Market outlook
Declining Outlook 6/10
11.6% drop in graded 10 value over last 30 days to $148.90, with raw prices also down 7.7%; prospect fatigue amid broader market softening
Next months. Continued softness or stabilization next 3-6 months unless strong 2026 season stats
Long term. Potential rebound in 1-3 years if Salas reaches MLB and performs, boosting rookie card demand
History
Ethan Salas is a highly touted catching prospect for the San Diego Padres, signed as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2021 for $3.2 million at age 15. Considered one of MLB's top prospects, he debuted in the 2023 Arizona Complex League and has risen rapidly through the minors, known for his elite defensive skills, plate discipline, and power potential.
Released May 2023 as part of the 2023 Topps Bowman Chrome Baseball set, marking his first Bowman Chrome autograph card
- 1st Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (CPA), signifying his rookie autograph card
- Part of the popular Chrome Prospect Autographs insert
- Green Refractor variant is serial numbered /99, adding significant scarcity
Rarity and print run
- Tier
- Ultra Rare
- Print run
- Low (Green Refractor serial numbered to 99)
- First printed in
- 2023 Topps Bowman Chrome Baseball
- Demand
- Medium
- Supply
- Scarce
- Serial numbered Green Refractor /99
- 1st Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto rookie status
- Limited to high-end chase parallel in base prospect auto checklist
Collector notes
Condition. Check for centering issues common in Chrome parallels, print defects on glossy surface, edge wear from refractor layer, autograph smearing or bleeding; graded 10 examples require perfect corners and gem mint centering
Storage. Store in semi-rigid top-loader with soft sleeve in cool, dry environment away from sunlight to prevent refractor toning; use card saver for shipping
Authenticity. Verify serial number matching on card slab and sticker; check autograph consistency against known Salas exemplars via graded or Beckett databases; beware of altered raw cards or fake autos on base CPA-ESS without refractor sheen