In an unusual move, the Detroit Tigers have placed a significant bet on the future potential of 22-year-old infield prospect Colt Keith, signing him to a six-year contract with a guaranteed value of $28,642,500. This bold move demonstrates the Tigers’ confidence in Keith’s abilities and potential.
The contract also includes three team options that could extend the deal to a total of nine seasons, potentially reaching a total value of $64 million. Additionally, there are escalators built into the contract that have the potential to increase its total value to $82 million over nine years.
Colt Keith, currently ranked as the No. 22 prospect in Major League Baseball by MLB.com, is a left-handed-hitting player who primarily operates as a third baseman and second baseman. Hailing from Zanesville, Ohio, Keith was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 amateur draft from Biloxi High School in Mississippi.
Keith’s performance in the minor leagues has been impressive. Last season, he boasted a batting average of .325, along with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs in 59 games for Double-A Erie. Following this successful stint, he was promoted to Triple-A Toledo on June 26, where he continued to shine, batting .287 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs in 67 games.
The terms of Keith’s contract include a $2 million signing bonus, followed by annual salaries of $2.5 million in 2024, $3.5 million in 2025, $4 million in both 2026 and 2027, and $5 million in each of 2028 and 2029. The Tigers hold a $10 million option for the 2030 season, which comes with a $2,642,500 buyout. In 2031, there’s a $13 million option with a $1 million buyout, and finally, a $15 million option for 2032, accompanied by a $2 million buyout.
This contract signing comes on the heels of the Milwaukee Brewers’ recent agreement with 19-year-old outfielder Jackson Chourio, securing an eight-year, $82 million deal. Chourio’s contract marked a significant investment in a prospect with no prior Major League service.
For the Detroit Tigers, this move signifies a commitment to building for the future. The team has faced seven consecutive losing seasons and is eager to return to its glory days. Their last World Series victory was in 1984, and they haven’t clinched an American League pennant since 2012. With Colt Keith’s potential and this bold investment, the Tigers hope to turn the tide and once again become contenders in the world of Major League Baseball.