The Rays made some notable trades and signings this offseason however a lot focus was on the stadium drama, as hurricanes blew in and threw the whole trajectory of the franchise off beam.
Main League Signings
2025 spending: $21.5MM
Whole spending: $37.5MM
Choice Selections
Trades and Claims
Notable Minor League Signings
Michael Flynn, JAK BRENTZ (LATER RELEASED), JOKE SUBERNES, CONSEHAIN, TRANDERA, TRANDERA, KRORETERA, KIEI WAITLEY, JAMIBLEY, JAMIBLE
Extensions
Notable Losses
The Rays performed their ultimate sport of the 2024 season on September 29. A 3-1 loss to the Purple Sox sealed a dropping document of 80-82. It was a relative disappointment, the membership’s first time underneath .500 since 2017. In typical Rays vogue, they made essentially the most of it. On the deadline, they traded away some gamers who have been getting costlier and nearer to free company, reminiscent of Zach Eflin, Randy Arozarena, Isaac Paredes and Jason Adam.
Going into the winter, there was some respectable stuff in place for the long run. The long-term payroll was pretty clear and the farm system was in wholesome form. The massive league roster appeared to be in respectable place to bounce again in 2025, thanks largely to the return of a number of pitchers who have been injured in 2024.
The membership additionally had a deal in place with native authorities companies to fund a brand new stadium. The plan was to play at Tropicana Discipline via 2027, with the Trop to be knocked down and changed by a brand new ballpark/business actual property complicated by 2028.
However barely per week later, the entire stadium state of affairs plan was altered. In late September and early October, Hurricanes Helene and Milton each handed via the Tampa/St. Petersburg space. The Trop sustained vital harm, notably from Milton on October 9. Most notably, the roof was basically gone. This was a giant downside as a result of the Trop had no drainage system in place, making it immediately unusable.
At the moment, it wasn’t recognized precisely what would occur subsequent. However within the following months, the membership’s short-term and long-term stadium plans could be shifted dramatically. They’re going to play their 2025 properties video games in a minor league park. They may very well be again within the Trop subsequent yr, however that is not clear. The deal for the brand new stadium is now useless and relocation discuss has retaken a seat on the desk.
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