Has Evan Longoria Retired?
Evan Longoria, the former All-Star third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, has been a cornerstone of the team since being drafted in 2006. Over the years, he has been a dominant force on the field, known for his powerful bat and strong defensive skills. However, as the 2023 season approaches, many fans and analysts are wondering: has Evan Longoria retired?
Longoria’s career has been filled with numerous accolades, including an American League MVP award in 2008. He has been a seven-time All-Star and has been named to the All-Star Game MVP team once. Despite his impressive resume, the question of whether he has retired is a valid one, especially considering the age and physical demands of playing professional baseball.
Longoria, who turned 37 in October 2022, has been dealing with various injuries throughout his career. While he has managed to play through many of these setbacks, there have been whispers that his body might not be able to handle the rigors of the game anymore. The Rays have been cautious with his playing time, and it has led some to speculate that he might be considering retirement.
On the other hand, Longoria has expressed his desire to continue playing. He has been working hard to stay in shape and has been involved in off-season workouts with the Rays’ coaching staff. This commitment to his career suggests that he might still be a part of the team for the upcoming season.
One of the key factors in determining whether Longoria has retired will be the Rays’ opening-day roster. If his name is absent from the list of players, it would be a strong indication that he has decided to call it a career. However, if he is included, it would mean that he is still determined to contribute to the team’s success.
Regardless of the outcome, Evan Longoria’s legacy as one of the best third basemen in Major League Baseball is secure. His impact on the game and the Tampa Bay Rays will be remembered for years to come. Whether he has retired or not, the future of professional baseball will undoubtedly miss his presence on the field.
