December welcomed one of the most awaited releases in the baseball card collecting world – Bowman Draft. This product has always been a significant one for collectors, as it offers the first Bowman cards for players selected in the previous year’s draft. The tradition typically showcases the majority of first-round picks, holding back a few notable names for the Bowman Baseball release that usually comes early the following year.
This year followed the usual pattern, with players like Charlie Condon and JJ Wetherholt, drafted third and eighth overall, respectively, saved for the 2025 product. Despite their absence, collectors were still treated to plenty of excitement and intrigue in this year’s set.
One of the standout moments was the debut of Travis Bazzana’s first Bowman card, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone’s card, the sixth overall pick and a player often hailed as the “next Shohei Ohtani.” Caglianone’s inclusion was particularly noteworthy. During his college years at the University of Florida, Caglianone made history by becoming the first college baseball player to sign an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps. Although Topps did not release cards of him while he was in college, collectors can now own cards showcasing his time at Florida through other sources.
The uniqueness of baseball’s developmental structure differentiates it from other major sports. Unlike basketball or football, where players tend to have immediate impacts in the professional leagues, baseball prospects often spend years refining their skills in the minors. Investing in First Bowman cards requires patience and foresight from collectors, as these cards can see a significant increase in value once a player reaches the major leagues and fulfills their potential.
Topps’ venture into college-themed cards aligns with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements that have revolutionized collegiate sports. Topps acted swiftly, releasing college football and basketball products after the introduction of NIL rules. While they introduced their first college-focused Bowman product in decades in 2021, it wasn’t until now that college baseball cards became part of the Bowman Draft lineup.
This year’s Bowman Draft features a subset of Chrome College Variations, bringing a unique twist to the collection. Though not a dedicated college-specific set, these cards represent Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball within the Bowman brand. The response has been remarkable, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from this set recently fetching a staggering $6,500, setting a new record as the highest-priced Florida Gators card ever sold.
The subset includes ten standout players: Travis Bazzana, Hagen Smith, Jac Caglianone, Christian Moore, Ryan Waldschmidt, Carson Benge, James Tibbs III, Braden Montgomery, Cam Smith, and Blake Burke. These cards are extremely rare, with base versions appearing at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Collectors can also hunt for limited parallels like gold refractors numbered to 50, orange refractors numbered to 25, red refractors numbered to 5, and the elusive 1/1 Superfractor.
The rarity and unique appeal of these cards have made them highly sought after. They cater to both traditional collectors and newer fans attracted to the infusion of college imagery into the Bowman Draft lineup. This inclusion marks an exciting moment for collectors, blending the thrill of prospecting with the nostalgia of college athletics.
As Bowman Draft continues to evolve, the introduction of Chrome College Variations showcases Topps’ dedication to innovation in the hobby. As collectors eagerly open packs in search of these prized possessions, the link between the game’s future stars and their formative years grows stronger. This year’s Bowman Draft is not just another set; it’s a celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future, narrated through a hobby that remains as lively as ever.
