MLB Rumors: Tampa Bay Rays to Consider Trading Evan Longoria
The Los Angeles Dodgers had a grueling day of trade rumors but they can possibly add a potential player to their list. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Tampa Bay Rays are open to offers for Evan Longoria.
If the Dodgers do not re-sign Justin Turner, the next possible option would be Longoria.
#Rays will consider offers for Evan Longoria this winter. #Dodgers are one possibility if they do not re-sign Justin Turner. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2016
The Rays were in a slump in the 2016 season as they finished in last place in the AL East. The organization has been in a financial slump as well, so letting go of Longoria would be the best choice for the team since Longoria has 6 years, $100 left on his contract.
Dodgers Rumors: Aroldis Chapman On Radar Per LA TimesAn Evan Longoria trade this winter makes good economic sense for #Rays: He's coming off great season and has 6 years, $100M left on deal.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 8, 2016
Since Andrew Friedman, Dodgers president of baseball operations, was the former general manager of the Rays, this deal would be the easiest choice for Los Angeles.
Here are Turner and Longoria’s 2016 numbers:
AB | R | H | HR | RBI | BA | OBP | SLG | |
Evan Longoria | 633 | 81 | 173 | 36 | 98 | 0.273 | 0.318 | 0.840 |
Justin Turner | 556 | 79 | 153 | 27 | 90 | 0.275 | 0.339 | 0.832 |
Throughout the day, Dodger fans were debating whether or not the Dodgers could finance both players and move Turner to second base and start Longoria at third base. At the end of the day, the Dodgers would either re-sign Turner or sign Longoria.
Longoria is a Southern California native and went to Long Beach State, so he would be coming back home.
Will the Dodgers continue pursuing the Downey native?
Dodgers Rumors: Giants to Pursue Justin Turner?
hay
Team chemistry is so hard to capture… Dodgers have it with the current roster. Need to resign Jansen, Turner & Hill. And add Ian Kinsler and Justin Verlander via trade. That team can compete against the Cubs. If FO can trade Kazmir, then the team salary should be similar to last year’s even with the signings.