For the first time in franchise history, we might see a player stick around with the Rays from the beginning to the end of his career.

We’ve all heard the news by now, Evan Longoria has received a sizable extension which will net him $136 million between now and 2022. Marc Topkin called the move “surprising and significant,” and well, we’d have to concur.

This move is indicative of a few things. First, it shows that the Rays, as an organization, are committed to building a team around a player. We haven’t really seen the Rays focus on someone who could be considered a franchise player, at least not in recent history. This extension is an acknowledgement of how valuable Longoria is to the Rays in the short-term, while also giving nods to a team that is constantly working toward building a fan base and a legacy.

This could also be viewed as a not so blatant message to other players that may be considering a move to Tampa Bay, that the Rays are more than just a 4A breeding ground for the likes of the Yankees or the Red Sox. Suffice to say, the Rays have garnered a reputation for signing players to shorter (or team friendly) contracts. One could argue that we could have had the opportunity to watch Buster Posey play on a daily basis, hadn’t he been steered away by extenuating circumstances predicated on the Rays keen ability to finagle a deal.

A deal like this speaks volumes. Stu Sternberg’s comments during the press conference seem to support the thoughts above. Sternburg was quoted as saying, “We can afford to sign any player,” and “This deal helps us for future, (though it) doesn’t impact what we do short-term.” The question then begs, though the attendance has shown no signs of improvement, could we see the Rays sign players (both present or future) to bigger and/or longer contracts? I think it could, at least within reason. If the conclusion drawn by DRaysBay is holds water, the Rays will have the means to spend more money in the very near future, even without an increase in attendance.

Starting in 2014, Tampa Bay stands to net approximately $25 million more per season thanks to the new national television contracts with Fox, ESPN and TBS. Consider also that the Rays local television contract is up in 2016, and they’ll be looking to renegotiate a deal. If their ever-increasing television ratings an indication of things, the Rays stand to make bank from a new local television contract. Extra revenue streams equal more money, and more money could find a Rays with the ability to spend more.

Whatever the case, Longoria’s new contract will incorporate the salaries for 2013 through 2016 from his original contract, while extending his contract six more years through 2022 for an additional $100 million. The extension is worth $100-million, for an annual average value $16.6-million, with an option for 2023. Longoria’s salaries in the new deal step up from $13-million in 2017 to around $20-million in 2022, and includes a club option for 2013. You can see the terms for the deal below.

Let’s hope he, ahem…practices better stretching techniques so he isn’t shelved for half a season any time soon.

Terms of Longoria’s Contract Extension (as per the Tampa Bay Times)

Previous deal, now guaranteed:

2013: $6-million
2014: $7.5-million
2015: $11-million
2016: $12.1-million (increased from $11.5-million)

New deal (guaranteed)

$1-million signing bonus

2017: $13-million
2018: $13.5-million
2019: $14.5-million
2020: $15-million
2021: $18.5-million
2022: $19.5-million
2023: Team option – $5-million buyout or $13-million plus incentives.

If Longoria is traded, there is a $2-million assignment bonus (presumably paid by acquiring team).

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