2023 Bowman Baseball Preview

2023 Bowman is right around the corner (release date this coming Wednesday, April 26, but in some cases, it’s already here with people who have received orders from Topps/Fanatics) and it is LOADED. Below is every team listed in alphabetical order by team name with their 1st Bowman players. It is important to understand players highlighted and written about are not necessarily the best, but as an avid collector, I’ve highlighted prospects who I think have a lot of potential to grow within #thehobby.

Key:
B = Has base
A = Has autos
B+A = Has both
Position – Age – Height – Weight

Angels

Randy De Jesus (B+A) OF – 18 – 6’4” – 210
Jorge Ruiz (B+A) OF – 18 – 5’10” – 164
Nelson Rada (B+A) OF – 17 – 5’10” – 160
Caden Dana (A) P – 19 – 6’4” – 215
Joe Stewart (A) OF – 24 – 6’5” – 212
Jadiel Sanchez (A) OF – 21 – 6’2” – 185 (Acquired by Angels in 2022 Noah Syndergaard trade)

By far the most talented of the Angels in this checklist, De Jesus was a top international prospect in the 2022 class. The 6’4” OF signed for $1.2 million out of the Dominican Republic. After slimming down in 2020, the focus for Randy has been to add strength to his frame. So far he is really just the stereotypical athletic power combo corner outfielder. In his 2022 DSL debut, De Jesus slugged 7 HR in just 184 AB while drawing 20 BB showing some plate discipline along the way.

Astros

Ryan Clifford (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’3” – 200
Kenedy Corona (B) OF – 23 – 5’10” – 184
Kenni Gomez (B) OF – 17 – 5’11” – 185
Shay Whitcomb (A) SS – 24 – 6’1” – 200
Andrew Taylor (A) P – 21 – 6’5” – 190
Wilyer Abreu (A) OF – 23 – 5’10” – 217 (traded to Red Sox)

Arguably one of the biggest steals in the 2022 draft, the prep bat Clifford fell in rankings due to lackluster circuit performance. The Astros were able to convince Vanderbilt to commit with a $1,256,530 signing bonus in the 11th round, the second-highest 11th-round signing bonus in history. Off to a great start in Single-A, Clifford has a great plate approach with unlimited power potential. Corona has already collected 4 HR in just 33 AB in AA. Originally signed by the Mets in the 2018 international class, Corona signed for just $10,000. Acquired in a trade, Corona is emerging as one of the Astros’ top power-speed combo players in the system. In 2022 Corona collected 19 HR and 28 SB between Single-A and High-A.

Athletics

Colby Thomas (B+A) OF – 22 – 6’0” – 190
Daniel Susac (B) C – 21 – 6’4” – 218
Zack Gelof (B) SS – 23 – 6’2” – 205
Colin Peluse (A) P – 24 – 6’3” – 230

With one of the older set of players, all of the A’s on this checklist were selected out of college, Susac being the most relevant of the bunch. The 21-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2022 Draft out of Arizona. Currently one of the top prospects in the A’s farm, Susac is off to an okay start in 2023. The dual sport athlete is mainly known for his arm behind home plate but the A’s hope to develop his bat throughout his minor league journey.

Blue Jays

Manuel Beltre (A) SS – 18 – 5’10” – 155
Gabriel Martinez (B+A) OF – 20 – 5’9” – 170
Luis Garcia (B+A) SS – 19 – 5’9” – 160
Yhoangel Aponte (B+A) OF – 19 – 5’10” – 190
Hayden Juenger (A) P – 22 – 6’0” – 180
Enmanuel Bonilla (A) OF – 17 – 6’1” – 180

Many people know Beltre already after having cards in 2021 Bowman Chrome, the 18-year-old SS only has autographs (non-first), all other base will be non-first. Recently hitting the 7-day IL, Beltre is starting off the year hot for the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays. Batting .500 and limiting his strikeouts, the former top international prospect is looking to show why he was ranked so highly. Signing out of Venezuela in 2018, Martinez had a huge 2022 season. Smashing 14 HR and limiting his strikeouts to just 16%, Martinez has high expectations this year. The Blue Jays are making him one of their top priorities as his outfield arm still needs some work, and will probably limit him to the corners.

Braves

Justyn-Henry Malloy (B) 3B – 23 – 6’1” – 212
Ambioris Tavarez (B+A) SS – 19 – 5’11” – 168

Though Malloy is no longer on the Braves, he appears in a Braves uniform in this set. The 6th-round pick out of Georgia Tech in the 2021 Draft, Malloy is absolutely crushing AAA to start 2023. Batting .379 with already 2 HR, the 3B has walked more than he’s struck out. (traded to Tigers)

Brewers

Jace Avina (B+A) OF – 19 – 5’11” – 180
Luis Lara (B) OF – 18 – 5’7” – 155
Dylan O’Rae (B) SS – 19 – 5’7” – 160
Daniel Guilarte (B) SS – 19 – 5’11” – 160
Matthew Wood (A) C – 22 – 5’10” – 190

Probably one of the stronger teams on the checklist considering all of these players are in discussion as top 30 prospects in the Brewers organization. Lara and Guilarte are the most interesting of the bunch. Despite Guilarte’s near 6-foot frame, the SS possesses little power and is widely considered a contact-only hitter. With the highest ground ball rate out of all qualified Brewers hitters throughout the minor leagues, Guilarte has an advanced feel for the zone as well. As far as Lara the same can be said, though there is hope with his bat speed he can develop his power tool. Wood, however, is the opposite with his amazing plate discipline and potential plus power the Penn State product is off to a great start in Single-A.

Cardinals

Samil De La Rosa (A) 3B – 19 – 5’8” – 175
Luis Rodriguez (B) C/1B – 18 – 6’1” – 210

The Cardinals come in with just 2 1st Bowmans in this set. Two extremely raw international prospects both possess some power to keep an eye on. De La Rosa is the more promising of the two, the 19-year-old despite standing at 5’8” hit 6 HR in just 141 AB in 2022. With both prospects showing high K% in 2022 it will be interesting to keep track of their development going into the 2023 complex season.

Cubs

Matt Mervis (B+A) 1B – 25 – 6’2” – 225
Moises Ballesteros (B+A) C – 19 – 5’7” – 195
Pedro Ramirez (B+A) SS – 19 – 5’8” – 165
Jefferson Rojas (B+A) SS – 17 – 5’10” – 150
Jackson Ferris (A) P – 19 – 6’4” – 195
Derniche Valdez (A) SS – 17 – 5’11” – 150
Ben Brown (A)- P – 23 – 6’6” – 210 (acquired by Cubs from Phillies via trade)

If you know prospects, you are already familiar with standout Cubs prospect Mervis. Though there are some questions as to when he will be called up, one thing is for sure, Mervis rakes. To start 2023 it seems as if he’s made some adjustments to his approach as he’s currently walked 14 times and struck out 14 times in 55 AB with a .403 OBP. Mervis is for sure one of the highlights in this loaded 2023 checklist.

Diamondbacks

Druw Jones (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’4” – 180
Ruben Santana (B) 3B – 18 – 6’0” – 190
Deyvison De Los Santos (B) 3B – 19 – 5’11” – 185
Christian Cerda (B) C – 20 – 6’10” – 190 (acquired by Diamondbacks from Rays via trade)
Abdias De La Cruz (B) SS – 18 – 6’3” – 175
Tim Tawa (A) OF – 24 – 5’10” – 196
Dominic Canzone (A) OF – 25 – 5’11” – 190

Arizona is one of the most expensive teams to chase in breaks because of Jones, but the Dbacks do have other players worth noting in this set. With Jones’ lack of production to start the 2023 season, De Los Santos, Santana, and Canzone all rank highly in the Diamondbacks system. My two sleepers on this team are Cerda and De La Cruz. There is plenty of value to go around. Cerda, though not a highly ranked prospect, has shown some promise behind the plate at the catcher position and has shown some raw power to start 2023. As for De La Cruz, though strikeouts are an issue, he’s found other ways to get around the bases. If he can build out his 6’3” frame and add more strength, there is some serious potential as he has already shown his ability to draw walks.

Dodgers

Josue De Paula (B+A) OF – 17 – 6’3” – 185
Juan Alonso (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’0” – 180
Yeiner Fernandez (B+A) C/2B – 20 – 5’9” – 170
Mairoshendrick Martinus (B+A) – SS – 19 – 6’3” – 160
Logan Wagner (B) – 3B – 19 – 6’1” – 200
Yunior Garcia (B) OF – 21 – 6’0” – 198
Damon Keith (A) OF – 22 – 6’3” – 195

De Paula signed out of the Dominican Republic for just $397,500 and quickly flew up the rankings after a great pro debut. In 186 AB De Paula hit 5 HR while swiping 16 bags. With just a 13% K% De Paula walked more than he struck out. There is some serious potential if he is able to add more strength to his 6’3” frame. I think Fernandez is also one of the top bats in this set and have him mentioned in the list at the bottom of this article.

Giants

Kyle Harrison (B+A) P – 21 – 6’2” – 200
Vaun Brown (A) OF – 24 – 6’0” – 215

The pitcher to chase in this set, Harrison is already in AAA at just 21 years old. The 3rd round pick in 2020 out of high school has flown through the minor leagues. With 9 IP already in 2023, walks are showing to be a problem, as Harrison has walked 13 batters as opposed to only 12 strikeouts.

Guardians

Jorge Burgos (B+A) OF – 21 – 5’10” – 165
Dayan Frias (B+A) SS – 20 – 5’9” – 140
Angel Genao (B+A) SS – 18 – 5’9” – 150

Starting the 2023 season on the 7-day IL, Genao is looking to improve and develop in Single-A after a great 2022 season. While Genao struggled after his promotion to Single-A the 18-year-old hit .322/.394/.416 in ACL. The switch hitter signed out of the Dominican Republic for $1,1750,000 in 2021. With his compact swing, Genao isn’t much of a power hitter but if he can fill his frame out more through the minors there is potential for 10-15 HR seasons. Guardians expect him to stay in the infield, mainly sticking at 2B.

Mariners

Robert Perez Jr. (B+A) 1B – 22 – 6’0” – 170
Michael Arroyo (B+A) SS – 18 – 5’8” – 160
Lazaro Montes (B+A) OF – 18 – 6’3” – 210
Gabriel Gonzalez (B+A) OF – 19 – 5’10” – 165
Martin Gonzalez (B) SS – 18 – 5’10” – 165
Axel Sanchez (B) SS – 20 – 5’10” – 170
Josh Hood (A) SS – 22 – 6’2” – 200
Prelander Berroa (A) P – 23 – 5’11” – 170 (acquired by Mariners from the Giants via trade)

Without a doubt, the Mariners are the most-rounded team in this set. Between Perez Jr., Arroyo, Montes, and Sanchez, there is so much value. With rumors circulating about Montes potentially being 2-3 inches taller than his listed height, many prospectors are jumping on the hype train. As for Sanchez, the buzz is he has a sneaky underrated bat ready to break out in 2023. Though he is off to a rough start in High-A, many think Sanchez can develop into a 20 HR bat.

Marlins

Jacob Berry (B+A) 3B – 21 – 6’0” – 212
Yoffry Solano (B) SS – 18 – 5’10” – 155
Antony Peguero (B) OF – 17 – 6’0” – 175
Troy Johnston (A) 1B – 25 – 6’0” – 205

One of the original chase players in the set, Berry is not off to a good start in 2023. It will be interesting to see where his prices land come product release. Many people are going back on their word and saying Berry should have fallen to potentially the second round of the 2022 Draft, but the Marlins felt confident enough to pick him 6th overall. Time is key. It will be interesting to see what the Marlins do to help Berry produce at the level everyone expected.

Mets

William Lugo (B+A) SS – 21 – 6’1” – 215
Jesus Baez (B+A) SS – 18 – 5’9” – 180
Vincent Perozo (B) C – 20 – 6’0” – 170
Jose Peroza (B) 3B – 22 – 6’1” – 220
Nick Morabito (A) – SS – 19 – 5’11” – 185
Junior Tilien (A) SS – 20 – 6’1” – 168
Alex Ramirez (A) OF – 20 – 6’3” – 170 (autos only, no 1st logo)
Overlooked by the Mets 2022 international signees Willy Fanas and Simon Juan, Baez signed for just $275,000. Not even ranked in the 2022 international signing class top 50, Baez impressed scouts with some extreme power from the right side in his debut, notching 2 HR. Baez has really stood out and has jumped the rankings in the Mets organization.

Orioles

Leandro Arias (B+A) SS – 18 – 6’1” – 155
Mishael Deson (B) OF – 20 – 6’4” – 210
Max Wagner (B) 3B – 21 – 6’0” – 215
Frederick Bencosme (B) 3B – 20 – 6’0” – 160
Adam Crampton (A) SS – 21 – 6’1” – 180
Braylin Tavera (A) OF – 18 – 6’2” – 175

Without a doubt the Orioles farm system is loaded and pumping out top prospects left and right. Bencosme is no different. Signing for just $10,000 in 2020, Bencosme has exploded in rankings. While barely striking out and maintaining a career batting average above .300, Bencosme is one of the gems in the stacked Orioles farm.

Padres

Nerwilian Cedeno (B+A) 3B – 21 – 5’11” – 175
Daniel Montesino (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’0” – 180
Nick Vogt (A) OF – 22 – 6’1” – 185

Signing for $1 million in 2021 out of Venezuela, Montesino ranked within the top 15 in slugging percentage among qualified DSL hitters in 2021. Though he showcased his ability to read the zone and draw walks. Swings and misses were an issue with a near 30 SWTR%. It will be interesting to see how Montesino bounces back after missing all of 2022 after an elbow injury. Cedeno was one of San Diego’s representatives in the 2022 Arizona Fall League and could be a sneaky flier in the hobby if you like big gambles.

Phillies

Justin Crawford (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’1” – 175
Nikau Pouaka-Grego (B+A) SS – 18 – 5’9” – 175 (on 60-day IL)
Hao-Yu Lee (B+A) 2B – 20 – 5’9” – 190
Emaarion Boyd (B+A) OF – 19 – 5’11” – 177
Rickardo Perez (B) C – 19 – 5’10” – 170
Marcus Lee Sang (B) OF – 22 – 5’11” – 200

One of the Phillies top prospects, Lee signed for $570,000 out of Taiwan. Best used at 2B, Hao-Yu has shown his ability to play SS and 3B as well. As for his offense, he is an extremely disciplined batter with 20 SB potential. With an overall love for the game, Lee’s work ethic is unmatched, and has the potential for a 15 HR season.

Pirates

Jase Bowen (B+A) 2B – 22 – 6’0” – 190
Braylon Bishop (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’2” – 190
Tony Blanco Jr. (B) OF – 17 – 6’6” – 240

Son of Tony Blanco, Blanco Jr. is someone no one is talking about. Signing for $900,000 and ranking just outside the top 10 in the 2019 international class, Blanco possesses some serious power. With only 19 professional AB, Blanco Jr. has a long road ahead of him. Standing at 6’6” 240 at just 17 years old there is no reason to not add Blanco to your lists. The Pirates feel like there will be no problem with Blanco in the OF and will remain in the corners with an above-average arm.

Rangers

Andres Mesa (B+A) SS – 20 – 5’11” – 170
Gleider Figuereo (B+A) SS – 18 – 6’0” – 165
Alejandro Osuna (B) OF – 20 – 6’0” – 180
Blaine Crim (A) 1B – 25 – 5’10” – 200
Tommy Specht (A) OF – 18 – 6’3” – 200

Someone slipping through lists is Tommy Specht. The prep bat out of Dubuque, IA was drafted in the 6th round by the Rangers, signing well above slot value at $450,000. The top 50 high school prospect and number one prospect in Iowa was committed to Kentucky. Throughout the high school circuit, Specht showcased elite speed and a very clean and smooth left-handed swing. The slept-on prep bat is someone worth looking into as the Rangers are quickly getting a good reputation with development.

Rays

Brock Jones (B+A) OF – 22 – 5’11” – 197
Junior Caminero (B+A) SS – 19 – 6’1” – 150
Xavier Isaac (B+A) 1B – 19 – 6’3” – 240
Ronny Simon (B+A) 2B – 23 – 5’7” – 150 (acquired by Rays from Diamondbacks via trade)

Caminero is flying up prospect rankings and cracking top 100 lists and is going to be one of the hottest cards come release. Originally signed by the Guardians in 2019, Camerino was soon traded to the Rays in 2021, extremely similar to how the Rays obtained Curtis Mead. With arguably the most elite bat speed out of any player on this checklist, Caminero’s path through the minors is expected to be pretty aggressive as the Rays will have to add him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. Isaac, one of the top-ranked prep bats in the 2022 MLB Draft, was selected 29th overall to the Rays. Coming from East Forsyth High School, the same high school that produced Connor Norby, Isaac was the highest picked 1B raising some question marks. As a true 1B, Isaac is known for his power and the Rays are optimistic of his ability to read and adjust to higher level pitching. Overall there are a lot of question marks on Isaac’s ceiling and overall potential.

Red Sox

Roman Anthony (B+A) OF – 18 – 6’2” – 200
Freili Encarnacion (B+A) SS – 18 – 6’1” – 180
Lyonell James (B) IF – 20 – 6’2” – 165
Juan Chacon (B) OF – 20 – 6’1” – 170
Fraymi De Leon (B) SS – 18 – 5’10” – 150
Blake Loubier (B) – Released
Luis Ravelo (A) SS – 19 – 6’1” – 187
Brandon Walter (A) P – 26 – 6’2” – 200

Out of all the prep bats in this checklist, Anthony ranks above all. There is a reason he comes in at the top, with a big 6’2” frame, an aggressive approach, and pure power, Anthony gained comps to Anthony Rizzo. While Roman showed off his aggressive approach in 2022 and to start 2023, he has shown his ability to take walks along the way. There is just unlimited potential with Anthony. The hobby does not value pitchers anywhere close to batters, but Walter is an almost-major-league-ready arm and his cards should be available at decent prices.

Reds

Carlos Jorge (B+A) 2B – 19 – 5’10” – 160
Cam Collier (B+A) 3B – 18 – 6’2” – 200
Hector Rodriguez (B+A) OF – 19 – 5’8” – 180 (acquired by Reds from the Mets via trade)
Ariel Almonte (B+A) OF – 19 – 6’1” – 170

If you follow high school baseball and prospects in general you probably already know who Collier is. Son of Lou Collier, Cam was drafted 18th overall in 2022. Off to a slow start in 2023, Collier is without a doubt one of the top 10 players in this set. Though there are concerns with moving to 1B long term there is no doubt Collier is full offensive potential. Rodriguez should be on everyone’s watchlist. Originally signed by the Mets in 2020 for just $100,000 out of the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez has a lot of potential despite not really being known. Though he stands at just 5’8” he has already mashed 3 HR in 2023. Though strikeouts are somewhat of a problem to start 2023, after seeing higher level pitching Hector has a feel for the zone and isn’t afraid to take walks. He struck out only 11% of PA in 2022 so the approach is there, it just needs to be adjusted to higher level pitching.

Rockies

Juan Brito (B+A) SS – 21 – 5’11” – 162 (traded to Guardians)
Dyan Jorge (B+A) SS – 20 – 6’3” – 170

Though Brito is no longer a member of the Rockies, just like Malloy with the Braves, Brito will be in a Rockies jersey in this set. Off to a very hot start to 2023, Brito has a reputation for walking more than he strikes out. The 21-year-old has true 20/20 potential and will soon shoot up Guardians prospect rankings very soon.

Royals

Austin Charles (B+A) SS – 19 – 6’4” – 215
Lizandro Rodriguez (B+A) SS – 20 – 5’11” – 185
Juan Olmos (B) C – 18 – 6’2” – 175
Henry Ramos (B) OF – 18 – 6’1” – 175
Diego Hernandez (A) OF – 22 – 6’0” – 150 (on 60-day IL)

Despite hype within the prospect community, Rodriguez hasn’t gained a lot of hype on official prospect rankings. With an extremely elite plate approach for his age, if Rodriguez can find just a bit more power there is real potential for a 15HR season and a sub 20 K%. Rodriguez is a true hidden gem in a lackluster Royals farm looking for a breakout.

Tigers

Abel Bastidas (B+A) SS – 19 – 6’1” – 165
Peyton Graham (B) 3B – 22 – 6’3” – 185
Javier Osorio (B) SS – 18 – 6’0” – 165
Wilmer Flores (A) P – 22 – 6’4” – 225

Overshadowed by the Tigers 2021 international class, Bastidas signed for $1,1750,000 out of Venezuela. Known for his defense when signing, the switch hitter impressed in his 2022 season slashing .260/.361/.409. Striking out just 18% of the time and hitting 3 HR, Bastidas showed off his ability to read pitches and draw walks. It will be fun to track Bastidas’ progression through the minors.

Twins

Edouard Julien (B+A) 2B – 23 – 6’0” – 190
Yilber Herrera (B+A) SS – 18 – 5’11” – 145
Kyler Fedko (B+A) OF – 23 – 6’1” – 195

While already making his MLB debut, these will be Julien’s first Bowman cards. The 23-year-old out of Auburn was not a highly rated prospect in the 2018 Draft, falling all the way to the 18th round. Though there have been some struggles in the majors causing Julien to be optioned to AAA, there is really no worry Julien won’t be an everyday 2B. One of the more long shot sleepers in this checklist, Herrera had high expectations after signing with the Twins. Herrera did not flash his full potential in 2022 but there are very good signs worth mentioning for a potential breakout year.

White Sox

Wilber Sanchez (B) SS – 21 – 5’10” – 160

Since the White Sox only have one 1st Bowman player, there is not much to note. At the moment Wilber is a UTL/MLB bench bat at his peak.

Yankees

Spencer Jones (B+A) OF – 21 – 6’6” – 225
Marcos Cabrera (B) SS – 21 – 6’3” – 189
Juan Carela (A) P – 23 – 6’3” – 190

One of the Yankees top prospects, the 2022 first rounder out of Vanderbilt is off to a hot start to the 2023 season with 3 HR in High-A and could fly through the minors. Despite his height, Jones has 20/20 potential and is definitely one of the top players on this checklist.

@mlbalchemist’s Top 3 teams to chase

Astros
Mariners
Rays

@mlbalchemist’s Top 10 players to chase (alphabetic order)

Romany Anthony
Jesus Baez
Frederick Bencomse
Juan Brito
Junior Caminero
Ryan Clifford
Randy De Jesus
Yeiner Fernandez
Yilber Herrera
Lizandro Rodriguez