Dodgers Exercise Logan Forsythe’s 2018 Club Option
One of the biggest moves that the Dodgers made in the the last off-season was trading for Logan Forsythe. Los Angeles gave away top pitching prospect Jose De Leon in exchange for the second baseman, and it seemed like a pretty fair trade at the time. Forsythe was owed $5.75 million for 2017 and had a club option for 2018.
On Monday, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reported that the Dodgers picked up Logan Forsythe’s $8.5 million club option for 2018.
Dodgers pick up $8.5 million option on Logan Forsythe for 2018.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) November 6, 2017
Logan Forsythe struggled for most of the 2017 season. He began the year off hot in April, hitting .295/.407/.341. Unfortunately, his batting average would hover around .200 to .250 over the remainder of the season, though his on-base percentage was fairly consistent. He ended the year with a slash line of .224/.351/.327, with six home runs and 36 runs batted in. The power was considerably down considering he hit 20 home runs in 2016, but there were some positives to his 2017 performance with the Dodgers.
Forsythe dominated left-handed pitching, hitting .290/.418/.452 against them. Because of this, he saw most of his time at second base when lefties were on the mound. He also really shined in the postseason. In 37 at-bats, Forsythe hit .297/.435/.351, with nine runs scored and six runs batted in. He flew under the media’s radar in October, but his success at the plate was much appreciated by Dodger fans everywhere.
It seems pretty likely that Logan Forsythe’s role will continue to be against left-handed pitching in 2018. However, they do not have a player to take over the position when righties are on the mound. Chase Utley is now a free agent, so re-signing him could fill that void, though he struggled in 2017. Especially in the postseason, where he went hitless in 15 at-bats. They also have internal options such as Austin Barnes who hit .321/.444/.459 against right-handed pitchers in 2017. However, we will just have to wait and see what the front office has planned.
What do you think about Logan Forsythe returning to the Dodgers in 2018? Let us know in the comments below!
Andre Ethier Is A Free Agent After Dodgers Decline 2018 Option
Awesome! Loved seeing Logan play this season. Definitely put up a lot of great at-bats, and his defense hardly faltered. I always think that he reminds me of a young Chase or Jeff Kent. Solid dude.
For 8.5 to much. For that money they could have gone zack cosarts whos younger or even Ian kindsler for a couple more.
I don’t feel this was a good move unless its to eventually trade him. I don’t know about everyone else, but I think Charlie Culberson showed me enough to warrant him getting the job at Second. Charlie has always been a marginal at best player, but this season when Seager went down and Turner Ward really focused on getting Charlie ready to hit in the NLCS, he showed that with the right coaching he can be a great hitter and a clutch one at that. We already know he’s great defensively, he could be next years Chris Taylor.
In WS with Bellinger win 3rd 1 out Forsythe took a called 3rd strike on a pitch just off the plate – you’re right, umpire’s wrong but runner was stranded when all you had to do was put the ball in play., Forsythe takes too many pitches. Annoying.
I had hoped they would not have pursued Forsythe. He was disappointing all year. If you want to consider playoff games Charlie Culberson did pretty good also and would be available for less salary
Also, moving Taylor to 2nd base is another option-especially if Verdugo can live up to his hype. The outfield also should have Toles returning
Maybe Forsythe will be used for trade bait The over-enthusiasm for the starting pitching is worrisome. Darvish is probably headed elsewhere ( amen), Is it ( over the) Hill?. Will Wood repeat? Will McCarthy and Kazmir stay off the DL long enough to lose a game or three? Is Ryu done? Will Maeda remain in the bullpen or return to being a starter? Can Kershaw be Kershaew another year as he showed signs of vulnerability ( again) in the playoffs ( except game 7 – 4 innings!) Too many questions and question marks
I agree with a lot of what you say. I do believe Forsythe should be retained solely because of his versatility
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