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 in addition hasn’t formally filed any retirement paperwork. Nevertheless, the longtime Rays and Giants third baseman informed 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 stated earlier than detailing a few of the bodily toll his 16-year taking part in profession took throughout his remaining seasons. “…After which, having the ability to go to the World Sequence, have the expertise that I had, it made it a reasonably straightforward choice for me going into the offseason.”
Longoria left the door for one remaining run, ever so barely cracked. The 38-year-old stated it will “rely upon what group” referred to as him and their possibilities of reaching a postseason. He listed each the Rays and D-backs as golf equipment he’d not less than take into account if he acquired the itch to take another likelihood at successful a World Sequence.
“One of many solely issues I haven’t achieved is successful a World Sequence,” stated Longoria. “So should you stated I might go hit .080 for the remainder of the season, however the group would win the World Sequence, then I’d go do it. However that’s most likely 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. Among the many matters 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 house now that he’s been capable of deal with 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 large league seasons, garnering MVP votes in six of them. Longoria made three All-Star groups, was named American League Rookie of the 12 months, received three Gold Gloves, and received one Silver Slugger Award.
Longoria piled up 1930 hits, together with 431 doubles, 26 triples and 342 house runs, tying him with Corridor of Famer Ron Santo for 104th on the all-time house run leaderboard. These 431 doubles at present rank 142nd all-time. The previous No. 3 total decide 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 $150M in wage over his 16 years within the large leagues. He carved out a repute as a wonderful and beloved teammate alongside the best way.
“Longo is among the greatest teammates I’ve ever had,” Guardians supervisor Stephen Vogt informed the AP’s Mark Didtler. “This man’s a professional’s professional. This man’s the epitome of what an expert baseball participant seems to be like. Evan Longoria is every part that’s good about our sport, and what an exquisite profession he had.”