Baseball Playing cards: 2023 MLB Rookie of the Yr Entrance-Runners and Their Should-Personal Playing cards

The beginning of a brand new MLB season means a recent crop of rookie set to take the baseball card accumulating pastime by storm.

Final yr, gamers like Julio Rodríguez, Bobby Witt Jr., Jeremy Peña, Michael Harris II and Adley Rutschman went from prospects to performers, and so they have been all sizzling commodities within the pastime.

So, who’s subsequent?

First issues first, all due respect to Andrew Painter (PHI), Hunter Brown (HOU), Grayson Rodriguez (BAL) and different high-profile pitchers on the cusp of the massive leagues, however the pastime market has all the time given the overwhelming majority of its consideration to place gamers.

It is also value noting that you simply will not discover Japanese imports Kodai Senga (NYM) or Masataka Yoshida (BOS) on this record since their first playing cards haven’t but hit the market, outdoors of some worldwide releases.

That leaves us with 10 place gamers on the rise able to future stardom.

A 1st Bowman card—particularly his 1st Bowman Chrome autograph—has turn into essentially the most sought-after early card of most gamers. It typically represents their first card that was launched, usually coming years earlier than their rookie playing cards. As such, a lot of the pricing referenced on this article will mirror 1st Bowman Chrome autographs.

1st Bowman: 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Discount Purchase: 2020 Topps Professional Debut

Franciso Álvarez is predicted to open the season at Triple-A Syracuse whereas he continues to work on the defensive aspect of his sport, whereas Omar Narváez and Tomás Nido deal with catching duties for the New York Mets within the interim.

That does not imply he cannot nonetheless win NL Rookie of the Yr.

The ability-hitting catcher batted .260/.374/.511 with 27 dwelling runs and 78 RBI in 112 video games as a 20-year-old within the higher ranges of the minors, and he has authentic 30-homer upside on the subsequent degree.

His 1st Bowman Chrome autographs in PSA 10 situation have been promoting within the $350-400 vary this offseason, and that quantity may rapidly climb as soon as he makes his MLB debut.

1st Bowman: 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft
Discount Purchase: 2020 Topps Professional Debut

The D-backs noticed sufficient out of Corbin Carroll after he made his MLB debut on Aug. 29 final yr that the entrance workplace is already discussing a possible long-term extension even earlier than he has exhausted his rookie standing.

The 2019 first-round choose posted a 133 OPS+ with 15 extra-base hits and 1.2 WAR in his first MLB motion, and he’s anticipated to interrupt camp because the beginning left fielder and potential leadoff hitter heading into 2023.

His uptick in energy manufacturing within the minors got here in an especially hitter-friendly surroundings, so it stays to be seen simply what number of dwelling runs he’ll hit, however he has lengthy been seen as the most effective pure hitters within the minors.

Essentially the most recent sale of a PSA 10 copy of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto was for $435 on March 1, and a robust begin may make him one of many hottest names in the marketplace to start the season.

1st Bowman: 2018 Bowman Chrome Draft
Discount Purchase: 2023 Topps

After suiting up for Crew USA within the 2020 Olympics after which hitting .281/.389/.500 with 36 extra-base hits in 76 video games within the minors final yr, Triston Casas lastly made his MLB debut as a September call-up.

The 23-year-old hit simply .197 in 95 plate appearances, however he nonetheless posted a 113 OPS+ due to sturdy on-base abilities (.358 OBP, 19 BB, 20.0 BB%) and glorious energy manufacturing (.211 ISO, 5 HR).

He ought to break camp because the on a regular basis first baseman and open the yr as one of many AL Rookie of the Yr front-runners, and there has even been some talk about probably batting him leadoff.

His 1st Bowman Chrome autos are selling within the $250 vary in PSA 10 situation, although Crimson Sox gamers usually face an uphill battle establishing worth because of the massive New York accumulating base ignoring Boston gamers.

1st Bowman: 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Discount Purchase: 2022 Topps Professional Debut

Will Oscar Colas win the Chicago White Sox beginning proper area job?

The 24-year-old hit .314/.371/.524 with 24 doubles, 23 dwelling runs and 79 RBI in 117 video games within the higher ranges of the minors final yr, and supervisor Pedro Grifol made it clear he will probably be given each probability to compete with Gavin Sheets for the beginning gig.

The White Sox gave Colas a $2.7 million bonus throughout the 2022 worldwide signing interval, and he was one of many headliners within the 2022 Bowman Chrome Prospects launch.

That stated, his first card really got here within the 2019 BBM set in Japan when he performed for the Softbank Hawks as a developmental participant for elements of three seasons whereas additionally taking part in professionally in Cuba.

His 1st Bowman Chrome auto was inserted into packs as a redemption, so the secondary market remains to be considerably skinny on accessible choices relative to a number of the others on this record. A pair of ungraded copies sold for $118.50 and $119 on March 1.

1st Bowman: 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft
Discount Purchase: 2023 Topps

Gunnar Henderson hit .297/.416/.531 with 50 extra-base hits and 22 steals in 112 video games between Double-A and Triple-A final season, forcing his means onto the MLB roster late within the season after the Baltimore Orioles emerged as a shock wild-card contender.

The 21-year-old continued to impress within the large leagues, hitting .259/.348/.440 for a 123 OPS+ with 12 extra-base hits and 0.9 WAR in 34 video games whereas making begins at second base, shortstop and third base.

The last three sales on PSA 10 copies of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto have been $938, $999 and $919, so it is clear he is likely one of the hottest names in the marketplace proper now.

His Topps flagship rookie card was additionally included in 2023 Topps Sequence 1, and whereas 1st Bowman autos dominate the pastime panorama, many collectors nonetheless have a spot of their assortment for Topps flagship rookies.

1st Bowman: 2019 Bowman Chrome Draft
Discount Purchase: 2020 Topps Professional Debut

Josh Jung shouldn’t be producing as a lot buzz as a number of the different high rookies heading into the 2023 season, however he has a large open path to the beginning third base job after lastly shaking the damage bug.

The 25-year-old has performed simply 179 skilled video games since he was taken No. 8 total within the 2019 draft, lacking time with a stress fracture in his left foot and a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

He made his MLB debut final September and tallied 5 dwelling runs and 14 RBI in 26 video games, cementing his place because the third baseman of the longer term for a Texas Rangers crew on the rise with authentic playoff aspirations.

Ungraded variations of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto have been selling within the $80-100 vary this offseason, and he has a bit extra room for development than a number of the others on this record if he makes a run at Rookie of the Yr honors.

1st Bowman: 2021 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Discount Purchase: 2022 Topps Professional Debut

Ezequiel Tovar has lengthy been seen as the most effective defensive shortstops within the minors, and he despatched his prospect inventory hovering final yr when he hit .319/.387/.540 with 15 doubles, 14 dwelling runs and 17 steals in 71 video games between Double-A and Triple-A.

With veteran shortstop José Iglesias gone in free company and no outdoors additions made to interchange him, all indicators level to Tovar being the shortstop of the current and future for the Colorado Rockies.

The Rockies have been a little bit of a pastime blind spot through the years, with stars like Todd Helton, Nolan Arenado, Troy Tulowitzki, Trevor Story and others failing to obtain the eye they deserve relative to their manufacturing.

Because of this, his high playing cards are nonetheless comparatively inexpensive, and the most recent PSA 10 sale of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto was for $189.99 on Feb. 28.

1st Bowman: 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Discount Purchase: 2023 Topps

With Trea Turner and Justin Turner gone in free company and Gavin Lux misplaced for the season to a torn ACL, there seems to be a transparent path for one of many Los Angeles Dodgers’ younger infield prospects to win a job this spring.

Miguel Vargas is the front-runner after hitting .304/.404/.511 with 32 doubles, 17 dwelling runs and 82 RBI in 113 video games at Triple-A final season, and he’s able to lining up at second base or third base.

The 23-year-old can have some competitors from fellow high prospect Michael Busch who can also be knocking on the door, and Chris Taylor may additionally see time at second base, however Vargas has an incredible alternative to carve out a serious position on a contender.

A PSA 10 model of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto sold for $330 on March 1, and his worth may climb considerably if he emerges because the Dodgers’ subsequent homegrown star.

1st Bowman: 2020 Bowman Chrome Prospects
Discount Purchase: 2020 Topps Professional Debut

Anthony Volpe emerged as considered one of baseball’s high prospects throughout a breakout 2021 season, and he solidified his standing as a possible future star final season when he posted an .802 OPS with 35 doubles, 21 dwelling runs, 65 RBI and 50 steals in 132 video games within the higher ranges of the minors.

With Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu each anticipated to see taking part in time at second base and rookie Oswald Peraza pushing Isiah Kiner-Falefa for the shortstop job, the Yankees don’t have any scarcity of center infield choices.

That stated, Volpe is the kind of prospect who will push his means into the image as soon as he is prepared, and he’s already receiving rave reviews at spring coaching for his all-around sport and intangibles.

Along with his market receiving the Yankees increase, PSA 10 copies of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto have been selling for north of $1,000 this spring.

1st Bowman: 2020 Bowman Chrome Draft
Discount Purchase: 2021 Topps Professional Debut

With an imposing 6’5″, 220-pound body and bonafide five-tool potential, Jordan Walker has as excessive of a ceiling as any prospect within the minors, and he’s the kind of expertise who may drive his means onto the MLB roster.

The 20-year-old hit .306/.388/.510 with 31 doubles, 19 dwelling runs and 68 RBI in 119 video games at Double-A final season, additionally displaying off some stunning athleticism for a participant his measurement with 22 steals in 27 makes an attempt.

Drafted as a 3rd baseman, he transitioned to the outfield over the ultimate two months of the 2022 season, and he may make a critical play for the beginning proper area job with a robust spring.

The pastime has already taken discover of his great upside, with a PSA 10 copy of his 1st Bowman Chrome auto selling for $1,475 on Feb. 22.

All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference, whereas pricing knowledge comes through latest eBay gross sales.