The 2019 Bowman baseball card release offered collectors a chance to acquire rookie cards and prospects of some of the game’s top young talent. While it may be early to project long-term value given most of these players have just begun their careers, certain cards from the 2019 Bowman set have already gained significant value based on prospect hype and early MLB success. Let’s take a look at some of the most valuable 2019 Bowman baseball cards on the market today based on recently sold listings.
One of the biggest risers has been Eloy Jimenez of the Chicago White Sox. Jimenez made his MLB debut in 2019 and showed why he is considered one of baseball’s best hitting prospects, batting .267 with 31 home runs and 79 RBI in his first full season. Jimenez’s rookie card from 2019 Bowman Draft is one of the set’s most coveted, with PSA 10 Gem Mint examples recently selling for over $1,000. Even raw, ungraded Jimenez rookie cards in near-mint to mint condition have sold for $300-500. This is a great return for a card from a product that had a $125 MSRP per factory-sealed box.
Another White Sox prospect shining in the majors is Luis Robert. Signed out of Cuba to a $26 million deal in 2017, Robert made his MLB debut in 2020 and hit .233 with 12 home runs in 52 games. This furthered hype around the uber-athletic outfielder. Robert’s prized rookie card from 2019 Bowman Draft Base sells for around $150-250 in PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, while raw copies trade hands for $50-100 based on condition. As Robert continues developing in the majors, his 2019 Bowman cards stand to gain even more in value long term.
Staying in the AL Central, one of the top prospects hailing from the Cleveland Indians organization is outfielder Daniel Johnson. Though he spent most of the 2019 season at Double-A, Johnson displayed five-tool talents that have collectors excited about his upside. His 2019 Bowman Draft Red Refractor Parallel #109 sells in the $75-200 range depending on grade, with raw versions in the $30-75 range based on centering and edges. As Johnson makes his way up the Indians prospect rankings, his cards could grow steadily in the coming years.
One of baseball’s best farm systems belongs to the Tampa Bay Rays, and Wander Franco tops their loaded prospect list. Considered by many to be the best overall prospect in baseball, Franco’s prized card is his 2019 Bowman Draft Green Refractor Auto #99. Graded PSA 10 Gems have sold for over $2,000 and remain the most valuable card from the 2019 Bowman Draft set. Even raw Franco autos from the product trade in the $300-500 range. Still just 19, Franco is likely MLB-bound by 2021 and his cards should become even more significant holdings.
While the above prospects were featured in Bowman Draft, the standard Bowman base set also offered access to future stars. Shortstop Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays exploded onto the scene in 2019 and his Topps Project 2020 campaign further boosted interest in his early cards. Bichette’s 2019 Bowman Silver Pack Pink Refractor Parallel #163 has sold for between $150-300 in PSA 10 Gem condition, with raw copies in the $50-150 range. Other 2019 Bowman Bichette parallels also hold premium value according to grade and parallel status due to his early success in Toronto.
Another 2019 Bowman hitter who made his MLB debut that year is Tigers outfielder Christin Stewart. Although Stewart posted just a .639 OPS as a rookie in 2019, collectors recognize his raw lefty power. Stewart’s 2019 Bowman Draft Purple Refractor #93 graded PSA 10 has sold for around $150 recently while raw copies sell for $30-75 typically. Stewart has put himself back on the prospect map with a strong 2020 season split between Detroit and the team’s Triple-A affiliate, raising optimism around his cards long term.
Few organizations have as many elite pitching prospects rising together like the San Diego Padres. MacKenzie Gore is considered the crown jewel of their loaded system. Gore’s 2019 Bowman Draft Chrome Green Refractor Auto #6 sells for $300-500 raw and $600-800 PSA 10 Gem Mint. Meanwhile, 2019 Bowman Draft Base Paper RCs of Gore trade in the $40-80 range depending on condition. Gore is poised for a 2021 MLB debut and it will be exciting to track how his already valuable rookies perform in the long run.
While most of the above cards showcase future star prospects and young MLB talent, 2019 Bowman also provided a unique antique-style Mike Trout card that has captured collector attention. Trout’s 2019 Throwback Thursday SP Autograph parallel numbered to just 5 copies is the true blockbuster card from the set so far. Though Trout remains in the prime of his career and not a prospect, one ungraded copy successfully sold on eBay for over $4,000 last year given its rarity and retro aesthetic paying homage to the earliest years of the hobby.
While it’s still quite early, certain key 2019 Bowman rookie cards like Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Wander Franco are already making their case as worthwhile long-term investments based on their prospect pedigrees converting to success at the MLB level. As prospects like MacKenzie Gore, Daniel Johnson and Bo Bichette hopefully fulfill lofty expectations, their 2019 Bowman cards hold great future potential as well. For die-hard player collectors, finding treasures like a rare Trout parallel only enhances the appeal of this fun 2019 baseball card release from Topps.
