The Boston Red Sox appeared to disregard offseason appeals from star third baseman Rafael Devers, who urged the team to make more substantial roster additions.
Compounding their roster deficiencies, the team briefly had to cope without Devers himself due to a shoulder injury, sidelining the $313 million franchise player for two games. Following Devers’ injury, Patrick McAvoy of Inside The Red Sox labeled the team a “perfect landing spot” for veteran free agent Evan Longoria.
“Veteran third baseman Evan Longoria is still available in free agency and is seeking his next opportunity,” McAvoy wrote. “The three-time All-Star boasts ample American League East experience after spending his first 10 seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays… The 38-year-old could provide assistance at third base as needed and bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse.”
Longoria, in addition to his three All-Star selections, has received a Silver Slugger Award and three Gold Glove Awards. Across 16 seasons in the majors, he has maintained a batting average of .264, an on-base percentage of .333, and a slugging percentage of .471, along with 342 home runs, 58 stolen bases, and 1,159 RBI. Despite batting .223/.295/.422 in 211 at-bats for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, there remains potential for productivity with the right team.
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Longoria is “still considering his options for 2024.” However, if he decides to continue playing, he is likely to find interest, especially with a projected salary of just $7 million in 2024, according to Spotrac.
“… Longoria’s form displayed for the majority of the season would present a noticeable improvement for several clubs at third base, especially considering his willingness to accept a part-time role,” noted Nick Deeds for MLB Trade Rumors.
“The appeal of another season is quite evident from Longoria’s perspective as well: he currently stands at 1,930 career hits, putting him just 70 away from the milestone of 2,000 hits.”
For the Red Sox, Longoria would likely serve as the primary backup at third base behind Devers. Presently, Bobby Dalbec and Pablo Reyes are listed as the substitute options. Dalbec has yet to register a hit in six at-bats this season, while Reyes has predominantly played at second base.
“Devers is currently fine, but if he were to miss significant time later in the season, the Red Sox could face difficulties,” added McAvoy. “Boston has Bobby Dalbec and Pablo Reyes on the bench, and while either could fill in at third base, an additional addition could be beneficial.”
If Longoria decides to return to MLB this season, the Red Sox may face competition in signing him. Deeds suggested that both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs could be vying for his services.
“The Mets lost infield prospect Ronny Mauricio for the 2024 season due to an injury in winter ball, and Longoria could serve as a veteran mentor and right-handed hitting complement to youngster Brett Baty at third base for the 2024 campaign,” he stated.
“Meanwhile, the Cubs lack an established third baseman and could utilize Longoria in conjunction with other internal options like Nick Madrigal and Miles Mastrobuoni at the hot corner.”
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