The Tampa Bay Rays find themselves without a permanent home after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, tearing off its roof. While talks of a new stadium have gained momentum in recent days, nothing has been finalized, leaving uncertainty about the team’s future in Tampa Bay.

Potential Relocation Cities

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, several cities could become potential homes for the Rays if efforts to secure a new stadium in Tampa Bay ultimately fail. Passan outlines three possible scenarios:

1. Team owner Stuart Sternberg sells the Rays to a buyer committed to keeping the team in Tampa Bay.
2. Sternberg relocates the team himself.
3. The team is sold to an outside party that moves it elsewhere.

If relocation occurs, MLB’s relocation policy requires approval from 23 of the league’s 30 team owners. Passan reports that cities such as Nashville, Salt Lake City, Charlotte, Portland, Austin, and Raleigh are potential relocation destinations.

Despite the speculation, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has reiterated the league’s commitment to keeping the Rays in the Tampa Bay area, stating this as a priority in prior comments to the Associated Press.

How Did We Get Here?

The Rays’ precarious situation stems from delayed decisions over funding for a new stadium. The team accused the Pinellas County Commission of creating a funding shortfall by delaying its vote on bonds for the stadium project.

Although the commission eventually approved the bonds after two previously opposed commissioners changed their votes, the delay pushed the expected stadium completion date from 2028 to 2029. This timeline adjustment has driven up the project’s costs, with Rays President Matt Silverman stating the team cannot shoulder the additional financial burden alone.

“As we have made clear, the County’s delay has caused the ballpark’s completion to slide into 2029,” Silverman said in a statement. “As a result, the cost of the project has increased significantly, and we cannot absorb this increase alone. When the County and City wish to engage, we remain ready to solve this funding gap together.”

St. Petersburg’s City Council had already approved funding for its share of the project. However, questions remain about whether rebuilding Tropicana Field, financing a new stadium, or reallocating existing funds to close the financial gap is the best path forward.

Where Will the Rays Play in the Meantime?

For the 2025 season, the Rays are set to play at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the New York Yankees’ spring training facility. However, this arrangement is temporary, as it’s unlikely the team will continue playing there beyond 2025.

If a long-term solution isn’t reached, MLB may allow the Rays to play in a potential expansion city as a temporary measure.

Repairing Tropicana Field

Repairing Tropicana Field is estimated to cost $55 million. However, the timeline for repairs remains uncertain, and it’s unclear whether the work could be completed in time for the 2026 season. According to Passan, the team doesn’t expect repairs to conclude before 2027, which coincides with the final year of their current lease.

“Part of the calculus going forward is whether the parties continue with rebuilding the Trop or consider taking the money pledged toward its repair and offer it to help bridge the funding gap,” Passan wrote.

What’s Next?

The Rays’ future in Tampa Bay hinges on resolving funding disputes and finalizing plans for a new or repaired stadium. While the league and local stakeholders emphasize their desire to keep the team in the area, time is running out to provide clarity on where the Rays will play in both the short and long term.

With relocation rumors swirling, the focus remains on finding a solution that keeps the Rays in Tampa Bay while addressing the financial and logistical hurdles exacerbated by Hurricane Milton’s destruction. For now, fans and officials alike are left waiting for a definitive answer about the Rays’ next home.

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(Image credit: Straight Arrow News)