And In baseball, some players become synonymous with the team that first believed in them. Their careers might take them elsewhere, to new challenges, to that elusive championship. But a special bond often remains with their original club. Now, a beloved third baseman who earned his reputation as a fearsome hitter and dazzling fielder is metaphorically coming home. He plans to hang up his spikes with the franchise he helped build into a contender. This move offers a fitting honor for an amazing career.
Evan Longoria, the legendary third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, is going to retire from Major League Baseball. The news comes courtesy of Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays will make a formal announcement on Monday. Longoria, now 39, will sign a ceremonial one-day contract. This will allow him to retire as a Ray in advance of their game on June 7. His last season was in 2023, helping the Arizona Diamondbacks reach the World Series. He did not appear in any game during the 2024 season.
Longoria’s decision to retire as a Ray brings his career full circle. The Tampa Bay Rays originally drafted him third overall in the 2006 MLB Draft. His presence was a turning point for the young franchise. He was the AL Rookie of the Year in his memorable 2008 rookie season. And he also guided the Rays to their first World Series. He was the face of the team for his 10 years in Tampa Bay (2008-17), when he was a three-time All-Star and a three-time Gold Glove winner.
The Giants traded for Longoria in December 2017 after his standout career with the Tampa Bay Rays. He played for five seasons (2018-2022) in San Francisco. There, he contributed veteran leadership and steady play at the hot corner. He did help the Giants to a franchise-record 107 wins in 2021. Although his power totals were down just a little bit, he was productive. He never hit more than 20 home runs in a season with the Giants.
The final chapter of his career played out with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2023. The 37-year-old Longoria was a key part of their surprising run to the World Series. It was his second World Series appearance. Longoria hit 342 home runs and drove in 1,159 RBIs in his 16-year career, with a .264 batting average. He consistently showcased his power, hitting 30 home runs four times, and fielded his position with a .966 percentage, truly a remarkable run for the Rays legend.
This is a developing story…
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