Padres' Myers on Rays: 'It almost felt like they had given up on me'

San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers is looking to his former employer for motivation this season.

After just 175 games with the Tampa Bay Rays, the 2013 American League Rookie of the Year was shipped west in a three-team deal in December, leaving the 24-year-old with a sour taste in his mouth. 

"It almost felt like they had given up on me," Myers told Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "That only motivates me more."

The trade marked the second time Myers had been dealt since being selected in the third round of the 2009 draft. He admitted that he was skeptical of leaving at first, but the transition was made easier after seeing the roster the Padres assembled this winter. 

"I was a little frustrated, just because I liked Tampa Bay," Myers said. "But after seeing all the moves here I couldn't be more excited to be part of this team."

The Padres' starting outfield will be comprised of three new faces, with Justin Upton and Matt Kemp flanking Myers. Though the trio aren't heralded for their defensive abilities, Myers is looking forward to proving people wrong. 

"I think we'll surprise some people defensively," Myers said. "Matt and Justin are better than people say, and we all have something to prove."