December marked the arrival of one of the most eagerly awaited releases for baseball card collectors – Bowman Draft. This product has long been a cornerstone of the collecting world, showcasing the first Bowman cards for players from the previous year’s draft. The set typically features most of the first-round picks while holding back a select few for the following year’s Bowman Baseball release.
This year, the strategy remained the same, saving the likes of third overall pick Charlie Condon and eighth overall pick JJ Wetherholt for the 2025 product. Despite their absence, collectors were still treated to a plethora of excitement and intrigue within this year’s set.
Notable highlights included the debut of Travis Bazzana’s first Bowman card, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone’s card, the sixth overall pick often dubbed as the “next Shohei Ohtani.” Caglianone’s inclusion was especially significant as he made history during his collegiate career at the University of Florida by signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps. While Topps didn’t release cards of him during his college days, collectors can now own cards showcasing his time at Florida.
Unlike major sports like basketball or football where rookies can immediately impact professional leagues, baseball prospects typically spend years refining their skills in the minors. Investing in First Bowman cards requires patience and foresight, as their value tends to soar once a player reaches the majors and fulfills their potential.
Topps’ foray into college-themed cards aligns with the emergence of NIL agreements, which have reshaped collegiate sports. Following the introduction of NIL rules, Topps ventured into college football and basketball products before finally adding college baseball cards to the Bowman Draft lineup this year.
The inclusion of Chrome College Variations in this year’s Bowman Draft offers collectors a unique twist. While not a dedicated college set, these cards mark Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball within the Bowman brand. The response has been phenomenal, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from the set selling for a record $6,500, making it the highest-priced Florida Gators card ever.
The subset features standout players like Travis Bazzana, Hagen Smith, Jac Caglianone, and others. These cards are rare, with base versions appearing at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Collectors can also chase limited parallels like gold refractors, orange refractors, red refractors, and the elusive 1/1 Superfractor.
The rarity and unique appeal of these cards have made them highly sought after, appealing to both traditional collectors and new fans. The introduction of college imagery in Bowman Draft ushers in an exciting new era for the collecting community, blending prospecting thrills with the nostalgia of college athletics.
As Bowman Draft continues to innovate, the inclusion of Chrome College Variations showcases Topps’ dedication to pushing boundaries in the hobby. The connection between baseball’s future stars and their formative years grows stronger as collectors hunt for these rare gems. This year’s Bowman Draft isn’t just a card set; it’s a vibrant celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future, depicted through the lens of a hobby that continues to shine brightly.