All articles tagged with #rays
County Administrator Bonnie Wise told commissioners that money from the Community Investment Tax and other reserves will likely be needed to cover the Rays’ proposed public share for a new ballpark, as officials review a non-binding memorandum of understanding and assess funding, infrastructure, and land-use questions before any public funds are spent and deals are finalized.
The Rays seek about $1.065 billion in public funds for a $2.3 billion stadium in Tampa, with the team contributing $1.235 billion. Public money would come from Hillsborough County and the city via sources including the half-percent sales tax, the 6% lodging tax (sixth cent), the Drew Park Community Redevelopment Area, the Community Investment Tax, and potentially HUD disaster-recovery funds. Approvals are targeted by June 2026 for a 2029 opening, with final Sources and Uses yet to be finalized.
A Yale-led study analyzed whole genomes from 48 shark-relatives and found conflicting signals: some DNA segments point to all sharks sharing a common ancestor, while others suggest species like frilled and cow sharks are closer to rays, implying sharks may not constitute a natural, exclusive group. The researchers estimate sharks emerged around 300 million years ago, offering new insights into early jawed vertebrate evolution; the study is awaiting publication.
A Tampa Bay Times columnist argues that now is the moment to advance the Rays’ stadium and mixed-use district as a transformative public-private project, backing a committed ownership group and sustained regional collaboration. He cites prior local successes (USF Medical School, Water Street) as proof that bold, well-planned development can create jobs and raise Tampa Bay’s profile, and urges urgency over delay to avoid rising costs and missed opportunities, aiming to cement the region as a premier sports and leisure destination.
Milwaukee acquired right-hander Jake Woodford from Tampa Bay under an upward mobility clause in his minor-league deal, sending right-hander K.C. Hunt to the Rays and placing Akil Baddoo on the 60-day injured list to clear a 40-man spot. Woodford, who flashed earlier with St. Louis but has struggled of late, could stick on the active roster if he recovers his velocity (around 93–94 mph in spring) and form, giving Milwaukee added pitching depth; the Rays gain a depth prospect in Hunt while Milwaukee reshuffles its outfield with Chourio, Frelick and Mitchell in the mix.
The Rays used Tropicana Field to reacclimate ahead of its April 6 reopening, testing the new fiberglass roof and replacement turf as they head on a nine-game road trip. Players noted brighter light and normal ball behavior off the turf, with manager Kevin Cash calling the venue in good shape and “totally normal.” Meanwhile, Nick Martinez struggled in spring, going 0-4 with a 14.49 ERA as Tampa Bay prepares for the season after hurricane damage to the ballpark.
Genome analysis of sharks, rays, and relatives suggests sharks may be paraphyletic: Hexanchiformes appear on a distinct lineage from the rest, implying rays and skates may share shark-like origins and challenging the idea of a single, unified shark group.
Spring training opens with five exhibitions today as MLB clubs return; Orioles’ Jordan Westburg is sidelined with oblique and elbow issues awaiting imaging, potentially opening more at-bats for Coby Mayo at third; Rays right-hander Edwin Uceta heads for shoulder imaging, which could affect their late-inning plans if he’s out.
Newly owned Rays are pursuing a $2.3 billion stadium at Hillsborough College with a $8–$10 billion mixed-use development around it, seeking roughly half the cost from the team and the rest from public funds. The plan faces political hurdles in Tampa and Hillsborough County, a potential relocation threat, and an exclusive 180‑day negotiating window, as MLB signals urgency on stadium solutions amid expansion talks.
The Rays released initial renderings for a 31,000-seat, roofed stadium at the Hillsborough College site as part of a privately financed live/work/learn/play complex aiming for a 2029 opening; the team plans $19.98 deposits for early seating access, with county funding discussions and broad community input as designs evolve.
Gov. Ron DeSantis publicly backed a Rays stadium at Hillsborough College, signaling a public-private approach and potentially giving political cover to local leaders to approve funding that could total more than $1 billion, though key details on land use, costs, and revenue sources remain unresolved.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and other officials voiced support for the Rays' plan to build a ballpark on Hillsborough College's Dale Mabry campus, but financing remains contentious as the team seeks public funds up to roughly $2.3 billion; Rays say they will cover at least 50% and rely on public sources like tourism taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes. Local leaders, including Mayor Castor, remain skeptical about using taxpayer money; a 180-day exclusive negotiation window has begun, with the target opening around 2029 and past financing efforts having stalled.
The Tampa Bay Rays say they will cover a minimum of 50% of a new Hillsborough County ballpark’s construction costs (including overruns and ongoing maintenance) in exchange for public funding that could cover up to 50% from sources like tourism taxes, hotel taxes, a Community Investment Tax, a nearby development district, and other local fees; the planned stadium near Hillsborough College on Dale Mabry could cost about $2.3 billion, with terms not yet finalized and a county meeting scheduled to discuss a term sheet. The Rays would bear all financial risk and guarantees, with potential state involvement to be determined.
The Tampa Bay Rays are moving their local TV rights from FanDuel Sports Network to Major League Baseball’s in-house group, making in-market games available via traditional cable/satellite providers and through the MLB streaming app with limited local blackouts. The switch, part of a broader shift among several teams, aims to keep fans connected as spring training approaches; exact pricing, channels and personnel are to be announced, and it reflects MLB’s streaming-first approach following FanDuel/Main Street’s financial troubles.
Seattle is near a deal to land Brendan Donovan from the Cardinals in a likely three-team swap that would also involve the Rays, who are set to receive Mariners infielder Ben Williamson. Donovan is a versatile, contact‑hitting infielder/outfielder (career line of .282/.361/.411 with a 119 wRC+) on a modest $5.8M salary for 2026, making him a fit for Seattle’s lineup as the Cardinals push a rebuild.