Last month, the Los Angeles Dodgers addressed their most-pressing need at the time by trading for Logan Forsythe. On top of the versatile infielder serving as the answer at second base, Forsythe is projected to bat lead off this season.
It’s a role he assumed on a full-time basis in 2016 for the first time in his career. Forsythe nonetheless did so successfully for the Tampa Bay Rays, batting .265/.335/.436 with 24 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs, 52 RBI, 46 walks and six stolen bases in 565 plate appearances.
Forsythe started in the leadoff spot in 125 of his 127 games played last season. He used Spring Training to grow comfortable hitting atop the lineup, and expects to carry over the production now with the Dodgers.
Whether batting leadoff or elsewhere in the order, Steamer and ZiPS 2017 projections call for a productive season from Forsythe:
| Batting Average | On-base Percentage | Slugging Percentage | Doubles | Home Runs | RBI | wOBA | wRC+ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steamer | .258 | .328 | .415 | 19 | 12 | 60 | .323 | 104 |
| ZiPS | .259 | .329 | .421 | 21 | 15 | 50 | .329 | 108 (OPS+) |
Overall last season, he batted .264/.333/.444 with the aforementioned 24 doubles, 20 home runs and 52 RBI. For the sabermetrically inclined, Forsythe posted a .336 wOBA, 113 wRC+ and 113 OPS+.
Comparatively, Chase Utley, who was the Dodgers’ primary leadoff man in 2016, hit .252/.319/.396 with 26 doubles, 14 home runs, 52 RBI, a .312 wOBA, 97 wRC+ and 95 OPS+ in 138 games. He cooled considerably after a hot start to the season.
Over parts of six seasons with the San Diego Padres and Rays, Forsythe is a career .255/.326/.395 batter, with 97 doubles, 55 home runs, 203 RBI and a 103 OPS+ 2,280 plate appearances.
Beyond what value he is expected to bring on the field, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman highlighted Forsythe’s mentality and style of play, believing he’s a good fit with the club.
Friedman previously acquired Forsythe from the Padres as part of a seven-player trade in January 2014. Friedman then joined the Dodgers front office that October.
