The Tampa Bay Rays' season opener against the Colorado Rockies has been postponed by a day to March 28, providing the team additional time to adapt to their temporary home at the New York Yankees' Steinbrenner Field.


This change comes as the Rays are set to play their home games at the Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, Florida, due to damage caused to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg by Hurricane Milton on October 9.


The Yankees will conclude their spring training schedule against the Rays on March 23. In an unusual arrangement, the Yankees have granted the Rays limited permission to sell regular-season advertising throughout the seating bowl, including stadium concourse walls, the scoreboard, and the outfield walls. Rays staff will manage the scoreboard and incorporate Tampa Bay elements. Notably, the statue of the late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner will remain outside the stadium. Decisions regarding the large Y-A-N-K-E-E-S signs and the Yankees mural on the back of the scoreboard are still pending.


The Rays' adjusted schedule has them playing 19 of their first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 through May 28. Afterward, they will play 64 of their final 108 games on the road to avoid the summer rain at the open-air ballpark.


This unusual arrangement aims to ensure the Rays have a stable home environment while Tropicana Field undergoes repairs. The team is preparing to adapt quickly and effectively to their new, temporary surroundings.

The Tampa Bay Rays have traded right-handed pitcher Sean Harney to the New York Mets in exchange for international pool money, according to multiple reports.

Harney, who has shown potential in the Rays' farm system, will now have the opportunity to further develop his skills with the Mets organization. The Rays, in return, have added to their international signing budget, which could help them secure promising young talent from overseas.

​This trade reflects the Rays' ongoing strategy of leveraging their pitching depth to acquire resources that can aid in long-term player development. For the Mets, acquiring Harney provides them with another arm to evaluate and potentially develop within their system.

The Tampa Bay Rays have reached an agreement with veteran catcher Danny Jansen on a one-year contract worth $8.5 million, according to multiple reports. Jansen, who spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in July, is no stranger to the American League East.


Despite receiving multi-year offers from other teams, Jansen opted to bet on himself with a one-year deal after a challenging 2024 season. He will now join his third AL East team, bringing his experience and skills to the Rays' roster.


​Jansen has been a consistent performer throughout his career, known for his defensive prowess and ability to contribute offensively. This signing is a strategic move for the Rays as they look to strengthen their catching position and add depth to their lineup.

In a pivotal move, the St. Petersburg City Council has voted 4-3 to approve $287.5 million in bonds dedicated to the construction of a new $1.3 billion stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. Additionally, $142 million has been allocated for infrastructure improvements in the Historic Gas Plant District. This decision is a significant milestone in the ambitious $6.5 billion redevelopment plan aimed at revitalizing the area.


The next step involves the Pinellas County Commission, which will decide on their $312.5 million contribution on December 17. While the city's approval is a crucial advancement, the project's future hinges on the county's decision, a process that has experienced delays in the past.


This development not only aims to modernize the Rays' home but also promises substantial economic and infrastructural benefits for St. Petersburg. The approved funding is expected to enhance the local economy, improve public amenities, and bring a fresh vibrancy to the Historic Gas Plant District.


​As the community anticipates the county's decision, the approved bonds represent a significant commitment to the future of St. Pete and its residents, showcasing a bold vision for growth and renewal. Stay tuned as the next steps unfold in this transformative journey for the city.

While the majority of the attention regarding the Rays’ stadium plans is focused on the 2025 season following Hurricane Milton’s destruction of Tropicana Field, the long-term future of the club is also under scrutiny. Today, the St. Petersburg City Council is set to vote on approving bonds to finance a new stadium for the Rays.

Last year, a plan was in place to construct a new stadium near the Trop by the 2028 season. However, the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and local officials' frustration over the club’s decision to play its home games in Hillsborough County next year have caused delays in bond approval.

Even if today’s vote passes, it won’t guarantee the stadium plans will proceed as intended. The delays have led the Rays to suggest that the stadium may not be ready by 2028, casting doubt on the deal. Additionally, the Pinellas County Commission has also delayed approving their bonds for the project.

The recent elections have altered the commission's makeup, removing key votes in favor of the stadium deal. This makes getting approval from the county a larger obstacle than from the city of St. Petersburg.

The Tampa Bay Rays have been one of the most active teams in this year's trade market, dealing away key players such as Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Isaac Paredes, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, Amed Rosario, and Shawn Armstrong. This flurry of moves highlights the Rays' strategic approach to the Trade Deadline, aiming to reshape their roster for future success.

In November, the Rays continued their trading spree by sending center fielder Jose Siri to the New York Mets. According to MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, additional trades might be on the horizon as starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs and reliever Pete Fairbanks have garnered significant interest from other teams in recent days.

Both Springs and Fairbanks are under favorable contracts, making them attractive targets for clubs looking to strengthen their pitching staff without incurring the high costs associated with free-agent signings. Springs is currently on a four-year, $31 million deal with two years remaining and a $15 million club option for 2027. His annual salary of $10.5 million is considerably lower than the deals secured by mid-tier free agents this offseason, such as Yusei Kikuchi ($21 million AAV), Frankie Montas ($16 million AAV), and Matthew Boyd ($14.5 million AAV).

Despite undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023, Springs, 32, has shown the potential to be an elite starter. He recorded a 2.26 ERA with a 4.8 K/BB ratio over 151 1/3 innings across 2022-23. In 2024, he posted a 3.27 ERA over seven starts before being sidelined in September due to arm fatigue.

Fairbanks, on the other hand, has experienced his share of injury setbacks. His strikeout rate dropped to 23.8% in 2024, but he remains a valuable asset with a 2.66 ERA, 38 saves, and a 34.8% strikeout rate from 2020-23. Fairbanks is under contract for a reasonable $3.667 million salary next year, with a $7 million club option for 2026.
​

As the Rays navigate their future, these potential trades could further reshape their roster, positioning the team for continued competitive play while managing financial constraints. The market interest in Springs and Fairbanks underscores their value and the strategic opportunities ahead for Tampa Bay.

In a dynamic exchange with the Pinellas County Commission, the Tampa Bay Rays have reaffirmed their commitment to building a new $1.3 billion ballpark. This follows a recent ultimatum from the Commission, prompting the Rays to assert in a letter on Monday that their deal remains "in effect."

This correspondence is the latest development in the ongoing negotiations between the MLB franchise and the county. On November 19, Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman expressed concerns that the team might not proceed with the stadium deal. They highlighted that despite investing over $50 million into the project, the county had "suspended work on the entire project," jeopardizing the proposed 2028 opening.

In response, Pinellas County Court Commission chairperson Kathleen Peters issued a letter on November 25, asking Auld and Silverman to clarify their position by December 1. Silverman responded on Monday, stating that the various agreements are still active until terminated by a party or until key dates are missed.

"The Rays have fulfilled its obligations to date and continue to wait for decisions and actions by the City of St. Petersburg and Pinellas County," Silverman wrote. He emphasized that the team would not have proceeded with the project if future county commissions could revoke prior approvals or unilaterally delay completion into 2029.

Silverman also addressed allegations regarding a conversation between Auld and Pinellas County commissioner Brian Scott, which raised doubts about the Rays' commitment. He clarified that the discussion mainly revolved around near-term challenges due to damage at Tropicana Field and the logistics of home games in 2025. Auld, he insisted, did not waver in his commitment to the new ballpark project.

​The path forward for the county remains unclear. Last month, the Pinellas County Commission voted 6-1 to postpone its final decision on approving bonds until December 17. As the deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the next steps taken by both the Rays and the county to resolve this stalemate and move forward

The Tampa Bay Rays are up against a critical deadline. By Sunday, they must decide whether to commit to constructing a $1.3 billion stadium, a project initially approved in July.

Decision Time
Kathleen Peters, chairperson of the Pinellas County Commission, issued a letter on Monday to Rays presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, urging them to make a decision on the stadium.

Team's Concerns
Last week, Auld and Silverman expressed reservations about the stadium deal in a letter to the County Commission. They indicated that the team might not agree to the current terms and is open to exploring alternative solutions within the area.

In the letter dated November 19, Rays officials highlighted that the new stadium could not be completed in time for the 2028 season. They also pointed out that opening the stadium in 2029 would be prohibitively expensive. The team claimed to have already invested over $50 million in the project, but alleged that the county had "suspended work on the entire project."

Financial Implications
"As we have informed the county administrator and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, the county's failure to finalize the bonds last month ended the ability for a 2028 delivery of the ballpark," the Rays stated in their letter. "A 2029 ballpark delivery would result in significantly higher costs that we are not able to absorb alone."

County's Response
In response, Peters dismissed the Rays' concerns, labeling the claim that a 2029 completion would be too costly as a "fallacious statement." She emphasized that the Rays are responsible for any additional costs that may arise with the project.

​With the deadline looming, the Rays' decision will significantly impact the future of their home games and the proposed $1.3 billion stadium project.

In response to the extensive damage at Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, Major League Baseball has made adjustments to the Tampa Bay Rays' schedule for the upcoming season. The aim is to minimize disruptions due to summer rain at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays' temporary home.

Early-Season Home Advantage
The Rays are set to play 19 of their first 22 games at home and 37 of 54 games through May 28. However, this front-loaded home schedule means they will spend 64 of their last 108 games on the road, with only eight home games each in July and August.

Series Adjustments
To avoid peak summer rains, MLB has rescheduled several series. A series initially slated for April 7-9 at the Los Angeles Angels will now take place in Tampa from April 8-10. The return series will be held in Anaheim from August 4-6 instead of St. Petersburg from August 5-7. Additionally, the Minnesota Twins will play their first series against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field from May 26-28, with the second series at Target Field in Minneapolis from July 4-6.

Road Trips
The Rays face a demanding road schedule, including a 10-game trip to Minnesota, Detroit, and Boston leading into the All-Star break, followed by a 12-game stretch visiting the Angels, Seattle, Oakland, and San Francisco from August 4-17.

Impact of Hurricane Milton
Hurricane Milton struck on October 9, severely damaging Tropicana Field, leaving much of its fabric roof shredded. The Rays, who have called the Trop home since their inception in 1998, are unlikely to return until 2026 at the earliest, if at all.

Weather Considerations
Historically, Tampa sees significant rainfall during the summer months. According to the National Weather Service, average monthly rainfall rises dramatically from 2.25 inches in April and 2.60 inches in May to 7.37 inches in June, peaking at 9.03 inches in August before tapering off.

Steinbrenner Field Challenges
The Class A Tampa Tarpons, who usually play at Steinbrenner Field, experienced multiple weather-related disruptions this past season, including six home postponements, two cancellations, and four suspended games from June 21 through their season finale on September 8.

Opening Series
​The Rays will start their season with six home games against the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, followed by a three-game road series in Texas. They will then return for a 13-game homestand featuring the Angels, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees.

n a surprising turn of events, the St. Petersburg City Council reversed its decision on Thursday regarding a $23 million fund allocation for repairing the hurricane-damaged roof of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Initially, the council narrowly voted to approve the spending, but hours later, they rescinded the decision, leaving the future of the iconic ballpark uncertain.

The council's about-face followed their decision to delay consideration of revenue bonds for a proposed new $1.3 billion stadium for the Rays. Just two days earlier, the Pinellas County Commission had also postponed a vote on its share of the new stadium bonds, casting doubt on the entire project.

"This is a sad place. I'm really disappointed," said council chair Deborah Figg-Sanders. "We won't get there if we keep finding ways we can't." The lack of progress is causing concern for the Rays, who believe it puts both the new stadium plan and the future of Tropicana Field at risk.

"I can't say I'm confident about anything," Rays co-president Brian Auld expressed to the council members.

Tropicana Field's translucent fiberglass roof was severely damaged on October 9 when Hurricane Milton struck just south of Tampa Bay. In addition to the roof damage, the stadium sustained significant water damage, with total repair costs estimated at $55.7 million. Extensive repairs are not expected to be completed before the 2026 season, according to city documents.

In the meantime, the Rays have arranged to play the next season at Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees' spring training facility in Tampa, which seats 11,000 fans. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized the need to give the Rays and local politicians time to find a path forward following the hurricane's disruption. Assuming the repairs go ahead, the Rays are committed to playing at Tropicana Field for three more seasons.

"We're committed to the fans in Tampa Bay," Manfred said at an owners meeting. "Given all that's happened in that market, we're focused on our franchise in Tampa Bay right now."

Initially, Thursday's vote was meant to start the roof repair. Once completed, crews could begin laying down a new baseball field, fixing damaged seating and office areas, and updating various electronic systems. However, the subsequent vote to reverse the funding means the city and the Rays must now find an alternative solution in the coming weeks to ensure Tropicana Field is ready by the 2026 season. The city is legally obligated to repair the roof.

"I'd like to pare it down and see exactly what we're obligated to do," said council member John Muhammad.

Previously, the city had voted to spend $6.5 million to prevent further damage to the uncovered Tropicana Field. Several council members emphasized that the city is contractually required to fix the roof.

"I don't see a way out of it. We have a contract that's in place," said council member Gina Driscoll. "We're obligated to do it. We are going to fix the roof."

The initial approval for the roof repair passed by a 4-3 vote. Those who opposed it cited unclear details regarding insurance coverage and potential Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) contributions. They also pointed out that city residents struggling to repair their homes and businesses damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton are concerned about the allocation of such a large sum to a baseball stadium.

"Why are we looking to expend so much money right away when there is so much uncertainty?" asked council member Richie Floyd.

The new Rays ballpark—now projected to open in 2029, if at all—is part of a larger urban renovation project known as the Historic Gas Plant District. This initiative aims to transform an 86-acre tract in downtown St. Petersburg, which once housed a predominantly Black neighborhood displaced for the construction of Tropicana Field and an interstate highway spur. The $6.5 billion project includes plans for a Black history museum, affordable housing, a hotel, green spaces, entertainment venues, and office and retail space, promising thousands of jobs.

Despite the setbacks, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch remains optimistic. "We believe there is a path forward to success," he said.

​As the city navigates these challenges, the community will closely watch how the plans for Tropicana Field and the new stadium unfold, hoping for a resolution that benefits both the local residents and the future of baseball in St. Petersburg.

The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing their home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, during the 2025 season. This decision comes in the wake of significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton, which has cast doubt on the club’s future in St. Petersburg both in the short and long term.

Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the situation at the league’s owners meetings, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the Rays' ballpark situation. "There's a lot of uncertainty with respect to the situation in Tampa; much of that uncertainty, we just don't control," Manfred stated. "We need to let the government officials in Tampa Bay sort out where they are on a variety of issues. I understand the delay given the kind of damage that they suffered down there. We're just going to have to wait for some of that uncertainty to resolve itself."

The hurricane, which tore much of the roof off Tropicana Field, prompted the Pinellas County Commission to postpone an October vote on issuing bonds to finance the county’s $312.5 million share of the new stadium, sourced from tourist tax revenue. Initially seen as a procedural formality, the vote was delayed as the county dealt with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The vote was rescheduled for Tuesday, but the results of the November 5 elections altered the composition of the county commission that had previously voted 5-2 in favor of the ballpark agreement.

Just hours before the county commissioners voted 6-1 on Tuesday to delay the vote again until December 17, Rays presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld sent a letter indicating that the initial postponement had already made it highly unlikely for the new ballpark to be ready by 2028, if ever.

While there is no firm deadline for resolving the Rays’ long-term stadium situation, Manfred suggested that a plan might need to be in place before the 2026 season. "It's one thing to make an interim arrangement for 2025, which we've done," Manfred said. "When you get into another year, there's obviously going to be another interim arrangement unless they get the Trop fixed. I think that second year of an interim arrangement, you need a plan as to how you're going to get into a permanent facility."

Regarding potential relocation, Manfred reassured fans, "We're committed to the fans in Tampa Bay. I think given all that that's happened in that market, we're focused on our franchise in Tampa Bay right now."

​As the Rays prepare for the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the future of their long-term home remains uncertain, with ongoing discussions and decisions needed to secure a permanent solution.

In a bid to strengthen their infield depth, the Seattle Mariners have reacquired infielder Austin Shenton from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade, confirmed by both teams, involves Seattle sending cash considerations to Tampa Bay in exchange for Shenton. To make room on their 40-man roster, the Mariners have designated right-handed pitcher JT Chargois for assignment.

Austin Shenton, 25, started his professional baseball career with the Mariners, who selected him in the 2019 draft. A versatile defender, Shenton quickly advanced through the minor league ranks, impressing with his consistent hitting. In 120 games across four levels, he posted a .299 batting average, with 46 doubles and 19 home runs, resulting in a .940 OPS. While primarily a third baseman, Shenton has also played at first base, second base, and both corner outfield spots, showcasing his flexibility.

Ahead of the 2021 trade deadline, the Mariners traded Shenton to the Rays in exchange for right-handed reliever Diego Castillo. Interestingly, the other player Seattle sent to Tampa Bay in that trade was JT Chargois. After brief stints with the Rays and Marlins, Chargois returned to the Mariners this past summer. However, injuries limited Shenton's playing time in the Rays' system in 2021 and 2022. Despite these setbacks, Shenton had a strong 2023 season, achieving a 1.006 OPS over 134 games between Double-A and Triple-A. His impressive performance led to his addition to the Rays' 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

JT Chargois, who finds himself designated for assignment, has had a journeyman career with multiple teams, including the Mariners, Rays, and Marlins. His return to Seattle last summer was short-lived, and he now faces an uncertain future as the Mariners make room for their newly reacquired infielder.

​This trade highlights the Mariners' commitment to bolstering their roster with versatile and productive players. Fans will be eager to see how Shenton's return to the organization impacts the team's performance in the upcoming season. With Shenton's proven track record in the minors, he brings valuable depth and flexibility to the Mariners' infield and overall lineup.

In a move to bolster their outfield depth, the New York Mets have acquired veteran outfielder Jose Siri from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade, a one-for-one swap, will see relief pitcher Eric Orze heading to the Rays. This transaction, reported by SNY's Anthony DiComo, addresses a key area of need for the Mets.

Jose Siri, 29, played in 130 games for the Rays last season, achieving a career-high 1.9 WAR. Despite a batting average of .187, Siri provided significant power and speed, hitting 18 home runs, driving in 47 runs, and stealing 14 bases. Over the past two seasons, he has hit 43 home runs in 231 games, while also offering solid defense in center field. However, Siri's 2024 season was marred by a three-game suspension following a benches-clearing brawl with Milwaukee Brewers reliever Abner Uribe.

Eric Orze, the 27-year-old right-handed reliever, has had limited exposure to the major leagues, with only two MLB appearances and a 21.60 ERA over just 1 2/3 innings. He spent the majority of last season with Triple-A Syracuse, where he posted a 2.92 ERA and struck out 84 batters over 61 2/3 innings. Despite his struggles in the majors, Orze has shown promise at the Triple-A level and will look to make an impact with the Rays.

​This trade highlights the Mets' focus on enhancing their roster depth and improving their defensive capabilities in the outfield. As the 2025 season approaches, the addition of Siri provides the Mets with a seasoned outfielder who can contribute both at the plate and in the field, while the Rays gain a potential bullpen asset in Orze. Fans will be eager to see how this trade pans out for both teams in the coming season.

The Tampa Bay Rays' plans for a new stadium have hit a major roadblock due to a combination of severe hurricane damage to Tropicana Field and political delays in financing. The team announced on Tuesday that it is highly unlikely the new stadium will be ready for the 2028 season, if at all.

In a letter to the Pinellas County Commission, Rays top executives revealed that the team has already invested $50 million in early work on the proposed $1.3 billion ballpark. However, progress has stalled due to delays in the approval of bonds for the public share of the costs. The letter, signed by co-presidents Brian Auld and Matt Silverman, expressed the organization's disappointment and frustration with the situation. They noted that the overall project had previously received approval from both the County Commission and the City of St. Petersburg.

"As we have made clear at every step of this process, a 2029 ballpark delivery would result in significantly higher costs that we are not able to absorb alone," the letter stated.

The series of unfortunate events began when Hurricane Milton tore the roof off Tropicana Field on October 9, forcing the Rays to play the 2025 season at the New York Yankees' spring training home, the 11,000-seat Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. Subsequently, the Pinellas County Commission postponed a planned vote on the bond issue on October 29, further disrupting the timeline for the new 30,000-seat ballpark. Although the commission was set to meet again on Tuesday to discuss the bond issue, its chair suggested that a vote could be delayed once more.

"We know we're going to be in Steinbrenner in 2025 and we don't know much beyond that," Auld said in an interview.

When asked about the long-term viability of Major League Baseball in the Tampa Bay area, Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg admitted that the outlook is "less rosy than it was three weeks ago." He emphasized the team's commitment to keeping the Rays in the area, despite the challenges they have faced over the past 20 years.

The team's contract with the city of St. Petersburg requires them to play three more seasons at Tropicana Field, assuming it can be repaired. The cost of fixing the ballpark in time for the 2026 season is estimated at over $55 million, despite plans to demolish the building once the new facility is ready.

Under the original plan, Pinellas County would contribute approximately $312.5 million towards the new ballpark, while the city of St. Petersburg would invest around $417 million, including infrastructure improvements. The Rays and their partner, the Hines development company, would cover the remaining costs, including any overruns.

The new Rays ballpark is part of a larger urban renovation project known as the Historic Gas Plant District. This project aims to transform an 86-acre tract in downtown St. Petersburg, which was previously home to a predominantly Black neighborhood displaced by the construction of Tropicana Field and an interstate highway spur. The broader $6.5 billion project includes plans for a Black history museum, affordable housing, a hotel, green space, entertainment venues, and office and retail space, promising thousands of jobs in the coming years.

​The future of the Rays' new stadium remains uncertain, but the team and its partners are determined to navigate these challenges and bring their vision to life.

The Tampa Bay Rays have added left-handed pitchers Joe Rock and Ian Seymour to their 40-man roster, ensuring they won't be eligible for the Rule 5 draft. The move was made to protect the promising young arms and keep them within the organization.

To make room for Rock and Seymour on the 40-man roster, the Rays designated infielder Austin Shenton for assignment. Additionally, the team avoided arbitration with right-hander Cole Sulser by signing him to a contract for the 2025 season.

Rock and Seymour have both impressed in the Rays' minor league system. Rock, acquired from the Rockies in March, has shown promise as a starter, while Seymour has excelled as a reliever.

​The Rule 5 draft, which takes place on December 7th, allows teams to select unprotected players from other organizations. By adding Rock and Seymour to the 40-man roster, the Rays have secured their future and prevented them from being claimed by another team.

Before Travis d’Arnaud signed with the Angels, the Tampa Bay Rays were reportedly interested in bringing the veteran catcher back to their roster, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

d’Arnaud, who will turn 36 in February, spent the last five seasons with the Atlanta Braves but previously played for the Rays in 2019. During his time in Tampa, he played 92 games, splitting duties between catching and first base. His performance, which included a .263/.323/.459 slash line and 16 home runs, helped the Rays reach the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Although d’Arnaud ultimately joined the Braves in 2020 and became a consistent figure in their lineup, the Braves decided to move on from him this winter, with plans to rely on Sean Murphy and prospect Drake Baldwin. d’Arnaud then opted for a two-year, $12 million deal with the Angels, returning to his native southern California.

The Rays’ interest in d’Arnaud was driven by their need for a primary catcher. Ben Rortvedt is currently the top catcher on their roster after posting an 87 wRC+ in 2024, but with the departures of Alex Jackson and Rene Pinto, the Rays are looking for an upgrade. d’Arnaud would have been an ideal fit, but his preference to return to California steered him towards the Angels.

​With d’Arnaud off the market, the Rays may look to other free-agent catchers to fill the gap. Danny Jansen and Kyle Higashioka are potential targets. Jansen, 29, had strong seasons with Toronto from 2021-23, while Higashioka, 34, showcased power with 17 home runs for San Diego in 2024. However, both players could command contracts that exceed the Rays’ budget.

Should the Rays seek more affordable options, they could consider Carson Kelly, Elias Diaz, James McCann, and Gary Sanchez. Each of these catchers offers various strengths and could provide the Rays with a viable solution behind the plate.

As the offseason progresses, the Rays’ search for a reliable catcher continues, aiming to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.

​The Tampa Bay Rays have secured a temporary home for the 2025 regular season: George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. This decision comes in the wake of significant damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton last month, with repairs not expected to be completed until 2026.

​A New Home for the 2025 SeasonI
n light of the extensive damage, the Rays had to find an interim venue for their home games. After considering various options, the team decided on Steinbrenner Field, which serves as the spring training home for the New York Yankees and the Single-A Tampa Tarpons in the Florida State League.

“We deeply appreciate that the Yankees have graciously allowed us to play at Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season,” said Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg. “The hurricane damage to Tropicana Field has forced us to take some extraordinary steps, just as Hurricanes Helene and Milton have forced thousands of families and businesses in our community to adapt to new circumstances as we all recover and rebuild.”

Spring Training Arrangements
The Rays will continue to use their Charlotte Sports Park facility in Port Charlotte, Fla., for their spring training workouts and home games. The Yankees will hold their spring training games at Steinbrenner Field before the Rays take over for the regular season.

“We are happy to extend our hand to the Rays and their fans by providing a Major League-quality facility for them to utilize this season,” said Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner. “Both the Yankees organization and my family have deep roots in the Tampa Bay region, and we understand how meaningful it is for Rays players, employees, and fans to have their 2025 home games take place within 30 minutes of Tropicana Field. In times like these, rivalry and competition take a back seat to doing what’s right for our community — which is continuing to help families and businesses rebound from the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.”

MLB's Commitment to the Community
Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized MLB’s goal of keeping the Rays close to their fans in the Tampa Bay area. The selection of Steinbrenner Field meets this objective, ensuring that Rays fans can still enjoy home games within their local market.

“Given the significant challenges caused by Hurricane Milton, I appreciate the hard work and collaboration between the two teams that allowed the Rays to make the best decision for next season," Manfred said. "This outcome meets Major League Baseball’s goals that Rays’ fans will see their team play next season in their home market and that their players can remain home without disruption to their families.”

Conclusion
​The decision to play the 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Rays organization. With the support of the Yankees and the MLB community, the Rays and their fans can look forward to a season of competitive baseball, even in the face of adversity.

Per numerous reports, the Rays have signed SS Amed Rosario to a one-year, $1.5 Million deal that has an additional $1 Million in incentives.

Roasio is in his 8th year and has previously been with the Dodgers, Guardians and Mets.

Via a tweet from the club, Tampa Bay has signed Yu Chang to a Minor League Deal.

Chang is in his 6th year and Tampa this will be his second stint with the team.  For his career he is batting .204, 20 hr and 79 rbis.