Report: MLB Owners Unanimously Approve Sale Of Red Sox Rival
New ownership could change the future outlook of the American League East.
MLB owners unanimously approved the $1.7 billion sale of the Tampa Bay Rays to an ownership group led by business developer Patrick Zalupski, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Marc Topkin. The deal is expected to be finalized later this week.
“It’s good to go,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told Topkin on Monday.
Zalupski’s group will acquire the Rays from Stu Sternberg, who purchased the team for $200 million in 2004. The Athletic’s Evan Drellich and Ken Rosenthal reported earlier this month that Sternberg and his partners will initially maintain a 10 percent share of the team, but they’re expected to later fully divest.
Tampa Bay made nine playoff appearances and won two American League pennants under Sternberg despite regularly keeping a low payroll. They’re 76-80 this season with MLB’s fifth-lowest payroll, according to Spotrac.
It will be interesting to monitor how new ownership spends this offseason. With a more aggressive free-agency approach, the Rays could build a 2026 contender around a young core led by star third baseman Junior Caminero.
The Rays played their home games this season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the New York Yankees’ spring training stadium, following damage to Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton. They plan to move back to Tropicana Field next year, with new ownership expected to pursue a new stadium.
If that plan sticks, the Rays concluded their George M. Steinbrenner Field residency with a 7-3 win over the Red Sox on Sunday night.