MLB trade rumors: Giants interested in Evan Longoria

The Giants have a “keen interest” in Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports.

Longoria, 32, has spent his entire 10-year career with the Rays winning a Rookie of the Year award, three Gold Gloves, one Silver Slugger, and making three All-Star Appearances with the club. In 2017, Longoria slashed .261/.313/.424 with 20 home runs, 86 RBIs, and 36 doubles in 156 games. Additionally, Longoria has epitomized durability since the start of the 2013 season, playing in at least 156 games or more in each season since.

Nightengale notes that in order for a deal to get done, the Rays would have to take a high-priced player in either Denard Span or Hunter Pence in return for Longo. Longoria is under contract until 2022 with a club option for 2023. The Rays appear interested in moving the face of their franchise, and the Giants have had a serious void at third base since Pablo Sandoval went to Boston, though he has since returned to the bay area.

Giants’ GM Bobby Evans would like to get the Giants back to contending in 2018, and in order to do that, the club must upgrade offensively, and third base is a large area of need for the club. Longoria would be a great fit in San Fran, and the Giants could strike a deal with the Rays if the Rays are willing to take a large contract to offset Longoria’s.