Los Angeles Dodgers Rumors: Logan Forsythe a Target for Second Base?
After reportedly showing interest in Ian Kinsler and Brian Dozier, the Los Angeles Dodgers could find Logan Forsythe to be a more suitable alternative.
This offseason, the Los Angeles Dodgers haven’t tried to hide the fact that they are looking for second base help. With Howie Kendrick now a member of the Philadelphia Phillies and Chase Utley a free agent, there is an obvious hole at the position.
The Dodgers have already checked in on Ian Kinsler as well as Brian Dozier, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports has now reported that Los Angeles also has an interest in Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe.
#Dodgers, with openings at 2B and 3B, have interest in #Rays infielder Logan Forsythe, a RHH who plays both positions. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 20, 2016
In 2015, Forsythe, a former first-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres, had a breakout year. In his age-28 season, he hit .281/.359/.444 (124 OPS+) with 17 home runs and 68 RBI. Forsythe followed that up with another solid season in 2016, hitting .264/.333/.444 (113 OPS+) with 20 homers and 52 RBI in just 127 games.
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For the past two seasons, Forsythe has provided an above-average bat with considerable home run pop. Moreover, he adjusted to the leadoff spot very well in 2016.
Forsythe also ranked seventh among a talented crop of AL second basemen with a 2.8 fWAR this past season. Defensively, he graded out decently as well. Though he took a bit of a step back in 2016, he had eight Defensive Runs Saved at second base the previous year.
Forsythe, who will turn 30 in January, is only a few months older than Dozier. He is nearly five years younger than Kinsler, who will suddenly be turning 35 in June. The rebuilding Minnesota Twins should also have a golden opportunity to sell high on Dozier, as he is coming off of a 42-home run season. According to Rosenthal, Ian Kinsler won’t leave the Detroit Tigers unless the team acquiring him promises him an extension.
Forsythe would likely cost less in a trade than either of those two. For what he brings to the table, he is quite affordable in financial terms as well. Per Baseball-Reference, he is signed through 2017 at a cost of $7 million, with a $8.5 million option ($1 million buyout) for 2018.
While Forsythe may not quite have Dozier’s 40-homer pop or Kinsler’s track record, he would be a very solid solution to the Dodgers’ second base problem. He and phenom Corey Seager could certainly make a winning double-play combination.