CLEARWATER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 25: Logan Forsythe #13 of the Philadelphia Phillies (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
Logan Forsythe has been let go by the Philadelphia Phillies.
The weird, wonderful career of utility player Logan Forsythe might be reaching its end, and the Philadelphia Phillies decided against bringing in the nine-year veteran along for the ride in 2020
Forsythe has officially received his pink slip, as the Phillies cut bait with him a week before they were scheduled to start the 2020 season. Forsythe was signed to a deal just before Spring Training, but his .281 average didn’t convince Joe Girardi to keep him around in Philadelphia.
Logan Forsythe’s career is winding to a close.
Forsythe started his career with the San Diego Padres, earning rave reviews for his ability to play most infield and corner outfield positions. His career didn’t really take off until he joined the Tampa Bay Rays in 2014, where his versatility fit perfectly with what Tampa wanted to do. During the ’15 and ’16 seasons, Forsythe hit .273 with 37 of his 70 career home runs while adding 57 doubles.
Things went downhill after he became a Los Angeles Dodger in 2017. Over the last three seasons, which he’s split with the Dodgers, Twins, and Rangers, Forsythe has managed just a .228 average with 15 home runs in 340 games. Revitalizing his career is certainly not going to happen in Philadelphia.
The Phillies will not be short on options to replace him. Scott Kingery, who himself was used in a utility role last season, now has an even more firm grasp on the second base job. Veterans like Josh Harrison and Neil Walker, both of whom can play multiple positions, are now more likely to make the roster.
About to turn 34 and almost a half-decade removed from the last time he was an above-average player on offense, Forsythe might be running out of time if he wants to pick up a championship before leaving the game.