The Tampa Bay Rays have been looking for a new stadium for years. They wanted to build a venue in St. Petersburg, Fla., and give their fans and team a new place to call home, but after Hurricane Helene tore up Florida in September 2024, the Rays stadium was in unplayable condition, expediting the process for building a new stadium.
However, there has been a hiccup in the stadium plan, and it has been announced that the team can no longer move forward with the new location.
A.J. Pierzynski Says the Rays Should Move to Orlando
There now seems to be a good chance the Rays will leave St. Petersburg and look for a new home elsewhere in Florida. Former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski thinks the Rays should move to Orlando.
“Orlando would welcome them gladly,” he said.
"Orlando would welcome them"
Florida man @ajpierzynski12 weighs in on the @RaysBaseball stadium deal falling through pic.twitter.com/UoW8Y8GB1G
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 13, 2025
One of the Rays’ biggest challenges has been their reluctance to spend big money on free agents and have gained a reputation for trading away star players rather than extending them. Yet, they have still remained competitive over the past decade.
From 2019-2023, the Rays made the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2020.
Moving to a new city with a brand new stadium could help increase their revenue, allowing them to build better teams and potentially return to the World Series in a salary cap-less league.
Tampa Bay Rays’ 2025 Outlook
The Rays will play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training home and the home base of multiple minor league teams. The field’s dimensions are meant to mimic Yankee Stadium, which could provide a boost to the Rays’ offensive production.
The Rays are an intriguing team entering 2025. Starting pitcher Shane McClanahan is set to return from Tommy John surgery and has looked sharp in spring training. The two-time All-Star will be the Opening Day starter and could compete for the Cy Young award if he returns to form.
Offenisvely, the Rays have an interesting group led by 21-year-old third baseman Junior Caminero, once a top prospect in baseball with the potential to be one of the top hitters in the sport. The Rays also have several veterans, including Yandy Díaz, Josh Lowe, and Brandon Lowe, who should all be solid contributors.
While the Rays don’t appear to be a top contender in the AL East, it would not be the first time they have outperformed expectations and had a playoff-caliber season.