If the Rays were to move on from Evan Longoria, these five teams may trade for him
Evan Longoria is the best player in Rays history. It is pretty tough to debate otherwise. It makes seeing the Rays potentially move on from Longoria extremely tough.
At the same time the Rays have a reputation. Their reputation is to never over spend, and to cut ties before a player starts declining. Carl Crawford, the Uptons, David Price, James Shields; they have made it known that they would rather be out on a player early than out too late.
Longoria is signed on for the next six years, but it is on a team friendly contract when looking at others of his status. While that can entice Rays fans to keep the fan favorite, it also entices other teams to throw higher pedigree young talent at them.
Then comes the fact that Longoria is having a major year. Longoria has hit 22 home runs this season which is as many as he has hit in either of the past two season. ZIPS has him projected to finish the season with 33 home runs which would be his highest total since 2009. His .287 average is currently his best since 2012 when he hit .289. Longoria is having a career type year at age 30.
That said, will he be in a position like this again? The Rays are still a decent amount of talent away from competing, and if this is peak Longoria selling now would bring back the biggest haul and would fit their philosophy of selling high before any potential lows. It would take a team willing to compete now, and Longoria may see that and feel better about leaving Tampa Bay. Still, teams will be interested and if the right price is there, can the Rays be knocked for accepting?
That said, here are the five teams that should trade for Evan Longoria
Next: 5. St. Louis Cardinals