When free agency began the Los Angeles Dodgers no longer had Chase Utley, their starting second baseman, and everyday third baseman Justin Turner under contract. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman called re-signing Turner and Kenley Jansen top priorities this winter.
He also acknowledged the club valued Utley’s contributions on and off the field, and were open to the veteran returning. With a vacancy at second base, there was a brief moment where it appeared Howie Kendrick would return to his natural position.
However, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. Thus, the Dodgers have been linked to Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler, Brian Dozier of the Minnesota Twins, and Pittsburgh Pirates free agent utility man Sean Rodriguez.
According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Los Angeles has continued interest in Tampa Bay Rays infielder 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
Forsythe was reported as a trade candidate when the Dodgers and Rays were thought to be discussing a deal prior to the Aug. 1 non-waiver deadline. The 29-year-old has primarily played second base throughout his career, but has experience at first base and third base as well.
Forsythe batted .264/.333/.444 with 24 doubles, 20 home runs, 52 RBI and a 113 OPS+ in 567 plate appearances over 127 games this season. His .778 on-base plus slugging percentage was down from an .804 clip in 2015 but still the second-best of Forsythe’s career.
He’s owed $5.75 million next season and has a $9 million club option with a $1 million buyout for 2018. The value Forsythe’s option increased $500,000 by virtue of logging 550 plate appearances this season.
Forsythe can earn additional an $500,000 each for 550 and 600 plate appearances in 2017, and another half-million dollars should he reached a combined 1,200 plate appearances from 2016-17.
