How do you innovate a hobby that’s over 100 years old? It’s not easy. You have to think outside the box and find new ways to deliver value. Credit where it’s due—Fanatics has put in real effort here and, for the most part, they’ve nailed it. From the MLB Debut Patch to the Social Media Followback redemption, they’ve introduced new twists that actually feel fresh.
The latest: the Bowman Red Rookie.
Here’s how it works. A select number of rookie cards in Bowman products will carry a red RC logo. Starting in November, those cards become eligible for some big prizes. The catch? The player on the card has to win Rookie of the Year, Cy Young, MVP, or eventually make the Hall of Fame.
Yes, holding onto one until a player reaches Cooperstown should “make me the CEO of Fanatics,” as one X user put it. But Rookie of the Year? That’s in play.
So, which Red Rookie cards from 2025 Bowman should you actually go after when it drops next week? Thankfully, Prospects Live contributor Max Arterburndid the math. Based on his breakdown, here are the four players with the best shot at turning that Red Rookie into FanCash.
The full Red Rookie checklist has 30 players, so let’s start trimming.
First, eight are already ineligible to win 2025 ROY because they surpassed rookie status last year (more than 130 ABs, 50 IP, or 45 days of service time). That cuts: Connor Norby, Spencer Schwellenbach, Drew Thorpe, Jhonkensy Noel, David Festa, Ben Rice, James Wood, and Brooks Lee.
Now we’re at 22. Three more can be removed due to injury: Rhett Lowder, Kumar Rocker, and River Ryan. While Lowder and Rocker could return this year, it would take Paul Skenes-level dominance to make a dent. Ryan’s ROY eligibility might end up carrying into next season, but even then, he’s still a long shot.
Twelve others can be crossed off for having little to no major league experience so far: Adrian Del Castillo, Shay Whitcomb, Thomas Saggese, Hyesong Kim, Adael Amador, Hurston Waldrep, Tyler Locklear, Coby Mayo, Caden Dana, Kevin Alcantara, Orelvis Martinez, and Nick Yorke.
That leaves 7.
Luisangel Acuña hasn’t earned a permanent roster spot and lacks power. Jace Jung, while potential is there, hasn’t done much with the time he’s had. Tomoyuki Sugano has struggled with his K%. Which means your real Red Rookie options are down to four:
Jackson Jobe, Jacob Wilson, Roki Sasaki, and Dylan Crews.
These are the only guys, in our opinion, with a legitimate shot at 2025 ROY. If you want a chance at that $100 Fanatics prize, these are your best bets.
And sure, some of these players could end up Hall of Famers down the road. But if you’re banking on that for your Red Rookie payout… welp, good luck.
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