Best player in Rays history to retire as member of the team

Selected third overall in the 2006 draft out of Long Beach State, Longoria progressed quickly through the Rays' minor league system. Less than two years later, he was making his debut in the Rays lineup. 

Enamored with his potential, the Rays signed Longoria to a six-year, $17.5M contract extension just days into his career. The deal, which included multiple club options, was a trend-setter in the major leagues. No player with as little career service time had even been guaranteed a deal like this before. 

Longoria showed quickly why the investment was worthwhile. He'd hit .272/.343/.531 with 27 home runs that first season, earning a spot on the All-Star roster and winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award. It was the first of four consecutive seasons in which he'd receive MVP consideration. 

Over his ten years in Tampa Bay, Longoria would hit .270/.341/.483 (125 OPS+). Longoria is the franchise's all-time leader in WAR (51.7), games played (1,435), home runs (261), RBI (892), runs (780), extra-base hits (618), and walks (569). 

He'd win a trio of Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger. He also helped bring the club to the postseason four times, including their lone World Series appearance in 2008. 

Longoria's 12-inning home run on the final day of the 2011 season (above) is one of the best moments in franchise history and one immortalized with a statue outside of Tropicana Field. 

As Berry notes, the Rays have not issued Longoria's No. 3 to any player since he left the organization. It will surely be retired in time, and he will also take his place in the team's Hall of Fame.