It was inevitable.
As much as he wanted to, and as much as his fans wanted him to, Evan Longoria was not going to play his entire career with the Tampa Bay Rays. That’s not how the business of baseball works anymore, and that’s not how the Rays do business. Loyalty is nice, but it doesn’t necessarily result in victories and post-season appearances.
In a move that was hatched during Baseball’s Winter Meetings in Lake Buena Vista, the Rays traded Longoria on Wednesday. “Our greatest Ray,” said team owner Stuart Sternberg... to the San Francisco Giants for a veteran and three prospects. It was clearly a move for the future. And to save some money and reduce payroll.
First... the future.
The Rays were able to pry away the Giants’ top prospect, infielder Christian Arroyo, who played his prep baseball at Hernando High in Brooksville. That’s the type of player the Rays are looking for: young talent that could develop into stars, and remain under team control for at least six years. They also received two lower-level pitchers in Stephan Woods and Matt Krook.
They also received the contract of pricey veteran Denard Span, who also happens to be a Tampa native, but that was a non-factor in the deal. He could help the Rays as a left fielder/DH, or they could flip him if they can find a buyer.
Now, the money part.
Span is owed $15 million, including a $4 million buyout in 2018. Longoria is owed $86 million over the next five seasons. That’s a financial win for the Rays, and the Giants can afford Longoria’s contract. That's why deals like this happen. The Rays are reducing payroll and just can't afford that kind of obligation while rebuilding. At least until they can leave their lease at Tropicana Field for a more lucrative facility, be it in St. Petersburg or Ybor City.
And if we're being honest; Longoria’s best days are likely behind him. They have been outstanding days indeed. Who can forget the 2008 World Series season, and the unforgettable 2011 Game 162 walk-off home run. But he’s 32 years of age now, and any baseball person will tell you players start to decline around this point.
The Giants are planning to win now, and the Rays aren't planning to win for at least three years. They’re trying to replicate the success of the Houston Astros, who suffered through a few years of dismal baseball that filled their minor league system with high draft picks and developing prospects.
It’s the reality of baseball in the 21st Century. The Rays can’t keep pace with the New York Yankees’ big-money resources, which enabled them to trade for reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton. So the small-market club chooses to build this way.
