Baseball's Next Chapter: Rays Set for Yankees' Spring Home

The Tampa Bay Rays are switching gears for the 2025 season. Due to damage from Hurricane Milton, they won't be playing at their long-time home, Tropicana Field. Instead, they'll call the New York Yankees' spring training park, Steinbrenner Field, home for the season. This move is planned to keep the team close to their fans and minimize disruption. Steinbrenner Field, in Tampa, offers a unique experience with its smaller size and outdoor setting. The change isn't without challenges. The team will have to adapt to Florida's summer weather and fit their brand into a stadium run by a main rival. But Rays co-president Brian Auld is optimistic, saying they're ready to turn Steinbrenner Field into a "Rayful" space. The Yankees, showing sportsmanship, will host the Rays and earn revenue from insurance, not the Rays. The move comes as the city council considers a new stadium project for 2028. Tropicana Field needs repairs estimated at $55. 7 million to be ready by 2026. The Rays, meanwhile, will navigate this temporary change, bringing a fresh flavor to their home games.