Colt Keith signs a nine-year, $82 million deal agreement with the Detroit Tigers.
Colt Keith, a prospect, has agreed to a contract extension with the Detroit Tigers.
The six-year agreement, which went into effect on Sunday morning, runs through the 2029 season, with club options for 2030, 2031, and 2032. If every option is raised to the full exercise price over the course of nine years, the deal will be worth $82 million.
Keith’s MLB debut on Opening Day in 2024 as the Tigers’ second baseman is almost assured by the long-term deal. The 22-year-old has been named to the 40-man roster despite having no major-league experience in his three-year professional career.
Tigers head of baseball operations Scott Harris stated in a statement, “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.” Our confidence in Colt and this organization’s dedication to identifying, nurturing, and keeping young talent is demonstrated by this deal.”
MORE INFO ON HIM:Colt Keith plays like Joey Votto, thinks like Conor McGregor, and has the finest prospect appearance for the Tigers.
Colt Keith, an infielder with the Detroit Tigers, plays on July 9, 2023, at Fifth Third Field in Toledo, Ohio, for Triple-A Toledo.
Keith’s earnings are scheduled to be $2.5 million in 2024, $3.5 million in 2025, $4 million in 2026, $4 million in 2027, $5 million in 2028, and $5 million in 2029. He was given a $2 million signing bonus.
The guaranteed $28.6425 million in the six-year contract covers all the seasons that Keith would be under team control, including three or four years when he may be eligible for arbitration.
The three club choices are as follows: $10 million with a $2,642,500 buyout for 2030, $13 million with a $1 million buyout for 2031, and $15 million with a $2 million buyout for 2032. Through the club options, he may be able to increase his earnings by an extra $18 million.
In late December, the Tigers discussed the possibility of a long-term contract extension with Keith’s camp. Agent for Keith, Matt Paul of
moment that would change Colt’s life,” Paul said to the Free Press on Sunday afternoon. “He made the decision to put himself in a position where, come what may, he and his fiancée would be able to support their family comfortably.”Our guiding principle was to ensure that we approached these interactions with flexibility.In the event that the player expresses interest in potentially pursuing this kind of possibility, our responsibility is to do a thorough market analysis.We conducted a thorough analysis.”
In the fifth round of the shortened 2020 draft, Keith was taken by the Tigers, then led by previous general manager Al Avila, out of Biloxi High School in Mississippi, at No. 132 overall. In high school, he played shortstop and dedicated himself to
Keith’s second season in the minors was cut short by a right shoulder injury that ended in June 2022 without the need for surgery. However, after fully recovering in October 2022, he dominated the Arizona Fall League, paving the way for a breakout in his third season.
Keith had action with Double-A Erie (59 games) and Triple-A Toledo (67 games) in 2023. He hit.306 with 27 home runs, 60 walks (10.4% walk rate), and 121 strikeouts (21% strikeout rate) during that season. In 301 plate appearances with the Mud Hens, he hit.287 with 13 home runs.
Keith’s second season in the minors was cut short by a right shoulder injury that ended in June 2022 without the need for surgery. However, after fully recovering in October 2022, he dominated the Arizona Fall League, paving the way for a breakout in his third season.
Keith had action with Double-A Erie (59 games) and Triple-A Toledo (67 games) in 2023. He hit.306 with 27 home runs, 60 walks (10.4% walk rate), and 121 strikeouts (21% strikeout rate) during that season. In 301 plate appearances with the Mud Hens, he hit.287 with 13 home runs.
“I couldn’t be more excited to reach this agreement, securing my place in this organization for years to come,” Keith stated in a statement. “Each coach and member of the staff has been helpful in helping me and my teammates develop both on and off the field since I was drafted in 2020. Being surrounded by really skilled players and coaches was a major factor in why I felt strongly about committing to this for the long run.
In addition, I want to express my gratitude to my friends, family, and fiancé for their unwavering support during my life and profession.I wouldn’t be where I am now without them.Although I am aware that this is a significant achievement, my ultimate goal is to be the best player possible.e
