A big contract of a promising player who has yet to make his Major League debut broke out again. The main character is Colt Keith (23) of the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit announced Wednesday (Korea Standard Time) the news of a multi-year contract with Keith. The deal is worth 28.64 million U.S. dollars for six years.
It is a guaranteed contract from 2024 to 2029 with a $2 million down payment. You will receive $2.5 million in 2024, $3.5 million in 2025, $4 million in 2026 to 2027, and $5 million in 2028 to 2029. And there is a club option that has the right to extend the contract for three years from 2030.
A $10 million club option or $2.642 million buyout is at stake in 2030. There is a $13 million club option or buyout of $1 million in 2031, and a $15 million club option and a $2 million buyout of 2032. If Detroit and Keith carry out all three-year options, the size of the contract will increase to a maximum of $82 million for nine years (KRW 109.7 billion).
Keith is an infielder who was designated as the fifth round of the 2020 MLB Rookie Draft. He is currently ranked 22nd overall in the MLB Pipeline prospect rankings and is the second-best prospect in Detroit.
He already advanced to Triple-A level last year, completing preparations for his Major League debut. He recorded a batting average of 325 (70 hits in 246 at-bats) with 14 homers and 50 RBIs in 59 games at Double-A last year, and even made a call-up for Triple-A. At Triple-A, he recorded a batting average of 287 (75 hits in 261 at-bats) with 13 homers and 51 RBIs at OPS .890.
This year, Keys is preparing for the opener as Detroit’s starting second baseman. Detroit’s president of baseball operations, Scott Harris, said it was an exciting day for Detroit and the Colt, his family, and his fans alike. The Colt accomplished everything we asked for during his childhood career and developed in every aspect. “I can assure you that he is one of the most promising young players. This deal demonstrates our commitment to gaining, developing, and retaining the Colt’s talent while showing faith in our club,” he announced.
“I couldn’t be more happy to have agreed on a contract to secure my place in this club for years to come. Since the 2020 draft, all of the club’s coaching staff and staff have been invaluable to me in and out of the stadium. That’s why I was so attracted to this club for the long term and being with incredible talented team members and coaches is a big part of that,” Keys said. “I’m grateful to my family, Piancé, agents and friends for their endless support throughout my life and career. Without them, I would not be who I am today. Ultimately, my goal is to become the best player and help Detroit win the World Series.”
It is the largest contract ever signed before a big league debut in Detroit’s history. It is the fourth largest contract ever signed in the history of the Major League. The biggest contract he signed before his Major League debut came out this winter. The Milwaukee Brewers signed an eight-year, 82 million U.S. dollars contract with Jackson Churio last year. The contract is the fourth of its kind ever signed by promising players who have not made their debut in the big leagues.
Churio, Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox six years, $50 million), and Eli Jimenez (six years, $43 million) signed bigger contracts than Keith. 꽁머니환전
Detroit failed to reach a 50% win rate for the last seven consecutive years, including 114 losses in 2019, and failed to advance to the postseason for nine years since 2014. Last year, Detroit showed a possibility of recovery by ranking second in the American League Central with 78 wins and 84 losses. And it signed a big contract to go higher with the team’s top prospects. Detroit has bet its fate on a prospect who has yet to make his big league debut.