Tigers' Keith Signs $28.6M Deal Before MLB Debut
The Detroit Tigers have signed 22-year-old infield prospect Colt Keith to a six-year contract worth $28.6 million, including team options that could make it worth up to $82 million over nine years.
Tigers Bet on Infield Prospect Colt Keith
In a surprising move, the Detroit Tigers have signed 22-year-old infield prospect Colt Keith to a six-year contract worth $28.6 million. This deal includes three team options that could potentially increase the total value to $82 million over nine seasons. Keith, ranked as the No. 22 prospect by MLB.com, has yet to make his debut in the major leagues.
Keith, a left-handed-hitting third baseman and second baseman, was drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 amateur draft out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi. Last year, he had an impressive performance in the minor leagues, hitting .325 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs in 59 games for Double-A Erie. He was then promoted to Triple-A Toledo, where he batted .287 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs in 67 games.
Contract Details for Keith
As part of the contract, Keith will receive a $2 million signing bonus and salaries of $2.5 million in 2024, $3.5 million in 2025, $4 million each in 2026 and 2027, and $5 million apiece in 2028 and 2029. The Tigers also have a $10 million option for 2030 with a $2,642,500 buyout, a $13 million option for 2031 with a $1 million buyout, and a $15 million option for 2032 with a $2 million buyout.
This signing comes after the Milwaukee Brewers agreed to an eight-year, $82 million contract with 19-year-old outfielder Jackson Chourio, setting a new record for the largest contract for a prospect with no major league experience.
Tigers' Recent Struggles
The Detroit Tigers have had a tough time in recent years, with seven consecutive losing seasons. The team hasn't won a World Series since 1984 and hasn't won an American League pennant since 2012. The signing of Colt Keith is a sign of the team's commitment to building a successful future and revitalizing the franchise.
The Tigers are optimistic about Keith's potential and believe he can contribute significantly to the team's success in the coming years. With the addition of Keith and other promising prospects, the Tigers hope to turn their fortunes around and compete at a high level in the MLB.
