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2d ago

Evan Longoria to Retire as a Tampa Bay Ray in June Ceremony

The Rays legend will sign a ceremonial one-day contract and be honored before their June 7 game, officially closing his 16-year MLB career.

American League All-Star Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays greets his teammates on American League All-Star prior to the 81st MLB All-Star Game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on July 13, 2010 in Anaheim, California.
Image
Oct 30, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Evan Longoria (3) throws to first for an out during the sixth inning in game three of the 2023 World Series against the Texas Rangers at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2011, file photo, Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria, center, celebrates with teammates Sean Rodriguez, left, and Elliot Johnson after his home run that defeated the New York Yankees 8-7 and clinched the AL wild card for the Rays, after a baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. The San Francisco Giants have acquired infielder Evan Longoria and cash from the Tampa Bay Rays for outfielder Denard Span, infielder Christian Arroyo and two minor league pitchers. The teams announced the moves Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Overview

  • Longoria, 39, will retire as a Ray after signing a ceremonial one-day contract and being honored in a pregame ceremony on June 7 against the Marlins.
  • Drafted third overall in 2006, Longoria helped redefine the franchise, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2008 and leading the Rays to their first World Series appearance that same year.
  • He played 10 of his 16 MLB seasons with Tampa Bay, setting franchise records in games played, home runs, RBIs, and WAR, and winning three Gold Gloves and three All-Star selections.
  • After being traded in 2017, Longoria spent five seasons with the Giants and played his final year in 2023 with the Diamondbacks, contributing to their surprise World Series run.
  • The Rays plan to further honor Longoria by retiring his No. 3 and inducting him into their Hall of Fame, with formal ceremonies expected in the future.