One could forgive Evan Longoria for his frustrations with the Tampa Bay Rays constant rebuilding. As the one player who has stayed, he has seen virtually every other player depart the team in a never ending series of cost cutting moves and trades for prospects. At some point, the Rays would need to build a core around their franchise icon.
The beginnings of that core may be shaping up. Chris Archer is already locked in for the rest of the decade, and has established himself as the Rays ace. And now, another piece to that puzzle may be falling into place, as the Rays are reportedly close to signing Kevin Kiermaier to a long term extension.