2021 1st Bowman Baseball Cards Guide

Bowman is home of the rookie card. Well, technically it’s not anymore. Bowman is home to the first Bowman baseball card for tomorrow’s superstars. The 1st Bowman cards and 1st Bowman autographs have become the top draw when it comes to collectability in baseball cards. Who are the top prospects with 2021 Bowman baseball cards? This is the definitive guide for the top prospects with 2021 1st Bowman baseball cards.

We had a sneak peak at which baseball prospects will carry 2021 Bowman with the online exclusive Bowman 1st Edition. Now that we have the complete checklist for 2021 Bowman, let’s do a deep dive into the prospects that will earn a 1st Bowman card this year.

Earlier this year, we did the same homework with Topps Series 1 and informed you who the top rookie cards were in baseball’s first product of 2021. Now it’s Bowman’s turn to highlight the top prospects with 2021 1st Bowman baseball cards.

Top Prospects With 2021 1st Bowman Baseball Cards

This year’s product does not have a splashy name like a Wander Franco (2019) or Jasson Dominguez (2020). But any of these prospects could break out in the future, while the current splashy names could fizzle out in AA.

The biggest name among 1st Bowman badges in 2021 is Austin Martin. The Vanderbilt University product was the fifth overall draft pick by the Toronto Blue Jays last year and is ranked as baseball’s 20th overall prospect by MLB Pipeline. Martin is the lone representative in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects among the 2021 1st Bowman baseball cards.

2021 1st Bowman Prospect Rankings

While only one player that receives a 1st Bowman badge in 2021 Bowman ranks among baseball’s top 100 prospects, this is a product that holds the first cards of future prospects. Many of the players getting their first Bowman card will be the top prospects of tomorrow. Let’s take a look at how these players rank within their own team’s prospect rankings.

MLB Pipeline #20 Prospect – Austin Martin (Blue Jays)

Previously mentioned, Austin Martin is the lone representative of MLB Pipeline’s top 100 prospects in baseball. The former Vanderbilt Commodore was taken with the fifth overall pick by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020.

The second baseman/outfielder shows hitting as his premier tool (ranked 65 on the 20-80 scale by MLB Pipeline). MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on Austin Martin states: “He has an outstanding feel for the barrel and effortlessly makes hard contact with a short, quick right-handed stroke that quickly and efficiently gets into the strike zone.”

Philadelphia Phillies #2 Prospect – Mick Abel

The Phillies’ first round pick in 2020, Mick Abel, was also the first high school pitcher taken (15th overall) in his draft class. Abel throws a 98 mph fastball and he hits 85-86 mph on his slider.

MLB Pipeline says this about Mick Abel: “The combination of size and pure stuff, with more in the tank as he adds strength, makes Abel a very intriguing pitching prospect.”

Chicago White Sox #4 Prospect – Jared Kelley

The Texas prep right handed pitcher, Jared Kelley, was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2019. Kelley joined an exclusive group that includes Alex Rodriguez, Zack Greinke, and Clayton Kershaw as National Players of the Year.

Chicago landed the 6-foot-3 right hander with the 47th overall pick in 2020. His fastball and breaking ball are his strengths. MLB Pipeline writes: “In addition to two plus pitches, Kelley also offers impressive feel for pitching. He repeats his easy delivery well and pounds the strike zone, giving him the opportunity to advance faster than most high school pitchers.”

Cleveland Indians #5 Prospect – Gabriel Arias

A 21-year old shortstop, Gabriel Arias was originally signed as an international free agent by the San Diego Padres in 2016. Arias was signed out of Venezuela for $1.9 million and was dealt to Cleveland in the Mike Clevinger trade.

At age 19, Arias slashed an impressive .302/.339/.470 at high Class A and led the league in total bases (224). According to MLB Pipeline, Arias is loaded with tools: “Arias has more raw power than most shortstops and is capable of driving the ball out of the park to all fields thanks to his bat speed, strength, and leverage.”

Pittsburgh Pirates #5 Prospect – Liover Peguero

Liover Peguero was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017 for $475,000 out of Dominican Republic. He was sent to Pittsburgh in the Starling Marte trade. By 2019, Peguero had already earned a promotion to the Northwest League at just 18 years old.

Peguero is expected to stick as a shortstop. MLB Pipeline has a glowing report on Peguero: “The power will come more as he keeps adding strength to his 6-foot-1 frame, and his advanced approach for his age has separated him from other young prospects.”

Texas Rangers #5 Prospect – Maximo Acosta

With Gleyber Torres comps, Maximo Acosta is an 18-year old shortstop in the Texas Rangers organization. Acosta was signed out of Venezuela in 2019 for $1.65 million.

MLB Pipeline’s scouting report on Maximo Acosta: “Extremely mature at the plate for a teenager, Acosta recognizes pitches and manages the strike zone well, stays inside the ball with a quick right-handed swing and utilizes the entire field.”

Minnesota Twins #6 Prospect – Aaron Sabato

Aaron Sabato is a power hitter, so if you like home runs this might be your guy among the 2021 1st Bowman cards. The first baseman was undrafted out of high school, but showed his power at the University of North Carolina blasting a freshman record of 18 home runs in 2019. In the shortened 2020 season, Sabato added 7 long balls in just 19 games. The Twins drafted Sabato with its first round pick last summer.

It’s all about power with Sabato. Here’s MLB Pipeline’s take on Aaron Sabato: “It’s a power-first approach, but he’s more than willing to take walks and he keeps his strikeouts relatively low, particularly given his power potential.”

Washington Nationals #6 Prospect – Jeremy De La Rosa

The Washington Nationals signed Jeremy De La Rosa out of Dominican Republic as a 16-year old in 2018. Washington brought him to the U.S. for instructs shortly after signing, and he was assigned to the Gulf Coast League in 2019 at age 17. De La Rosa is a 6-foot-1, 160 pound outfielder.

De La Rosa shows some power due to his bat speed. MLB Pipeline scouting report on Jeremy De La Rosa: “All the pieces are there for a solid hitting outfielder, regardless of exact placement on the grass, and his time against advanced competition at the alternate site in 2020 should help him reach that ceiling moving forward.

Chicago Cubs #8 Prospect – Christopher Morel

Christopher Morel has been in the Chicago Cubs organization since 2015 after signing out of Dominican Republic for $800,000. His brother, Rafael, was signed by the Cubs in 2018. Christopher was added to the Cubs 40-man roster in November 2020. Morel is the only player in a Cubs uniform among the 2021 1st Bowman baseball cards.

Morel spent the 2019 season with the South Bend Cubs in Low Class A. He slashed .284/.320/.467 with 6 home runs, 15 doubles, and 7 triples. From MLB Pipeline: “A quick-twitch athlete, Morel has plus speed and is aggressive on the bases. His arm is his best pure tool, earning plus-plus grades from some evaluators, and he’s equipped to play all over the diamond.”

Boston Red Sox #10 Prospect – Blaze Jordan

Blaze Jordan is one of the chases among 2021 1st Bowman baseball cards among collectors, despite ranking just 10th in the Red Sox organization by MLB Pipeline. It could very well be the power potential for the 18 year old 3rd baseman. Jordan hit a pair of 500+ foot home runs…at the age of 13. He was the High School Home Run Derby champion at the 2019 All Star Game.

What does MLB Pipeline say about Blaze Jordan? “Jordan’s value centers around his prodigious power, the product of impressive bat speed and strength that allow him to hit tape-measure shots without a lot of loft in his right-handed swing.”

Los Angeles Angels #12 Prospect – Alexander Ramirez

The Angels signed Alexander Ramirez on his 16th birthday in August 2018. The outfielder spent the 2019 season in the Dominican Summer League slashing .234/.328/.429 with 4 home runs, 8 doubles, and 5 triples.

MLB Pipeline write: “It is the 6-foot-2 Ramirez’s offensive profile that made him such an attractive prospect in the first place. His calling card is certainly his easily plus raw power from the right side of the plate.”

New York Yankees #12 Prospect – Kevin Alcantara

Kevin Alcantara was the only 16 year old on a U.S. based minor league team when he spent the summer of 2019 in the Gulf Coast League. In the GCL, Alcantara hit .260 with 5 doubles, 2 triples, and a home run in 123 at bats.

“His bat speed, projectable strength and leverage give him well above-average power from the right side of the plate and produce some of the highest exit velocities in the system,” according to MLB Pipeline.

Cincinnati Reds #13 Prospect – Ivan Johnson

The Cincinnati Reds drafted Ivan Johnson with its fourth round pick in 2019 out of Chipola Junior College. The infielder slashed .255/.327/.415 with 6 home runs and 10 doubles in the short season Appalachian League in 2019.

MLB Pipeline writes: “A switch-hitting middle infielder, Johnson has the chance to really hit, with excellent bat speed from both sides of the plate.”

Los Angeles Dodgers #17 Prospect – Jake Vogel

Jake Vogel turned down a committment to UCLA to sign with the Dodgers as a third rounder in 2020. He logged the fastest 60-yard dash (6.15 seconds) at the 2019 Perfect Game National Showcase.

Vogel’s scouting report from MLB Pipeline: “Vogel has both offensive upside and work to do at the plate. In addition to his quickness, which should help him get on base, he also can flash some electric bat speed and shows feel for recognizing pitches.”

Miami Marlins #19 Prospect – Jose Salas

Jose Salas turns 18 years old just two days before Bowman’s official release date. The Venezuelan signed with the Marlins for $2.8 million in 2019. At 6-foot-2, Salas is a shortstop with power potential.

Here’s how MLB Pipeline breaks down Jose Salas. “A switch-hitter with a quick swing from both sides, Salas is more advanced than most hitters his age and already recognizes pitches well. He put on a show in batting practice at Marlins Park after he signed and has the upside of 20-25 homers per season in his prime.”

Philaelphia Phillies #19 Prospect – Nick Maton

Nick Maton was the Phillies’ 7th round draft choice in 2017. The shortstop turned 24 this past February, but age is a moot point because he has already reached the big leagues. Maton has appeared in three games this season for Philadelphia and is 5-for-12 as of this writing on April 21.

What does the future hold for Nick Maton? “He’s just about ready to contribute as a super-utility type, but he’s the kind of player who could outplay his tools and end up a big league regular in the future,” says MLB Pipeline.

Detroit Tigers #20 Prospect – Adinso Reyes

Detroit signed Adinso Reyes in the 2018 international free agent class. He hit .331 with 7 home runs in the Dominican Summer League in 2019. Reyes is a bigger kid at shortstop at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds.

“Reyes moves well at shortstop and on the bases for a relatively big player, though any further growth could bump him over to third. He combines an advanced approach with plus bat speed to barrel pitches in the zone, which should translate to more power as he continues to physically mature.” – MLB Pipeline

Los Angeles Angels #20 Prospect – Trent Deveaux

Signed out of the Bahamas for $1.25 million in 2017, Trent Deveaux is an outfielder that hit 7 home runs with a .238 average during the 2019 minor league season. Scouts grade Deveaux out at 80 for speed on the 20-80 scale.

“Deveaux’s carrying tool is his speed, which gets 80 grades from evaluators, , though he’s still learning how to get out of the box quickly and to be a consistent base stealing threat.” – MLB Pipeline

Chicago White Sox #21 Prospect – Yolbert Sanchez

Yolbert Sanchez is a bit older as a prospect, but that’s only because he recently defected from Cuba. Sanchez spent three years playing in Cuba’s top professional league and defected in 2018. He signe with the White Sox in 2019 for $2.5 million.

“He doesn’t lack strength but makes a lot of soft contact and probably will max out at 10-12 homers per season. His main focus will be getting on base to take advantage of his solid to plus speed.” – MLB Pipeline

Colorado Rockies #21 Prospect – Eddy Diaz

Edy Diaz was the first player signed out of Cuba by the Colorado Rockies inking a contract in 2017. Diaz was impressive in two seasons in the Dominican Summer League and Pioneer League sporting a .327 average and 104 stolen bases in 126 games.

“If Diaz is going to be a big league regular at one position, it’s likely going to be at second base, though he can handle shortstop as well. He likely profiles best as a super utility guy who finds ways to help his team win from a number of positions.” – MLB Pipeline

New York Yankees #21 Prospect – Antonio Gomez

The first catcher on the list. Antonio Gomez signed with the Yankees in 2018 for $600,000. Gomez has battle injuries his first two years in the Yankees organization. He missed two months with a triceps injury in 2019 and dealt with arm issues in 2020 that held him out from the Dominican Summer League.

“Gomez is a power-over-hit guy whose bat speed and strength give him plus raw pop from the right side of the plate. He’ll be 19 throughout the 2021 season, so he has plenty of time to develop on both sides of the ball.” – MLB Pipeline

Cleveland Indians #24 Prospect – Jose Tena

Jose Tena was signed by the Indians in the 2017 international free agent class for $400,000. The shortstop from Dominican Republic is the nephew of former big leaguer Juan Uribe. In two seasons of rookie ball, Tena has a slash line of .319/.360/.425 with 15 doubles, 10 triples, and a pair of home runs.

“He almost puts the bat on the ball too easily, resulting in a 3-percent walk rate and inconsistent quality of contact during his U.S. debut in 2019, so he’ll need to develop better plate discipline.” – MLB Pipeline

Chicago Cubs #25 Prospect – Ismael Mena

Ismael Mena will be in a Padres uniform despite being in the Chicago Cubs organization now. Mena was part of a package of prospects sent from San Diego to Chicago in the Yu Darvish trade. San Diego signed Mena for $2.2 million, largest signing bonus in the class, in 2019.

Mena just turned 18 in November and stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 185 pounds. Speed is his strongest tool, grading out at 70 on the 20-80 scale. “He’s starting to add strength to his 6-foot-3 frame and to launch some balls in the air, and he could develop into at least a 15-20 homer threat.” – MLB Pipeline

Los Angeles Dodgers Unranked Prospect – Hyun-il Choi

The Dodgers signed Hyun-il Choi as a 17-year old high pitcher out of South Korea in 2017. Choi is unranked at this time by MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 Dodgers prospects. The 6-foot-2 right hander turns 21 in May, and in 2019 had a 5-1 record with a 2.63 ERA in the Arizona Rookie League. Choi struck out 71 in 65 innings pitched.

Minnesota Twins Unranked Prospect – Yunior Severino

Yunior Severino was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves in 2016, but that contract along with 12 others was voided by MLB due to the organization circumventing international spending rules. Minnesota swooped in and signed the Dominican infielder for $2.5 million.

Severino’s 2019 slash line was .240/.287/.370 and hit 8 doubles between the Gulf Coast League and Midwest League. Severino is among two Twins players with a 2021 1st Bowman baseball card.

2021 1st Bowman Baseball Cards Checklist

BP-5 Nick Maton Philadelphia Phillies
BP-7 Maximo Acosta Texas Rangers
BP-21 Adinso Reyes Detroit Tigers
BP-25 Jeremy De La Rosa Washington Nationals
BP-33 Eddy Diaz Colorado Rockies
BP-36 Ismael Mena San Diego Padres
BP-40 Yolbert Sanchez Chicago White Sox
BP-42 Mick Abel Philadelphia Phillies
BP-52 Liover Peguero Pittsburgh Pirates
BP-59 Jake Vogel Los Angeles Dodgers
BP-71 Blaze Jordan Boston Red Sox
BP-82 Antonio Gomez New York Yankees
BP-87 Austin Martin Toronto Blue Jays
BP-89 Gabriel Arias Cleveland Indians
BP-94 Trent Deveaux Los Angeles Angels
BP-97 Kevin Alcantara New York Yankees
BP-106 Jared Kelley Chicago White Sox
BP-110 Jose Salas Miami Marlins
BP-125 Aaron Sabato Minnesota Twins
BP-128 Jose Tena Cleveland Indians
BP-130 Hyun-il Choi Los Angeles Dodgers
BP-131 Christopher Morel Chicago Cubs
BP-140 Yunior Severino Minnesota Twins
BP-145 Alexander Ramirez Los Angeles Angels
BP-149 Ivan Johnson Cincinnati Reds

2021 Bowman Chrome Autograph Checklist

CPA-AAM Adael Amador
CPA-AC Austin Cox
CPA-AGO Antonio Gomez
CPA-AH Austin Hendrick
CPA-AL Asa Lacy
CPA-AM Austin Martin
CPA-AMA Angel Martinez
CPA-ARA Alexander Ramirez
CPA-ARE Adinso Reyes
CPA-AS Aaron Sabato
CPA-AV Alexander Vargas
CPA-BB Brainer Bonaci
CPA-BE Breidy Encarnacion
CPA-BJ Blaze Jordan
CPA-BW Beck Way
CPA-CMA Coby Mayo
CPA-DC Darryl Collins
CPA-DK D’Shawn Knowles
CPA-DM Daniel Montano
CPA-DMA Dylan MacLean
CPA-ED Eddy Diaz
CPA-EHA Emerson Hancock
CPA-EHO Ed Howard
CPA-ER Endy Rodriguez
CPA-EY Eddy Yean
CPA-FV Freddy Valdez
CPA-GA Gabriel Arias
CPA-GMI Garrett Mitchell
CPA-HC Hyun-il Choi
CPA-HH Heriberto Hernandez
CPA-HK Heston Kjerstad
CPA-HP Hedbert Perez
CPA-IJ Ivan Johnson
CPA-IM Ismael Mena
CPA-JB Ji-Hwan Bae
CPA-JCL Jackson Cluff
CPA-JDL Jeremy De La Rosa
CPA-JE Jeferson Espinal
CPA-JED Jake Eder
CPA-JK Jared Kelley
CPA-JP Jairo Pomares
CPA-JR Johan Rojas
CPA-JRO Jose Rodriguez
CPA-JS Jose Salas
CPA-JT Jose Tena
CPA-JV Jake Vogel
CPA-JW Jeremy Wu-Yelland
CPA-KA Kevin Alcantara
CPA-KF Kohl Franklin
CPA-LF Luis Frias
CPA-LS Luis Santana
CPA-MA Maximo Acosta
CPA-MAB Mick Abel
CPA-MB Mariel Bautista
CPA-MM Michael McAvene
CPA-MME Max Meyer
CPA-MS Marcus Smith
CPA-MW Mac Wainwright
CPA-NG Nick Gonzales
CPA-NM Nick Maton
CPA-PB Patrick Bailey
CPA-RDC Brayan Buelvas
CPA-RH Robert Hassell
CPA-RT Riley Thompson
CPA-SE Stevie Emanuels
CPA-SG Sandy Gaston
CPA-ST Spencer Torkelson
CPA-WH William Holmes
CPA-YC Yoelqui Cespedes
CPA-YS Yunior Severino
CPA-YSA Yolbert Sanchez
CPA-ZV Zac Veen

2021 Bowman Prospects Paper Autograph Checklist

Retail Exclusive
PAPR-ACO Austin Cox
PAPR-AN Andre Nnebe
PAPR-AR Alberto Rodriguez
PAPR-ARE Andres Regnault
PAPR-BJ Blaze Jordan
PAPR-CW Colby White
PAPR-DA Daniel Alvarez
PAPR-DG DJ Gladney
PAPR-DS Davis Schneider
PAPR-EF Edgardo Fermin
PAPR-GH Gabe Holt
PAPR-HK Heston Kjerstad
PAPR-HM Hansel Moreno
PAPR-JA Jeremy Arocho
PAPR-JB JJ Bleday
PAPR-JC Jackson Cluff
PAPR-JM Jose Miranda
PAPR-JP Jaylen Palmer
PAPR-JR Julio Rodriguez
PAPR-JS Jake Snider
PAPR-JY Jeremy Ydens
PAPR-KF Kohl Franklin
PAPR-NM Nick Maton
PAPR-RC Roansy Contreras
PAPR-RP Robert Puason
PAPR-RR Ripken Reyes
PAPR-SM Shane McCarthy
PAPR-ST Spencer Torkelson
PAPR-VB Victor Bericoto
PAPR-WK Will Kincanon
PAPR-YM Yohanse Morel

What are your thoughts on the 2021 1st Bowman baseball cards?