The 2023 Bowman baseball card release is highly anticipated by collectors looking to get in early on prospects that could become future stars. While rookie cards from the set currently don’t hold huge values, savvy investors know that purchasing cards of top prospects now could pay off down the road if those players emerge as impact major leaguers.
Bowman is the flagship baseball card product of Topps and is considered the premier release for rookie cards and prospects not yet in the major leagues. The 2023 set features prospects from all 30 MLB organizations and also includes inserts highlighting some of the best young talent in the minors. With the next generation of stars just beginning their journey to the show, Bowman provides a valuable look into baseball’s future.
Some key prospects featured in the 2023 Bowman set that could have rising values include catcher Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles), shortstop Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates), outfielder Riley Greene (Detroit Tigers), and pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (Orioles). All four were top 10 prospects on MLB Pipeline’s preseason list and have the type of talent that could make them perennial All-Stars if they continue developing. Rutschman in particular has already reached the majors and looks like a franchise cornerstone, making his rookie cards quite desirable for Orioles fans and collectors.
While the ultra-premium rookie card parallels for top names in Bowman may fetch four-figure prices, most base rookie cards are quite affordable right now in the single to low double-digits range. Savvy collectors recognize that prices on stars of the future can increase exponentially. For example, some of the top 2012 Bowman Chrome prospects like Cody Bellinger, Carlos Correa, and Aaron Judge have base rookies now valued between $500-1000 in near-mint condition as those players became MVPs.
Bowman Chrome autographed and memorabilia rookie cards that can be pulled from hobby boxes offer more significant investment opportunities, though they are much harder to acquire. Top names in this category could carry values already in the hundreds for a base auto, with top parallels like refractors or printing plates eclipsing $1000-2000 each for elite prospects. There is obviously much more risk in targeting cards of players who may never pan out as expected.
Beyond the obvious star prospects, savvy collectors also focus on identifying potential breakout players lower on prospect lists who could outperform expectations. Players who make their MLB debuts in 2023 after being drafted in 2021 offer intriguing value propositions, like catcher/outfielder Elijah Green (Washington Nationals), shortstop Termarr Johnson (Atlanta Braves), and pitcher Brock Porter (Texas Rangers). Their rookie cards can often be acquired for under $10, offering substantial upside if any emerge as impact talents.
The Bowman Draft class is also full of intriguing future stars. Names like catcher Brock Jones (Twins), shortstops Jackson Holliday (Rockies) and Jace Jung (Rangers), and pitchers Dylan Lesko (Diamondbacks) and Brandon Barriera (A’s) were all top-10 picks in the 2022 draft. While their cards hold limited value now, being first-round draftees increases their odds of reaching the majors and potentially paying off for patient collectors.
As with any investment, there is risk in betting on the potential of unproven prospects. Injuries, underperformance, or other issues could derail careers. But with enough volume and a long-term outlook, Bowman offers a unique opportunity to get in early on the next generation of baseball at generally affordable prices. For those willing to do the research, hold cards long-term, and accept the inherent risks, the 2023 Bowman release could yield some valuable returns down the road. Savvy collectors will be focusing on stacking rookies of the game’s future stars at current bargain prices.
