Top Prospects to Collect
In baseball card collecting, few product lines command the respect and anticipation of Bowman Chrome. A testament to its prestige, the 2023 Bowman Chrome set continues the proud tradition of showcasing the crème de la crème of international prospects poised to make their mark in the baseball world. Over the years, Bowman Chrome has graced collectors with the debut cards of prodigious talents, from the electrifying Elly De La Cruz to the formidable Julio Rodriguez. As we delve into this year’s set, prepare to be introduced to the next generation of international superstars, players who are set to dominate the diamond and the hearts of collectors worldwide.
Top 2023 Bowman Chrome® International Prospects #s 10-6
10: 2023 Bowman Chrome® Prospects #BCP-228 Welbyn Francisca
While most kids in America were busy studying for their driver’s tests, 16-year-old Francisca was inking a $1.375 million contract with the Guardians—the largest bonus in Cleveland’s international class that year. Making his pro debut in the Rookie Level Dominican Summer League, the young shortstop didn’t hold back, delivering a stellar 5-for-7 performance that included a homer and three RBIs. Scouts project him as a consistent 15-20 homer-per-season player with impressive fielding skills. For collectors banking on potential, he’s a prime catch.
9: 2023 Bowman Chrome® Prospects #BCP-153 Jun-Seok Shim
Shim took a bold step, bypassing the draft in Korea’s KBO to pursue his dream of a Major League career. Having signed with the Pirates, he’s currently ranked as the second-best pitching prospect in the 2023 class by MLB.com. In his initial four starts in Florida’s Complex League, the 19-year-old showcased his dazzling fastball and an impressive array of pitches, notching up 13 strikeouts with a commendable 3.38 ERA. Expected to make his Major League debut by 2025, comparisons to six-time All-Star Gerrit Cole have already begun to circulate. For collectors, Shim is a tantalizing prospect with a potentially huge upside.
8: 2023 Bowman Chrome® Prospects #BCP-164 Jesus Caba
Francisco Lindor‘s name often comes up when scouts talk about Caba and his immense potential. If this Dominican native turns out to be anything like the multi-time All-Star Lindor, then the Phillies have indeed struck gold in securing one of the next great shortstops. At just 17, Caba signed a substantial $3 million contract with Philadelphia. Since then, this highly-touted shortstop has thrived in the Rookie Level Dominican Summer League, boasting a batting average of .301 and stealing 16 bases in just 38 appearances. Like Lindor, Caba stands out as a switch hitter known for his superior fielding skills. Fans and scouts will watch keenly as he develops over the coming years.
7: 2023 Bowman Chrome® Prospects #BCP-222 Rayner Arias
At 6-foot-2, 185 pounds, Arias could catch passes on the D1 level. However, the 17-year-old son of former professional baseball player and current Tigers scout Pablo Arias makes his bones on the diamond, where he secured the second-highest signing bonus in Giants history ($2.7 million). A top-15 International prospect, according to MLB.com, Arias impresses scouts with his combination of power and plate discipline and is projected to hit the majors by 2028. Through 16 appearances in the Rookie Level Dominican Summer League, Arias batted a scorching .414 with four homers. It looks like he’s already living up to the billing of a future star.
6: 2023 Bowman Chrome® Prospects #BCP-240 Brailer Guerrero
Tampa dug deep into its piggy bank to secure a then-16-year-old Guerrero to a $3.7 million contract in January 2023. Standing at 6-foot-1, 215-pound, Guerrero is renowned for his otherworldly power and is projected to be a future stud in the middle of the order for the Rays. His professional debut in the Rookie Level Dominican League was cut short due to a shoulder injury. But that should have no impact on a player with boundless potential.
Top 2023 Bowman Chrome Prospects #s 5-1
2023 Bowman Chrome® Top Prospects, Pt. 2
Explore the top international prospects of 2023 and their standout trading cards in Bowman Chrome.
