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The Dodgers have exercised their $8.5 million club option on second baseman Logan Forsythe, a major-league source told SB Nation on Monday. The team could’ve declined the option and paid Forsythe a $1 million buyout.
Forsythe, 30, hit .224/.351/.327 with six homers in his first year with the Dodgers after being acquired from the Rays in January. Though that line shows some regression from a strong 2016 season with Tampa Bay, the Dodgers will hope that Forsythe can bounce back in his age-31 season after a successful postseason.
Forsythe will likely head to spring training as the favorite to start at second for the Dodgers in 2018, and will also provide a backup third base option for when Justin Turner needs rest. Los Angeles also could use Chris Taylor at second base if they decide to switch him back to his natural position.
A veteran of seven major-league seasons with the Padres (2011-13), Rays (2014-16) and Dodgers (2017), Forsythe owns a career .250/.330/.385 line with 61 homers in 737 games.