Tampa Bay Rays Must Consider Trading Evan Longoria In 2016

It’s too early in the 2016 season to count the Tampa Bay Rays out of the playoff hunt, especially with the kind of pitching staff they possess. But considering their obvious shortcomings offensively and their lack of resources to upgrade the offense later in the season, the Rays may have to consider the possibility that they will be sellers this summer. If that turns out to be the case, Tampa Bay may have to consider trading one of its few reliable offensive players: Evan Longoria.

Longoria is still a productive player, but his numbers dropped significantly after the 2013 season and have yet to rebound. Now that Longoria is on the wrong side of 30, it’s becoming less likely that he’ll be able to return to being the player he was early in his career. Seeing as how Longoria is still an average or better major league third baseman and he’s under contract through 2022, this may be the ideal time to trade him. If the Rays wait any longer, they risk him becoming a burden on their payroll and a wasted space in their lineup, at which point he would be untradable.

Obviously, trading Longoria is not something that should be taken lightly, as he’s been a huge part of the franchise during his time in he majors. However, it may be in the best interest of the team long term to trade him. He’s no longer a player who can carry a team, and the Rays don’t have nearly enough in their lineup around him to provide the support he needs to be a difference maker.

The Rays actually have plenty of options to replace Longoria in the short term, while trading him could get them pieces to help them for the long haul. Richie Shaffer is a third baseman who has little left to prove in the minors and brings plenty of power to the table. He could play third base on an everyday basis if Longoria were traded. The Rays also have two prospects in Willy Adames and Daniel Robertson who are both shortstops at the moment but could be forced to switch positions at some point, with third base being a possible destination for both. Either could be a long-term solution for the Rays at third base.

Tampa Bay should not be rash when it comes to trading Longoria. But if there are contending teams in the market for a third baseman this summer, they should make him available and at least be open to the possibility of trading him. It would be a difficult move from a sentimental standpoint, but if they can get a good return for him, it may be the move that makes the most sense for the long-term health of the franchise.