The Giants finally struck with a big offseason move on Wednesday acquiring third baseman Evan Longoria from the Rays.
In exchange for Longoria the Giants will send Denard Span along with Christian Arroyo, Matt Krook and Stephen Woods to the Rays.
Longoria is owed $86 million though the 2023 season, assuming his option for 2023 is declined and the Giants pay a $5 million buyout. If not they could keep him on a $13 million team option.
The Giants are hoping that Longoria can bounce back from a tough 2017 season that saw him post a .261/.313/.424 line with 20 homers and 86 RBI. While Longoria’s on base percentage has been in decline since 2013, he did have a nice 2016 season overall with a .273/.318/.521 slash line with a career high 36 homers and 98 RBI.
BREAKING: #Rays have traded Longoria to #Giants
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) December 20, 2017
Arroyo had been linked to just about every attempt of general manager Bobby Evans to acquire someone this offseason, most notably Giancarlo Stanton.
The 22-year-old hit .300/.345/.434 over five seasons in the minors and is under team control for six years.
Span is largely an add in to help alleviate the Giants financial woes after taking on Longoria’s contract. He’s owed $11 million this year and has a club option of $12 million next year which has a $4 million buyout. It is unclear if he will make it to Tampa Bay for the start of spring training as the Rays could flip in another deal.
The trade of Span increases the chances that Hunter Pence remains with the Giants next season, however the team has had some discussions with Jay Bruce.
