LOS ANGELES — The search for a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays is a priority for Major League Baseball as the league aims to finalize a location by Christmas 2025.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that adjustments to both the major and minor league schedules could be necessary to accommodate the Rays, especially following the damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton on October 9.
“I believe we can make it work in a minor league venue,” Manfred stated before Game 2 of the World Series. “There’s likely some flexibility regarding how we approach the major league schedule.”
There are several minor league stadiums in the Tampa Bay vicinity, including the spring training locations for teams like the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, the New York Yankees in Tampa, the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, and the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland.
Additionally, alternatives could include the Rays’ own spring training facility located in Port Charlotte, approximately 85 miles (136 kilometers) south of St. Petersburg, or the ballpark within Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex close to Orlando.
Manfred emphasized the need for a well-developed plan by Christmas, noting, “There’s a lot to consider. Once we get through Game 7 — and we will have a Game 7 — we need to concentrate on determining our location and logistics.”
Significant damage occurred to much of the fiberglass roof of Tropicana Field. City Council member Brandi Gabbard indicated that an assessment of the damage should be completed by early November.
“They are still evaluating the extent of the damage,” Manfred added. “That process needs to conclude, and it’s not limited to just the roof — there is internal damage too. We won’t know the full impact until that analysis is finished.”
In other discussions, the eligibility of MLB players for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is currently under consideration.
During the 2021 Tokyo Games, players not on 40-man rosters could participate, but most major league teams chose not to release their top prospects.
“This dialogue is ongoing and hasn’t reached a definitive conclusion,” Manfred commented. “I want to stress that there is no confirmation either way at this point.”
Regarding issues surrounding pitching injuries and the increasing reliance on bullpen games, Manfred mentioned it was premature to say if any rule changes should be evaluated to address pitcher injuries and the reduced innings pitched by starting players.
Union head Tony Clark criticized teams on Friday for exerting too much pressure on pitchers to perform at peak levels constantly.
“This will be a topic for discussion in the offseason,” Manfred noted. “November is a significant month for meetings.”
General managers will convene from November 4-7 in San Antonio, Texas, and team owners will meet from November 19-21.