Logan Forsythe

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Logan Forsythe

| image = 20170718 Dodgers-WhiteSox Logan Forsythe on second.jpg

| image_size = 240px

| caption = Forsythe with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2017

| team =

| number =

| position = Second baseman

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1987|1|14}}

| birth_place = Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = May 4

| debutyear = 2011

| debutteam = San Diego Padres

|finalleague=MLB

|finaldate=August 25

|finalyear=2020

|finalteam=Miami Marlins

| statyear =

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Batting average

| stat1value = .244

| stat2label = Home runs

| stat2value = 71

| stat3label = Runs batted in

| stat3value = 307

| teams =

San Diego Padres ({{mlby|2011}}–{{mlby|2013}})
Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2016}})
Los Angeles Dodgers ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2018}})
Minnesota Twins ({{mlby|2018}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2019}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2020}})

|medaltemplates=

{{Medal|Country|{{bb|USA}}}}

}}

John Logan Forsythe (born January 14, 1987) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the San Diego Padres, Tampa Bay Rays, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins. While primarily a second baseman, Forsythe has played at least one game at every position except for center field and catcher.

Prior to playing professionally, Forsythe played college baseball for the University of Arkansas. He has also competed for the United States national baseball team.

Amateur career

File:Logan Forsythe.png in Baum Stadium in 2007.]]

Forsythe played baseball at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he led his team to the 2005 state championship while batting .527 with 58 runs batted in (RBIs) and two stolen bases.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/pdf/baseball/media-guides/2008.pdf|title=2008 Arkansas Razorbacks Baseball Media Guide|access-date=March 13, 2018}} He was recruited by the University of Arkansas to play college baseball for the Arkansas Razorbacks.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/diamond_hogs_welcome_18_newcomers_for_2006_season_187334/|title=Diamond Hogs Welcome 18 Newcomers for 2006 Season|work=Arkansasrazorbacks.com|first=Andres|last=Focil|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2018}} Forsythe's mother had also attended Arkansas.

Forsythe intended to take a medical redshirt in 2006, but entered a game after an early-season injury. As a Freshman, he appeared in 28 games and had a batting average of .189.{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/profile.asp?ID=124990|title=Logan Forsythe - The Baseball Cube|work=The Baseball Cube|access-date=March 13, 2018}} He became the team's starting third baseman as a Sophomore and improved to hit .347 in 61 games with nine home runs, 55 RBI and 18 stolen bases. He led the team in hits (78), doubles (16), steals and on-base percentage (.556). In post-season play, he hit .333 in the SEC baseball tournament and .267 in the Fayetteville Regional.

As a Junior, he was named a third-team pre-season All-American, and also named to USA Baseball's pre-season Golden Spikes Award Watch list."Arkansas' Forsythe Named To Golden Spikes Watch List." February 19, 2008. Arkansas Sports 360. [http://www.arkansassports360.com/11070/arkansas-forsythe-named-to-golden-spikes-watch-list Article.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807205755/http://www.arkansassports360.com/11070/arkansas-forsythe-named-to-golden-spikes-watch-list |date=August 7, 2011 }} Retrieved May 5, 2011. He played in 51 games, hitting .351 with seven homers and 34 RBI. He was named to the All-Southeastern Conference first team at the conclusion of the season.{{cite web|url=http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2008/may/20/forsythe-named-all-sec/|title=Forsythe named All-SEC|work=Hog Sports|agency=Associated Press|date=May 20, 2008|access-date=March 13, 2018}}

Professional career

=San Diego Padres=

The San Diego Padres chose Forsythe in the supplemental first round (46th overall pick) of the 2008 MLB draft.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/forsythe_taken_46th_overall_in_mlb_draft_1478257/|title=Forsythe Taken 46th Overall in MLB Draft|work=arkansasrazorbacks.com|first=Andres|last=Focil|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2018}} He signed with the Padres on June 5, 2008{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/forsylo01.shtml|title=Logan Forsythe Stats|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=November 28, 2017}} for a $835,000 bonus. He began his career that season in the low minors, appearing in nine games for the Arizona League Padres and three for the Eugene Emeralds.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=forsyt001log|title=Logan Forsythe Minor League Statistics & History|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=March 13, 2018}}

Forsythe began 2009 with the Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-baseball-stars-of-tomorrow-on-display-at-elsinore-2009jun20-story.html|title=BASEBALL: Stars of tomorrow on display at Elsinore|work=San Diego Union-Tribune|first=John|last=Maffei|date=June 20, 2009|access-date=March 13, 2018}} where he hit .322 in 66 games and was named to the mid-season All-Star Team.{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/player/logan-forsythe-523253|title=Logan Forsythe Highlights, Bio|work=Minor League Baseball|access-date=March 13, 2018}} On June 25, 2009, he was promoted to the Double-A San Antonio Missions of the Texas League, and he hit .279 in 66 games for them.

In 2010, Forsythe was switched to second base{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/logan-forsythe-523253|title=Logan Fosythe Bio|work=mlb.com|access-date=March 13, 2018}} and played the entire season for the Missions, hitting .253 in 107 games with 38 RBI and 17 steals. He also led the league in walks, despite missing over a month with a broken hand. He was invited to spring training by the Padres as a non-roster player in 2011 before he was assigned to the Triple-A Tucson Padres of the Pacific Coast League to begin the season.{{cite web|url=http://tucson.com/sports/baseball/professional/mlb/tucson-padres-roster-for-triple-a-club-will-have-big/article_3d837873-95a4-5009-bb8c-5aebb37a27e6.html|title=Tucson Padres: Roster for Triple-A club will have big-league feel|work=Tucson.com|first=Sarah|last=Trotto|date=March 30, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2018}}

File:Logan Forsythe on June 10, 2011.jpg]]

Forsythe was called up to the MLB for the first time on May 4, 2011{{cite web|url=https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-26081908|title=Forsythe's Fast Track to San Diego|work=Minor League Baseball|date=December 2, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2018}} and made his MLB debut that day, appearing as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning against Kevin Correia of the Pittsburgh Pirates and grounding out to shortstop.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN201105040.shtml|title=Pittsburgh Pirates at San Diego Padres Box Score, May 4, 2011|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=March 13, 2018}}

Forsythe was optioned and recalled three more times during the summer of 2011 and recorded his first MLB hit on May 28, a single to left field of Henry Rodríguez of the Washington Nationals.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/WAS/WAS201105280.shtml|title=San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals Box Score, May 28, 2011|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=March 13, 2018}} Forsythe was mostly used as a pinch hitter or late inning defensive replacement until Chase Headley broke his pinkie and went on the disabled list in August,{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2011/8/8/2351985/chase-headley-injury-padres-finger|title=Chase Headley Injury: Padres 3B On DL With Fractured Finger|work=SB Nation|first=Jeff|last=Sullivan|date=August 8, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2018}} and Forsythe took over as the regular third baseman until his 2011 season was ended by knee surgery. He finished 2011 with a .213/.281/.287 line in 36 starts and 62 total games.

Forsythe was a candidate to make the 2012 Opening Day roster as a utility infielder, but a broken sesamoid in his left foot required surgery during spring training and he opened the season on the disabled list.{{cite news|last=Jenkins|first=Chris|title=Terrible timing for Forsythe's latest injury|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/mar/12/tp-terrible-timing-for-forsythes-latest-injury/|access-date=August 23, 2012|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=March 12, 2012}} After a brief stop in Triple-A, Forsythe returned to the Major League club on June 3 and became the regular second baseman. Forsythe made 73 starts at second base and also put in time at shortstop and third base. He finished 2012 hitting .273/.343/.390 with 6 home runs. He hit for a .313 batting average at Petco Park, the highest single-season average for any player at Petco Park with more than 110 at-bats.{{cite news|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Forsythe en route to hitting mark|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/28/tp-forsythe-en-route-to-hitting-mark/|access-date=November 18, 2012|newspaper=The San Diego Union Tribune|date=September 28, 2012}} His first major league home run was a walk-off on June 5 off of Steve Edlefsen of the San Francisco Giants.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SDN/SDN201206050.shtml|title=San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres Box Score, June 5, 2012|work=Baseball Reference|access-date=March 3, 2018}}

Forsythe was sidelined by plantar fasciitis in spring training and opened the 2013 season on the 60-day disabled list.{{cite web|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Forsythe D.L. candidate as Quentin, Cashner pass test|work=U-T San Diego |url=http://web.utsandiego.com/news/2013/mar/26/forsythe-disabled-list-quentin-cashner-ok/|publisher=UTSanDiego.com|access-date=October 19, 2013|date=March 26, 2013}} After a brief rehab stint with Triple-A Tucson, he was activated on June 10 when Jedd Gyorko went to the DL with a groin strain.{{cite web|last=Collier|first=Jamal|title=Gyorko put on disabled list; Forsythe activated|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130610&content_id=50239894¬ebook_id=50242440&c_id=sd|work=MLB.com|access-date=October 19, 2013|date=June 11, 2013}} Forsythe manned second base until Gyorko returned in mid-July, and then served the club in a utility role playing shortstop, second, and third as well as both corner outfield positions. His plantar fasciitis returned at the end of the season, and he was largely limited to a pinch hitting role.{{cite web|last=Center|first=Bill|title=Forsythe's plantar fasciitis returns|work=U-T San Diego |url=http://web.utsandiego.com/news/2013/sep/13/padres-mlb-forsythe-plantar-fasciitis/|publisher=UTSanDiego.com|access-date=October 19, 2013|date=September 13, 2013}} Forsythe batted .214/.281/.332 on the season with 6 home runs in 75 games played and 220 at-bats.

=Tampa Bay Rays=

File:Logan Forsythe on June 28, 2014.jpg]]

On January 22, 2014, the Padres traded Forsythe, Brad Boxberger, Matt Lollis, Matt Andriese, and Maxx Tissenbaum to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for Alex Torres and Jesse Hahn.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/rays-acquire-forsythe-in-seven-player-deal-with-padres?ymd=20140122&content_id=66922534&vkey=news_mlb |title=Rays acquire Forsythe in seven-player deal with Padres | MLB.com: News |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |access-date=January 22, 2014}}

In 2014, Forsythe slashed .223/.287/.329 with 6 home runs in 110 games with the Rays. He played First, Second, Third, Short, and Outfield in his first season with the Rays.

In 2015, Forsythe had a career year. Slashing .281/.359/.444 while hitting a well-over career-high 17 home runs (previously 6) and 68 RBI (previously 26). He took advantage of an increase in at-bats and become one of the Rays' offensive leaders.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/f/forsylo01.shtml|title=Logan Forsythe Statistics and History {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|access-date=April 13, 2016}} Forsythe's numbers became even more impressive once turned into sabermetrics, the WAR measurements had Forsythe at 5.12, the second best 2nd baseman and 32nd best overall player.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/war/leaders/_/type/seasonal/year/2015|title=MLB Wins Above Replacement - WAR - Major League Baseball - ESPN|website=ESPN.com|access-date=April 13, 2016}}

After the season, Forsythe signed a two-year contract with a club option for the 2018 year to return to the Rays.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rays-sign-logan-forsythe-to-2-year-contract/c-162009780|title=Forsythe gets 2-year deal; Rays agree with 8|work=mlb.com|first=Andrew|last=Simon|date=January 15, 2016|access-date=March 13, 2018}} He finished his 2016 season with a .264 batting average and a career-high 20 home runs.

=Los Angeles Dodgers=

On January 23, 2017, the Rays traded Forsythe to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for José De León.{{cite web|url=https://dodgers.mlblogs.com/logan-forsythe-jose-de-leon-dodgers-rays-trade-41ce1a139d3a#.iilw736a3|title=Dodgers acquire second baseman Logan Forsythe|work=Dodgers.com|first=Jon|last=Weisman|date=January 23, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2017}} On April 19, 2017, Forsythe was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a fractured big right toe.{{cite web|last1=Gurnick|first1=Ken|title=Dodgers place Forsythe, Segedin on DL|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/logan-forsythe-rob-segedin-hit-disabled-list-c225307052|publisher=MLB|access-date=April 19, 2017}} The injury kept him sidelined for 30 games, and he did not rejoin the Dodgers until May 23.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailynews.com/2017/05/23/dodgers-logan-forsythe-returns-to-lineup-after-missing-30-games/|title=Dodgers' Logan Forsythe returns to lineup after missing 30 games|work=LA Daily News|first=Bill|last=Plunkett|date=May 23, 2017|access-date=November 28, 2017}} He struggled with his swing after his return, blaming his problems on his timing being thrown off by the injury.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/11/15/16642560/logan-forsythe-2017-dodgers-review|title=2017 Dodgers review: Logan Forsythe|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=November 15, 2017|access-date=November 28, 2017}} On the season, he played in 119 games, with a .224 batting average, six home runs and 36 RBI. Against right-handed pitching, he hit only .190, leading to him platooning with Chase Utley for much of the second half of the season. He also played a career-high 42 games at third base, filing in for Justin Turner. He played in 14 of the Dodgers 15 playoff games, including all seven games of the 2017 World Series. He hit .297 with 11 hits in 37 at-bats and also walked nine times in the playoffs.

The Dodgers exercised his option for the 2018 season on November 6, 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.truebluela.com/2017/11/6/16604446/logan-forsythe-option-exercised-2018-dodgers|title=Dodgers exercise 2018 option on Logan Forsythe|work=SB Nation|first=Eric|last=Stephen|date=November 6, 2017|access-date=November 6, 2017}} Forsythe played 70 games with the Dodgers in 2018, batting .207 with 2 home runs and 13 RBI.

=Minnesota Twins=

On July 31, 2018, Forsythe was traded to the Minnesota Twins, along with minor leaguers Devin Smeltzer and Luke Raley, for Brian Dozier.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/dodgers/news/brian-dozier-traded-to-dodgers/c-288181290|title=Dodgers add depth in trades for Dozier, Axford|work=mlb.com|first=Ken|last=Gurnick|date=July 31, 2018|access-date=August 1, 2018}} In the second half of the season with the Minnesota Twins, Forsythe appeared in 50 games batting .258 with no home runs and 14 RBIs.

=Texas Rangers=

On February 26, 2019, the Texas Rangers signed Forsythe to a minor league deal with a non-roster invitation to spring training.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26085545/rangers-add-infielder-logan-forsythe-minor-league-deal|title = Rangers add IF Forsythe on minor league deal|date = February 26, 2019}} On March 22, 2019, the Texas Rangers announced that Forsythe had made the opening day roster as their utility infielder.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Sullivan_Ranger/status/1109131431458934784|title=Jason Hammel and Logan Forsythe have been told they are on the Opening Day roster|last=Sullivan|first=TR|publisher=twitter.com|date=March 22, 2019|access-date=March 22, 2019}} Forsythe hit .227/.325/.353/.678 with 7 home runs and 39 RBI over 101 games for Texas in 2019.

=Philadelphia Phillies=

On February 5, 2020, Forsythe signed a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was released on July 18, 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/07/phillies-release-logan-forsythe-francisco-liriano-neil-walker-to-make-opening-day-roster.html|title=Phillies Release Logan Forsythe, Francisco Liriano; Neil Walker to Make Opening Day Roster|date=July 18, 2020 }}

=Miami Marlins=

On July 28, 2020, Forsythe signed a deal with the Miami Marlins after being released by the Philadelphia Phillies. On August 3, Forsythe was selected to the active roster. Forsythe appeared in 12 games for the Marlins, slashing .118/.211/.235{{Cite web|url=https://www.fishstripes.com/2020/11/5/21529768/all-time-marlins-countdown-chapter-19|title=All-Time Marlins Countdown: Chapter 19|date=November 5, 2020}} before being placed on the 60-day injured list with a right oblique strain and missing the remainder of the season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/minor-mlb-transactions-82820.html|title=Minor MLB Transactions: 8/28/20|date=August 28, 2020 }}

=Milwaukee Brewers=

On May 4, 2021, Forsythe signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/brewers-sign-wade-leblanc-logan-forsythe.html|title=Brewers Sign Wade LeBlanc, Logan Forsythe|date=May 4, 2021 }} Forsythe hit .250/.483/.400 in 17 games with Nashville before being released on June 18.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/logan-forsythe-released-by-brewers/|title = Logan Forsythe: Released by Brewers| date=June 18, 2021 }}

Post-playing career

On February 26, 2024, Forsythe joined Razorback Sports Network as a TV analyst.{{Cite web|title=Logan Forsythe makes broadcasting debut as fill-in analyst for Arkansas baseball|url=https://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2024/feb/27/logan-forsythe-joins-razorbacks-as-fill-in-baseball-analyst/|access-date=March 2, 2024|website=wholehogsports.com|date=February 27, 2024 |language=en}}

International career

Forsythe was selected to be part of the United States national baseball team in the summer of 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.arkansasrazorbacks.com/logan_forsythe_selected_to_team_usa_924951/|title=Logan Forsythe Selected to Team USA|work=arkansasrazorbakcs.com|first=Andres|last=Focil|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2018}} His team placed second at the Pan American Games and third at the World Port tournament.

In May 2021, Forsythe was named to the roster of the national team for the Americas Qualifying Event.{{cite news |url=https://www.usabaseball.com/news/topic/professional/team-usa-announces-olympic-qualifying-roster |title=Team USA Announces Olympic Qualifying Roster |website=usabaseball.com |date=May 30, 2021 |accessdate=June 1, 2021}}

Personal life

Forsythe married longtime girlfriend Ally Atkins on November 15, 2014. The two met while they were both attending the University of Arkansas. The couple's first child, a son, was born in 2016. Their second child, a girl, was born in February 2021.{{cite web|url=http://heavy.com/news/2017/10/logan-forsythe-wife-ally-atkins/|title=Ally Forsythe, Logan's Wife: 5 Fast Facts You Need To Know|work=Heavy|date=October 31, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017}}