The 2022 Bowman baseball card release was highly anticipated by collectors, as it featured the next generation of rising stars in Major League Baseball. While still relatively new, some of the top rookies and prospects from the 2022 Bowman set have already seen their cards increase substantially in value. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the most valuable 2022 Bowman baseball cards on the market today.
Perhaps the most sought-after card from the set is the Bobby Witt Jr. Green Refractor auto parallel. Witt Jr., the #2 overall pick in the 2019 draft by the Kansas City Royals, had a stellar rookie season that saw him named AL Rookie of the Year. His talent and popularity have driven the value of his 2022 Bowman chrome autograph cards to new heights. PSA 10 Gem Mint examples of the Green Refractor auto currently fetch prices around $1,000-1,500, with raw copies also commanding three-figure sums. The regular Chrome auto of Witt Jr. has also gained value, with PSA 10s around $300-500 and raw around $100-200.
Another uber-prospect who is starting to break out is Arizona Diamondbacks’ outfielder Corbin Carroll. The #16 overall pick in 2019 had an impressive MLB debut down the stretch for Arizona in 2022. His autographed cards, including the Green Refractor parallel (#/150), Orange Refractor parallel (#/50), and Black Refractor parallel (#/5), have climbed significantly in value. PSA 10 Greens sell for $400-600, Oranges $800-1,000, and a Black supposedly sold for over $3,000 on eBay recently. Even raw copies of these scarce parallels command $150-300 due to Carroll’s huge upside.
Seattle Mariners’ outfielder Julio Rodriguez had an electric rookie campaign that culminated in an AL Rookie of the Year award. While J-Rod’s 2021 Bowman Chrome cards skyrocketed last year, his 2022 releases are still affordable compared to other top prospects. That is starting to change as Julio mania grows. The Green Refractor auto parallel (#/150) has increased the most, with PSA 10s now $300-500 and raw copies $100-200. The base Chrome auto can be had PSA 10 for around $150-250, showing this card’s upside is only beginning.
St. Louis Cardinals’ prospect Jordan Walker has started to gain recognition as one of the top power hitters in the minors. A 2021 first rounder, Walker smashed 36 home runs between High-A and Double-A in 2022. As a result, his autographed cards have appreciated considerably. The Green Refractor parallel auto (#/150) has been a hot ticket, with PSA 10s bringing in $250-350. Even the base green parallel (#/499) auto has doubled in the raw over the past 6 months to around $75-150 PSA 10. Walker is poised for a breakout 2023 season and could push these cards even higher.
Toronto Blue Jays’ catcher Gabriel Moreno was considered one of the top prospects in baseball before a strong showing in his MLB debut season. Moreno’s autographed cards, especially the short-printed parallels, have seen gains. Raw Orange Refractors (#/50) and Blue Refractors (#/5) can fetch $150-300 depending on the buyer. PSA 10 Orange Refractors have brought $400-600, a return befitting Moreno’s status as a future All-Star caliber catcher. With continued improvement, Moreno’s Bowman cards could climb above $1,000 each for the rarest versions.
Houston Astros’ prospects like shortstop Jeremy Pena, who won 2022 World Series MVP, and outfielder Jose Siri have also seen spikes in their 2022 Bowman cards after breakout MLB campaigns. Pena’s Orange Refractor auto parallel (#/50) was selling raw for under $50 in spring but now fetches $150-300. Siri’s base auto can be acquired PSA 10 graded for $150-250 after having little value prior. It shows how prospect cards can quickly appreciate when players find success at the highest level.
One of the top pitching prospects in the minors is Boston Red Sox’ Brayan Bello. After dominating Triple-A and holding his own in the Boston rotation in late 2022, Bello’s autographed Bowman cards have taken off. Look for his Green Refractor parallel auto (#/150), priced around $150-250 raw presently, to approach $500 PSA 10 as Bello continues to impress. Even raw base autos have doubled to $50-100 in recent months. With his elite stuff, Bello is poised for stardom and cards could multiply from there.
While prospect cards entail risk compared to established stars, the upside is huge for hitting it big on the next generational talents. Cards like Witt Jr., Carroll, Rodriguez, and others pop off as prospects blossom into impacts players at the highest level. With care taken to select prospects poised for success, 2022 Bowman cards can yield strong returns for the savvy investor in the years ahead. This exciting rookie class is only getting started.
