Forsythe, Phils agree on Minors deal
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PHILADELPHIA -- The Phillies should have no shortage of veteran infielders to choose from when they finalize their bench before Opening Day.
The Phillies and veteran infielder Logan Forsythe agreed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the club made official on Wednesday. An MLB.com source had confirmed a MassLive.com report on Sunday.
Forsythe, 33, will join veteran infielders Phil Gosselin, Josh Harrison, Ronald Torreyes and Neil Walker in camp as non-roster invitees. Rhys Hoskins, Didi Gregorius, Jean Segura and Scott Kingery will be the team’s everyday infielders, but with rosters expanding to 26 players this season there is another bench-job opportunity for somebody.
Bryce Harper, Andrew McCutchen and Adam Haseley are projected to be the Phillies’ everyday outfielders. Jay Bruce will make the team. Roman Quinn is considered an early favorite for a bench job because of his defense and speed. He is out of options, which also helps his cause. Nick Martini and Nick Williams are on the 40-man roster, but slot behind Bruce and Quinn entering camp.
Andrew Knapp is projected to be the backup catcher, although it would not be a surprise to see the Phillies sign a veteran before camp opens Feb. 12 in Clearwater, Fla. Jonathan Lucroy and Russell Martin are available.
Knowing that a backup catcher and Bruce are locks to make the team, three bench jobs are up for grabs. If Quinn is healthy and holds onto his pre-camp favorite status, there are two. That is where Forsythe, Gosselin, Harrison, Torreyes and Walker come into play. Forsythe hit .227 with seven home runs, 39 RBIs and a .678 OPS in 367 plate appearances last season with the Rangers. The right-handed hitter posted a 116 OPS+, .347 OBP and six homers against right-handers. He had a 72 OPS+, .285 OBP and one homer against left-handers.
Forsythe played at least 69 innings at each infield spot in 2019, spending most of the time (348 1/3 innings) at first base. He has played in the outfield during his nine-year career, too.