Chris Archer congratulates Evan Longoria for breaking Rays record
Teammate Chris Archer congratulated Longoria on his accomplishment via social media, calling Longoria a “true pro” and saying the Rays wouldn’t have a heartbeat without him.
Longoria, 30, has spent all nine seasons of his major league career with Tampa Bay. He’s the franchise leader in home runs (232), RBIs (780) and doubles (292), and he is second in hits (1,272).
Longoria’s current contract runs through 2022 with an option for 2023. He told the Tampa Bay Times his goal was to be a cornerstone piece of the Rays, and he said setting the record for games played is a step in cementing his future as a lifelong member of the franchise. Although, he recognizes that decision doesn’t rest in his hands.
“I want to show up and be a member of this team,” Longoria said to the Tampa Bay Times. “So yeah, simply put, I’d love to be here my whole career.”