SAN FRANCISCO–For the last decade, Evan Longoria was the face of the Tampa Bay Rays.
The franchise’s first homegrown star, Longoria was the third overall pick in the 2006 Major League Baseball Draft and became the Rookie of the Year in the American League in 2008.
So when Longoria received the news he was being traded to San Francisco in December, the Giants’ new third baseman wasn’t just leaving the only team he’s ever known, he was leaving his post as his club’s most recognizable star. At AT&T Park, Longoria will be surrounded by homegrown products like Buster Posey, Brandon Crawford and Madison Bumgarner, and join a core of players that includes Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija.
The 32-year-old understands he’ll take on a different role in the clubhouse this season, and during his introductory press conference on Friday, he said he reached out to Posey and Bumgarner after being traded to relay an important message.
“I reached out to Buster and Madison first just because I wanted to shoot a text message and get it out there that I was excited to be here and kind of the same thing I said to you guys,” Longoria said. “I’m here to win and I’m trying to just follow the example that you guys have set over the years.”
Longoria has been training at the Giants’ complex in Scottsdale, Arizona this offseason, which as allowed him to forge relationships with some of his new teammates including Samardzija and outfielder Jarrett Parker. While Longoria hasn’t had the chance to introduce himself to all of his new teammates yet, some of the Giants have actually reached out to him.
“I’ve also talked to Samardzija, he’s been at the complex. Jarrett Parker has been at the complex, Brandon Belt just texted me the other day too and Hunter Pence. So I’ve touched base with quite a few guys who are mainstays here and they’ve all assured me that they’re excited and that makes me excited and puts me at ease a little bit.”