The Detroit Tigers have taken a bold and unprecedented step by signing 22-year-old prospect Colt Keith to a lucrative six-year contract. Despite having no major league experience, the infielder has been guaranteed an impressive $28,642,500. This highly unusual move showcases the team's confidence in Keith's potential and underscores their commitment to nurturing young talent.
The contract also includes three team options that could potentially amount to a staggering $64 million over nine seasons. Moreover, there are escalators built into the deal that have the potential to increase its value even further, reaching up to $82 million over nine years. This demonstrates the Tigers' long-term investment in Keith and their belief in his abilities.
Colt Keith, a left-handed-hitting third baseman and second baseman, hails from Zanesville, Ohio, and was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 amateur draft from Biloxi High School in Mississippi. Despite his relative inexperience, Keith has shown exceptional promise. In the previous season, he delivered an impressive performance with Double-A Erie, hitting .325 with 14 home runs and 50 RBIs in just 59 games. Following this outstanding display, Keith was promoted to Triple-A Toledo last June, where he maintained his impressive form. In 67 games, he batted an impressive .287 with 13 home runs and 51 RBIs.
As part of the contract, Keith will receive a $2 million signing bonus, which will be divided into two installments: half on February 15 and the other half on March 15. Furthermore, his salary structure includes incremental increases throughout the years. He is set to earn $2.5 million in 2024, $3.5 million in 2025, $4 million in 2026 and 2027, and $5 million in both 2028 and 2029.
Additionally, the Tigers retain the option to extend Keith's contract for three more years. They 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 finally, a $15 million option for 2032 with a $2 million buyout. Furthermore, Keith's salaries for 2030 to 2032 could potentially rise by up to $3 million based on his performances in the preceding years, including criteria such as MVP voting, Silver Slugger awards, All-Star selections, and more.
It is worth noting that this deal comes on the heels of 19-year-old outfielder Jackson Chourio's $82 million, eight-year contract, which he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers last month. While Keith's contract falls short of Chourio's in terms of overall value, it is still an impressive commitment to a player who has yet to make his major league debut.
The Tigers' decision to invest significantly in young and promising talent like Colt Keith highlights the team's determination to rebuild their franchise. With seven consecutive losing seasons, the Tigers are eager to turn their luck around and ensure a brighter future. Their last World Series victory dates back to 1984, and they have not won an American League pennant since 2012. By signing Keith to this substantial contract, the Tigers demonstrate their dedication to securing success both in the short term and in the years to come.
Only time will tell if Colt Keith lives up to the Tigers' lofty expectations and justifies the sizable investment made in his potential. However, the team's commitment to their young prospect is a testament to their belief in his talent and the hope that he will become a cornerstone of their future success in the major leagues.
