Tampa, Florida – The Tampa Bay Rays have announced their plans to play the 2025 season at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of their rival, the New York Yankees. This decision comes after Tropicana Field, the Rays’ home stadium, suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Milton last month, rendering it unplayable until the 2026 season.

The Rays chose Steinbrenner Field over Clearwater’s BayCare Ballpark, the spring home of the Philadelphia Phillies, in consultation with Major League Baseball. Details of the agreement with MLB and the Yankees, as well as the impact on the Class A minor-league Tarpons who play at Steinbrenner Field during the summer, remain unclear at this time.

Staying true to their commitment to the Tampa Bay area, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his desire for the Rays to remain in the region and highlighted several viable options in spring training stadiums. Steinbrenner Field, known for its significant capacity and modern amenities, stands out as a suitable interim home for the Rays while repairs are being made to Tropicana Field.

While playing in Tampa may present challenges such as dealing with the summer heat and rain, it also offers the Rays an opportunity to engage with a segment of their fan base that has found it difficult to connect with the team due to travel constraints to downtown St. Petersburg. The decision to relocate to Steinbrenner Field may not sit well with some Pinellas County commissioners, who were hoping for the team to remain within the county.

Despite potential pushback from local officials, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch remains optimistic about the long-term value of the deal with the Rays and the possibility of securing a repaired Tropicana Field for the team by 2026. The Rays may face disruptions to the schedule of the Yankees’ Tarpons farm team, but MLB officials have indicated that adjustments could be made to accommodate the relocation.

Rays catcher Ben Rortvedt, a former Yankee, expressed confidence in the facilities at Steinbrenner Field, noting its modern amenities and ample training resources. As the Rays prepare for the upcoming season in their new interim home, stakeholders continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with this temporary relocation.