Colt Keith contract extension paying dividends for Tigers thanks to unexpected reason

When the Detroit Tigers signed top prospect Colt Keith to a long-term extension last year before he even made his MLB debut, the reaction from fans was decidedly divided. Some saw it as a bold, forward-thinking move to lock up a potential cornerstone at a team-friendly price of $28.6 million, while others were concerned about the six-year term and worried that the deal might be premature.

So far, Keith has done a lot to silence the doubters. He has built on a solid rookie campaign to become a productive (and versatile) contributor in 2025. Despite a rough start to the season in which he hit just .185 in April, he is now slashing .266/.348/.433 with 11 homers – but it's his defensive versatility that has arguably been his most valuable asset with the Tigers.

After spending his rookie season as the Tigers' primary second baseman, Keith was asked to learn first base when Detroit signed Gleyber Torres to a one-year deal in free agency. Keith's time at first base was short-lived, however, as Spencer Torkelson hit his way back into the lineup (and back into the starting first base role).

As a result, Keith has bounced around quite a bit for the Tigers this season, playing 44 games at DH, 18 at first base, 26 at second and 23 at third. The hot corner is a familiar spot for him, too, as he used to play third base in the minor leagues before a shoulder injury prompted his move to second. Nearly three years later, his arm is feeling strong enough to take on the demands of third base again – and the timing couldn't have been better for the Tigers.

Colt Keith contract extension is paying dividends for Tigers thanks to one unexpected reason

For the past month, Keith has played almost exclusively at third base or DH. It's still a work in progress – his arm strength only grades out in the 32nd percentile according to Baseball Savant – but he is currently at the league average in defensive runs saved. But as he looks increasingly more comfortable at the hot corner, it's looking as though the Tigers might be able to solve their infield puzzle internally.

Torres will be a free agent after this season, so it's possible that Keith moves back to second base next year. But right now, it appears equally possible that he settles in as the Tigers' third baseman of the future. Either way, the Tigers are already getting tremendous bang for their buck in year two of that six-year extension.

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