The Rays’ Future in Tampa Bay: What’s Next?

Once again, we are on the precipice. Inches from calamity and miles from comfort. The decision by Rays owner Stuart Sternberg to pull out of a once-rejoiced plan to build a new baseball stadium in St. Petersburg has upended a major redevelopment project for the city and left the team’s future in Tampa Bay in doubt.

The Current Situation

If you weren’t in favor of committing public funds to a ballpark or you had grown unhappy with Sternberg’s stewardship of the team, this probably sounds like good news. And that may turn out to be true. But there is a careful-what-you-wish-for element to this.

There might be a happy ending with a new ownership group, but only if Sternberg is willing to sell. And there might be a stadium built near Ybor City, but that is far from guaranteed. And the Trop site will be redeveloped, but it might lack the anchor attraction that was deemed critical.

The Background

The simplest explanation is team ownership got cold feet. While the Rays celebrated the culmination of the deal last summer, Sternberg was still unsure a new stadium would generate enough revenue to make the team’s $700 million commitment to stadium construction worthwhile.

Commissioner Rob Manfred’s Statement

Absolutely, that’s all true. And it’s certainly good to hear. But, once upon a time, Manfred made a similar promise to Oakland. The Athletics are now on their way to Las Vegas with a stopover in Sacramento.

Potential Ownership and Stadium Plans

That’s the buzz around town. At least two ownership groups have been identified and there could be more. The problem is the Rays have not committed to selling the team.

Rays President’s Hope for a New Stadium

Yeah, good luck with that. The Rays have failed to find common ground with four St. Pete mayors and two Tampa mayors in the past 20 years.

Most Likely Outcome

Two months ago, I wrote that there was a scenario where the Rays pulled out of the stadium deal and let the clock run out on the Tropicana lease. The Rays have not yet found a deal they like, and they may be facing more roadblocks than ever, but they’re still the ones driving this train.

Conclusion

The future of the Tampa Bay Rays remains uncertain, with various possibilities on the horizon. While challenges and uncertainties persist, the team continues to navigate through turbulent waters in search of stability and success.

FAQs

What about the Rays potentially relocating? Despite uncertainties, the Rays have not formally announced plans to relocate and continue to explore options within the Tampa Bay region.

Are there any immediate solutions to the stadium situation? The Rays are currently evaluating various options, including the possibility of new ownership and stadium plans, to secure their future in Tampa Bay.