A promising player who has not even made his major league debut has signed a six-year extension.
The official Major League Baseball website “MLB.com ” said on the 29th (Korea Standard Time), “The Detroit Tigers have made a historic investment for the future by signing a long-term contract with infielder prospect Colt Keith ahead of his Major League debut.”
“This contract announced by Detroit guarantees 28.64 million dollars (about 38.3 billion won) over the next six seasons to a player who ranks second in the Detroit pipeline and 22nd in the overall MLB rankings. There is a 2 million dollar contract bonus and there is a club option from 2030 to 2032. It could be a nine-year, 82 million dollar contract,” he said.
According to the details of the contract provided by Detroit, Keith will receive $2.5 million (about 3.3 billion won) in 2024, $3.5 million (about 4.6 billion won) in 2025, $4 million (about 5.3 billion won) in 2026 and 2027, and $5 million (about 6.6 billion won) in 2028 and 2029. There are going to be $10 million (about 13.3 billion won) in club options or $2.64 million (about 3.5 billion won) in 2030, $13 million (about 17.3 billion won) in 2031, $1 million (about 1.3 billion won) in club options or $2 million (about 2.6 billion won) in 2032. 꽁머니지급
“This is the largest contract Detroit has ever signed with a player who hasn’t made his big league debut. It’s also the first contract Detroit has signed before its major league debut since a major league contract for a draft pick was banned 10 years ago,” MLB.com said. “In the past, Detroit has signed major league contracts with draft picks Justin Verlander, Andrew Miller and Rick Porcello to distribute contract bonuses.”
Keith is an infielder who was drafted by Detroit with the 132nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. He is a right-handed batter and mostly plays third and second base. He played for Double A and Triple A in the minor leagues last season, and recorded 80 hits, 14 homers, 50 RBIs, 43 runs, and a batting average of 0.325 OPS of 0.976 in 59 games. He then had 75 hits, 13 homers, 51 RBIs, 45 runs, and a batting average of 0.287 OPS of 0.890 in Triple A.
“This is a very exciting day for the Detroit club, for Keith, for his family and for his fans,” said Scott Harris, president of baseball operations in Detroit. “Kiss has done everything we asked him to do since he was a child. He has improved every aspect of the game and has established himself as one of the most promising young players in sports. This deal represents our faith in Keith and the team’s efforts to recruit, nurture, and retain young talent.”
“I’m really happy that this contract will keep my place in this club for the next few years,” Keith said. “Since I was drafted in 2020, all the coaches and staff have helped me and my team members grow up on and off the field. The fact that I’m surrounded by incredibly talented teammates and coaches played a big role in deciding to stay here for the long term.”
“I want to thank my family, fiancé, agents and friends for their tireless support for my life and career. I would not be where I am without them,” he continued. “I know this contract is a great achievement, but ultimately my mission is to become the best player and contribute to winning the World Series for Detroit fans all over the world.”
Article courtesy of My Daily