Tigers sign No. 2 prospect Keith to 6-year contract
Phenom inks deal ahead of MLB debut; contract includes club options for 2030-32
Jason Beck
@beckjasonThe Tigers made a historic investment in their future on Sunday, signing infield prospect Colt Keith to a long-term contract ahead of his much-anticipated Major League debut.
The contract, announced by the Tigers on Sunday morning, guarantees $28,642,500 over the next six seasons for the player MLB Pipeline ranks as the Tigers¡¯ No. 2 prospect and No. 22 in MLB. It includes a $2 million signing bonus along with club options and escalators for 2030 through 2032 that could make it as much as an $82 million deal over nine years.
Here¡¯s the breakdown of the deal, courtesy of the Tigers:
- 2024: $2.5 million
- 2025: $3.5 million
- 2026: $4 million
- 2027: $4 million
- 2028: $5 million
- 2029: $5 million
- 2030: $10 million club option or $2,642,500 buyout
- 2031: $13 million club option or $1 million buyout
- 2032: $15 million club option or $2 million buyout
It¡¯s the largest contract signed by a Tiger before his big league debut. It¡¯s also the first contract signed by a Tiger before his MLB debut since Major League contracts were ruled out for Draft picks a decade ago. The Tigers had previously signed top picks Justin Verlander, Andrew Miller and Rick Porcello to Major League deals out of the Draft as a way to spread out signing bonuses.
This is a different deal, giving the Tigers cost certainty and Keith financial security ahead of what is hoped to be a lengthy big league career. It¡¯s a sign of the lofty expectations the Tigers have for Keith, a fifth-round pick from the 2020 Draft who perched himself squarely on Detroit¡¯s doorstep last year with a breakout campaign in the Minor Leagues.
¡°This is a very exciting day for the Detroit Tigers, Colt, his family, and our fans,¡± Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said in a press 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.¡±
Keith batted .306 last year with 38 doubles, 27 home runs, 101 RBIs and a .932 OPS between Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie. He hit for the cycle in a 6-for-6, two-homer, seven-RBI performance for Erie on May 16, and took part in the All-Star Futures Game in July.
The Tigers have made no secret that they want to give Keith an opportunity to earn a spot in their Opening Day lineup, bypassing the free-agent infield market to keep second base open. This deal paves the way for Keith to open the season with the Tigers.
¡°I couldn¡¯t be more excited to reach this agreement, securing my place in this organization for years to come,¡± Keith said in a statement. ¡°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.
"I¡¯d also like to thank my family, fianc¨¦, agent, and friends for their tireless support throughout my life and career. Without them, I wouldn¡¯t be where I am today. I know this is a big accomplishment, but ultimately my mission is to be the best player possible and help win a World Series championship for Tigers fans everywhere.¡±
The deal is also a sign of the Tigers¡¯ approach with their wave of young talent. Harris said repeatedly this offseason that he¡¯s open to long-term deals and extensions with their younger players.