Will Colt Keith’s debut at third base be the shakeup Detroit Tigers need

The Detroit Tigers are exploring new infield options. Manager A.J. Hinch has hinted at giving Colt Keith a chance to play third base. Although Keith has never played third in the major leagues, the team believes he could handle it when needed.

The coaching staff is thinking of ways to make the most of their lineup during this long MLB season.

Colt Keith may debut at third base soon

On June 4, 2025, before the Tigers’ game, manager A.J. Hinch spoke with Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press and said that Colt Keith might soon see time at third base. Although Keith has never played third at the MLB level, Hinch explained that the team is open to using him there if the situation calls for it.“We’re curious about how we can maximize this roster,” Hinch told Petzold. “I don’t know if it’s going to be a regular thing, but there are game situations where putting Colt at third could really help us.”Keith played third base in his first pro season back in 2021, where he logged 347 innings at that spot in the minors. But in June 2022, he injured his right shoulder and missed the rest of that season. The same shoulder caused issues again in 2023 and 2024, so he was moved mostly to second and first base.

Since being called up to the majors in 2024, Keith has not played third.Also Read: Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About Dillon Dingler As The Reason Behind Detroit’s Unexpected MLB Dominance?

Tigers eye roster balance and better infield results

The Tigers have been shifting players around. In 2025, Keith has spent most time at second and first base. After the Tigers signed Gleyber Torres, Keith moved more often to first. Torres has performed well this season with a .270 batting average and a 131 wRC+.Spencer Torkelson is also having a strong year, and the Tigers want to keep all three players—Keith, Torres, and Torkelson—in the lineup.

But rotating through the designated hitter (DH) spot has limited their flexibility. The outfield has also become more crowded now that Parker Meadows and Wenceel Pérez have returned from injury.

The Tigers’ current third base group hasn’t done well. Their combined stats are among the lowest in the league, and Trey Sweeney, the shortstop, is also struggling. Former first-round pick Jace Jung tried to take the job earlier this year but didn’t succeed. So far, Zach McKinstry, Javier Báez, and Andy Ibáñez have rotated through third with little success.Trying Colt Keith at third may help fill that gap. Hinch said, “In a perfect world, he gets more reps, but I’m willing to do anything to put these guys in a good position to win.”