Former San Francisco Giants Three-Time All-Star Linked to Cincinnati Reds

A former San Francisco Giants infielder has been linked as a possible signing for an NL Central team.

Sep 30, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Evan Longoria (10) / John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports

When the San Francisco Giants traded for third baseman Evan Longoria, the hope was for him to bring his elite defensive abilities and power-hitting bat to the Bay Area.

Longoria found success for parts of his career with the Giants, but he wasn't the player he once was. He spent the 2018-2022 seasons in San Francisco, hitting 20 home runs just once.

The 38-year-old has had a decorated career, winning the Rookie of the Year, three Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and being named an All-Star three times. None of those accolades came with the Giants.

While it didn't work out as planned, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report views Longoria as an MLB free agent signing that should happen as soon as possible. The team Rymer believes should sign him is the Cincinnati Reds.

Rymer believes Longoria would be a good fit for the Reds due to the injuries the team has dealt with already. What was once viewed as arguably the most crowded infield room in baseball has now had to deal with injuries and a suspension. Matt McClain had shoulder surgery and Noelvi Marte was suspended for 80 games.

During the 2023 season, Longoria was a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, who lost in the World Series. He appeared in 74 games, slashing .223/.295/.422 with 11 home runs. His 93 OPS+ was the second-lowest of his career, but he also played the fewest games of his career.

If the Reds need a platoon option, Longoria could be their man.