December marked a milestone for baseball card enthusiasts as Topps released the highly anticipated Bowman Draft series. This annual release is a favorite among collectors, showcasing the first Bowman cards of players drafted the previous year. While some top picks like Charlie Condon and JJ Wetherholt were held back for the upcoming Bowman Baseball release, the 2025 Bowman Draft did not disappoint.
Standout rookies like Travis Bazzana, the first overall pick, and Jac Caglianone, dubbed as the “next Shohei Ohtani,” made their debut in this year’s set. Caglianone’s presence was especially notable as he became the first college player to ink an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps during his time at the University of Florida. Although Topps didn’t release cards of him while in college, collectors now have the chance to own cards showcasing his collegiate career.
Unlike immediate impacts seen in basketball or football, baseball prospects often spend years in the minors before reaching the big leagues. This unique developmental path makes investing in First Bowman cards a test of patience and foresight, with the potential for significant value growth once players realize their full potential.
Topps’ foray into college-themed cards aligns with the changing landscape of collegiate sports due to NIL agreements. The inclusion of college baseball cards in Bowman Draft follows the success of college football and basketball products after the introduction of NIL rules. While a college-focused Bowman product debuted in 2021, this year marks the first incorporation of college baseball within Bowman Draft.
A notable addition to this year’s Bowman Draft is the Chrome College Variations subset, offering collectors a fresh twist. Although not a dedicated college set, these cards represent Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball in the Bowman brand. The response has been overwhelming, with Jac Caglianone’s college card from this subset selling for a remarkable $6,500, setting a new record for the highest-priced Florida Gators card.
The Chrome College Variations set features ten standout players, each card being incredibly rare with base versions appearing at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Collectors can hunt for limited parallels like gold refractors (numbered to 50), orange refractors (numbered to 25), red refractors (numbered to 5), and the ultra-rare 1/1 Superfractor.
The scarcity and unique appeal of these cards have made them coveted items for both seasoned collectors and newcomers attracted to the infusion of college aesthetics in Bowman Draft. This development signifies an exciting moment in the hobby, blending the thrill of prospecting with the sentimental value of college sports.
The evolution of Bowman Draft, including the introduction of Chrome College Variations, highlights Topps’ dedication to innovation in the card collecting realm. As collectors eagerly pursue these rare gems, the bond between baseball’s rising stars and their collegiate roots grows stronger. This year’s Bowman Draft isn’t just a card set; it’s a testament to baseball’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future as seen through the lens of a continuously thriving hobby.
