December welcomed a highly anticipated event in the world of baseball card collecting – the release of Bowman Draft. This yearly product is a favorite among collectors as it showcases the first Bowman cards for players drafted in the previous year. Traditionally, Bowman Draft focuses on featuring most of the first-round picks while holding back a few notable names for the Bowman Baseball set released early the following year.
This year followed the same trend with top picks like Charlie Condon and JJ Wetherholt held back for the 2025 collection. Despite their absence, collectors were still treated to a selection of exciting new cards. Among the highlights were the debut Bowman cards for Travis Bazzana, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone, the sixth overall pick dubbed as the “next Shohei Ohtani.” Caglianone’s inclusion was particularly notable as he made history by signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps during his collegiate baseball career at the University of Florida.
Baseball distinguishes itself from other major sports with its unique development structure. While players in basketball and football often make immediate impacts in the professional leagues, baseball prospects typically spend years refining their skills in the minor leagues. Investing in First Bowman cards requires patience and foresight as the value of these cards can soar once a player reaches the majors and fulfills their potential.
Topps’ introduction of college-themed cards aligns with the evolving landscape of collegiate sports, particularly with the introduction of NIL agreements. This move marks a strategic decision by Topps to tap into the growing market, following the successful release of college football and basketball products post-NIL rule implementation. Although Topps launched a college-focused Bowman product in 2021, it is in this year’s Bowman Draft that college baseball cards officially became part of the lineup.
The latest Bowman Draft set features a subset of Chrome College Variations, adding a unique twist to the collection. While not entirely dedicated to college, these cards represent Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball within the Bowman brand. The response from collectors has been overwhelming, demonstrated by the recent sale of Jac Caglianone’s college card from this set for an impressive $6,500, setting a new record for the highest-priced Florida Gators card.
The subset highlights ten standout players, including 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 highly sought after due to their rarity, with base versions appearing at limited odds in hobby and super jumbo packs. Collectors can also chase after limited parallels like gold refractors, orange refractors, red refractors, and the elusive 1/1 Superfractor.
The scarcity and unique nature of these cards have made them a valuable commodity for both veterans and newcomers to the collecting scene. The introduction of college-themed cards in Bowman Draft marks an exciting moment that blends the thrill of prospecting with nostalgic college sports imagery.
Bowman Draft continues to push boundaries with the inclusion of Chrome College Variations, showcasing Topps’ commitment to innovation in the hobby. As collectors eagerly open packs in search of these prized cards, the connection between baseball’s budding stars and their collegiate roots strengthens. This year’s Bowman Draft is not just another card set; it is a celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future, encapsulated through a vibrant and ever-evolving hobby.