In December 2017, the Tampa Bay Rays made headlines when they traded their star third baseman, Evan Longoria, to the San Francisco Giants. The trade was significant for both teams, as it involved multiple players and cash considerations.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at who was traded for Evan Longoria, including the players the Rays received in return and the potential impact of the trade on both teams.
We’ll also analyze the trade from different perspectives and offer our predictions for how it will affect the Rays and the Giants in the future.
The Trade Details
On December 20, 2017, it was announced that Evan Longoria was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Francisco Giants.
The trade involved Longoria and cash considerations going to San Francisco, and the Rays receiving four players in return: Christian Arroyo, Denard Span, Stephen Woods, and Matt Krook.
Christian Arroyo is an infielder who played for the Giants during the 2017 season. At the time of the trade, he was considered one of the Giants’ top prospects.
Denard Span is an outfielder who had played for the Giants for the past two seasons. Stephen Woods and Matt Krook are both pitchers who had been playing in the Giants’ minor league system.
The trade was first reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, who noted that Longoria and cash considerations were going to the Giants. Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic later confirmed the deal.
It’s important to note that the exact amount of cash considerations involved in the trade has not been disclosed. However, it’s been reported that the Rays are sending a significant amount of money to the Giants to help offset Longoria’s remaining salary.
Overall, the trade was seen as a significant move for both teams, with the Rays shedding salary and acquiring young talent, and the Giants adding a proven veteran to their roster.
Who the Rays Received
Christian Arroyo, the main piece of the return package for the Rays, is an infielder who was a first-round draft pick by the Giants in 2013. At the time of the trade, he was considered one of the top prospects in the Giants’ farm system.
Arroyo made his MLB debut in 2017 and played in 34 games for the Giants, batting .192 with three home runs and 14 RBIs. He has experience playing third base, shortstop, and second base.
Denard Span is an outfielder who played for the Giants for the past two seasons. In 2017, he appeared in 129 games and batted .272 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs. Over his 11-year career, Span has primarily played center field but has experience in all three outfield positions.
Stephen Woods and Matt Krook are both pitchers who had been playing in the Giants’ minor league system. Woods is a right-handed pitcher who was drafted in the eighth round in 2016.
He has a career 4.02 ERA and 9.9 K/9 over two minor league seasons. Krook is a left-handed pitcher who was drafted in the fourth round in 2016. He has a career 4.68 ERA and 10.1 K/9 over three minor league seasons.
The potential impact of each player on the Rays’ roster varies. Arroyo has the most potential to make an immediate impact at the major league level, as he could potentially compete for the starting third baseman job.
Span provides the Rays with a veteran presence in the outfield and could serve as a platoon player. Woods and Krook are both still developing in the minor leagues and may not make an impact for the Rays for a few years.
Overall, the Rays received a package of players that includes both major league experience and minor league potential. It will be interesting to see how each player develops and contributes to the Rays’ roster in the coming years.
Who the Giants Received
The Giants received Evan Longoria in the trade with the Rays, which was seen as a significant move for the team. Longoria, a three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, had spent his entire 10-year career with the Rays and was the face of the franchise.
He is considered one of the best third basemen in baseball and is known for his power and defense.
Longoria had a solid season with the Rays in 2017, batting .261 with 20 home runs and 86 RBIs. His addition to the Giants’ roster provides an immediate upgrade at third base and gives the team a reliable power bat in the lineup.
However, there are potential drawbacks to the trade as well. Longoria is 32 years old, and there are concerns about his declining production and durability over the long term.
Additionally, he is owed a significant amount of money over the next several years, which could limit the Giants’ ability to make other moves in free agency.
Overall, the trade for Longoria is a move that signals the Giants’ intention to compete in the near future. It remains to be seen how Longoria will perform in a new environment and how the Giants will build around him in the coming years.
Summarizing the Players Involved in the Trade of Evan Longoria
| Player Name | Position | Stats (2017) | Previous Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evan Longoria | 3B | .261 AVG, 20 HR, 86 RBI, .737 OPS | 10 years with Tampa Bay Rays, 3-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner |
| Christian Arroyo | INF | .192 AVG, 3 HR, 14 RBI, .548 OPS | 34 games with San Francisco Giants, 4 years in minors |
| Denard Span | OF | .272 AVG, 12 HR, 43 RBI, .778 OPS | 3 years with San Francisco Giants, 9 years in majors |
| Stephen Woods | RHP (minors) | 3.20 ERA, 97 K, 48 BB in 84.1 IP | 2 years in minors |
| Matt Krook | LHP (minors) | 4.09 ERA, 122 K, 65 BB in 74 IP | 3 years in minors |
This table provides a snapshot of the players involved in the trade, including their position, stats from the 2017 season, and previous experience in the majors and minors. It is helpful for comparing the players and understanding their potential impact on their new teams.
FAQs
Why did the Rays trade Evan Longoria?
The Rays traded Longoria to the Giants in order to free up payroll and acquire younger talent for their roster. Longoria was owed a significant amount of money over the next few years, which may have limited the Rays’ ability to make other moves in free agency.
How does Evan Longoria fit into the Giants’ lineup?
Longoria is expected to be the starting third baseman for the Giants, providing an immediate upgrade at the position. He is also expected to be a reliable power bat in the lineup, providing a consistent source of offense for the team.
What is the potential impact of Christian Arroyo on the Rays’ roster?
Arroyo has the potential to make an immediate impact on the Rays’ roster, potentially competing for the starting third baseman job. He has experience playing multiple infield positions and is seen as a talented young player with a lot of potential.
What are the potential risks of the trade for the Giants?
The trade for Longoria does come with some potential risks for the Giants, including his declining production and durability over the long term. Additionally, Longoria is owed a significant amount of money over the next few years, which could limit the Giants’ ability to make other moves in free agency.
What are the potential benefits of the trade for the Rays?
The trade for the Rays provides the team with a mix of major league experience and minor league potential, which could help the team compete in the coming years. Additionally, the trade frees up payroll for the team, allowing them to potentially make other moves in free agency.
Conclusion
Evan Longoria was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for a package of players that included Christian Arroyo, Denard Span, Stephen Woods, and Matt Krook.
The trade was seen as a significant move for both teams, with the Rays receiving a mix of major league experience and minor league potential, while the Giants added a reliable power bat at third base.
While there are potential risks and rewards for both teams, the trade sets up both organizations for potential success in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how each player develops and contributes to their new teams.
