Tampa Bay Rays Trade Candidate: Logan Forsythe

Early on in the 2015 season, Logan Forsythe became an every day player for the Rays after injuries allowed him to have a starting opportunity. Around June he was looking like an all-star, but a slight slump derailed those chances; however, he rebounded nicely and was probably the team's most consistent players..

His surprising numbers included a 108 wRC+ vs RHP, and an astonishing 164 wRC+ wLHP. One has to wonder though, how much of this year was the real Forsythe and not just a fluke.

Over the years, several players have come to Tampa Bay and had a rejuvenated year, but then went on to flounder in the following years. Casey Kotchman and Jeff Keppinger come to mind. However, there are some cases, where the new found success carries over for years to come, with Ben Zobrist being the main example.

Which will Forsythe be? And is now the time to trade him?

What has he done so far?

The San Diego Padres took Logan Forsythe in the first round of the 2008 draft at 46th overall, thanks to receiving a supplemental pick for Doug Brocail becoming a free agent. Forsythe would then rocket through the San Diego system showing excellent contact and on-base numbers.

He started the 2011 season in Triple-A, but after slashing .326/.445/.528 over his first 46 games, Forsythe was promoted to the majors and he'd spend the rest of the year being up-and-down from the minors before his season was ended prematurely thanks to having to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery.

Forsythe returned in June of 2012 and after rehabbing, he spent the full year with San Diego. During this time, he hit his first career home run, a walkoff shot. Forsythe had a solid sophomore year with San Diego showing the ability to excel against left-handed pitching, while struggling against righties, resulting in a platoon label. Forsythe began the following year on the DL after dealing with Plantar Fasciitis. Forsythe would against have to wait until June for his season debut, but his foot issue continued to linger throughout the year and effected his play.

That off-season, Forsythe was dealt to the Rays in a seven player deal that also landed the Rays, Brad Boxberger and struggled during his first full year in the majors. Then, in 2015, Forsythe found his stride as he slashed .281/.359/.444 with 17 home runs. Perhaps one of the most inspiring things from the season, was how well Forsythe hit right-handed pitching, eliminating the need to platoon him.

Why should he be traded?

In the coming years, the Rays are stacked with depth up the middle as several notable prospects could eventually call second base their home, such as Ryan Brett, Taylor Motter, and Daniel Robertson. Then again, as the old saying goes, prospects will break your heart. Which is more likely, another great performance from Forsythe or a prospect delivering the same value?

We don't know if this is the real Logan Forsythe the we saw in 2015, or if he'll just fall back to Earth in 2016. Either way, his value is at its peak thus far in his career.

With help on the way and no guarantee he can replicate a 126 wRC+ season, now might be the best time to trade Frosty away.