2021 Bowman Chrome: Return of the 1sts

2020 Bowman Chrome was one of the more unsuccessful baseball products in what was likely the biggest year the hobby had ever encountered. There are many reasons for this, but a major one for the informed collector was that there were zero 1st Bowman base cards. The only 1st Bowman cards to be found were of the autographed variety, which only had two per hobby box or three per HTA box. Paying the price for those boxes or in breaks for a shot at two or three 1st Bowmans was not ideal, to say the least.

With 2021 Bowman Chrome, it looks like whatever led to this scenario was a one time occurrence as base 1st Bowman cards are back in the checklist. I will take a deep dive on the checklist, focusing on all of the prospects with 1st Bowmans, a bit further down. First I will touch briefly on the design and the configurations to set the stage.

Design

If you’ve seen 2021 Bowman Baseball released earlier this year, then you can basically skip right over this section. For those who haven’t, check out my blurb on it in my 2021 Bowman Baseball preview here (link). The main difference will be with the inserts and exclusive parallels. In general Topps and Bowman inserts are not great, and for the most part, this axiom holds true in this release as well. Based on the sell sheet, the main insert I would be interested in without yet having them in hand yet is the Dawn of Glory insert. The Summer Camp ones also look interesting with the brief look I got of them.

Lite Box Black & White Mini-Diamond Exclusive Refractor Parallel

Configurations

There are three hobby configurations and likely one retail configuration this year. At the moment these are all going in the $200 - $250 range.

• Hobby box - guarantees 2 autos with base cards

• HTA Choice box - guarantees 3 autos but has no cards beyond those three “hits”. Various refractor parallels can only be found in this configuration such as green atomic, orange wave, and red wave.

• Lite box - no guaranteed hit, but guaranteed 5 Lite-exclusive black & white mini-diamond refractor parallels. 

Retail formats are never really announced, but last year Topps introduced a new Mega Box retail format for Bowman Chrome with exclusive to the format mojo refractors. I expect this to continue this year as well.

The Main Attraction

When it comes to prospect products, the 1st Bowman logo is what brings all the boys to the yard. It is the gold standard and what I am going to focus on as the main attraction. Below is my breakdown of each player that should have a 1st logo in 2021 Bowman Chrome given the checklist released by Topps. Topps does make mistakes in this regard, as they did in 2021 Bowman Baseball with Liover Peguero having his first official Bowman card, but missing the 1st logo (more on that later). That being said, on with the show!

Prospect Tier Breakdown

I have broken down these “1st” prospects into four tiers based on a combination of my perception of hobby interest and my own personal long term hobby outlook. As I always say, prospects are the most volatile and highest risk/reward part of the hobby. Finally, real life baseball value, fantasy baseball value, and hobby value aren’t always the same. Keep all of those things in mind as you read my breakdown, when formulating your own tiers and evaluations, and as you are buying boxes, singles, and into breaks for 2021 Bowman Chrome.

Tier 1 - Cream of the crop. Combination of high-end Hit and Power tools that won’t end up as full-time designated hitters. Power/Speed combo players. Elite SP 1 pitchers (very rare). Potential for being perennial All-Stars and award winners.

Tier 2 - Bats that may lack in a certain area such as top end power, three true outcomes players, may be great real life/fantasy players, but not hobby-elite, or tantalizing raw talents. High end SP 2 pitchers with additional positive factors such as team, arsenal, pedigree, etc.

Tier 3 - May have some hobby interest due to a single factor such as prospect pedigree, team interest, general hobby hype, an interesting carrying tool, etc. 

Tier None - The likelihood of widespread short term hobby interest, and most likely long term as well, is close to none. Plenty of pitchers, catchers, role players, hit tool only bats, defense first players, etc. to be found here. Hobby lottery tickets where the odds are stacked against you.

*Catchers and Pitchers are often knocked down a tier just due to their position.

Carlos Colmenarez

Tier One

Carlos Colmenarez - SS (Rays, 1st Base and Auto, 50 OFP) - The number 5 Rays prospect in our Mid-Season ranking, he was seen by many as the top player in the most recent J2 signing class. Has enough skills on the defensive side to stick at short and the raw hit and power tools to potentially translate into an all-star talent. A power/speed player at shortstop that has the best potential in this product, and thus, a Tier One player.

Cristian Hernandez - SS (Cubs, 1st Base and Auto, 50 OFP) - The number 5 Cubs prospect in our Mid-Season rankings, he was a consensus top 3 player in the most recent J2 signing class. All the raw tools are there for him to be more than just an average regular, but a swing that isn’t setup yet to generate power in game does give one pause. His batting practice swings, on the other hand, do promise power to come. While he has had the better DSL season than Colmenarez, that isn’t enough to sway me to put him over Colmenarez yet. At the moment I am sticking Hernandez in Tier One, especially given his decent DSL performance, but I am very much on the fence with this ranking personally even if the hobby in general is paying for him like he is the top prospect in the product.

Similar to 2021 Bowman Baseball, I was very tempted to leave this tier empty. I was also tempted to include the top three to guys from Tier Two. Ultimately I went with the power/speed shortstops I felt best about. But I wouldn’t argue anyone who says that there are no Tier One players or five Tier One players in this product.

Pedro Leon

Tier Two

Pedro Leon - SS/OF (Astros, 1st Base and Auto, 50 OFP) - The number 1 Astros prospect in our Mid-Season rankings, he was their top J2 signing for the most recent class. A Cuban import and already 23 years old, he was on fire in June and July during his first taste of minor league baseball. This got him on a lot of people’s radars as there weren’t really any questions on the defensive side of the equation. Turning his average hit tool and above average power tool into much more than that this summer has driven his stock way up and easily slides him into the top of Tier Two. Can he be that power/speed perennial all-star that should be in Tier One? It’s in the cards, but I am playing this one cautiously for the moment given his age (23).

Reginald Preciado - 3B/SS (Padres, 1st Auto Only, 50 OFP) - Acquired by the Cubs as part of the Yu Darvish trade, Topps still has him listed on the Padres in the checklist. Hopefully this is just an oversight and he is in a Cubs uniform, but we shall see. Seriously, this trade happened in 2020, Topps - get your stuff together. Anyways, Preciado has all the raw tools you want to see in a frame you can dream on. He comes in as the number 6 Cubs prospect in our Mid-Season Rankings in a suddenly deep system. Given his size, he likely ends up at 3B long term, putting a bit more pressure on his bat, but that shouldn’t be a problem for him. He hit plenty at the Complex and probably should’ve been given a shot at Low A this year even if he is only 18 years old. He’s got a long way to go before we can do more than dream, but I wouldn’t fault you for dreaming on Reginald. 

Liover Peguero - SS (Pirates, 1st Auto Only*, 50 OFP) - My main question with Peguero was his ability to tap into any power. Other than that, he has shown the hit tool and the ability to stick at short that I like to see. Well, he answered those questions in his first pass through High A with 14 home runs in 90 games. This elevated him from a Pre-Season 45 OFP and 12th overall ranking on the Pirates list to a 50 OFP and 6th overall on the Mid-Season Top 30. He had his “first” Bowman base card in 2021 Bowman Baseball earlier in the year, but it was missing the 1st Bowman logo. He then gets his “second” Bowman card, this time an auto card in this release, but it includes the 1st Bowman logo. Way to go Topps - you had ONE JOB.

Alexander Ramirez - OF (Mets, 1st Base Only, 50 OFP) - Not to be confused for the Angels Alexander Ramirez that was found in 2021 Bowman Baseball, he made a big jump up our Mets list. He was 14th overall with a 40 OFP in the Pre-Season and has been pushed up to 6th overall with a 50 OFP in our Mid-Season list. A projectable frame with all the tools you want to dream on in the hobby - hit, pull-side power, and enough defense that will keep him in the field every day. This is the type of player you want to roll the dice on in a product like this while he remains under the radar and before the hype gets too hot. It’s just unfortunate that he only gets base cards and no autos.

Wilman Diaz - SS (Dodgers, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - The number 7 Dodgers prospect in our Mid-Season rankings, he was the third of the three players often considered the cream of the crop in the most recent J2 class. There are questions if he will stick at short and he doesn’t have the speed component of the three guys above him. But he does have the hit tool and should be able to get to a fair amount of power given the whip in his bat. If he wasn’t in the Dodgers system and some fanfare around his J2 status, I might have a bit more hesitancy in putting him into Tier Two, but I’ll slot him here until further notice.

Cristian Santana - SS (Tigers, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - 9th in the Tigers Mid-Season Top 30 and their top signing in the latest J2 class. He likely moves over to 3B or 2B long term and possesses a polished hit tool with a bit of pop. A solid all-around prospect that I am slotting into the bottom of Tier Two as the hit tool will keep him relevant.

Jeferson Quero - C (Brewers, 1st Base and Auto, 50 OFP) - The highest ranked catcher in the product, I am tempted to push him down into the top of Tier Three given the inherent catcher risk. However, given his potential of an everyday catcher with strong defensive and offensive skills with some future all-star seasons thrown in has me willing to take a bit of a risk in sliding him into the bottom of Tier Two. He went from a 45 OFP and 8th overall in the Pre-Season Brewers list to a 50 OFP and 3rd overall in the Mid-Season Top 30 given his strong, albeit small sample size, performance in the Complex league this season. As with a lot of players in this product, the risk is very high, but even more so with catchers. Quero is the only one you should be taking that risk with.

Tier Three

Luis Rodriguez - OF (Dodgers, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - 10th in the Dodgers Mid-Season Top 30 has come down from 5th in the Pre-Season list and went from a 50 OFP to a 45 OFP. He did not perform well at the Complex this year and the across the board above average tools with a strong feel for hit did not show themselves in 2021. Prior to the season, he was an easy Tier Two guy, but you have to adjust given the results and that pushes Rodriguez down to the top of Tier Three until further notice. 

Kevin Made - SS (Cubs, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - 23rd on the Cubs Mid-Season list and 14th on the Pre-Season list, his lowered ranking somewhat is more due to how strong the Cubs system has been built up with their fire sale than due to any changes for Made. A collection of above average tools across the board with some natural athletic talents should add up to an everyday major leaguer. He sure hit for average in Low A this year, but he was pretty much allergic to keeping the bat on his shoulder as he ended up with just 6 walks on the year. With growth physically and baseball maturation as he works up the minor league ladder, I could see Made pushing his way into Tier Two.

Pedro Pineda - OF (Athletics, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - All the raw tools with the coveted power/speed combo, he came in at 6th overall in our Mid-Season Top 30. A rough go of it in a small sample at the Complex and the DSL has taken a bit of wind out the sails, but this is someone to keep a close eye on. If he puts it together, you will see him vaulting into hobby relevance so fast it will make your head spin.

Victor Acosta - SS (Padres, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 13th on the Padres Mid-Season list and 12 on the Pre-Season list, the switch-hitting shortstop was the top J2 signing of the Dads this cycle. He’ll stick at short with a strong defensive profile and has performed well in the DSL this year, hitting for a high average and throwing in a few more home runs than expected. He likely caps out at 20-20 in his prime, but more than likely is more of a 15-15 guy, which keeps him out of Tier Two and pushes him to the top half of Tier Three.

Eguy Rosario - 2B/SS/3B (Padres, 1st Auto Only, 45 OFP) - 9th on the Padres Mid-Season list is a nice jump from his Pre-Season ranking of 17th as well as a bump up from a 40 OFP to a 45 OFP. He has performed quite well in AA this year with .281/.360/.455 triple slash, 12 home runs, and 30 steals. He’s gone from a bench bat guy to a potential everyday regular and that deserves a bump from Tier None to Tier Three. 

Ezequiel Tovar - SS (Rockies, 1st Auto Only, 45 OFP) - Tovar made a huge jump from 25th in our Rockies Pre-Season list and a 30 OFP to 7th overall and a 45 OFP. He absolutely bull-dozed his way through Low A this season with an unexpected power/speed combo. Already possessing no-doubt defensive skills, he suddenly becomes an interesting everyday regular potential. Couple that with a future in Coors field and there might actually be someone that in the future when you look back on this list, you could say I was way way too low on.

Eduardo Garcia - SS (Brewers, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - 10th on the Brewers Mid-Season Top 30 and 9th on the Pre-Season list. Will stick at shortstop given his defensive prowess and has some raw power that will need some help to be unlocked in game given his hit tool challenges. He will easily make it as a utility player and with some hit tool development, could get up to an everyday regular. Given the high floor, I am putting him in the middle of Tier Three.

Arol Vera - SS (Angels, 1st Auto Only, 45 OFP) - 6th in The Angels Mid-Season Top 30 and 8th in the Pre-Season list. He should be able to stick at short and his defense will keep pushing him through the levels. His hit tool seems to have held up pretty well at the Complex and in Low A, but it’s lacking thump at the moment. There is some power projection which, with all the other components, makes me comfortable putting him in Tier Three. Another guy to keep an eye to see if his power gets unlocked at any point.

Luis Toribio - 1B/3B (Giants, 1st Base Only, 45 OFP) - 12th in a deep Giants Mid-Season Top 30, he has been playing more and more first base in Low A. This position move will put more pressure on his power tool as he is a hit over power player. Given his home major league park, that may not be a bad skill set to cultivate, but it wont lead to hobby goodness, keeping him in Tier Three.

Emmanuel Rodriguez - OF (Twins, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - Generally a 40 OFP will be an auto Tier None for me, but two of his standout traits are his hit and power tools. Despite a tough go at the Complex level this year, he still put up 10 home runs in 37 games. I am sliding him into the back of Tier Three as he is someone I have more interest in than the majority of 40 OFP guys I would push down into Tier None. And of the FIVE (!) Twins outfielders in the product, give me Rodriguez as the one with the most star potential and hobby relevancy.

George Feliz - OF (Mariners, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Moved up from 26th Pre-Season to 16th in our Mid-Season Top 30. He performed very well in the DSL and the raw potential we saw prior to the season is possibly starting to become a potential reality. A plus arm to go with above average tools across the rest of the board, he is someone I wouldn’t mind taking a shot or two on in this product.

Milkar Perez - 3B (Mariners, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 27th in our Mid-Season Top 30 for the Mariners. I decided to sneak him up into the bottom half of Tier Three given his advanced approach, strong hit tool, and plus arm. He played very well at the Complex and in his Low A cup of coffee. On the downside, he may have trouble sticking at 3B given his frame and agility and hasn’t yet shown any pop with the bat. If he can somehow figure those two things out, you suddenly have an everyday regular with some interesting potential.

Manuel Beltre - SS (Blue Jays, 1st Base Only, 45 OFP) - Jumped up from 27th on the Pre-Season list and a 40 OFP to 17th on the Mid-Season Top 30 along with a 45 OFP. He’s got a pretty good chance of now being an everyday regular having shown off impressive walk rates in the DSL this year. Likely a hit over power player, but has a chance for average power or perhaps a bit more. This gives me enough hope to get him out of Tier None and into Tier Three.

Misael Urbina - OF (Twins, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - He had a rough go of his first full season in Low A in 2021, but there is still some hope that his above average tool set across the board lead by a promising hit tool wasn’t all dreaming. Someone to watch to see if he ends up as a second division regular or if he can regain that prospect shine and move up the tiers. 

Gilberto Celestino - OF (Twins, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - Strong defense and an above average hit tool, but lacks the main hobby ingredient of power. The floor keeps him in the Tier Three conversation, but at the bottom of that grouping. And I wouldn’t argue a drop into Tier None given how poor his Complex performance was this year.

Shalin Polanco - OF (Pirates, 1st Base and Auto, Unrated) - The main signing of the Pirates in the most recent J2 signing class, the opinions on him vary widely. I am sticking him at the bottom of Tier Three as someone worth watching. There could be something here even if he isn’t a world beater, or he could be what the pessimists say as a corner outfielder with questionable tools. The little video I did see of him had me intrigued. 

Christopher Morel - 3B/OF (Cubs, 1st Auto Only*, 45 OFP) - The Cubs 6th ranked prospect with a 50 OFP in our Pre-Season list did not have a good season, to say the least, and was bumped down to a 45 OFP and 15th overall in our Mid-Season Top 30. I had him at the top of Tier Three when his 1st Bowman base card was part of the 2021 Bowman Baseball release earlier in the year, and I might have put him in Tier Two if he had an auto. But performance does matter, so I am pushing him down to the bottom of Tier Three even though I still have hopes. As of the day before release, I have not yet seen if his auto has the 1st logo on it, but I am assuming it does because Topps doesn’t follow their own rules. If it doesn’t have a 1st logo on it, then his auto cards in this checklist become a lot less desirable like most of the Tier None players.

Yiddi Cappe

Tier None

Alexander Mojica - 3B/1B/DH (Pirates, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - 25th in our Pirates Mid-Season Top 30, normally a 45 OFP would be an automatic consideration for Tier Three. In Mojica’s case, while he crushed the DSL as a physically advanced 16 year-old in 2019, he has struggled significantly as an 18 year old in Low A. Given that he likely ends up at 1B or even DH given his frame and defensive chops, the pressure on his bat will be significant. Couple that with his 2021 performance and that pushes him down into Tier None.

Yiddi Cappe - SS (Marlins, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 21st in our Mid-Season Marlins list, he was the top J2 signing of Miami in the current class as he held out of the previous class looking for extra bonus money. Athletic with strong defense, but concerns around if he has good baseball instincts with the bat in his hand keep his projections capped until we see otherwise.

Miguel Bleis - OF (Red Sox, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 19th on our Mid-Season Red Sox Top 30, he was Boston’s top J2 signing in this year’s class. A power potential corner outfield type with some length and frame to add weight and strength. In a small sample in the DSL, he hasn’t done anything special, but neither have most of the guys down there. Until we get some growth, development, and plenty of looks, Bleis hangs out in Tier None. But, I will be ready to bump him up the tiers as we get more exposure to him. 

Starlin Aguilar - 1B/3B (Mariners, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 23 in our Mariners Mid-Season Top 30 and the M’s top signing in the most recent J2 class. Big power bat with concerns about his profile pretty much everywhere else and didn’t do much in the DSL this season. Until further notice, he hover near the top of Tier None.

Malvin Valdez - OF (Reds, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 29th in our Reds Mid-Season Top 30 and one of the top signings for the Reds in the most recent J2 class. Power/Speed centerfielder who did not perform in the DSL this year. Someone to watch, but for now, he lands in Tier None until proven otherwise.

Jordan Diaz - 3B/1B (Athletics, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - He went from a 45 OFP to a 40 OFP in our Mid-Season update. Even with a good season at High A, there are still too many questions if he can be anythinng more than a platoon or bench bat.

Luis Mieses - OF (White Sox, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Coming in at 22nd overall in our Mid-Season Top 30, Mieses has some raw tools that with development could vault him up prospect lists. He started off the year strong in Low A, but fell back to earth in the second half of the season in High A. Another player to monitor their development to see if they can step out of Tier None and find that everyday regular potential, which might have been our outlook if he continued to excel at High A like he was at Low A.

Gabriel Rodriguez - 3B (Indians, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - After being 12th overall and a 45 OFP in our Pre-Season rankings, he fell to 29th overall and a 40 OFP in our Mid-Season rankings. A poor showing in his first pass at Low A ball tends to lend credence to the lower end of his outcomes with his hit tool holding him back from being anything more than a power-first AAAA player.

Tyler Gentry - OF (Royals, 1st Auto Only, 45 OFP) - While he made it up to 11th overall on the Royals Pre-Season list, he completely fell off of it when it came time for the Mid-Season Top 30. The promised power did not materialize in his first go through at High A even if he was able to take a walk, putting up a nice OBP. There could be more here, but at the moment all I’m seeing is a platoon/bench bat type, which lands you in Tier None.

Jesus Parra - 3B/2B (Brewers, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 27th in the Brewers Mid-Season top 30 and 22nd in the Pre-Season list, he likely ends up at 3B. That puts a bit more pressure on his bat. There is some decent power there, but he’s yet to show it because the hit tool is currently not there yet. With more development, he could move up the list, but for now it’s mostly just projection with Parra.

Osleivis Basabe - SS (Rangers, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Traded to the Rays as part of the Nate Lowe trade, he was 29th on the Rays Pre-Season list but did not make thier Mid-Season Top 30 update. An athletic defender up the middle that has some decent abilities with the bat and plus speed, but probably wont hit for much power. This type of profile needs a Vidal Brujan first two months of a 2021 season explosion to get out of Tier Three, let alone Tier None.

Juan Then - RHP (Mariners, 1st Auto Only, 45 OFP) - Stayed at 10th overall from Pre-Season to Mid-Season rankings, but dropped from a 50 OFP to a 45 OFP given his poor performance in High A this year. He pairs a high velocity fastball with a plus slider. He’ll need to develop the changeup further to be able to stick in the rotation. His floor is a back-end of the bullpen guy, but he will get every opportunity to prove he can be an SP4 like we thought prior to the season.

Chih-Jung Liu - RHP (Red Sox, 1st Auto Only, 45 OFP) - Moving from 17th Pre-Season to 12th Mid-Season in our rankings and from 40 to 45 OFP would be an automatic Tier Three call for me. But his 2021 statline, mostly in Low A, hasn’t looked particularly impressive. However, if you throw away a couple of July blow up games, he has been pretty good including a 10 strikeout game in 5 innings back in early August. At his best, he is throwing mid-90’s heat with some nice spinning breakers that makes you believe he can stick in a rotation in the future. I have slotted him into Tier None but wouldn’t argue anyone thinking he belongs in Tier Three.

Po-Yu Chen - RHP (Pirates, 1st Base Only, 45 OFP) - 18th in our Pirates Mid-Season Top 30 and 22nd in the Pre-Season List, he has shown an advanced skill set for his age but is lacking on secondaries. As he moves up the ladder, he likely falls back more towards a spot starter/long-reliever type than advances towards a regular back-end starter and thus lands in Tier None.

Alexander Vizcaino - RHP (Yankees, 1st Base and Auto, 45 OFP) - Traded to the Cubs as part of the Anthony Rizzo deal, he slots in at 13th in the Cubs Mid-Season Top 30 and gets a bump from a 40 OFP to a 45 OFP. A high velocity fastball and a very tough to hit split-change give him a back-end of the bullpen floor. If his slider develops further and his command and control improve, suddenly he becomes a lot more relevant as a potential rotation piece. One of the few pitchers in this checklist to watch their development closely.

Helcris Olivares - LHP (Rockies, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 18th in our Rockies Mid-Season list and 19th in our Rockies Pre-Season list doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but he went from a 35 OFP to a 40 OFP. A lot of raw stuff here gives you something to dream on, even if the numbers in High A this year look pretty dreadful outside of the strikeout rate. Velocity and the ability to spin the ball speak to future potential that ideally could find an org other than the Rockies to actually develop it. Until then, there is a lot of raw stuff and potential to dream on, but a pitcher in the Rockies organization quashes any desire to push him out of Tier None.

Rikelvin de Castro - SS (Blue Jays, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Also known as Rikelbin, he came in at 20th overall in our Blue Jays Mid-Season Top 30. He has a very good floor with how fantastic he is at shortstop and in his first season at the Complex he showed a strong OBP skill set. The hit and power tools though are expected to lag behind his defensive prowess and keeps his value depressed into Tier None for the moment, but if he can get that going, he climbs the list fast.

Julio Carreras - SS/3B (Rockies, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 14th in our Mid-Season Top 30 after being 7th in our Pre-Season list and a tick higher at a 45 OFP, Carreras has not done much to help his case after his first full season taste at Low A. A subpar season has taken a lot of the wind out of the sails for his potential role as an everyday starter into more of a utility or bench bat type of player. Until we see some decent level of success in full time ball, he will hang out in Tier None.

Baron Radcliff - 1B (Phillies, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - This is all about the power. If he can hit enough, he can suddenly become hobby relevant with plus power. At the moment, he can’t hit and was sub-Mendoza line with almost the entire season spent at Low A. That’s not going to get a prospect put anywhere but Tier None territory until further development.

Tyler Keenan - 3B/1B (Mariners, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 22nd on our Mariners Pre-Season list and not ranked in our Mid-Season Top 30. A corner infielder that likely ends up at 1B long term given his frame. Power is his calling card, but he likely has trouble getting to it regularly. He rarely did so in High A this year, further cementing his Tier None status.

Malcom Nunez - 1B/3B (Cardinals, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 25th in our Mid-Season Top 30 and 22nd in our Pre-Season list, not much has changed with Nunez. He’s a power bat that needs to hit more than we think he will to have any sort of MLB impact, especially if he ends up at 1B. Keep an eye on him in case he does, but fore now he’s firmly in Tier None.

Tanner Murray - SS/3B (Rays, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Just sliding into our Mid-Season Top 30 at 30th overall, Murray likely ends up as another MLB utility type that plays all over the field. A classic Rays glue guy, but not really a classic hobby guy.

Pedro Martinez - SS/2B/3B (Rays, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - No, not that Pedro Martinez. He was 31st in the Rays Pre-Season list and didn’t make our Mid-Season Top 30. A collection of average-ish tools across, he probably ends up being a classic bench bat given his ability to switch-hit, which doesn’t really lead to any hobby interest.

Rafael Morel - SS (Cubs, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - He was 26th overall on our Cubs Pre-Season list but did not make our Mid-Season Top 30. Currently projected as a utility player with a set of average tools across the board, maybe he gets a little bit more with some development. But he sure didn’t show it in his small sample size of 39 games at the Complex this year. Firmly in Tier None until further notice.

Trent Deveaux - SS (Angels, 1st Auto Only*, 40 OFP) - 22nd overall on our Angels Pre-Season list but did not make our Mid-Season Top 30. I put the asterisk on the 1st Auto Only description because he already had his 1st Bowman base card in the 2021 Bowman Baseball release earlier this year, but no auto. He did have base and autos in Sapphire edition, for what that’s worth. And now he gets his 1st Bowman base auto in this release, even though technically this is his second Bowman release. All that aside, not much has changed from my perspective earlier this year as he only got 22 games at the Complex. Still a Tier None speedster until he translates his athletic talents into offensive talents with the bat in his hands.

Armando Cruz - SS (Nationals, 1st Base and Auto, 40 OFP) - 18th overall on the Nationals Mid-Season Top 30 along with a 40 OFP is a step down from 9th overall Pre-Season coupled with a 45 OFP. The original ranking was more based around him being the Nationals top J2 signing for this current cycle and having zero questions about his ability on the defensive side of the ball. Unfortunately that doesn’t have a ton of impact on the hobby side of the equation, and his lack of offense, his main concern from his detractors, has remained a problem through his DSL season. Not interested until his offense takes a step forward.

Carlos Rodriguez - OF (Brewers, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 29th in our Mid-Season Top 30, he profiles as a fourth outfielder type with speed and defense that should stick in center field. Rodriguez will need to take a significant jump in the hit and power departments to profile as someone in anything but Tier None.

Kale Emhoff - C (Royals, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 30th on the Royals Mid-Season Top 30, mostly on the strength of a successful first pass through Low A this year before a late promotion to High A. A backup catcher profile at the moment, but let’s face it, with how MJ Melendez crushed minor league baseballs this year and Salvador Perez doing the same at the major league level, it’s hard to be anything but a backup catcher in this organization.

Ethan Hearn - C (Cubs, 1st Auto Only*, 40 OFP) - 24th on the Cubs Pre-Season list but did not make the Mid-Season Top 30. A backup catcher floor given his ability behind the plate with the potential for an everyday role if everything falls into place. That was not at all what happened in his first attempt at Low A this season. In addition, he had a base card in 2020 Bowman Chrome which inexplicably was missing the 1st logo. And now he gets an auto card WITH the 1st logo one year later. Seriously Topps, this isn’t hard - you have three products a year with this logo. Do better.

Angel Rondon - RHP (Cardinals, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Dropped from a 45 OFP to a 40 OFP in our Mid-Season Top 30. Got a brief cup of coffee with the big league squad this year. He just doesn’t strike out enough guys and ends up more as a spot starter/long relief type that doesn’t drive any hobby interest.

Jagger Haynes - LHP (Padres, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Somewhat of a surprise pick in the 5th round of the 2020 MLB draft, the North Carolina prep arm has yet to have his professional debut. Currently on the 60 Day IL, we really don’t know what we have here other than a ton of potential. Until we get something substantial to evaluate, I will keep him in Tier None.

Viandel Pena - SS (Nationals, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Ranked 22nd in our Pre-Season Nationals List, but did not make our Mid-Season Top 30. Small stature, switch-hitting infielder that hasn’t yet developed on the offensive side of the ball. Likely a platoon infielder, bench bat type unless he has some significant power development. That profile is a Tier None player all day every day.

Jose Butto - RHP (Mets, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Jumping up from 31st overall in the Mets Pre-Season list and a 35 OFP to 12th overall and a 40 OFP in the Mid-Season Top 30. Possessing likely the best changeup in the Mets system allows him to get a lot of strikeouts even with a lower velocity fastball. Still, he’s just a backend starter profile until his other secondaries get better or we see a jump in velocity.

Aldo Ramirez - RHP (Red Sox, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Traded to the Nationals at the deadline for Kyle Schwarber, he landed at 14th overall in our Mid-Season Top 30. But the Nationals system is not great, Bob, so being 14th overall isn’t exactly something to write home about. A decent fastball but a lack of plus secondaries will keep him from being at all interesting in the hobby and until that changes. Welcome to Tier None.

Josh Winckowski - RHP (Red Sox, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 22nd in our Red Sox Mid-Season list, he was traded twice in the off-season. First he went from the Blue Jays to the Mets in the Steven Matz deal and then he was moved shortly thereafter in the Andrew Benintendi three team trade with the Mets, Royals, and Red Sox. On one hand, why were two teams willing to move him? On the other hand, why were two teams looking to acquire him? He hasn’t looked very impressive in AA this season, so until further notice, I’m going to land on the side of the two teams that sent Winckowski packing until we see anything interesting.

Santiago Florez - RHP (Pirates, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Did not make our Mid-Season Top 30 and was 27th Overall in our Pre-Season Pirates list. A big boy at 6’5” with a mid-90’s fastball and a decent curve but lacking in most other areas, he is currently starting but more than likely ends up at the back of the bullpen. That type of profile is an easy Tier None slotting.

Nick Frasso - RHP (Blue Jays, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - Even without top end velo, Frasso still has a plus fastball. A lot mechanical and secondary pitch development will be required for Frasso to become anything more than an up and down guy. Nothing of interest here.

Taylor Dollard - RHP (Mariners, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - The Mariners 5th round pick in 2020 didn’t make it onto our Mariners Pre-Season list, but jumped onto the Mid-Season Top 30 at 26th overall. A back end starter profile who found some velocity to make that jump onto the list, his slider is probably his best pitch. Development of his other secondaries will determine if he does end up hitting that starter level or if he ends up in a long relief/emergency depth role. While he pitched decently well in Low A to start the year, the promotion to High A did not go as well. All of that easily puts him in Tier None.

Justin Martinez - RHP (Diamondbacks, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 24th on our Pre-Season list, he did not make the Mid-Season Top 30. A back end starter or long reliever if things don’t go right, he has a plus fastball and a promising slider, but needs to work on everything else. In a small sample size this year at Low A, not much went right for him, which easily keeps him in Tier None.

Jose Bonilla - SS/3B (Angels, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - 28th on our Angels Pre-Season list, he did not make it on the Mid-Season Top 30 as he did not have an impressive first pass through the Complex and Low A. In theory the offensive profile should put him in at least Tier Three consideration, but lack of performance and a push over to third base putting more pressure on the bat to deliver has dropped him into Tier None. Definitely someone to watch though.

Bryan Ramos - 2B/3B (White Sox, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - Sitting at the back end of our Mid-Season Top 30, he bumped up from a 30 OFP to a 35 OFP, mostly due to a solid Low A season. Raw and toolsy, he is someone on my watch list, but for now he hasn’t yet shown he can get to that level of an everyday regular to put him into consideration for Tier Three.

J.C. Correa - SS/3B (Astros, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - Not on our Pre-Season list, but slid into the 28th spot in our Mid-Season Top 30. This appearance was largely the result of having a good season split almost evenly between Low A and High A. He hit for a high average and the hit tool appears it may be real, but there isn’t much else there at the moment. Someone to monitor to see if he continues to exceed expectations, but without any added pop, his ceiling is probably capped from being at all interesting from a hobby perspective. Also the younger brother of Carlos, but that can only take you so far.

Jhonny Piron - OF (Rays, 1st Base Only, 35 OFP) - He was 43rd on our Pre-Season list and a 35 OFP. Not a lot of looks available on him at the moment, but speed is his calling card. If he can do something with the bat, then he could potentially bump up to Tier Three, but until then, he will hang out in Tier None territory.

Jordy Barley - SS (Padres, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Traded to the Nationals at the deadline as part of the deal for Daniel Hudson, he is listed on the checklist for the Padres. He’s pretty much a 35 OFP, up and down org depth guy unless he can consistently unlock some of his physical tools. To this point, he hasn’t been able to do that.

Eduarqui Fernandez - OF (Brewers, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Not ranked in our Pre-season or Mid-Season Brewers lists keeps him from being anything but Tier None. A power bat that could pop-up at some point and climb up the tiers given the profile, for now he starts in Tier None but is someone to keep an eye on long term as a potential riser.

Yohendrick Pinango - OF (Cubs, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - 34th in our Cubs Pre-Season list and not ranked in our Cubs Mid-Season list. This kid likes to swing the bat. I’m pretty sure he’s never taken four straight pitches and walked to first base (completely unconfirmed). Every at-bat I watched had him swinging at pretty much any pitch that wasn’t in the dirt. At some point he may be able to tone down the aggressiveness and translate his raw tool set into a useful set of in-game production, but until then, he languishes in Tier None.

Luis Medina - OF (Brewers, 1st Base Only, 35 OFP) - This is not the Luis Medina you are likely thinking of, the Yankees pitching prospect. This Medina is an 18 year-old outfielder that was 26th overall in the Brewers Pre-Season rankings but did not make it into the MId-Season Top 30. In a small sample Complex league go around this year, he did not hit much if at all, which keeps him firmly in Tier None.

Sean Roby - 3B (Giants, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - 36th Overall in the Giants Pre-Season list but did not make the Mid-Season Top 30. He’s a capable player, but doesn’t really have a carrying tool anywhere. He did pop 19 homeruns in High A this year, but I am not really swayed much here by that as it hasn’t shown up in the past. He seems like an org depth or up and down player down the line. No hobby value.

Malfrin Sosa - OF (Twins, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - 38th in the Twins Pre-Season list but did not do much of anything this season in a small Complex sample to get onto the Mid-Season list. A young power bat, but with little else to go on. For now, he will hang out in Tier None until we have more to dig into.

Gabriel Maciel - OF (Twins, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - 30th in the Twins Pre-Season list, he did not crack the Mid-Season Top 30 list. Speed and defense fourth or fifth outfielder profile without much else to get excited about plants him firmly in Tier None.

Michael Guldberg - OF (Athletics, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Not ranked in either of 2021 Athletics lists, he’s a speed and defense that has shown some ability with the hit tool. Likely enough here to make it as a fourth or fifth outfielder, but the lack of pop keeps him mired in Tier None.

Carson Taylor - C (Dodgers, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - A bat-first, backup catcher profile that may not stick behind the dish, he did not make the Dodgers’ Mid-Season Top 30 list. Hard to find a reason to put him anywhere but Tier None.

Pablo Abreu - OF (Brewers, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Had off-season surgery and still is on the 60 day injury list. Some speed and raw power gives you some hope, but until he’s healthy and there’s some good looks, he’ll stay in Tier None. 

Franyel Baez - OF (Diamondbacks, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - A 2019 J2 signing of Arizona, we haven’t gotten to see anything from him. First the pandemic and now injury have basically limited any look we could get to even put him on a list for ranking purposes. I will stick him in Tier None because I honestly have zero clue on him. I am prepared for this ranking to be completely wrong or completely right and wont feel bad about it either way.

Gregory Santos - RHP (Giants, 1st Auto Only, 40 OFP) - 19th in the Giants Pre-Season list, he did not make the Mid-Season Top 30. Plus Fastball and Slider without the command and control to be effective with it has pushed him out of starter opportunities and into the bullpen this year. Unfortunately he hasn’t been successful with the move and there is now zero hobby interest.

Koen Moreno - RHP (Cubs, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - 2020 5th Round Prep Arm that was 33rd in our Pre-Season Cubs list, but didn’t make the cut in our Mid-Season Top 30. Has yet to debut due to injury issues and is very raw at the moment. Add all that together and you have a ton of unknowns that easily keep him in Tier None.

J.D. Orr - OF (Marlins, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - He can hit for some average, steal some bases, and get on base, but has zero power. Likely a fifth outfielder bench bat type that doesn’t hold any hobby interest.

Tucker Bradley - OF (Royals, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - See above - he can hit for some average but doesn’t have much pop in the bat. Likely ends up as a backup outfielder or org depth type guy without unlocking more power.

Kyle Hurt - RHP (Marlins, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Traded to the Dodgers along with Alex Vesia for Dylan Floro, there’s an outside chance he could develop into a backend starter. Given the magic development wand the Dodgers typically wave, that chance becomes a stronger reality. But for now, there isn’t enough here and he didn’t show much in a small sample size this year to push him out of Tier None.

Jose Baez - 3B/SS/2B (Indians, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Didn’t make any list and doesn’t have any stats for the season. Right now, the best he has going for him is that he is the younger brother of Jose Ramirez. Not expecting much here, but he’ll land in Tier None while we play the wait and see game.

Rayner Santana - C (Giants, 1st Auto Only, 35 OFP) - Backup catcher profile with power that likely wont be able to hit enough for it to matter. Not an ideal frame to be able to stick behind the plate either. Nothing to be interested in here.

Elijah Dunham - 1B/OF (Yankees, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - The UDFA from 2020 didn’t make it onto our Pre-Season or Mid-Season lists and at the moment is likely just org depth. Nothing to see here.

Anthony Walters - 2B/SS (Mets, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - The 2020 3rd rounder of the Mets was an underslot guy that didn’t make either our Pre-Season or Mid-Season lists. Not a lot to be interested in and seems like an org depth guy at the moment.

David Garcia - C (Rangers, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Not ranked in either of our 2021 lists with the most likely outcome of a backup catcher. There’s an outside chance that he can get to a second division regular, but that still keeps him in Tier None territory.

Matt Scheffler - C (Mariners, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Not ranked in either or our 2021 lists as an UDFA from 2020. A backup catcher profile without anything special on the offensive side of the dish will keep him at the bottom of Tier None.

Adam Kerner - C/OF (Padres, 1st Auto Only, Unrated) - Not on any lists anywhere does not exactly equal hobby goodness. A defense first backup catcher profile will end up in Tier None every single time.

Not Quite the Main Attraction

There are 15 rookie autos in the product highlighted by Andrew Vaughn, Jazz Chisholm, and Jarred Kelenic. Keep in mind that rookie autos are typically very difficult to pull. You find other rookies in various insert sets along with prospects from previous products like Tork, Wander, Jasson, etc. with base cards as well as insert autos. There will be a smaller amount of MLB vets as well, but all of these cards are typically secondary to the main attraction.

Final Thoughts

Is 2021 Bowman Chrome better than 2020 Bowman Chrome? Yes, yes, and yes. It’s an easy yes because we get 1st base cards back in the product. I like the checklist depth at the top of the product as well, even if I don’t feel like we have slam dunk, no doubt prospect or two (if there is such a thing) headlining the group despite the prices the top guys will likely sell for. Always keep in mind that of the three Bowman Prospect Flagship products, Bowman Chrome is typically the highest risk/reward of the three. The checklist is full of unknowns and sometimes the best mindset to have, like we often say when playing pool, is to hit and hope.