Red Sox Linked to 3-Time All-Star As $313 Million Franchise Slugger Misses Time…

The Boston Red Sox did not appear to heed offseason requests from star third baseman Rafael Devers, who wanted the team to make more significant personnel moves.

And, to make matters worse, the squad was briefly without Devers, who missed two games due to a shoulder ailment. Following the injury, Patrick McAvoy of Inside The Red Sox described the team as a “perfect landing spot” for veteran free agent Evan Longoria.

“Veteran third baseman Evan Longoria is still available in free agency and is looking for his next opportunity,” McAvoy said in a statement. “The three-time All-Star has extensive experience in the American League East, having spent the first ten seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays…” The 38-year-old could fill in at third base if required and offer an experienced presence in the clubhouse.

Longoria has received three All-Star nominations, a Silver Slugger Award, and three Gold Glove Awards. In 16 major league seasons, he averaged.264/.333/.471, with 342 home runs, 58 stolen bases, and 1,159 RBI. After hitting.223/.295/.422 in 211 at-bats for the National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks last season, it appears he still has some production in the tank for the appropriate team.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Longoria is “still weighing his options for 2024.” However, if he decides to play again, he will undoubtedly find a suitor, especially given that he is projected to earn only $7 million in 2024, according to Spotrac.

“…the form Longoria’s flashed for the majority of the season would represent a noticeable improvement for a number of clubs at the hot corner, particularly given Longoria’s willingness to accept a part-time role,” Nick Deeds, of MLB Trade Rumors, wrote. “The allure of returning from another season is fairly clear from Longoria’s perspective as well: he currently sits at 1,930 career hits, putting him just 70 away from the 2,000 hit milestone.”