By Sal Corso: January 15th, 2026:

Bowman, Bowman, Bowman. It’s nearly every prospectors focus. As 2 The Bigs does not solely focus on the card market, we do know that it’s a major part of our viewership and following. So it’s only right that we continue to put out Bowman related content (check out our 2025 Bowman Draft Checklist Report). For today, I am going to give you some good-value buys before 2026. What I mean by “value” is prospects who’s performance/potential is higher than their current price tag. For this list, I am using the average price tag on each prospects’ 1st Bowman base autograph.

I am also separating out into three groups: High ($70+), Medium ($30-$70) and Low ($30) so that you can decide which type of value you want to go for. Let’s do it.

HIGH (>$70)

Rainiel Rodriguez, C (STL) $70

If you gave me one argument to explain how significant the hitting-catcher has become to MLB organizations, I would say “Rainiel is my 5th best hitting catcher. Meanwhile, at nearly every other position, this guy would likely be top-3”. That shows you the depth of hitting talent at the catcher position. This kid can flat out hit, and hit it far. An extreme amount of potential in this kid, who is progressing very fast at the young age of 18. He’s got top-10 overall by midseason written all over him. On a team that is in full rebuild, his bat could be a major centerpiece for the organization in the near future.

Alfredo Duno, C (CIN) $75

Another catcher. Big Al doesn’t have much more to prove. He had a stellar 2025 campaign that forced analysts and prospectors to shoot him up ranks. His .948 OPS and 18 HR, 81 RBI stint in Daytona (A-ball) was no fluke, and he showed that by adding a very successful AFL stint to his resume, one which included a three-homer game to close out the season. He’ll spend most of next year in AA while only turning 20 before the start of this year. Another kid who will become a much more popular name in the hobby.

Chase DeLauter, OF (CLE) $80

One of our earliest Prospect Profiles, Chase has been a name we liked ever since he was drafted back in 2022. The problem is that he has yet to have a full, healthy year in the pros. However, he came back strong from an injury in 2025 and made his MLB debut in the playoffs against the Detroit Tigers. DeLauter can hit the ball a mile with his very unique lefty swing, but he’s more than just the typical lefty-power hitter. His .304 AVG / .384 OBP across 138 minor league games shows that he has the ability to put the ball in play and get on base. Health is one of his only obstacles, but if you like some risk, I can see a healthy DeLauter grabbing that AL Rookie of the Year award and going for 30-35 HR.

MEDIUM ($30-$70)

Josh Adamczewski, 2B (MIL) $30

A true “out-of-nowhere” find for the Brewers. The 452^nd pick in the 2023 draft (15^th round), has showed that the playing field evens out once you hit professional baseball. Josh (I’ll refrain from continuing to type his last name) had a breakout campaign in A-ball this year, posting an OPS over 1.000 with 38 RBI and nearly a 1:1 BB:K ratio in 46 games at A-ball. The Brewers understand how to develop talent, and specifically did so with fellow 2^nd baseman Brice Turang. It’s hard to see value in a organization with Pena & Made, but Josh is going to impress. The upside in value is there at these prices.

Gabriel Gonzalez, OF (MIN) $30

Gabriel has been one of the best statistical outfielders in the minor leagues. Because of his 5’11” 170 lb frame, he doesn’t get the credit he deserves from prospectors, thus the value. But a career .301 average and .837 OPS across 441 games where he’s NEVER struck out at a rate higher than 16% looks pretty damn good to me. He’s got some underrated pop too. The Twins are one of the more exciting systems in the sport, and good thing, because the rebuild is underway.

Max Anderson, 3B (DET) $35

Anderson was a high-round pick in ’23, and only went under-the-radar because he was drafted after Clark and McGonigle. But this kid can hit. A seasoned bat who has never seen a K-rate above 20% since being drafted. Max had a fantastic 90-game stint in AA, slashing .306/.358/.499 with 14 HR and 65 RBI. A strong AFL, followed by a similar spring could push the Tigers to bring him up early in ’26. For an organization with a ton of talent, 3B is open for the taking. Max could be a sleeper candidate for some ROY votes.

Michael Arroyo, 2B (SEA) $40

My favorite prospect in baseball. Just check the tape. He could make his way up to the majors sometime this summer at the age of 21. The Mariners are already working him in LF since 2B/3B are currently taken at the MLB level. That’s how much they realize his bat will be needed for the pro-club.

Hector Rodriguez, OF (CIN) $33

If it wasn’t for his glove, he’d be a much more highly touted prospect. The problem, the Reds don’t really know where to put him. But if he can work through that, look for Hector to get a call-up as an MLB-ready bat with upside.

Xavier Isaac, 1B (TB) $40

I’ve been a fan of Isaac for sometime now. And I’ve been hard on him for the past 6 months. However, that was before he went through a very critical injury and time away from the game. Xavier had brain surgery this year to deal with some internal issues he was having that included eyesight problems. He posted a month or so ago stating that he is fully healthy and back. First off, what a tremendous recovery and wishing him nothing but future success. Second, this kid may have the best raw power in the entire minors, and if he can put the bat to the ball more often this upcoming season, he could jump right back into top-50 discussions.

LOW (<$30)

Khadim Diaw, C (MIN) $9

I have Diaw higher than most outlets. Can you guess why? You got it, he puts the bat on the ball. A .450 OBP across 170 plate appearances in 2025 (High-A), but he brings some sneaky bat speed (25% hard-hit and 25% line-drive rate). This is a unique kid who swings a lot (41% swing) but hits the ball a lot as well (80% contact rate). Diaw hasn’t had a lot of experience, but he’ll likely get a majority of his time in 2026 at AA. If he fares well, other outlets will catch up to my ranking.

Gino Groover, OF (ARI) $15

We featured him in our Bowman Bargains last year. A collegiate bat who showed his maturity this past year. There’s an opening in the outfield in Arizona, and Gino could be a sleeper to grab it if the Diamondbacks don’t make another move after Arenado.

Sam Antonacci, 2B (CHW) $21

Antonacci is a pure-hitter who walks as much as he strikes out. The White Sox are pouring with young talent, and are moving the right ones up fast. Antonacci could be next, after having a nice 50-game stint in AA last season (.852 OPS 78 R and 48 SB). He’s got lead-off qualities written all over.

Hendry Mendez, OF (MIN) $15

Hendry is one of those young, teen, international-signees that have been able to develop a lengthy MiLB career (rarely happens). He just turned 21 and completed his fifth year in an MLB system…and it was his best. A near .300 AVG and .838 OPS were career highs, including a strong 33-game stint in AA where he had a .931 OPS with 16 RBI and 24 R. A nice fall could lead to a chance for this 6-foot-3 prospect to jump up the Twins system ranks.

Jhonny Level, SS (SFG) $22

Jhonny joins the extensive list of talented international prospects in San Francisco. I also see him as a potential trade piece this winter for the Giants to upgrade at the pro level. His 30-game-stint in A-ball may not look very impressive, but he’ll get his first-full season stateside at the young age of 19. Another switch-hitter who has the power and speed to be a true 25-25 type of bat if he reaches his potential. 2026 is a big year, and I like his value right now in cards and dynasty leagues.

Blaze Jordan, 1B/3B (STL) $17

I’m not really sure why Blaze doesn’t get any love. But remember what I said about everyone’s lists, if one prospector leaves him off, others will too. Yes, he’s not the best fielder, and yes, he’s very slow. But this guy can hit, and hit the ball hard. A career .283/.341/.450 slash across almost 500 career games is pretty impressive. He struggled after the trade last year from Boston, and he’ll need to work on his approach a tad, but he should make his debut for a Cardinals team that is likely not going to compete with the Brewers any time soon. 3B is likely taken by Wetherholt and 1B belongs to Burleson, but he’s one injury away from getting a shot with the club.

Jansel Luis, SS (ARI) $12

Luis had a fantastic season in High-A Hillsboro where he had 123 hits (.304 AVG). Similar to Mendez, he’s made a solid career in the minors for a young international prospect. The switch-hitter has a career .290 average across 324 games. He doesn’t walk much, but he doesn’t miss much. He’s still only 20-years-old, and with a little added muscle and a more-patient approach (dropped his swing-rate by 7pp year-over-year), he could be a surprise non-top-100 prospect going into 2026.