Fernando Tatis Jr.
MLB All-Star Shortstop and Outfielder · Baseball - MLB
San Diego Padres
Era
Modern Era - circa 2019-2023
Item Type
Baseball
Condition
Excellent. The signature is bold with no significant fading or bleeding. The ball appears white with no visible yellowing or toning, though there is slight blurring consistent with felt-tip on non-porous surfaces.
Rarity
Moderate. Tatis Jr. was a prolific signer early in his career and through exclusive deals (such as with Fanatics/Panini), though his signing frequency has fluctuated following his 2022 suspension.
Overall Assessment
A high-quality, authentic-appearing example of a premier modern baseball superstar. Highly desirable for San Diego Padres fans and modern MLB investors.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic; confidence 85%. The signature exhibits the characteristic "FT" monogram style with the '23' jersey number inscription common to his early-career signing habits.
Signature Style
Stylized monogram. It features a heavy top horizontal stroke for the 'F', looping into a cursive 'T', with his jersey number '23' inscribed to the lower right.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid strokes with high pen speed. The bottom loop of the 'T' is wide and circular. The number '23' is written with a distinct, slightly disconnected '2' and a sharp '3'.
Ink & Medium
Purple or Dark Blue felt-tip permanent marker (Sharpie style) on a synthetic or leather baseball surface.
Item Description
Official size baseball, appears to be a promotional or souvenir quality ball based on the stitching and surface texture, housed in a Rawlings brand acrylic display cube.
Estimated Value
$150 - $250 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches very closely with 2020-2021 era examples before he began slightly simplifying the loop for high-volume signings.
Authentication Tips
Look for the speed of the top bar of the 'F' and the specific way the '23' is nested. Forgers often struggle with the fluid loop connecting the two major initials.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence Authentication). Both are industry leaders for modern MLB stars.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the ink flow and pressure points appear natural for a hand-signed item.
Provenance Notes
Look for a MLB Authentication hologram or a certificate from a reputable source like Fanatics, as Tatis has had exclusive signing contracts.
Historical Context
Signed during the peak of 'Tatís-mania', representing one of the most dynamic young talents to enter the league in the late 2010s.
Market Trends
Stable to slightly appreciating. While the 2022 suspension hurt his market, his return to elite play has restored collector confidence in his long-term value.
Investment Potential
High. As a young superstar with MVP potential, his early-career autographs on baseballs remain a staple for modern collectors.
Similar Autographs
Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Ronald Acuña Jr.
Display & Preservation
Keep in the UV-protected Rawlings case shown. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will cause the purple/blue ink to fade into a brown or yellow tint.
Interesting Facts
Tatis Jr. often includes '23' in honor of his father, though he has occasionally changed his signature style to a simpler 'FT' during high-volume sessions.