The 2022 Bowman baseball card set was released in April and contained prospect and rookie cards that could become highly valuable in the future. While it may be too early to predict long-term valuations, here are some of the key rookie and prospect cards from 2022 Bowman that collectors are targeting.
One of the most sought-after rookie cards in 2022 Bowman is Mickey Moniak. Moniak was drafted first overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016 and made his MLB debut in 2021 after several years in the minors. His base rookie card in 2022 Bowman isn’t overly valuable yet around $10-15, but his autograph and refractors have already climbed above $100 due to his former top prospect status and proven track record in the minors. If Moniak can establish himself as an everyday MLB player, his rookie cards could appreciate significantly from current prices.
Another intriguing MLB rookie card is Emerson Hancock from the Seattle Mariners. Hancock was drafted sixth overall in 2020 out of the University of Georgia but missed the 2021 season due to injury. He finally made his pro debut late in 2022 and showed promise. His base 2022 Bowman rookie card sells for around $15-20 currently, but his autographs and parallels could emerge as steals if he contributes to the Mariners’ rotation in 2023 and beyond. Players taken in the top 10 of the draft who overcome injuries to debut in the majors often see their rookie card values surge.
On the prospect side, shortstop Jackson Chourio of the Twins is arguably the crown jewel of 2022 Bowman. Chourio was signed out of Venezuela in 2021 for $3.9 million, a record for an international amateur. Scouts rave about his bat, glove, and athleticism for a middle infielder still just 18 years old. His base rookie card trades hands around $75-100 currently due to the hype, but prices are sure to rise further if he climbs the Minors rapidly. Collectors would be wise to secure Chourio parallels and autographs now before they skyrocket.
Another top international prospect holding significant 2022 Bowman card value is Jonatan Clase, an outfielder in the Angels’ system from the Dominican Republic. Signed for $1.5 million in 2020, Clase turned just 17 in August 2022 but already has a smooth right-handed swing and enticing raw power. His base rookie card sells in the $50 range but could multiply in price down the road. Considered one of the top Angel prospects, Clase’s autographs and colored parallels that can be acquired for under $200 now would be a shrewd secure.
Baseball fans are also keeping a close eye on Gunnar Henderson’s 2022 Bowman cards after his monster season climbing through the Orioles’ system. Drafted in 2019, Henderson played 3B and hit .297 combined between High-A and Double-A at age 21 in 2022 to emerge as perhaps the top third base prospect in baseball. Due to his breakout campaign, even his common Bowman base rookie has increased from a $5-10 card to $25-35. But his parallel and autograph rookies priced under $100 still offer great long-term upside if Henderson’s bat translates to the major leagues.
Druw Jones, the son of five-time All-Star Andruw Jones, commanded attention as one of the prized prospects in the 2022 draft class after being selected second overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Despite signing for a record $8.19 million bonus, Jones’ base rookie in 2022 Bowman sells for a modest $15-20 currently while he begins his pro career. His autograph and memorabilia cards priced below $100 hold appreciation potential surpassing even his signing bonus if Jones develops into the star many scouts forecast.
Rounding out some other 2022 Bowman prospects to track, catcher Dustin Harris of the Astros and pitcher Daniel Espino of the Red Sox continue generating buzz. Harris was Houston’s top selection in the 2019 draft and raked at .298 with power between High-A and Double-A at age 22 in 2022. Meanwhile, Espino has a power arm and broke out with 154 K’s in 122 innings split between High-A and Double-A as a 21-year old. Their standard rookie cards remain inexpensive, but auto and memorabilia parallels purchased in the $50-100 range could multiply in value considerably down the road.
While 2022 Bowman cards remain quite speculative at this early stage, talented prospects like Chourio, Clase, Jones, and Henderson are generating plenty of buzz that bodes well for their rookie cards as investments. And MLB rookies Moniak and Hancock offer enticing upside if they blossom at the highest level. By securing their top parallels and autographs now before prices inevitably rise further, savvy collectors can gain valuable rookie cards with the potential to appreciate significantly in the coming years.
