TAMPA, Florida – Evan Longoria, an undisputed baseball legend, will sign a one-day contract with the Tampa Bay Rays and officially retire as a member of the team on June 7.
The iconic player, who did not participate last season after his time in Arizona in 2023, will finally end his career with the team that saw him shine.
“Evan Longoria’s place in Rays history is unparalleled,” said Erik Neander, president of baseball operations, in a statement. “Evan retires as our all-time leader in nearly every significant offensive category. He not only defined an era of Rays baseball, but he also helped us establish our reputation. His impact, both on and off the field, laid the foundation for our success, and it is a privilege to celebrate his legacy.”
Erik Neander
Longoria, selected in the third overall position of the 2006 draft, stood out with the Rays from 2008 to 2017. He is the team’s all-time leader in WAR (51.7), games played (1,435), home runs (261), RBIs (892), runs scored (780), extra-base hits (618), and walks (569).
His impressive career includes the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2008, three All-Star selections, and Gold Gloves in 2009, 2010, and 2017. In addition, Longoria finished sixth in the American League Most Valuable Player voting in 2010 and 2013, and earned a Silver Slugger Award in 2009.
Longoria’s image was immortalized in a statue located outside Gate 4 of Tropicana Field, which depicts his celebration after a home run in the 12th inning of the last regular season game of 2011, which led the Rays to the postseason.
In December 2017, he was traded to San Francisco, where he played five seasons with the Giants before concluding his career with the Diamondbacks.
The 39-year-old player will be honored in a pre-game ceremony at Steinbrenner Field, before the Tampa Bay game against the Miami Marlins.
