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.