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Rays

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Wander Franco Found Guilty Again, Yet No Prison Time After Judicial Pardon
sports1 day ago

Wander Franco Found Guilty Again, Yet No Prison Time After Judicial Pardon

Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty again in the Dominican Republic of sexual and psychological abuse of a minor, but a judicial pardon means he will not serve prison time; the ruling could jeopardize his MLB future by complicating visas to work in the United States and inviting MLB discipline, with potential contract implications for the Rays as Franco has not played since Aug. 2023.

Rays say no more concessions as ballpark deal moves toward final terms
business3 days ago

Rays say no more concessions as ballpark deal moves toward final terms

Rays CEO Ken Babby said there will be no reopening of the deal’s economics and no further concessions in finalizing the $2.3 billion domed stadium plan; the framework stays the same with about $976 million in public funds (county $796 million, city $180 million) and the Rays covering roughly 55% of project costs plus overruns, plus their ongoing maintenance obligations. The Community Investment Tax funding remains a key component, the Rays have raised their total investment to over $1.2 billion, and officials plan to draft definitive documents for final votes as they push to move the project forward.

Tampa Council okays tentative Rays stadium pact amid divide
local5 days ago

Tampa Council okays tentative Rays stadium pact amid divide

The Tampa City Council narrowly approved a nonbinding Memorandum of Understanding with the Rays for a $2.3 billion stadium, moving the project forward as Hillsborough County backed its own terms. The deal would commit about $976 million in public funds (roughly $796 million from the county and $180 million from the city) while the Rays would finance the surrounding development and cover maintenance and overruns. Opponents urged a public vote on spending; supporters touted a long-term transformation and a “Forever Home” for the team. Final binding agreements and potential state funding remain pending, with a target of completion by 2029.

Rays' Near-Blockbuster for Ohtani Was Nixed by Angels Owner
sports5 days ago

Rays' Near-Blockbuster for Ohtani Was Nixed by Angels Owner

The Rays reportedly pitched a blockbuster for Shohei Ohtani at the 2023 trade deadline, with top prospects Junior Caminero and Carson Williams headlining the package, but Angels owner Arte Moreno vetoed the deal despite a strong season. Ohtani stayed with the Angels heading into free agency, while Caminero blossomed and Williams struggled, underscoring the Angels’ ongoing competitive woes and relatively weak farm system.

Draft funding pact edges Rays stadium closer as votes loom
politics11 days ago

Draft funding pact edges Rays stadium closer as votes loom

Tampa and Hillsborough County announced a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with the Rays outlining a $976 million public contribution toward a $2.3 billion stadium, funded via county bonds, the half-cent sales tax and reserves, with upcoming votes by the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council; officials say this is the closest the parties have been, but many details remain to be worked out.

Rays map $967M public stake in new stadium plan ahead of key votes
business12 days ago

Rays map $967M public stake in new stadium plan ahead of key votes

The Rays released a non-binding memorandum of understanding outlining a $967 million public contribution toward a $2.3 billion stadium, a shift from the prior $1.065 billion subsidy. The MOU comes ahead of anticipated votes by the Tampa City Council and Hillsborough County Commissioners and a June 1 deadline for definitive agreements. If approved, the deal would help secure state funding to redevelop the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College and advance a privately financed development, though state lawmakers say funding should wait for local agreements.

Rays Could Move to Orlando if Tampa Stadium Funding Fails, Morgan Warns
sports12 days ago

Rays Could Move to Orlando if Tampa Stadium Funding Fails, Morgan Warns

In a WFTV interview, John Morgan warned that if the Rays' $2.3 billion stadium plan in Tampa fails to obtain votes, the team could relocate to Orlando, citing Orlando's large tourism base as a reason; he even suggested he would rejoin ownership if relocation occurs, while Gov. DeSantis said Orlando would bid if the deal falls through and the Rays have said they will evaluate alternatives if Tampa can't approve the deal.

Rays push for timely MOU as June deadline looms for Tampa stadium plan
business18 days ago

Rays push for timely MOU as June deadline looms for Tampa stadium plan

Rays executives say they aim to sign an MOU with Tampa and Hillsborough County soon to finance a $2.3 billion ballpark, with the team contributing about $1.235 billion; they want to approach a June 1 target to keep the 2029 opening on track, recognizing that 60–90 days would be needed for formal contracts after the MOU and that state funding for surrounding development depends on the budget set in May.

Four early-season concerns emerge for Yankees after fifth straight loss
sports1 month ago

Four early-season concerns emerge for Yankees after fifth straight loss

After a five-game slide that ended with a 5-4 loss to the Rays, the article ranks four Yankees concerns: the lineup has not slugged or shown expected contact numbers; pitcher Luis Gil is struggling with command and lacks a clear ceiling; the bottom third of the order has been painfully productive, especially Ryan McMahon, dragging the offense; and the team is unusually passive at the plate, swinging at fewer hittable pitches despite walks remaining a strength. The piece notes the Rays’ small-ball approach helped sweep the series and that the issues could improve as the season progresses.

Rays Sweep Yankees as Five-Game Slide Deepens in Tampa
sports1 month ago

Rays Sweep Yankees as Five-Game Slide Deepens in Tampa

The Rays completed a series sweep with a 5-4 win in Tampa, sending the Yankees to their fifth straight loss and erasing their early 8-2 start. New York’s offense was largely stagnant until a late surge sparked by Aaron Judge’s homer, but a bunt-single insurance run in the eighth helped Tampa Bay pull away. The Yankees head home to host the Angels, with Will Warren set to face Yusei Kikuchi, in a bid to snap the skid.

Rays Stadium Funding Hinges on Hillsborough Public Dollars and Approvals
politics1 month ago

Rays Stadium Funding Hinges on Hillsborough Public Dollars and Approvals

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.