TAMPA, FL: In 2023, Evan Longoria joined the D-backs, who would go on an unlikely World Series run, and suited up for just the third team of his career. Since then, he hasn't officially filed for retirement or signed any new contracts. But this past weekend, the former third baseman for the Giants, D-Backs, and Rays informed Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times and other reporters that he is virtually retired.
“I waited long enough to know that I was done,” Longoria said before detailing some of the physical toll his 16-year playing career took during his final seasons. “…And then, being able to go to the World Series, have the experience that I had, it made it a pretty easy decision for me going into the offseason.”
“One of the only things I haven’t accomplished is winning a World Series,” said Longoria. “So if you said I would go hit .080 for the rest of the season, but the team would win the World Series, then I’d go do it. But that’s probably about the only thing I’d want to do.”
-Evan Longoria
Longoria will end an incredible career with a hitting line of .264/.333/.471 if he is truly done playing. He participated in 16 major league seasons, placing in six MVP Award voting. In addition to being voted American League Rookie of the Year, Longoria was a member of three All-Star teams, earned three Gold Gloves, and received one Silver Slugger Award.
With his impressive 1,930 hit total that included 431 doubles, 26 triples, and 342 home runs, Longoria is now tied for 104th place on the all-time home run list with Hall of Famer Ron Santo. Right now, those 431 doubles are ranked 142nd all-time. The former No. 3 overall selection also knocked in 1159 runs and scored 1017 runs, the latter of which ranks 185th all-time. Longoria has a solid 55.2 wins above replacement according to FanGraphs.
Comments