One of the players who has seen the most change in recent years for the Detroit Tigers is former top prospect Colt Keith. He’s struggled to solidify a role at the Majors in recent years, but recently, he finally found his long-term home.
As Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic outlined, the Tigers’ infielder has solidified a role at third base and potentially locked up a spot for the foreseeable future as well.
But his quest to earn that spot was a long and arduous one. From moving off third base due to an injury and taking over at second base, to learning first base, and back to third base in the middle of the year, Keith knows the journey hasn’t been easy.
Colt Keith’s Long Journey to Starting Third Base Role
Keith was banged up and moved from third base to second base to accommodate his injured arm. But, during Spring Training of 2025, the Tigers asked Keith to learn to play first base.
It was an odd transition for Keith to attempt to make. “Working at first base all spring was weird,” Keith said.
But with Spencer Torkleson hitting well to begin the year, he moved back to second base. Gleyber Torres then took off, and Keith was left with an uncertain role on the Tigers.
He was splitting time at first base, second base, and designated hitter to begin the year. However, while he didn’t have a clear role, Keith was willing to accommodate the team. “I’m open to play anywhere they need me to; that hasn’t been a problem,” Keith said.
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But in June, the Tigers decided to give Keith a chance to play some third base. He continued to rotate between third base, designated hitter, second base, and first base for a while before eventually settling full-time at third base since July 29th.
“It started with a lot of nerves,” Keith admitted, “but I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable as time has gone on.”
He’s solidified himself as the starting third baseman, thanks in part to a .377 batting average and 1.065 OPS in the 17 games since taking over as the third baseman on July 29th.
The Tigers have found their third baseman of the future, but it wasn’t without its twists and turns. Keith’s journey to the starting third baseman spot was rocky, as he bounced between first base, second base, and designated hitter before finding his home at third base, the position he originally held as a prospect coming up through the minors.
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