In a world where baseball cards have become akin to digital assets, Fanatics is proving it knows a thing or two about keeping the traditional hobby alive and thrilling. While many might think nostalgia alone for the days of flannel uniforms and hot dogs would be enough to sustain interest, Fanatics isn’t resting on its laurels. They’ve concocted new innovations such as the MLB Debut Patch and the Social Media Followback redemption — gimmicky for some, but for others, it’s the perfect 21st-century bait. And now, stepping up to the plate is their latest creation, the Bowman Red Rookie of 2025.
These cards aren’t just any pieces of cardboard. Adorned with a vibrant red RC logo, they are a nod to newness and an invitation to risk, with rewards that sparkle just on the horizon, awaiting the achievement of Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, MVP titles, or even an immortal call from Cooperstown. But before you start planning your ticket to National Baseball Hall of Fame’s induction weekend based on a whim, hold your horses. It might be wise to set your sights on the more attainable Rookie of the Year prize first.
Amongst the lineup for this tantalizing series is the much-hyped Roki Sasaki. But of all these hopefuls, which of them will truly make waves come the drop of this collection? Starting next week, enthusiasts, fans, and investors alike will be tearing into packs, hoping to unveil one of these four gems worth staking a claim on.
Enter Max Arterburn, the maestro from Prospects Live, who’s kindly done the legwork by sifting through the initial 30-player roster. His process of elimination, though Holmesian in its simplicity, is worth its weight in gold for anyone serious about making informed decisions rather than blind guesses.
Let’s begin with the easy dismissals. Eight players from the list are already past their rookie eligibility due to having amassed too many at-bats, innings, or days on the roster last year. Consequently, Connor Norby, Spencer Schwellenbach, Drew Thorpe, Jhonkensy Noel, David Festa, Ben Rice, James Wood, and Brooks Lee can safely be dismissed from our thoughts.
Down to 22, yet Arterburn warns us of the injury gremlins lurking in the wings. Rhett Lowder, Kumar Rocker, and River Ryan currently find themselves benched. While there’s hope that Lowder and Rocker might make a return, even if they do, they’d need to hurl like legendary pitcher Paul Skenes himself to make up for lost time. As for Ryan, next season may offer redemption, but prospects, much like fans, shouldn’t hold their breath.
From there, we wade through twelve more prospects who, unfortunately, find themselves marooned either in the crucible of minor league grooming or having not made a substantial impact in the majors. Thus, Adrian Del Castillo, Shay Whitcomb, Thomas Saggese, Hyesong Kim, Adael Amador, Hurston Waldrep, Tyler Locklear, Coby Mayo, Caden Dana, Kevin Alcantara, Orelvis Martinez, and Nick Yorke are currently non-factors in our pursuit.
Thus, we arrive at the magnificent yet not entirely unblemished seven. The dream a bit tattered and flawed, Luisangel Acuña’s struggle to cement a stable spot, and Jace Jung’s inability to quite set the league alight curtails our list further. Tomoyuki Sugano’s potential belies a slightly uninspiring strikeout rate.
Finally, we are presented with the chosen quartet: Jackson Jobe, Jacob Wilson, Roki Sasaki, and Dylan Crews. Their cards are not only pieces of memorabilia but potential goldmines for those seeking a $100 Fanatics prize, or perhaps proven even more valuable in the lore of baseball history yet unwritten.
Here’s the long and short of it: if potential thrills you and return on investment is the name of your collecting game, these are the players whose cards warrant a keener eye. Embrace the uncertainty, nurture that hope, and let optimism guide your pick. While they could one day grace a wall in Cooperstown, banking on that dream may take more patience than the average collector’s lifespan allows. But for now, enjoy the chase, and may your baseball card ventures be as exciting as the reel of the sport itself.