The 2023 Bowman Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year due to the exciting rookie class that is eligible to be included. Bowman is famous for being the first brand to feature rookie cards of future superstars like Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Collectors are always on the hunt for the next big star, and 2023 Bowman offers plenty of promising prospects.
Some of the top rookies collectors have their eyes on include Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green. Jones was drafted second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2022 MLB Draft and is the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones. Scouts rave about his impressive tools and athleticism, projecting him as a future five-tool player. He slashed .362/.477/.626 with 13 home runs in 40 games in his lone season at Wesleyan High School in Georgia. His pedigree and early pro success make him one of the crown jewels of the 2023 rookie class.
Green was selected fifth overall by the Cincinnati Reds and has been compared to Mike Trout for his five-tool potential. The outfielder has elite bat speed, raw power, speed, and defensive abilities. In his senior season at Mountain Pointe High School in Arizona, he hit .418 with 13 home runs and was clocked running the 60-yard dash in 6.57 seconds. Green is considered arguably the best pure hitter in the 2023 draft class and could be a true five-category fantasy stud if he reaches his lofty ceiling.
Termarr Johnson was the fourth overall pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates after a stellar two-way career at Mays High School in Georgia. As a shortstop, he has excellent range and a howitzer for an arm. At the plate, he has plus speed and raw power potential. In his senior season, he slashed .412/.500/.735 with 13 home runs and 30 stolen bases. His combination of offensive and defensive skills have drawn comparisons to Francisco Lindor. If he continues developing as expected, Johnson could be an all-star caliber shortstop.
Some other top prospects that may receive prominent rookie cards in 2023 Bowman include Elijah Cabell (Phillies), Brock Porter (Rangers), Owen Caissie (Blue Jays), and Jackson Holliday (Orioles). Cabell was drafted 18th overall out of IMG Academy in Florida. He has a smooth left-handed swing and gap power potential. Porter was selected 21st overall and sits in the mid-90s with his fastball while also flashing a plus slider. Caissie has huge raw power potential and was taken 26th overall out of Notre Dame Catholic High School in California. Holliday, son of former MLB outfielder Matt Holliday, was drafted first overall by Baltimore after slashing .685/.749/1.392 with 40 extra-base hits in just 27 games as a senior at Stillwater High School in Oklahoma.
Aside from the top draft picks, 2023 Bowman is also expected to include the rookie cards of several of the biggest international prospects signed last summer. Infielder Ezequiel Tovar (Rockies) and outfielder Daniel Susac (Arizona Diamondbacks) could both receive prominent cards after receiving bonuses over $3 million as amateurs. Tovar is an elite defender at shortstop with surprising power while Susac has a advanced hit tool and power potential for a catcher.
Other intriguing international prospects that may debut in Bowman include shortstop Gabriel Rodriguez (Cubs), outfielder Jhonkensy Noel (Red Sox), and third baseman Ronaldo Urdaneta (Mariners). Rodriguez received $1.5 million from Chicago and has all the tools to be an impact player. Noel was signed for $1.35 million and has huge raw power potential. Urdaneta signed for $1.2 million and has a smooth left-handed swing with gap power. His defense at the hot corner is also well above average.
Bowman also typically includes the rookie cards for breakout performers from the lower levels of minor leagues. Some names to watch out for in 2023 include catcher Kevin Parada (Braves), shortstop Jordan Lawlar (D-backs), and outfielder Chase DeLauter (Orioles). Parada was taken 26th overall in 2021 and slashed .260/.353/.509 with 19 home runs between Low-A and High-A as a 20-year-old in 2022. Lawlar was the 16th pick in 2021 and hit .290 with 13 home runs and 20 stolen bases between Low-A and High-A last season. DeLauter was selected 74th overall in 2021 and led the Carolina League with 27 home runs in 2022 while hitting .256.
Collectors will also be on the lookout for rookie cards of top international free agents signed last summer like shortstops Roderick Arias (Braves) and Lucas Gordon (Giants). Arias signed for $4 million and Gordon received $4.25 million. Other international prospects that could debut include Dominican shortstop Jean Ramirez (Rays) and Dominican outfielder Javier Osorio (Red Sox).
The 2023 Bowman release is shaping up to have one of the most exciting rookie classes in recent memory. With elite talents like Druw Jones, Termarr Johnson, and Elijah Green headlining the draft picks and a loaded group of international prospects, it’s easy to see why collectors are eagerly anticipating this set. The rookie cards found in Bowman often end up being valuable long-term investments, so breaking boxes and packs of 2023 Bowman offers plenty of opportunity to potentially acquire the next generation of baseball stars.
