The Tampa Bay Rays locked in their 2015 team MVP by reportedly signing second baseman Logan Forsythe to a two-year contract extension.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times was the first to report the agreement Thursday night, and Jon Heyman of MLB Network later confirmed the $10.25 million deal with an option for 2018.
Heyman provided a yearly salary breakdown with regard to Forsythe's new contract, as well as further explanation of his option:
Per Topkin, signing Forsythe allowed the Rays to avoid going to arbitration.
The 29-year-old veteran broke out in a big way in 2015, as he set career highs with 153 games played, 17 home runs, 68 RBI, nine stolen bases and a .281 batting average.
While second base was his primary position, Forsythe also made appearances at first base and third base, and he has spent time at shortstop, left field and right field during his five-year career.
The 2008 first-round pick appeared sparingly for the San Diego Padres from 2011-2013 before a trade sent him to Tampa.
Forsythe's meteoric rise to prominence has been reminiscent of former Rays utilityman Ben Zobrist, which is why he appears to be a great fit for the organization.
The Rays took a chance by giving him over $5 million per season since he only has one year of production under his belt, but the deal could prove to be a bargain if he continues to develop.
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