Tigers sign INF prospect Colt Keith to long-term deal

Field Level Media|published: Sun 28th January, 12:30 2024

Jun 28, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Toledo Mud Hens second baseman Colt Keith (39) warms up prior to the MiLB baseball game against the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Park. credits: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Infielder Colt Keith, who has yet to make his major league debut, signed a six-year, $28.6 million contract extension with the Detroit Tigers.

The club announced the signing on Sunday and said the deal goes through the 2029 season and includes club options for the 2030, 2031, and 2032 seasons.

Keith will earn $2.5 million in 2024, with his salary rising incrementally to $5 million for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. Should all Tigers exercise all options, Keith will earn $82 million through 2032.

MLB Pipeline ranks Keith as the Tigers' No. 2 prospect and the No. 22 overall. He is expected on the major league roster at some point in 2024.

The Tigers selected him in the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of high school in Biloxi, Miss.

Keith, 22, appeared in 59 games at Double-A Erie and 67 at Triple-A Toledo in 2023. A left-handed batter, he hit a combined .306 with 38 doubles, 27 home runs and 101 RBIs.

"This is a very exciting day for the Detroit Tigers, Colt, his family, and our fans," said Scott Harris, the Tigers' president of baseball operations, in a news release. "Colt has done everything we've asked of him during his young career, improving all facets of his game and asserting himself as one of the sport's most promising young players. This contract demonstrates our faith in Colt and this organization's commitment to acquire, develop, and retain young talent."

Should Keith's career develop the way the Tigers envision, his contract could be a bargain. Keith said he welcomed the stability and the opportunity.

"I couldn't be more excited to reach this agreement, securing my place in this organization for years to come," Keith said. "Since being drafted in 2020, all the coaches and staff have been invaluable in helping me and my teammates grow on and off the field. There's a reason I felt strongly about making a long-term commitment to be here, and being surrounded by incredibly talented teammates and coaches is a big part of that."

—Field Level Media

Latest