Why Red Sox Playoff Games Might Be Sent Down To Minors

If the Tampa Bay Rays reach the postseason, the Boston Red Sox may compete in playoff games in a ballpark designed for Low-A baseball.

Major League Baseball has approved George M. Steinbrenner Field — the Rays’ temporary home in Tampa — as the site for any 2025 playoff games. With Tropicana Field still under repair from hurricane damage, commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed the league will not move Rays playoff games to a larger venue.

“Our rule has always been that people play in their home stadiums during the World Series,” Manfred told Marc Topkin of Tampa Bay Times. “And I am not of a mind to change that rule.”

The Rays are currently 50-47 and 1½ games back of the Seattle Mariners for the final American League wild-card slot. Boston currently controls the second wild card spot. If both the Rays and Red Sox qualify, there is a path to a playoff series showdown — staged in front of just over 10,000 fans.

The league reportedly considered shifting games to a full-capacity MLB park. Miami’s LoanDepot Park was one option, but the league instead chose to prioritize consistency.

“While a bigger venue … made sense logistically, the league prioritized home-field continuity,” wrote Jeff Passan and Jesse Rogers of ESPN.

Hosting a playoff series in a minor-league stadium could create complications if the Rays advance. The ALCS and World Series require space for league ticket holders and national broadcasters — far beyond what the media facilities at Steinbrenner Field can handle.

Still, the decision stands. Tampa will host postseason baseball in a spring training park.

There is a possible, albeit slim chance the Red Sox and Rays meet in the first round.

No matter when the rivals ultimately do happen to meet in the playoffs, it will happen down in the minors — under lights not exactly built for October.