BREAKING NEWS: Excitements Hit Tropicana Field as former Tampa Bay Rays legend Evan Longoria, has Returned to his former team as a senior coaching…see more..

In a move that has electrified the Tampa Bay Rays fanbase and sent waves of nostalgia through the baseball community, former Rays icon Evan Longoria has officially returned to the franchise — this time not as a player, but as a Senior Coaching Advisor.

The announcement was made early Wednesday morning via the team’s official channels, and was followed by a press conference at Tropicana Field, where Longoria was warmly welcomed back by Rays executives, former teammates, and dozens of fans who showed up to celebrate the homecoming of one of the most beloved players in franchise history.

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“It Feels Like Coming Home”

Now 39, Longoria spent the bulk of his Major League playing career with Tampa Bay, debuting in 2008 and immediately making an impact. He won the American League Rookie of the Year that same season and helped lead the Rays to their first-ever World Series appearance. Over 10 seasons with the Rays, Longoria became a three-time All-Star and cemented himself as a cornerstone of the franchise.

“This organization gave me my start, believed in me when I was a kid fresh out of college, and helped shape who I am,” Longoria said at the press conference. “To return now in a mentorship and coaching role feels like coming full circle. I’m excited to work with this next generation of talent and give back to the club and the city that meant so much to me.”

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A Boost for a Young, Talented Roster

Longoria’s return comes at a pivotal time for the Rays, who continue to develop one of the most promising young cores in the league. As a Senior Coaching Advisor, Longoria is expected to work closely with both the infield and hitting staff, while also serving as a mentor in the clubhouse.

“Evan brings not just baseball knowledge, but leadership, heart, and experience,” said Rays Manager Kevin Cash. “Our younger players grew up watching him — now they’ll get to learn from him directly.”

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Community Reaction

The reaction from fans and former teammates was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Social media lit up with highlights of Longoria’s memorable moments in a Rays uniform — from his iconic walk-off home run to clinch the 2011 Wild Card to his diving plays at third base.

“He’s one of the greatest to ever wear the Rays jersey,” tweeted former teammate David Price. “The kids in Tampa Bay are lucky to have him back.”

Season ticket holders at Tropicana Field echoed the sentiment, with many saying this move reinforces the team’s commitment to honoring its history while building for the future.

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What’s Next?

Though Longoria retired from playing in early 2024 after brief stints with the San Francisco Giants and Arizona Diamondbacks, he never ruled out staying in baseball in some capacity. His return to Tampa Bay is expected to mark the beginning of a long-term role within the organization — one that may evolve over time.

“I’m not putting a limit on what this role becomes,” Longoria said. “For now, I just want to help this team win and continue the tradition we started years ago.”

With the return of one of their greatest players, the Rays organization and fanbase have every reason to believe the best may be yet to come.