The Detroit Tigers are in the bottom third of nearly every offensive category, and there are few things for the fans to look forward to. Colt Keith is the exception. The top prospect in the Tigers system has been on a tear this year and might find his way onto the big league team this season.
The 21-year-old started the year in Double-A and proved more than capable of competing. In 59 games in Double-A, Keith slashed .325/.391/.585 with 14 home runs, 18 doubles, and 50 RBI.
Keith's mastery of Double-A practically forced the Tigers to move him up to Triple-A. If he continues producing at the level he did in Double-A, Keith may earn another promotion before the year ends. His combination of contact and power is exactly what the Detroit Tigers lineup needs.
How High Is Colt Keith's Fantasy Potential?
Keith played in his first Triple-A game on Wednesday night and wasted no time getting to work. In his first at-bat, he blasted a 425-foot home run over the tall wall in Columbus. The 21-year-old followed up his home run with two singles and two walks. It seemed like Keith could do no wrong in his Triple-A debut. The only time Keith did not get on base, he hit a screaming liner to left center that was caught on the run at the track.
Throughout his minor league career, the young slugger has demonstrated a great balance of aggressiveness and plate discipline. Keith only once displayed a strikeout rate over 23%, and it was an 18-game stretch in High-A at the end of 2021. Every other season, the infielder showed a strikeout rate of around 20% and a walk rate of about 10%. The Tigers' lineup needs his ability to hit for contact and power while drawing walks and limiting strikeouts.
When Might Colt Keith Get A Major-League Opportunity?
Keith was just promoted to Triple-A yesterday, and although his debut was noteworthy, it will likely take at least a few weeks to gauge how well he has adjusted to the new level of competition. Stats take some time to stabilize, but if the young slugger's production does not fall off a cliff, a promotion to the Detroit Tigers could be in the cards.
The Tigers lineup has been horrible, scoring the third-fewest runs in the league, only ahead of the Kansas City Royals and the Oakland Athletics. Due to his lack of speed, Keith would likely play third base, and there is no one on the Tigers roster with a stronghold on that position. The other third-base eligible players on the roster are Zach McKinstry, Andy Ibanez, and Jonathan Schoop. Those players also play different positions, so fitting Keith in at the hot corner would not be difficult.
It's certainly too soon to speculate when Keith may be promoted to the Tigers, but his skills are apparent, and the job is there for the taking. The 21-year-old could easily fit in as an everyday starter at third base and DH for the Tigers with his plus bat. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep a close eye on Keith in the coming weeks because he could be a real difference-maker in fantasy if he gets the call. I would stash him if I had an empty bench slot because the upside is there for Keith.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]
Kumar Rocker - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday and should be added in all standard leagues. Rocker has had a rocky start to his professional career. He was originally drafted by the New […]
Jasson Dominguez: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25 (2024)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 35% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees called up their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. Dominguez hit sixth and played left field in his second major league start of the season. In that contest, he went 1-for-4 with […]
Will Wagner - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 23)
BALLER MOVE: Use as Streamer for Rest of Season / Stash in Dynasty Leagues CALL-UP ETA: In Majors ANALYSIS: Will Wagner, the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at this year’s trade deadline from the Houston Astros as part of the Yusei Kikuchi return. The 26-year-old currently ranks […]
Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 22)
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: August 19 ANALYSIS: Connor Norby is finally making his much-anticipated debut for the Miami Marlins. Norby, who was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Trevor Rogers to Baltimore, was playing with Miami's Triple-A team in Jacksonville since being traded but was activated by Miami […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!