A's, Rays to Play 2025 Season in Minor League Stadiums

The Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland Athletics are both set to play in minor league stadiums during the 2025 season due to ongoing stadium issues. The Rays will relocate to a stadium in Tampa after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, while the Athletics, who have abandoned their search for a new stadium in Oakland, will play in West Sacramento as they prepare for a move to Las Vegas in 2028. Both teams are experiencing a challenging transition, with their current situations highlighting the instability surrounding stadium negotiations and local political relationships. Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred referred to the minor league parks as 'intimate' and 'charming,' but fans express concerns about the facilities' size and the extreme summer heat expected in Sacramento. This scenario raises questions about the future of MLB franchises and their ability to secure new, suitable venues. The A's and Rays find themselves caught between their outdated facilities and dreams of modern stadiums.