Detroit Tigers infielder Colt Keith plays three positions: second base, first base and third base.
That won’t change.
The Tigers expect Keith to play all three positions during the 2026 season, creating flexibility for their roster construction and roster usage.
“We feel that he needs to play all three,” president of baseball operations Scott Harris said Monday, Oct. 13, during the end-of-season press conference at Comerica Park. “The opportunity to continue to get more work at all three is really important for us.”POINT THE FINGER: Tigers blame late-season collapse on bad offense, expect changes in offseasonExpert MLB daily picks: Unique MLB betting insights only at USA TODAY
It’s been a long journey to Keith’s current role.
The Tigers selected him as a third baseman in the fifth round of the 2020 draft.
In the big leagues, he played second base exclusively in 2024 after signing a contract extension, shifted to first base in 2025 to open a spot for a free-agent second baseman, then returned to his roots at third base later in 2025 to unclog the right side of the infield.
He has handled every move like a professional.
“It’s really easy to buy into it when we’re winning games,” Keith said June 11 after returning to third base, following stints at second and first. “They’re paying me money to do whatever they want, so I’m not going to tell them no. I’m happy to go over there if it helps me get in the lineup.”POBO: Does Tigers’ Scott Harris regret 2025 MLB trade deadline? It’s complicated
In 2025, Keith hit .256 with 13 home runs, 48 walks and 102 strikeouts across 137 games — the second year of his MLB career. The 24-year-old improved at the plate in OPS (.689 to .746), walk rate (6.5% to 10.3%) and exit velocity (87.8 mph to 90 mph).
On defense, Keith played 254⅓ innings with 32 starts at third base, 184⅔ innings with 21 starts at second base and 144 innings with 17 starts at first base.
He didn’t play third base until June.
“He got throw into the fire and was able to really play the position, which is something that I find really impressive,” Harris said. “We’re going to try not to do that to him again. That was more based on need, but the fact that he can play all three positions gives us a real advantage.”
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When possible, Tigers manager A.J. Hinch prioritized Keith at third base, Gleyber Torres at second base and Spencer Torkelson at first base. Three other players — Zach McKinstry, Andy Ibáñez and Jace Jung — also received opportunities at the hot corner.
“It was hard for him, but he got better and better the more that he did it,” Hinch said. “What I learned was we need a full commitment to the basics of these positions — not just put the glove on him and put him over there and he’ll figure it out.”
There is one area that needs to improve this offseason.
“We need our strength and conditioning group to get the first step faster,” Hinch said.HIS REACTION: Tigers’ Colt Keith on first start at third base in MLB career: ‘I know I can do it’
In 2025, Keith graded out as an average or slightly below-average defender at all three positions: zero defensive runs saved at both third and first and minus-1 at second.
Third base appears to be his best position.
“The ability to add an impact, left-handed bat like that at a number of different positions gives us a number of different avenues to build this team,” Harris said.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Tigers have Torkelson locked in at first base and Keith as an option at first, second and third, but everything else is undefined.
One possible alignment: Torkelson at first base, Keith at second base, top prospect Kevin McGonigle at shortstop, free agent Alex Bregman at third base.
There are many other combinations.
“We’re starting to break through with his comfort level with these positions, and based on how our winter goes, we’ll adapt accordingly,” Hinch said, “but at no point do I think this winter he’s going to be able to say one position. For the best use of our roster and our team, I think he’s a viable option at multiple positions.”
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