Orlando Dreamers Aim to Bring Major League Baseball to the City

For a decade, groups in Orlando have started and stopped pushes to get a Major League Baseball team in a state where its two franchises have struggled with attendance and revenue.

Barry Larkin Leads the Charge

That effort got more attention Wednesday with the announcement of a new front man: Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin, who held a press conference in Orlando next to renderings of a $1.7 billion ballpark that would be built near SeaWorld.

Larkin said his group, known as the Orlando Dreamers, is open to either getting a new team in the next Major League expansion round or having a team relocate to the area. That includes becoming the new home of the Tampa Bay Rays.

Potential Relocation for the Rays

Larkin said he spoke with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred who stressed to him that the league is “looking for some stability in baseball.” Larkin mentioned “the Tampa Bay situation” and the Oakland A’s fraught move to Las Vegas.

“It’s become apparent to me that Orlando is the most compelling market in the country for the next MLB franchise,” Larkin said, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Rays Future

The Rays future in Tampa Bay is uncertain with a sweeping stadium deal in limbo and a hurricane-ravaged Tropicana Field, though some clarity is expected soon.

March 31 Deadline

The Rays have until March 31 to move forward with a deal struck last summer with St. Petersburg and Pinellas County to build a $1.3 billion stadium on the same site as the Trop.

Conclusion

The Orlando Dreamers, led by Barry Larkin, are making a strong push to bring Major League Baseball to Orlando, potentially including the Tampa Bay Rays. The future of the Rays in Tampa Bay remains uncertain, with both the team and city officials facing key decisions in the coming months.

FAQs

Q: Will the Rays be relocating to Orlando?

A: While it is a possibility, the Orlando Dreamers’ goal is to bring a new MLB franchise to the city.

Q: What is the deadline for the Rays to move forward with a new stadium deal in Tampa Bay?

A: The Rays have until March 31 to finalize their agreement for a new stadium at the current Tropicana Field site.