Rays 2013 Rookie of the Year calls it a career after 11 seasons

Although WIl Myers only played for the Tampa Bays for two seasons, the young outfielder was an integral member of an organization that was trying to avoid running into a slump after years of success.

When the Devil Rays alternated their jerseys and became the new look "Rays" in 2008, they experienced an amazing boost, as they lost in their first ever World Series appearance. From 2008-2011, the club made the postseason in three out of four seasons and accomplished a winning record each year. After missing the playoffs in 2012, the Rays were looking to avoid a multi-year regression.

Acquired in a December 2012 trade with the Royals that included Rays' great, James Shields, Myers impressed right away. The Rays front office had no choice, but to call up the former 3rd round pick after he hit .286 with 14 home runs in only 64 contests with the Durham Bulls.

Myers picked up right where he left off with the Rays, hitting .293 with 13 home runs and 53 RBIs in 88 MLB games. His services were much needed as the Rays were in 4th place in the AL East with a 36-34 record at the date of his arrival. The Rays went on an incredible run from then, going 56-37 to close out the season and clinching a Wild Card spot on the last game of the season.

There were certainly other players involved in this amazing comeback story, but the Rookie of the Year was a very important member of this team. Alongside Wil Myers, Rays infielders Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist led them to their fate. However, after this great sucess, Myers struggled in the 2014 season and was subsequently traded to the Padres during that offseason.

The North Carolina native was a model of consistency in his eight years in San Diego. He slashed .254/.330/.451 with over 300 extra-base hits. The right fielder's best campaign was in 2016, as he appeared in a career-high 157 games and was rewarded his first (and only) All-Star nod.

Myers was underrated throughout his career, especially with the Padres, as he received MVP votes in 2020 with no other accolades. In fact, the 29-year old finished 6th in home runs with 15 in that shortened season.

Unfortunately, Wil Myers has officially announced his retirement from baseball. Although his time in a Rays uniform was short-lived, we'll always remember the grit and tenacity that he always played with, displayed by his "no batting gloves look", and the incredible teammate that he was. We wish him the best on his next endeavor in life!