Ex-Ray Evan Longoria says free agents need to stand strong and fight

Former Rays star Evan Longoria said another slow market for big-name free agents is a shame and, joining the rumblings of a potential looming labor war with the owners, called for players to “stand strong” and “continue to fight” for their rights,

Longoria, traded to the Giants in December 2017, got his money without becoming a free agent, signing two rich, long-terms deals with the Rays that were considered below market at the time.

But using photos on his Instagram post to highlight Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Dallas Keuchel and Criag Kimbrel, Longoria made clear that he feels the current system isn’t working and questioned the analytics some are using to “devalue” players.

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We are less then a month from the start of spring and once again some of our games biggest starts remain unsigned. Such a shame. It’s seems every day now someone is making up a new analytical tool to devalue players, especially free agents. As fans, why should “value” for your team even be a consideration? It’s not your money, it’s money that players have worked their whole lives to get to that level and be deserving of. Bottom line, fans should want the best players and product on the field for their team. And as players we need to stand strong for what we believe we are worth and continue to fight for the rights we have fought for time and time again.

A post shared by evan longoria (@evan.longoria3) on Jan 18, 2019 at 10:37am PST

Longoria isn’t the only player to speak out lately; Philadelphia’s Jake Arrieta recently posted a warning to younger players that they need to pay attention to what is happening as they could be targeted next.