TAMPA BAY, Fla. – During a news conference on Friday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis mentioned a recent development along the Gulf Coast involving the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team.
Earlier this month, the Rays withdrew from a planned deal in St. Petersburg for a $1.3 billion ballpark, citing a hurricane and delays that may have driven up the cost.
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But during his speech, DeSantis weighed in with his perspective on the matter.
“This is one of the most fastest-growing markets in the country. It’s already a massive market. There is no way that it can’t be successful,” he said. “And (the Rays) have made really good baseball decisions over the years compared to some of these other teams that have more bloated payrolls.”
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While the Rays are expected to finish out their contract with the city with a few more games once their existing ballpark is repaired, the team’s future in the Tampa Bay area remains uncertain.
However, DeSantis claimed on Friday that he had spoken with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred about the plans going forward.
“There’s no way they want to leave Florida. They’re committed to it — working here — because we have the fastest-growing state,” DeSantis stated. “We have all this stuff going. It would not be a good look for Major League Baseball if you ended up (leaving).”
But during the same speech, DeSantis brought up alleged rumors that the team would be bought out.
“I know there’s people that have been interested in buying the team,” DeSantis said. “I’ve been hearing the team was going to be sold for like years now. ‘Oh, governor, it’s going to happen.’ And then never seems to really happen.”
Meanwhile, the MLB has released the following statement on the matter:
“Major League Baseball remains committed to finding a permanent home for the club in the Tampa Bay region for their fans and the local community. Commissioner Manfred understands the disappointment of the St. Petersburg community from (Thursday’s) announcement, but he will continue to work with elected officials, community leaders, and Rays officials to secure the club’s future in the Tampa Bay region.”
Major League Baseball spokesperson