According to a report by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the Tampa Bay Rays and Logan Forsythe are closing in on a two-year, $10.25 million extension with a team option for a third year.
Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish first reported the possibility of an extension in November.
The 29-year-old is currently in his second year of arbitration eligibility meaning that this extension would cover his last two arbitration seasons, and the option would include a free-agent season extending Tampa’s club control.
Topkin originally reported that Forsythe would be guaranteed at least $9 million with his new contract. Forsythe, a client of PSI Sports Management was projected by MLB Trade Rumors to earn $3.3 million in 2016.
Forsythe was the team’s clear MVP in 2015 with a slash line of .281/.359/.444 with 17 home runs and 68 RBIs in 153 games.
Forsythe is a lifetime .252 hitter across five big league seasons. Coming into 2015, he had only 83 career RBIs making 2015 stand out even more.
The infielder who can play second base, third base, and first base had a career year posting personal bests in every major offensive category while going from a 0.8 win player in 2014 to a 5-win player last season per Baseball Reference.
Forsythe was selected by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2008 amateur draft (46th pick), and made his MLB debut on May 4th, 2011.
After spending 2011-2013 with the Padres, Forsythe was traded to the Rays after the 2013 season in a seven player trade that sent among others reliever Alex Torres, and Jesse Hahn to San Diego.
The Rays appear to be trending upward with great young talent all over the roster, and Evan Longoria as the team’s veteran leader.
Forsythe is definitely considered part of this bright future. Getting this deal done is huge for the continuity of the ball club.
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