Longoria was chosen third overall by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2006 Major League Baseball draft. Baseball America dubbed Longoria the “greatest pure hitter” among collegiate players in the 2006 draft class.
He was the school’s highest draft pick in history. Tampa Bay provided him with a $3 million signing bonus. Longoria ripped through his initial assignments in the minor levels after joining the Rays.
Longoria was promoted to the Visalia Oaks in 2006 after only eight games with the short-season Single-A Hudson Valley Renegades.
He wowed the organization with his early performance, hitting.327/.402/.618 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs in 28 games.
This earned him a promotion to the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits, where he hit.267/.266/.486 with six home runs until the conclusion of the season then hit.345 in the postseason, including a walk-off two-run home drive in the Southern League Division Playoffs that propelled Montgomery to the title. He was the Biscuits’ 2007 Most Valuable Player and a postseason all-star.
On top of that, he was named player of the week. He was widely regarded as the best third base prospect in the minors, as well as one of the best prospects at any position.
How Tall Is Evan Longoria?
Evan is 6 feet 1 inch tall, which is equivalent to 1.85 meters.