The 2023 Bowman Chrome baseball card set was just released in late May 2023, marking the start of the rising rookie class’s journey to stardom. While it’s still far too early to know which 2023 rookies will emerge as the biggest stars, history shows that top talents like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Ronald Acuña Jr. gained fame and value from their impressive debut campaigns. Within the new Bowman Chrome set lies tantalizing prospects that could yield immense returns if they fulfill lofty expectations on MLB fields. Let’s examine some of the most coveted and valuable rookie cards from the highly-anticipated release that collectors and investors are already scouting.
Druw Jones, CF, Atlanta Braves (Base – $99.99): As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft and son of 10-time Gold Glove winner Andruw Jones, Druw arrives with tremendous pedigree and potential. Still just 19, the toolsy center fielder shows five-tool skills and remarkable athleticism. He excelled during his pro debut season, slashing .324/.427/.570 with 5 home runs over 34 games in rookie ball. His sparkling defensive abilities and bloodlines make him one of the top prospects in the minors. With the Braves also holding him in high regard, Jones has an organization behind him primed for long-term success. If he develops into the all-around star many forecast, his rookie cards—especially prized autographed and numbered parallels—could net collectors enormous returns down the road.
Termarr Johnson, SS, Atlanta Braves (Base – $74.99): Ranked as Atlanta’s third best prospect by MLB Pipeline entering 2023, the 19-year-old shortstop turned heads by batting .349 with 4 homers over 33 games as a pro rookie in 2022. Johnson was considered one of the steals of the 2022 draft as the Mets selected him in the fourth round out of high school before he opted not to sign. The Braves then snagged him in the second round and he wasted no time proving that decision wise. With tantalizing power potential and strong reviews of his defense at a premium position, Johnson is poised to rise up prospect rankings quickly. If he develops into an everyday shortstop, his Bowman Chrome cards—like prized autographed or serial numbered versions—could pay off mightily in future years.
Gavin Cross, OF, Kansas City Royals (Base – $74.99): As a two-way star at Virginia Tech who batted .333 with 21 home runs as a sophomore, Cross further established himself as one of the biggest prospects in the 2022 draft class. The 6-foot-6 outfielder then thrived during his pro debut this season by slashing .333/.433/.636 with 12 homers over 62 games in A-ball. The Royals regarded him highly enough to select him No. 9 overall and he currently ranks as their top prospect and one of the best in the minors. Cross is a five-tool talent who could develop into an annual All-Star and take the MLB by storm. His 2023 Bowman Chrome cards are coveted by collectors hoping to snag a future superstar from the earliest stages.
Michael Harris II, OF, Atlanta Braves (Base – $99.99): Though not a true rookie after playing in 38 games for the Braves in 2022, Harris remains eligible for 2023 rookie cards since he didn’t exceed the 130 at-bat threshold for rookie status last season. The 21-year-old outfielder made an instant impact by batting .297 with 11 home runs and a .838 OPS as Atlanta’s starting center fielder down the stretch. Now firmly entrenched in the Braves’ long-term plans and touted as one of baseball’s top young talents, Harris could be primed for a star-making sophomore season. His 2023 Bowman Chrome RC’s retain significance as the earliest issues and command premiums as Harris’ stock continues rising alongside Atlanta’s championship window.
Eury Pérez, SS, Cincinnati Reds (Base – $74.99): The Reds hoped to nab a future star when they inked the then-17-year-old shortstop from the Dominican Republic to a $4.5 million signing bonus in 2021. Blessed with elite acrobatic skills in the field and a smooth left-handed swing, Pérez batted .291 with 9 steals during his pro debut season stateside in 2022. Still just 19, he ranks as Cincinnati’s third overall prospect and one of the most coveted international signings of his class. If Pérez continues developing as hoped and blossoms into a young impact player, his prized 2023 Bowman Chrome cards could capture immense gains while chronicling his rise.
Emerson Hancock, RHP, Seattle Mariners (Base – $49.99): A former first rounder of the Braves in 2020, Hancock’s career was sidetracked a bit by injuries before Seattle acquired him from Atlanta in the 2021 Trade Deadline deal. Still just 22, the promising 6-foot-4 righty showed his vast potential by firing 66 innings with a 3.59 ERA between Double and Triple-A this season. Blessed with four quality pitches including a diving curveball, he enters 2023 as Seattle’s fourth-rated prospect and could potentially contribute to their promising young rotation soon. If Hancock maintains health and fulfills his once lofty draft billing, his 2023 Bowman Chrome RCs could pay dividends as an early voucher.
Gunnar Henderson, 3B, Baltimore Orioles (Base – $99.99): Ranked by many as the top prospect in all of baseball heading into 2022, Henderson garnered wider acclaim by batting .312 with 11 home runs between Double and Triple-A at age 21 this season. A switch-hitting third baseman with burgeoning power and advanced plate approach, the 2019 second rounder looks poised to anchor Baltimore’s rebuild for years to come. Henderson totaled 24 games in the majors as well for a glimpse of his prodigious talents. With multi-year superstardom prognosticated if all continues clicking, a prized 2023 Bowman Chrome auto or 1/1 could appreciate exponentially as he scales the sport’s ranks.
Bryson Stott, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Base – $49.99): Though not a true rookie after playing in 94 games for Philadelphia in 2022, Stott remains eligible in 2023 as he didn’t exceed the 130 at-bat cutoff like Michael Harris II. The 24-year-old shortstop showed encouraging signs of blossoming into an everyday contributor by slashing .234/.320/.373 as a rookie. While Stott may develop more into a versatile semi-regular than an MVP-caliber force, his 2023 Bowman Chrome base RCs could still gain value as an early chronicler of his career and playing time with a perennial contender.
Cade Horton, RHP, Chicago Cubs (Base – $74.99): As the seventh overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Oklahoma, Horton boasts what evaluators called the “best pure stuff” of any arm in his class. Armed with a triple-digit fastball and nasty slider combo, the 21-year-old righty excelled during his draft-year debut by fanning 45 over 31 innings between rookie ball and Low-A. Given the Cubs’ track record of developing arms and Horton’s huge ceiling, he has sky-high potential. If everything comes together, his 2023 Bowman Chrome RCs could become exceptionally valued long-term holdings for collectors there from the very first page.
Brooks Lee, 3B, San Diego Padres (Base – $99.99): The 8th overall pick in 2022 from Cal Poly, Lee opened eyes during his first pro season by batting .326/.398/.587 with 6 homers over 40 games between rookie ball and Low-A. A smooth-swinging left-handed hitter with a loose athletic frame, the 22-year-old third baseman ranked top-5 in many pre-draft rankings for good reason. He already looks ahead of schedule developing and could push quickly as San Diego’s third-best prospect. Collectors are taking notice of Lee’s 2023 Bowman Chrome cards, hoping to secure an early piece of what might become a true sterling MLB career.
Cam Collier, 3B, Cincinnati Reds (Base – $99.99): The 18th overall pick in 2022 out of Chipola JC, Collier showcased impressive tools and polish by slashing .271/.368/.527 over 33 games in his professional introduction. Still just 19, the left-handed hitting third baseman possesses a well-rounded profile and sky-high ceiling that could carry him far if development continues smoothly. Already rated as Cincinnati’s fourth-best prospect, Collier’s prized Bowman Chrome rookie cards could yield substantial profits if he rises up as a cornerstone player for their rebuilding efforts in the years ahead.
While it’s still very early in the careers of these promising prospects, history shows that superstar talents often first shine in the eyes of collectors with their rookie cards. For investors and enthusiasts scouting baseball’s next great talents, some of the 2023 Bowman Chrome cards of Druw Jones, Gunnar Henderson, Brooks Lee, and other top prospects offer enticing opportunities to get in from the ground floor on potential future Hall of Famers. Of course, investing always carries risk with no guarantees of success. But
