Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Jackson Chourio signed a historic contract extension in December.  At the time the 19 year old became the sixth player to ever sign a contract extension prior to making his MLB debut.  His eight year, $82 million deal surpassed Luis Robert’s six year, $50 million as the highest guaranteed money for a player who had not yet taken a swing in the big leagues.

As it turns out Jackson Chourio now has company this off-season as a second elite prospect has signed a contract extension prior to making their MLB debut.  This prospect is ranked 22nd overall by MLB pipeline and is slated to be the Detroit Tigers starting second baseman on opening day in 2024.  His name is Colt Keith.

Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith joins Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio as the second pre-MLB debut prospect to sign a contract extension this off-season.  

The Detroit Tigers have announced that 22 year old Colt Keith has agreed to a six year, $28.6 million contract.  His deal can span up to nine years in length in which a $10 million club option exists for 2030, $13 million club option for 2031, and a $15 million club option for 2032.  If all options are picked up and escalators achieved his contract maxes out at $82 million.  Buyouts for his option years are a part of this deal as well.

On the other hand Jackson Chourio has a deal that maxes out at ten years and $142.5 million.  His deal includes club options for $25 million for both the 2032 and 2033 seasons.  Each of his option years have $2 million buyouts attached to them.

Diving a bit further into the contracts of Jackson Chourio and Colt Keith.  

Here is a year by year breakdown of each contract.

Colt Keith – Detroit Tigers

• 2024 – $2.5 million
• 2025 – $3.5 million
• 2026-  $4.0 million
• 2027 – $4.0 million
• 2028 – $5.0 million
• 2029 – $5.0 million
• 2030 – $10.0 million (club option)
• 2031 – $13.0 million (club option)
• 2032 – $15.0 million (club option)

Jackson Chourio- – Milwaukee Brewers

• 2024 – $2.0 million
• 2025 – $4.0 million
• 2026 – $7.0 million
• 2027 – $8.0 million
• 2028 – $9.0 million
• 2029 – $15.0 million
• 2030 – $16.0 million
• 2031 – $17.0 million
• 2032 – $25.0 million (club option)
• 2033 – $25.0 million (club option)

Where does Colt Keith’s contract rank among other players to receive contracts prior to their MLB debut? 

As mentioned earlier Jackson Chourio currently has the largest contract among players to receive deals prior to their MLB debut.  Luis Roberts previously held this record and is still second.  Colt Keith’s contract with the Detroit Tigers gives him the fourth highest contract.

1. Jackson Chourio, Brewers: 8 years and $82 million
2. Luis Robert, White Sox: 6 years and $50 million
3. Eloy Jiménez, White Sox: 6 years and $43 million
4. Colt Keith, Tigers: 6 years and $28.6425 million
5. Scott Kingery, Phillies: 6 years and $24 million
6. Evan White, Mariners: 6 years and $24 million
7. Jon Singleton, Astros: 5 years and $10 million

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