Tampa Bay Rays: Cardinals have interest in Evan Longoria
If the Tampa Bay Rays are to move on from franchise icon Evan Longoria, the St. Louis Cardinals could be interested.
The Tampa Bay Rays have a decision to make this offseason regarding third baseman Evan Longoria. Although he is the face of the franchise, Longoria also counts for a substantial portion of the Rays payroll, with another $86 Million due over the next five years. As he is set to gain his 10-5 rights early in 2018, the clock is ticking if the Rays are looking to move on from their iconic third baseman.
If Longoria is to come on the block, there is at least one team interested. The St. Louis Cardinals, who have engaged the Rays in talks regarding Alex Colome, could be a possible landing spot for Longoria. The thought is that he could be a part of the trade for Colome, or a separate deal if they are unable to come to an agreement for the reliever.
Last season, Longoria put together another typically solid performance. He posted a .261/.313/.424 batting line, hitting 20 homers and 36 doubles. Longoria earned the AL Gold Glove award at third, saving five runs and showing above average range despite battling plantar fasciitis throughout the year.
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It is fair to say that Longoria would be an upgrade over the Cardinals current options at third. At this point in the offseason, Jedd Gyorko is penciled in as the starting third baseman, with Greg Garcia backing him up. Gyorko did post a career best .272/.341/.472 batting line last season, hitting 20 homers, but is more valuable as a utility player. With his ability to play anywhere in the infield, Gyorko could still play five or six times a week while giving everyone a day off.
Longoria would also protect against any possible regression for Gyorko. Despite possessing solid power, Gyorko has not been much of a hitter over his career, posting a lifetime 102 OPS+. Longoria may not be the same hitter he had been in his younger days, but he can still be a solid bat in the middle of the lineup.
If the Tampa Bay Rays are looking to move on from their franchise third baseman, the St. Louis Cardinals could be a fit. Considering that Evan Longoria is closing in on being able to veto any trade, this would be the time to make a deal.