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 virtually 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.”
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 could be eligible for arbitration.
The three club options 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 additional $18 million.
In late December, the Tigers discussed the possibility of a long-term contract extension with Keith’s camp. The choice to pursue the agreement with the Tigers was explained by Keith’s agent, Matt Paul of Munger English Sports Management.
