December brought forth a highly anticipated release for baseball card collectors – Bowman Draft. This product has consistently been a staple for collectors, showcasing the first Bowman cards for players from the previous year’s draft. Traditionally, it spotlights most first-round picks while holding back a few notable names for Bowman Baseball, often released early the following year.
Though this year followed the same pattern, with popular picks like Charlie Condon and JJ Wetherholt saved for the 2025 release, it did not lack excitement. The set still offered thrills with the introduction of Travis Bazzana, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone, the sixth overall pick and a rising star dubbed the “next Shohei Ohtani.”
Caglianone’s inclusion was especially noteworthy. Making history as the first college baseball player to sign an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps during his collegiate career at the University of Florida, the absence of his cards during his college years piqued collectors’ interests. Now, collectors have the chance to own cards showcasing his time at Florida through other sources, adding a unique twist to this year’s Bowman Draft.
Baseball’s unique developmental structure sets it apart from other major sports. With players often spending years honing their skills in the minors before making an impact in the professional leagues, collectors investing in First Bowman cards must exercise patience and foresight. These cards hold the potential to escalate in value once a player reaches the majors and fulfills their promise.
Topps’ venture into college-themed cards aligns harmoniously with the emergence of NIL agreements that have transformed the collegiate sports landscape. Releasing college football and basketball products following the introduction of NIL rules, Topps ventured into college baseball cards in 2021, with this year’s Bowman Draft marking an official inclusion of college baseball cards in its lineup.
The addition of a subset of Chrome College Variations in this year’s Bowman Draft adds a unique element to the collection. While not a standalone college-specific set, these cards reflect Topps’ gradual embrace of college baseball within its Bowman brand. The response to these cards has been exceptional, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from the set recently selling for an impressive $6,500, setting a record as the highest-priced Florida Gators card ever.
Featuring ten standout players, including Bazzana, Smith, Caglianone, Moore, Waldschmidt, Benge, Tibbs III, Montgomery, Smith, and Burke, these cards are incredibly rare. Base versions appear at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Collectors can chase limited parallels like gold refractors numbered to 50, orange refractors to 25, red refractors 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 drawn to the fusion of college imagery into the Bowman Draft. This moment is one of excitement for collectors, bridging the thrill of prospecting with the nostalgia of college athletics.
Bowman Draft continues to evolve, and the addition of Chrome College Variations highlights Topps’ commitment to innovation in the hobby. As collectors delve into packs in search of these rare gems, the connection between the game’s future stars and their formative years strengthens. This year’s Bowman Draft is not just a set; it embodies a celebration of baseball’s past, present, and future viewed through the lens of a hobby that remains as vibrant as ever.
