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Tampa Bay Rays cornerstone Evan Longoria “somewhere in limbo” due to trade speculation

Longoria has been with the Rays since making his debut in 2008.
 
Evan Longoria has been a face of the Rays franchise since making his debut in 2008. [Times photo 2017]
Evan Longoria has been a face of the Rays franchise since making his debut in 2008. [Times photo 2017]
Published Dec. 11, 2017|Updated Dec. 11, 2017

Franchise cornerstone 3B Evan Longoria considers his future with the Rays "somewhere in limbo" based on speculation he could be traded as part of a cost-cutting and rebuilding movement.

"I don't know what to think, really,'' Longoria told the Tampa Bay Times via text message Sunday night.

"I think they have made it pretty clear that they want to cut salary so I guess that leaves me somewhere in limbo. I think I've been pretty upfront about wanting to be in Tampa (Bay) for my whole career, but I realize that my window is getting smaller to win a championship.

"If they decide to rebuild completely and give everyone up then I suppose my family and I will adjust.''

Longoria, 32, has $86-million and five years remaining on the second long-term below-market deal he signed with the Rays, with a 2023 option that could push the total to $94-million.

Longoria, 32, said Rays officials have not told him anything about their plans. One potential factor is that in April he reaches 10-and-5 status which means he gets no-trade rights, which the Rays don't include in contracts because it limits their flexibility.

"The reason I don't have a no-trade clause is for situations like this,'' Longoria said. "If the team decides that they want to move in a different direction they can do that.''

if the Rays do opt to deal Longoria, the Cardinals, Giants, Angels and Mets are among the teams that could have interest in him.