The Tampa Bay Rays are in a very precarious situation this offseason.

In the short term, the Rays know they will spend the 2025 season playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Single-A home stadium of the New York Yankees. Indeed, Tropicana Field, the home of the Rays, became unplayable due to damage sustained by Hurricane Milton in October.

Long term, the Rays also don’t know where they will play, as the organization and local government are engaged in a game of chicken over the Rays’ plans for a new ballpark. The Rays could potentially move if they don’t get a deal they like, something they’ve already mentioned as a possibility.

Given these two issues, the Rays could have a tough time navigating this offseason from a roster perspective. Will players want to sign in Tampa without knowing what the future holds?

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also affirmed these concerns in a Monday morning column:

The Diamondbacks want (Joc) Pederson back. The Tampa Bay Rays could also use him, although it’s unlikely a free agent with options would choose to play in a minor league ballpark during Florida’s summer heat.

If players leave the Rays and Athletics, who also play in a minor league next season, it would be an unfortunate rift for both organizations.

THE Rays went 80-82 last season, missing the playoffs, but they are generally well regarded because of the way they are managed. Even without big-name signings, they should be competitive, but they may need to get more creative in the trade market to fill out their roster.

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