What's in the Box?
Topps has structured this release with three configurations, including a brand-new mega box format designed for collectors priced out of hobby:
| Format | Price | Autos | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Box | $519.99 | 3 | Serious prospectors chasing Chrome autos |
| Super Jumbo | $739.99 | 5 | Breakers and high-volume collectors |
| Mega Box | $59.99 | 0 (2 Mega Chrome packs) | Budget entry, exclusive parallels |
The mega box is the story here. At $59.99, it's Topps' answer to collectors complaining about the hobby price barrier. You won't pull autos, but the exclusive Mega Chrome parallels could hold value if you hit the right prospect.
The Checklist Breakdown
The base set runs 200 cards on chromium technology:
- 120 cards featuring 2025 MLB Draft Picks
- 80 cards highlighting top minor league prospects
Every hobby box guarantees three autographs. The Chrome Prospect Autographs are the crown jewels—on-card signatures with parallels ranging from base to the coveted 1/1 Superfractor.
Tier 1 Chases: The Headliners
These are the prospects commanding premium prices. If you're breaking a hobby box, these are the names that'll determine your ROI.
Eli Willits
No. 1 - Washington NationalsThe consensus top pick didn't disappoint. Willits combines plus raw power with an advanced approach at the plate. As the No. 1 overall selection, his Chrome Auto will be the most sought-after card in the product.
JoJo Parker
No. 8 - Toronto Blue JaysParker's bat speed and power potential make him a favorite among prospectors. The Blue Jays' system is loaded, but Parker has the tools to rise quickly.
Billy Carlson
No. 10 - Chicago White SoxThe White Sox rebuild got a shot of hope with Carlson. In a thin system, he'll get every opportunity to fast-track through the minors.
Steele Hall
No. 9 - Cincinnati RedsHall was considered one of the better athletes in the entire draft class. Elite tools across the board. The Reds have developed young talent well recently, and Hall fits their mold.
Tier 2: Strong Upside Plays
These prospects offer legitimate MLB upside at more accessible price points.
Gavin Fien
No. 12 - Texas RangersOne of the most complete high school players in the class. The Rangers have shown patience with young talent, and Fien's well-rounded game should translate.
Tyler Bremner
No. 2 - Los Angeles AngelsThe second overall pick brings arm strength and projection. The Angels desperately need pitching prospects to pan out.
Kade Anderson
No. 3 - Seattle MarinersAnother arm with high upside landing in a system that's produced quality starters recently.
Liam Doyle
No. 5 - St. Louis CardinalsThe Cardinals' track record of developing homegrown talent makes Doyle an intriguing speculative buy.
Seth Hernandez
No. 6 - Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh has a history of getting value from draft picks. Hernandez has the tools if the development matches.
Who's NOT in This Set?
This might be the most important section for prospectors planning ahead.
Ethan Holliday (No. 4 - Colorado Rockies)
Highest-profile prep position player in the class. Being held for 2026 Bowman products.
Aiva Arquette (No. 7 - Miami Marlins)
Large-bodied shortstop who could move quickly through the system. Also held for 2026.
If you're prospecting for 2026, keep these names on your radar. Their Bowman 1sts will command significant premiums.
The Wildcards: Special Inserts
Beyond the prospect autos, 2025 Bowman Draft includes some unique chase cards:
Sadaharu Oh Retrofractor Auto
The Japanese legend's autograph on a retrofractor is the kind of crossover card that appeals to both baseball card collectors and international sports fans. Extremely limited and valuable.
Dan Marino Dream Draft Picks
The Kansas City Royals selected NFL Hall of Famer Dan Marino in the fourth round of the 1979 MLB Draft. He chose football (good call), but Topps created a "what if" card for collectors. Both insert and autographed versions exist.
Draft Lottery Ping Pong Ball Autographs
A creative concept featuring autographs on replica draft lottery ping pong balls. Unique and potentially undervalued if you're looking for something different.
The Mega Box Strategy
Can't stomach $520 for a hobby box? The mega box might be your move.
At $59.99, you're getting two exclusive Mega Chrome packs with parallels you can't pull anywhere else. No autographs, but if you hit a Tier 1 prospect in a desirable parallel, the value is there.
The Play:
Buy 2-3 mega boxes instead of one hobby. You'll pull more base cards to build your prospect collection, and the exclusive parallels add speculative value without the break-or-bust feeling of hobby.
Building Your Prospect Collection Without Breaking
Here's the reality of Bowman Draft in 2025: hobby boxes are expensive, breaks are a gamble, and most collectors walk away disappointed.
The math rarely works in your favor. That viral video of someone pulling a Superfractor? For every one of those, there are hundreds of collectors who paid $500+ and pulled $50 worth of cards.
This is where player lots make sense for prospect collectors. Instead of gambling on random pulls, you can target the specific prospects you believe in. Want to build a JoJo Parker PC? A Billy Carlson collection? Player lots let you acquire multiple cards of your target players at fixed prices.
No auction wars. No break fees. No hoping the randomizer lands on your team.
The Verdict
2025 Bowman Draft delivers a solid prospect class with clear tier separation. Eli Willits is the headliner, but the depth of Tier 1 and Tier 2 options gives collectors multiple paths to value.
If you're buying hobby:
Focus on the Tier 1 names. The Chrome Autos of Willits, Parker, Carlson, and Hall will hold value best.
If you're on a budget:
Mega boxes offer an entry point, or skip the gambling entirely and build through player lots targeting your favorite prospects.
If you're thinking long-term:
Remember that Ethan Holliday and Aiva Arquette are being held for 2026. Position yourself early.
The prospect game rewards patience and strategy. Whether you're ripping packs today or building your collection card by card, know your targets and stick to your budget.
Good luck out there, prospectors.