Evan Longoria to sign one-day contract, retire with Tampa Bay Rays
Long-time third baseman Evan Longoria is set to sign a one-day contract with his former team ahead of his official retirement from Major League Baseball, the team announced Monday.
The best player in Tampa Bay Rays history is coming home if only for a day.
Long-time third baseman Evan Longoria is set to sign a one-day contract with his former team ahead of his official retirement from Major League Baseball, the team announced Monday.
“Evan Longoria embodies what it means to be a Tampa Bay Ray. From the moment he stepped on the field, he brought excellence, leadership and a competitive spirit that shaped the identity of this franchise,” said Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg in a release put out by the team. “He, more than anyone, helped transform the Devil Rays into the Rays, and we are honoured to welcome him home as he retires in the uniform where it all began.”
Longoria was drafted third overall by the Rays in the 2006 draft. He debuted with the team in 2008 and spent the first 10 years of his major-league career with the team before being traded to the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2018 season.
Over his 1,435 games in a Rays uniform — the most of any player — he batted .270 with a .823 OPS. His 261 home runs, 618 extra base hits and 892 RBIs are the most by a Ray, and he racked up the most WAR (wins above replacement) in franchise history at 51.7.
He was named rookie of the year in 2008, won three Gold Gloves and one Silver Slugger, and earned three All-Star nods — all of which came with the Rays.
“Evan Longoria’s place in Rays history is unmatched…” said Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander. “He not only defined an era of Rays baseball — he helped put us on the map. His impact, both on and off the field, laid the foundation for our success, and it’s a privilege to celebrate his legacy.”
Following his career in Tampa Bay, Longoria spent five years with the Giants and one with the Diamondbacks in 2023 before going unsigned as a free agent for the 2024 season.
Over his 16-year MLB career, the Downey, Calif., native batted .264 with a .804 OPS and 342 home runs.
The official ceremony for Longoria will take place on June 7 before the Rays take on the Miami Marlins at Steinbrenner Field.
