The future of MLB was on display this past weekend when the MLB Draft took place in Philadelphia.
Most prospects are still a few years away from their MLB debut, but this is prime time for card collectors.
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Most of the top picks will be in future Bowman products. The first place to find them will be in Bowman Draft, which usually comes out in the winter.
However, there are several cards of the top picks that are already in the market and now may be the best time to grab them up.
Even if you’re waiting for Bowman to release, here are some names you might want to keep an eye on and where you can get their cards.
(Griffin Quinn via Getty Images)
Roch Cholowsky, Chicago White Sox: Cholowsky was the first overall draft pick. And while top picks don’t always work out, MLB teams are more sophisticated with their scouting. The top pick should be an indication that you’re going to see him in the Majors within the next two years.
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Cholowsky has cards that were created as far back as 2022 when Leaf made Perfect Game USA All-American cards, which also include his autograph on them. He’s had cards ever since, including this year with Panini’s USA Baseball Stars and Stripes. There are some sneaky good cards in these products.
Grady Emerson, Tampa Bay Rays: Emerson was the second overall pick. The shortstop is headed to Tampa Bay where he probably isn’t too far from making his debut. And like Cholowsky, Emerson has a slew of cards from his Team USA days. A 2024 Panini Signatures card featuring Emerson on the 15U National Team sold for $3,000 in June – showing somebody already had their eye on this talent.
ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 21: Vahn Lackey (25) of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the on-deck circle during the Tuesday evening men’s college baseball game between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on April 21, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Vahn Lackey, Minnesota Twins: Lackey doesn’t have the same quantity of cards as some of the other top picks, but there are still many to chase. He was featured in the 2026 USA Stars and Stripes sets with low-numbered cards and autographs. His signed Prizm Gold Vinyl from that set – a 1-of-1 – sold for $700 in April, which feels like a steal now.
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Jackson Flora, San Francisco Giants: The pitching prospect’s cards have been in the market since 2025, first with Leaf and then in this year’s Stars and Stripes USA set. He has autographs and low-numbered cards, but his most expensive public sale has been for less than $300. Often, pitching prospects don’t get the same kind of love as hitters. It usually takes time for their card values to catch up.
Eric Booth Jr., Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles’ first-round pick won the 2025 Perfect Game USA Home Run Derby and is just graduating high school. Booth also has speed, and has been the exact type of player the Orioles like to take early as of late. But, Booth doesn’t have any cards yet. Despite his many achievements even at 18 years old, he has yet to find his way onto a trading card.
Family Ties
There were a number of players drafted who have family ties to famous MLB players. While it’s unsure how these prospects will pan out, the names alone will get attention.
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Landon Thome, son of Hall of Famer Jim Thome, was selected 34th overall by the Chicago White Sox. Thome is an infield prospect with power and speed. Peyton Bonds, the nephew of Barry Bonds, was selected in the third round by the Giants. Andy Pettitte’s son Luke was drafted by the Yankees in the eighth round, and CC Sabathia’s son Carsten III was selected by the Brewers in the 20th round.
Only Sabathia currently has cards, but that should change soon.
