MLB Opening Day: 10 Baseball Prospects Whose Card Prices Got a Bump During Spring Training
Spring training is baseball’s annual tease—just enough to spark the imagination, not enough to confirm anything. But for collectors paying close attention, it’s also one of the best windows to spot movement before the market fully reacts.
And in cards, timing is everything. A strong couple weeks in March can light a fire under a player’s market before Opening Day even hits. For prospect collectors, the card that matters most is the 1st Bowman Chrome autograph—usually the player’s first licensed card in a pro uniform, and the one that tends to rise (or fall) with each big moment.
Here are ten prospects who made waves this spring—and saw their card prices start to follow.
- Marcelo Mayer: Boston Red Sox
Mayer has long been on collectors' radars, but a few impressive at-bats this spring—including a moonshot home run—reminded everyone why he’s a top-10 prospect in the game. Hitting .333 with a .983 OPS, Mayer made his case for his first major league start this year.
Mayer’s 1st Bowman Auto was released in 2021 Bowman Draft
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$250
Buy on eBay
- Kristian Campbell: Boston Red Sox
Campbell has been one of the breakout names in Boston camp. Drafted in 2023, he hit .330/.439/.558 across three levels of the minors last season and above-average speed. His success and his recent appointment to the Red Sox 2025 starting lineup has sent his card prices soaring.
Campbell’s 1st Bowman Auto was released in 2023 Bowman Draft
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$200
Buy on eBay
- Jackson Jobe: Detroit Tigers
Jobe is healthy and dealing. After missing time with injury, he’s back and flashing a triple-digit fastball and filthy secondary pitches. In 6 IP this spring, he struck out 9 and walked none.
Jobe’s 1st Bowman Auto was released in 2021 Bowman Draft
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: $150
Buy on eBay
- Chandler Simpson: Tampa Bay Rays
Simpson is arguably the fastest man in the minors and he’s using it. He swiped 5 bases in just 8 spring games and started Spring hitting .750. Simpson didn’t make the Ray’s starting lineup this year, however, with skills like his, collectors are expecting a 2025 arrival to the big show.
Simpson’s 1st Bowman Auto was released in 2022 Bowman Draft
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$100
Buy on eBay
- Drake Baldwin: Atlanta Braves
Baldwin popped 3 HRs this spring and showed solid defense behind the plate. For a catcher with pop in the Braves system, collectors are jumping on the opportunity post Spring Training.
Baldwin’s 1st Bowman Auto was released in 2022 Bowman Draft
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$100
Buy on eBay
- Christian Moore - Los Angeles Angels
Moore’s spring showed promise, with flashes of offensive capability and defensive growth, positioning him as a prospect to watch this season as he refines his skills. The number 1 Angels prospect has potential to debut as early as this year.
Moore’s 1st Bowman can be found in 2024 Bowman Draft.
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$250
Buy on eBay
- Garrett Crochet – Chicago White Sox
Crochet came into Spring Training with something to prove — and he delivered. The former first-round pick is finally healthy and flashed ace-level stuff, touching 99 MPH and showing improved command. With the White Sox experimenting with him as a starter, his breakout potential is real.
Crochet’s 1st Bowman auto can be found in 2020 Bowman Draft
Price for a raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$100
Buy on eBay
- Sebastian Walcott – Texas Rangers
Still just 18, Walcott opened eyes with a couple of loud swings during Rangers camp. The Bahamian shortstop is already showing plus power and advanced approach for his age, making him one of the buzziest teenage prospects heading into 2025. A strong full-season debut would send his cards into orbit.
Walcott’s 1st Bowman non-auto can be found in in 2023 Bowman Chrome, and his first Bowman auto can be found in 2024 Bowman Chrome
Price for a Raw Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$200
Buy on eBay
- George Lombard Jr.: New York Yankees The Yankees' 1st rounder in 2023 is showing big strides. His above average defense and ability to make things happen at the plate made his cards double in price during Spring Training.
Lombard’s 1st Bowman auto can be found in 2024 Bowman Baseball
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$180
Buy on eBay
- Cam Smith: Houston Astros
Cam Smith turned heads with a strong spring showing for the Astros, flashing the power and plate discipline that scouts have been raving about. In 8 games, Smith hit .400 with 2 home runs and 6 RBIs, making a real case as one of Houston's rising stars.
Cam's 1st Bowman Auto was released in 2024 Bowman Draft
Price for a Raw 1st Bowman Auto Refractor /499: ~$250
Buy on eBay
Whether these players break camp with the big club or spend a few more months in the minors, their spring performances have already shifted how collectors see them. And in a hobby that thrives on timing, being early matters.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve, discover emerging trends, or just talk cards with people who know the difference between a fastball and a fast start—join us on Mantel.
Download the app, join the conversation, and let’s see who pops next.
