Evan Longoria suited up for simply the third group of his profession in 2023 when he signed with the D-backs and helped the membership make an inconceivable run to the World Sequence. He hasn’t signed a brand new contract since then but additionally hasn’t formally filed any retirement paperwork. The longtime Rays and Giants third baseman, nevertheless, advised Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Occasions and others this previous weekend that he’s all however formally retired.
“I waited lengthy sufficient to know that I used to be completed,” Longoria mentioned earlier than detailing among the bodily toll his 16-year taking part in profession took throughout his closing seasons. “…After which, with the ability to go to the World Sequence, have the expertise that I had, it made it a fairly straightforward determination for me going into the offseason.”
Longoria did depart the door for one closing run ever so barely cracked. The 38-year-old mentioned it might “rely upon what crew” known as him and their probabilities of reaching a postseason. He listed each the Rays and D-backs as golf equipment he’d a minimum of contemplate if he acquired the itch to take yet another likelihood at successful a World Sequence.
“One of many solely issues I haven’t completed is successful a World Sequence,” mentioned Longoria. “So for those who mentioned I might go hit .080 for the remainder of the season, however the crew would win the World Sequence, then I’d go do it. However that’s in all probability about the one factor I’d wish to do.”
It’s a candid and broad-reaching interview that followers of Longoria and his former golf equipment, specifically, will wish to take a look at in full. A number of the many subjects touched on embrace how no Ray has worn his iconic No. 3 since he was traded, the slugger’s ideas on a possible new stadium for the Rays, his life at dwelling now that he’s been in a position to concentrate on being a full-time dad, and his hope to ultimately return to the sport in some capability.
If Longoria is certainly completed as a participant, he’ll wrap up an impressive profession with a .264/.333/.471 batting line. He performed in elements of 16 massive league seasons, garnering MVP votes in six of them. Longoria made three All-Star groups, was named American League Rookie of the Yr, gained three Gold Gloves and took dwelling one Silver Slugger Award.
Longoria piled up 1930 hits, together with 431 doubles, 26 triples and 342 dwelling runs, tying him with Corridor of Famer Ron Santo for 104th on the all-time dwelling run leaderboard. These 431 doubles at present rank 142nd all-time. The previous No. 3 general choose additionally scored 1017 runs and knocked in 1159 (the latter rating 185th all-time). FanGraphs credit Longoria with a hefty 55.2 wins above alternative. Baseball-Reference is much more bullish at 58.6 WAR. He earned greater than $150MM in wage over the course of his 16 years within the massive leagues. Alongside the best way, he carved out a popularity as a superb and beloved teammate.
“Longo is likely one of the finest teammates I’ve ever had,” Guardians supervisor Stephen Vogt advised the AP’s Mark Didtler. “This man’s a professional’s professional. This man’s the epitome of what knowledgeable baseball participant appears like. Evan Longoria is every thing that’s good about our sport, and what a beautiful profession he had.”