Dodgers: Logan Forsythe’s Defense Saves His Lack of Offense

After 160 regular season games, Logan Forsythe has not performed to the level fans expected. While batting .223 with the Dodgers, Forsythe’s defensive skills have outweighed his lack of offensive production.

In 138 plate appearances this season, Forsythe has been one of the least offensively productive players for the Dodgers. Forsythe’s slash line this season: .235/.292/.356.

In his last seven games, Forsythe has swung a hot bat, averaging .368 and slugging .526.

In his second season with Los Angeles, Forsythe is posting similar numbers to last year; which isn’t ideal.

Primarily hitting in the bottom of the order, the 31-year-old is the weakest link in the lineup.

While he has committed several errors this season, more than usual, Forsythe has fundamentally sound defense.

The Dodgers have limited options to fill second base. Utility players Chase Utley, Enrique Hernandez and Austin Barnes do not provide the reliability at second base like Forsythe does.

With surprised slugger of the season, Max Muncy is looking like the next player to take over second base. In two starts at second base, Muncy is two for seven with a single, home run and three walks.

However, given his lack of production at the plate, Forsythe’s defensive game has earned him a spot in the lineup.

Forsythe showed a glimmer of hope during the 2017 post-season when he was one of the most clutch hitters for the National League champions.

After the Dodgers picked up his 2018 option, Forsythe looked for redemption in the upcoming season.

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But a shoulder injury from filling in at third base caused Forsythe to underperform at the plate.

In a one-for-one trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, Forsythe found himself rejoining the NL West.  The Dodgers traded starting pitching prospect Jose De Leon to acquire Forsythe for his defensive skills and plate discipline.

It is no secret the Dodgers front office, led by President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman and General Manager Farhan Zaidi, like to optimize production while not overspending.

Before the 2017 season, arrows pointed towards the Dodgers trading for the Twins slugger Brian Dozier.

The Dodgers ranked as the worst team in baseball against left-handed pitchers and were in the market for a second baseman.

According to Jon Morosi, the Twins asked for a huge prospect haul that included Jose De Leon, Yadier Alvarez, and Willie Calhoun.

Since the Dodgers front office isn’t fond about trading prospects, they reached out to the Rays for their second baseman.

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Two seasons into the trade, it has favored the Dodgers more than the Rays since De Leon is out of play for two seasons for Tommy John surgery.

With the non-waiver trade deadline more than a month away, the Dodgers can package Forsythe in another trade that will help their offensive struggles.