A few of the Los Angeles Dodgers biggest need this offseason were finding a second baseman, a leadoff hitter and right-handed bat to offset a lineup that’s chalk-full of left-handed hitters. Los Angeles seemingly checked off each of those boxes by trading pitching prospect Jose De Leon to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Logan Forsythe.
Forsythe batted leadoff in all 125 of his starts for the Rays last season, and he has excelled against southpaws in his career, hitting .278/.343/.475. Speaking at Dodgers FanFest in January, Forsythe said he’s become acclimated to batting in the leadoff spot.
It was a role Dodgers managerDave Roberts initially said Forsythe was likely to fill this season. However, the second-year manager backtracked a bit on Wednesday, via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Roberts clarified earlier comments on newly acquired second baseman Logan Forsythe being a “top of the order” batter, saying that doesn’t necessarily mean he will bat leadoff, but he’s likely to be in any of the top three spots in the order.
Last season Forsythe hit .265/.335/.436 with 24 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs and 52 RBIs in 565 plate appearances. He drew 46 walks, stole six bases and was caught stealing six times.
Forsythe is a career .260/.328/.433 batter, with 30 doubles, 22 home runs and 57 RBIs in 665 plate appearances when hitting first in the batting order.
While the deal has not yet been finalized, the Dodgers recently agreed to terms with last season’s leadoff hitter and starting second baseman, Chase Utley. He conceivably could again see time atop the order when spelling Forsythe, or if both infielders are in the lineup.
Forsythe has played every position except center field and catcher in his career, giving Roberts some additional flexibility. In addition to second base, Utley is capable of playing first base and third base.
