December marked an exciting milestone in the world of baseball card collecting with the release of Bowman Draft, one of the most highly anticipated products of the year. This set has long been a favorite among collectors, as it introduces the first Bowman cards for players selected in the previous year’s draft. Typically, it showcases most first-round picks, with a few notable exceptions reserved for the early release of Bowman Baseball the following year.
In the 2025 Bowman Draft, collectors eagerly awaited the inclusion of third overall pick Charlie Condon and eighth overall pick JJ Wetherholt, who were saved for the 2025 Bowman Baseball release. Despite their absence, this year’s set did not disappoint, offering plenty of excitement and intrigue for collectors.
A standout feature of this year’s Bowman Draft was the introduction of the first Bowman cards for top picks like Travis Bazzana and Jac Caglianone. Caglianone, in particular, has been gaining attention as a rising star often compared to the likes of Shohei Ohtani. His inclusion in the set is significant not only for his on-field potential but also for his off-field achievements. During his college career at the University of Florida, Caglianone made history by signing an exclusive deal with Fanatics and Topps, paving the way for the release of his college cards in the Bowman Draft set.
Unlike other major sports where players often have immediate impacts in professional leagues, baseball prospects undergo years of development in the minors. Collectors who invest in First Bowman cards must exercise patience and foresight, knowing that these cards can skyrocket in value once a prospect fulfills their potential in the majors.
Topps’ foray into college-themed cards coincides with the rise of NIL agreements in collegiate sports, allowing athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness. Following the introduction of NIL rules, Topps released college football and basketball products and, in 2021, launched their first college-focused Bowman product. However, it was only this year that college baseball cards found their place in the Bowman Draft lineup.
The latest Bowman Draft set features a subset of Chrome College Variations, offering collectors a unique twist with college-themed cards. While not a standalone college set, these cards represent Topps’ closest embrace of college baseball within the Bowman brand. The response has been exceptional, with Jac Caglianone’s college card fetching an impressive $6,500, setting a new record for the highest-priced Florida Gators card.
The Chrome College Variations subset includes ten standout players, such as Travis Bazzana, Jac Caglianone, and Hagen Smith, among others. These cards are highly sought after due to their rarity, with base versions appearing at odds of 1:713 in hobby packs and 1:185 in super jumbo packs. Collectors can also chase limited parallels like gold refractors, orange refractors, red refractors, and the ultra-rare 1/1 Superfractor.
The allure of these unique college cards has attracted both traditional collectors and new fans, blending prospecting excitement with the nostalgia of college sports. As collectors eagerly hunt for these exclusive cards, the bond between baseball’s future stars and their collegiate beginnings grows stronger. The 2025 Bowman Draft isn’t just a card set; it’s a tribute to baseball’s rich history, vibrant present, and promising future as seen through the lens of a continuously evolving hobby.
