Detroit Tigers sign elite prospect to contract extension with club options

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have signed one of their elite prospects to a long contract extension with several club options.

Colt Keith was only 21 years old for last year’s minor-league season when he batted .306 with 27 homers, 38 doubles, and a .380 on-base percentage between Double-A and Triple-A.

He’s considered one of the top 25 prospects in all of baseball and the No. 2 player in the Tigers’ system, behind only last year’s top pick, Max Clark.

Keith isn’t considered a great defender, but he spent time at both second base and third base last season -- two positions at which the Tigers desperately need to upgrade if they hope to compete in the AL Central this upcoming season.

While he was expected to compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster this spring, there were questions about whether the Tigers would have Keith start the season with the Mud Hens in order to gain another season of club control.

But that’s no longer a consideration. On Sunday, the Tigers announced they have reached a six-year contract extension with Keith through the 2029 season. The contract also includes team options for the 2030, 2031, and 2032 seasons, which means if the Tigers want, they will have Keith on the roster for the next nine years.

If the 22-year-old can prove he’s ready for The Show in spring training, there’s no reason for the Tigers to hold him back.