Kevin Smith
Professional Baseball Third Baseman · Baseball - MLB
Oakland Athletics / Toronto Blue Jays
Era
Modern - circa 2022-2023
Item Type
Panini Absolute Baseball Booklet Card
Condition
Near Mint to Mint - The signature is crisp with no fading; the booklet shows sharp corners and a clean display.
Rarity
Common - Smith is a modern player with numerous pack-inserted autograph cards in the secondary market.
Overall Assessment
A standard, authentic modern-era baseball relic/auto booklet. It is a high-quality collectible for an Oakland Athletics fan but has limited upside in the high-end investment market.
Authenticity Assessment
Highly likely authentic - Manufacturer Certified
Signature Style
Stylized 'KS' monogram with horizontal trail
Signature Characteristics
Fast-moving strokes with a sharp 'K' loop and a truncated 'S' that blends into a finishing horizontal line. Consistent with his modern signing habit for high-volume trading card contracts.
Ink & Medium
Blue felt-tip marker on white sticker substrate (autograph sticker)
Item Description
2022 Panini Absolute Baseball Rookie Materials Signature Booklet featuring player-worn jersey swatches and an on-sticker autograph. Team: Oakland Athletics.
Estimated Value
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard 2022-2024 Kevin Smith card-based signatures exactly in terms of speed and letter proportion.
Authentication Tips
This is a manufacturer-certified autograph (pack-pulled). Look for the Panini authentication text on the reverse of the card to verify original distribution.
Certification Recommendation
PSA or Beckett (BGS) for card grading; the signature is already certified by Panini America, Inc.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the placement within a licensed Panini product ensures origin.
Provenance Notes
Card was originally obtained through retail or hobby-box distribution; no secondary provenance is required due to company certification.
Historical Context
Represents the era of the Oakland Athletics prior to their relocation announcement; Smith was a key utility prospect during this transitional period.
Market Trends
Stable to slightly declining; value is tied to the player's performance on the field. Rookie era cards generally hold base value.
Investment Potential
Low - Smith is a utility-grade player; unless he achieves All-Star status, this item is best suited for team collectors rather than financial investors.
Similar Autographs
Autographs of Matt Chapman, Sean Murphy, or other 2020-era Oakland Athletics players.
Display & Preservation
Keep in a vertical/booklet magnetic touch-holder to prevent edge wear and UV fading of the blue ink.
Interesting Facts
Smith was a standout at the University of Maryland before being drafted by Toronto and later traded to Oakland in the Matt Chapman deal.