A’s and Rays Face Uncertain Futures in Minor League Stadiums

LAS VEGAS — The Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays are navigating a complex and uncertain path as they prepare to play the 2025 season in minor league ballparks. Both teams are dealing with unresolved stadium issues that could jeopardize their futures in their respective markets.

The Athletics, who ended their quest for a new stadium in Oakland after two decades of failures, plan to relocate to Las Vegas by the 2028 season. In the interim, the team will spend three seasons at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California, a venue normally used by Triple-A teams. A’s manager Mark Kotsay and several players recently visited Sacramento, where they expressed hope for a fresh start.

“I’m excited about Sacramento. We’ve sold out and the energy in itself will be awesome to witness,” Kotsay said during their visit. The A’s are also embracing this opportunity, as evidenced by designated hitter Brent Rooker‘s recent signing of a five-year, $60 million contract extension.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are in a precarious situation due to damage sustained from Hurricane Milton to their home, Tropicana Field. With a roof that no longer meets safety standards, the team is facing a relocation to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for the 2025 season, a stadium much smaller than their usual venue.

“If not for Steinbrenner Field and the Yankees, I don’t know what we would have done,” said Rays president Matt Silverman. “I think there’s real excitement for outdoor baseball in Tampa.”

The A’s and Rays are grappling with more than just stadium locations; they are examples of the consequences of protracted negotiations and political distrust. Each failed deal further complicates the search for viable solutions, not just for them but for other teams experiencing similar struggles, like the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals.

“It’s a cautionary tale for teams pushing for new stadiums,” said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. “The longer negotiations stall, the more difficult it becomes.”

As both teams prepare for a season of uncertainty, they find themselves at a crossroads. The pressure is mounting, not only from fans but also from league officials who are assessing the viability of MLB’s expansion plans, which are on hold with the ongoing instability surrounding the A’s and Rays.

The A’s and Rays continue to adapt to their temporary accommodations while hoping for a more permanent solution. However, until significant progress is made in securing new stadiums, the future of both franchises remains in limbo.