Tag Archives: prospects

2021 BOWMAN PROSPECTS BASEBALL CARDS

The 2021 Bowman Prospects set is one of the most highly anticipated baseball card releases each year for collectors looking to get in early on star players who are currently in the minor leagues. Packed with future MLB impact rookies and young core pieces for franchise rebuilds, the 2021 edition may be one of the more talent-rich classes in recent memory.

Top names like Wander Franco, Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson and Marcelo Mayer lead what is regarded as an exceptionally deep group of blue chip hitting and pitching prospects throughout the minors. With many expected to reach the majors within the next year or two, now is the time to potentially snatch up rookie cards of future all-stars at affordable prices before their values shoot up.

The 2021 Bowman set maintains the same overall format that collectors have grown accustomed to over the decades. There are base paper cards, parallels, autograph and memorabilia cards insert sets highlighting top talent. Hobby boxes contain 12 packs with 3-4 cards per pack. The odds of pulling the top rookies are fairly low but finding parallels, memorabilia and low-numbered cards provides excitement in each break.

When it comes to the biggest names at the head of the class, no one rivals Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Considered a once-in-a-generation talent, Franco is widely viewed as the best prospect in baseball and a future perennial all-star and MVP candidate. His ultra-rare 1/1 rainbow foil parallels and autographs already command astronomical prices on the secondary market.

Another elite talent generating similar hype is Kansas City Royals third baseman Bobby Witt Jr, son of former MLB pitcher Bobby Witt. Regarded as one of the purest hitters and athletes in the minors with budding power and defense, Witt Jr. is on the fast track to stardom. His 2021 Bowman Prospects cards, especially signed versions, offer a potential gold mine investment.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, Toronto Blue Jays catcher Gabriel Moreno, Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman and Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Henry Davis round out a star-studded top-5. Each possesses a complete all-around skillset and long-term franchise cornerstone upside. Even their base rookie cards hold value as future potential member of sports’ elite.

When it comes to hotshot pitchers in the set, Texas Rangers lefty Jack Leiter and Detroit Tigers righty Jackson Jobe make compelling investments as well. Both were selected within the first three picks of the 2021 MLB Draft and excel with electric stuff on the mound. Leiter in particular screams potential #1 or #2 starter, making any of his rookie cards intriguing long term holds.

Beyond the elite talents headlining prospect boards, the depth of impact bats and arms throughout multiple farm systems provides opportunity everywhere you look in 2021 Bowman. From power-hitting outfielders like the Milwaukee Brewers’ Sal Frelick and Daniel Cabrera to flamethrowing righties like the Cincinnati Reds’ Hunter Greene and Connor Phillips, breakouts will occur.

For building baseball card Collections with staying power over the coming decade, focusing on teams undergoing rebuilds makes 2021 Bowman an especially fertile hunting ground. Franchises like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins and Kansas City Royals features clusters of premium hitting and pitching talents poised to serve as future anchors of contention.

Whether seeking affordable entry points into the next superstars, chasing parallels and shortprints of the cream of the crop, or betting on entire farm systems to succeed en masse, the 2021 Bowman Prospects release achieves something for everyone. With the minor league season now underway as well, performance over the summer offers another lens for discerning value.

For sheer baseball card entertainment and prospecting potential over the long haul, 2021 Bowman remains the premier destination every year. Finding that one big hit in the form of a Wander Franco autograph or one of the prized rookies could set your collection up for tremendous returns down the road. Even base cards of eventual impact players become cogent holdings.

Whether purchased as a casual fun rip or taken as a deeper investor dive, 2021 Bowman immerses you in the promise of tomorrow today. Few things in the hobby match the white-knuckle thrill of landing your own piece of the next superstar before their greatness is broadly realized. So grab a pack and let the prospecting prophecy begin—the future is yours to uncover.

BOWMAN 2023 BASEBALL CARDS PROSPECTS

The 2023 Bowman baseball card release will feature prospects from all 30 MLB organizations as the hobby looks ahead to the next generation of future stars. Bowman is considered the premier brand for showcasing top minor leaguers before they make their big league debuts. This year’s crop of prospects eligible for their first Bowman cards is headlined by several highly-touted players expected to impact MLB rosters in the very near future.

One of the most anticipated rookie cards in 2023 Bowman will be for Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Carlos Colmenarez. Considered one of the top international prospects signed last year, the 17-year old from Venezuela has already generated buzz in player development circles for his advanced offensive approach and defensive skills at a premium position. Scouts praise Colmenarez’s bat speed, pitch recognition, and ability to make consistent hard contact. On the defensive side, he possesses above average range and a rocket arm. The Rays have a proven track record of bringing along prospects slowly and deliberately, but some experts believe Colmenarez could reach the majors by age 20 given his precocious talents.

Another international prospect generating first Bowman hype is Detroit Tigers outfielder Emmanuel Mejia. Signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2021, the 18-year old Mejia made his U.S. debut this season in the Florida Complex League and immediately stood out with his five-tool abilities. Mejia has impressive raw power to all fields combined with plus-plus speed. He also shows good instincts in the outfield with his routes and jumps on balls. While he still needs refinement at the plate in terms of pitch selection and plate discipline, Mejia’s athleticism and physical tools give him a very high ceiling. The Tigers have aggressively pushed Mejia thus far and he could continue moving quickly through their system.

On the high school side, one of the top 2023 Bowman prospects will be Chicago Cubs right-handed pitcher Dylan Lesko. Considered one of the jewels of the 2021 draft class, Lesko lived up to the hype in his pro debut by dominating the Arizona Complex League with his mid-90s fastball and plus slider. At just 18 years old, Lesko already possesses three quality pitches with his curveball and changeup also showing promise. His command can get erratic at times, but Lesko’s pure stuff and athletic 6’4 frame give him a great foundation. The Cubs have a history of bringing along young arms judiciously, but Lesko’s dominance as a teenager suggests he may move fast if he continues making adjustments.

Another potential first round arm eligible for his first Bowman card is Boston Red Sox left-hander Jake Miller. The Texas high school product fell all the way to the fourth round last year due to signability concerns, but has made Red Sox scouts look very smart for taking a chance on him. Miller sits low-90s with his fastball and shows the ability to locate it on both sides of the plate. His curveball is a true out-pitch with sharp downward break in the mid-70s. Miller also flashes feel for a changeup and slider. Command is his main development need, but Miller’s three above average pitches give him a high ceiling as a future mid-rotation starter if he can gain consistency.

While most top prospects take the traditional minor league route, a few may make their Bowman debuts after gaining experience via non-traditional paths. One such case is San Diego Padres righty Dylan Carter, who went undrafted out of Central Arizona College in 2021 before signing as a minor league free agent. Carter immediately opened eyes that season by posting a 1.29 ERA with 82 strikeouts in 67 innings split between Low-A and High-A. His fastball sits 92-95 mph with natural sink and his slider shows plus potential. Carter’s success at higher levels as a 21-year old puts him on the prospect radar, though he may need to further refine his command and secondary pitches to stick as a starter long-term.

Those are just a few of the many prospects who could make their first Bowman appearances in 2023. As always, the set will give collectors an early glimpse of the next wave of future MLB contributors. While many will never reach the show, Bowman cards provide the hobby a fun way to track minor leaguers’ development journeys from their earliest pro seasons. For talent evaluators and prospect hounds, it’s also an opportunity to identify the next Carlos Correa or Ronald Acuña Jr before they become household names. The 2023 edition figures to continue showcasing the cream of the crop of tomorrow’s young stars.

BOWMAN BASEBALL CARDS 2023 PROSPECTS

The 2023 Bowman Baseball card set is one of the most highly anticipated releases of the year, as it features prospects and draft picks from all 30 MLB organizations. While prospects can always flame out or surpass expectations, Bowman cards offer a unique opportunity to get in early on players who may become future stars. Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the top prospects featured in the 2023 Bowman set.

Druw Jones (OF, ATL) – As the highest draft pick in the 2022 draft (2nd overall), Jones comes with immense hype and expectations as one of the crown jewels of the Braves’ loaded farm system. Scouts rave about the 5-tool potential of the son of former MLB star Andruw Jones, as he brings elite speed, defense, and developing power to the outfield. His Bowman rookie cards could hold significant long-term value if he continues progressing.

Elijah Green (OF, DET) – Possibly the hardest pure hitter in the 2022 draft class, Green fell to the Tigers at #5 overall but may end up being the best offensive player from this class. With a smooth left-handed swing and developing power to all fields, many scouts feel he has a superstar ceiling if he reaches his potential. As a cornerstone piece of Detroit’s rebuild, Green will be one to watch in the Tigers system.

Brooks Lee (3B, MIN) – The Twins used the 8th overall pick on this polished college hitter who made a quick impression in his pro debut. Lee shows a advanced approach at the plate with gap power and an ability to hit to all fields. He also brings slick defense and a high baseball IQ to the hot corner. Lee could be a steady, well-rounded contributor for Minnesota if he continues developing as expected.

Daniel Espino (RHP, ARI) – A former 1st round pick, Espino missed most of 2022 due to injury but was electric when healthy with a 100mph fastball and a deep arsenal. The righty brings power stuff and a competitive nature to the mound. If he can stay healthy, Espino has the raw talent to develop into a frontline starter for the D-Backs. His Bowman cards could take off if he returns to form.

Brock Porter (RHP, RANGERS) – Considered a consensus top 5 talent in the 2022 draft, Porter fell to Texas at #3 due to signability concerns but still signed for well over slot value. The high school fireballer brings a mid-90s fastball and a sharp breaking ball, with the chance for three plus pitches if he refines his changeup. Porter is a potential ace if development goes smoothly.

Termarr Johnson (SS, PIT) – A toolsy shortstop with loud tools across the board, Johnson was considered a possible top 10 pick before slipping to the Pirates at #72 due to signability. He brings elite speed, athleticism, and developing power that could profile at short or center. Johnson’s upside is massive if he puts it all together, making him an intriguing long-term prospect for Pittsburgh.

Robby Snelling (RHP, ATL) – A former 8th rounder, Snelling shot up prospect lists in 2022 by adding velocity and refining his secondary offerings. He now sits mid-90s with a plus slider and developing changeup. Snelling’s mature pitchability and ability to miss bats could allow him to move quickly as a future rotation piece for the Braves. His breakout year earned him top 100 prospect status.

Jackson Ferris (LHP, CLE) – A finesse lefty with deception and pitchability, Ferris was a standout as a freshman at Oregon State and rose to become a 2nd round pick. He relies on control, changing speeds, and late movement to keep hitters off balance. Ferris profiles as a potential back-end starter or swingman if he continues adapting to pro ball.

Ethan Wilson (OF, SF) – The Giants used their 2nd round pick on this toolsy high school outfielder with loud tools. Wilson brings plus speed, raw power potential, and a cannon arm that could fit well in right field long term. His hit tool and approach will need refining, but the ceiling is high if everything clicks for Wilson offensively.

Brooks Crawford (SS, COL) – A slick fielding shortstop with a patient approach, Crawford was a 2nd round pick out of Ole Miss. While he doesn’t have flashy tools, Crawford makes consistent hard contact the other way and could hit for average. His defense is ahead of the bat but both should continue developing in the Rockies system.

Evan Carter (OF, TEX) – A potential five-tool talent, Carter fell to Texas in the 4th round due to signability concerns but signed for well over slot. He brings plus speed, developing power, and a cannon arm that could fit well in center field long term. Carter’s hit tool and approach will determine if he reaches his star ceiling or is more of a 4th outfielder, making him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect.

The 2023 Bowman Baseball set features an exciting collection of high-upside prospects just starting their pro careers. While development is never a straight line, cards of players like Druw Jones, Elijah Green, and Daniel Espino offer a chance to get in early on potential future stars. For collectors, keeping an eye on risers like Robby Snelling and staying patient on toolsier talents like Termarr Johnson could provide long-term rewards down the road. This year’s Bowman rookie class has all the ingredients to produce plenty of future MLB contributors.