braves’ loaded farm system. Scouts rave about the 5-tool potential of the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, as he brings elite speed, defense, and developing power to the outfield. His Bowman rookie cards could hold significant long-term value if he continues progressing.
Elijah Green (OF, DET) – Possibly the hardest pure hitter in the 2022 draft class, Green fell to the Tigers at #5 overall but may end up being the best offensive player from this class. With a smooth left-handed swing and developing power to all fields, many scouts feel he has a superstar ceiling if he reaches his potential. As a cornerstone piece of Detroit’s rebuild, Green will be one to watch in the Tigers system.
Brooks Lee (3B, MIN) – The Twins used the 8th overall pick on this polished college hitter who made a quick impression in his pro debut. Lee shows a advanced approach at the plate with gap power and an ability to hit to all fields. He also brings slick defense and a high baseball IQ to the hot corner. Lee could be a steady, well-rounded contributor for Minnesota if he continues developing as expected.
Daniel Espino (RHP, ARI) – A former 1st round pick, Espino missed most of 2022 due to injury but was electric when healthy with a 100mph fastball and a deep arsenal. The righty brings power stuff and a competitive nature to the mound. If he can stay healthy, Espino has the raw talent to develop into a frontline starter for the D-Backs. His Bowman cards could take off if he returns to form.
Brock Porter (RHP, RANGERS) – Considered a consensus top 5 talent in the 2022 draft, Porter fell to Texas at #3 due to signability concerns but still signed for well over slot value. The high school fireballer brings a mid-90s fastball and a sharp breaking ball, with the chance for three plus pitches if he refines his changeup. Porter is a potential ace if development goes smoothly.
Termarr Johnson (SS, PIT) – A toolsy shortstop with loud tools across the board, Johnson was considered a possible top 10 pick before slipping to the Pirates at #72 due to signability. He brings elite speed, athleticism, and developing power that could profile at short or center. Johnson’s upside is massive if he puts it all together, making him an intriguing long-term prospect for Pittsburgh.
Robby Snelling (RHP, ATL) – A former 8th rounder, Snelling shot up prospect lists in 2022 by adding velocity and refining his secondary offerings. He now sits mid-90s with a plus slider and developing changeup. Snelling’s mature pitchability and ability to miss bats could allow him to move quickly as a future rotation piece for the Braves. His breakout year earned him top 100 prospect status.
Jackson Ferris (LHP, CLE) – A finesse lefty with deception and pitchability, Ferris was a standout as a freshman at Oregon State and rose to become a 2nd round pick. He relies on control, changing speeds, and late movement to keep hitters off balance. Ferris profiles as a potential back-end starter or swingman if he continues adapting to pro ball.
Ethan Wilson (OF, SF) – The Giants used their 2nd round pick on this toolsy high school outfielder with loud tools. Wilson brings plus speed, raw power potential, and a cannon arm that could fit well in right field long term. His hit tool and approach will need refining, but the ceiling is high if everything clicks for Wilson offensively.
Brooks Crawford (SS, COL) – A slick fielding shortstop with a patient approach, Crawford was a 2nd round pick out of Ole Miss. While he doesn’t have flashy tools, Crawford makes consistent hard contact the other way and could hit for average. His defense is ahead of the bat but both should continue developing in the Rockies system.
Evan Carter (OF, TEX) – A potential five-tool talent, Carter fell to Texas in the 4th round due to signability concerns but signed for well over slot. He brings plus speed, developing power, and a cannon arm that could fit well in center field long term. Carter’s hit tool and approach will determine if he reaches his star ceiling or is more of a 4th outfielder, making him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect.
The 2023 Bowman Baseball set features an exciting collection of high-upside prospects just starting their pro careers. While development is never a straight line, cards of players like Druw Jones, Elijah Green, and Daniel Espino offer a chance to get in early on potential future stars. For collectors, keeping an eye on risers like Robby Snelling and staying patient on toolsier talents like Termarr Johnson could provide long-term rewards down the road. This year’s Bowman rookie class has all the ingredients to produce plenty of future MLB contributors.
