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The Negative Influence of Stu Sternberg on the Tampa Bay Rays

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For many years, the Rays have exceeded expectations on the field. However, the front office presents a different story. The owner, Stu Sternberg, is known for being cheap. His decisions are holding the Rays back, particularly regarding the stadium situation. He has consistently flirted with relocating the team and is reluctant to increase the payroll. Fans are left questioning whether Sternberg truly cares about the team, or if his focus is on his bank account.  

The Negative Influence of Stu Sternberg on the Tampa Bay Rays

The Never-Ending Stadium Saga

The stadium debate began in 2007 when proposals for a waterfront stadium in St. Petersburg first surfaced. These proposals ultimately failed. Since then, multiple failed attempts have followed, including the Ybor City proposal in 2018 and the controversial “Sister City” idea, which suggested splitting the season between Tampa and Montreal. Despite numerous efforts, no plan has materialized. The Rays’ lease at Tropicana Field expires in 2027, leaving little time to renovate the current stadium or build a new one. 

Stu’s Reluctance to Invest

The Rays have developed All-Star caliber players, watched them perform, and traded them before the deadline. This cycle has become known as “the Rays way.” Despite on-field success, Sternberg refuses to invest in a payroll that would compete with big-market teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers. Franchise icons such as Evan Longoria, Blake Snell, and Tyler Glasnow have all been traded. While the Rays often win trades, this frustrates the fans. Sternberg’s reluctance to invest in keeping star players prevents the team from achieving long-term success.

The Rays are always just one or two players away from a deep postseason run, but they lose talent the following season. If Sternberg were willing to keep a core together for a few seasons, the Rays could make the necessary additions and finally win a World Series.

While Sternberg’s ownership has brought some success, including two World Series appearances and seven playoff appearances, the Rays deserve an owner who will invest in their future.  

Sell, Relocate, or Stay?

The clock is ticking. Tropicana Field suffered damage from Hurricane Milton, giving the Rays even less time to address the stadium situation. Yet, Sternberg continues to make things difficult. Many fans hope he will sell the team to someone willing to invest and keep the Rays in Tampa Bay, where they could thrive.

Sternberg has repeatedly agreed that a new stadium is important in St. Petersburg or Tampa. However, in 2019, he proposed splitting the season between Tropicana Field and Montreal. Fans and MLB executives rejected the idea, and the proposal ultimately failed. The Rays are back to square one in solving the stadium issue.

 

Recently, Orlando investors have been pushing for the team to relocate. While this could solve some problems, like proximity to a larger population and better access to revenue, it also carries major risks, including alienating the current fanbase in the Tampa Bay area.

Orlando Relocation: Pros and Cons

Pros:

    • Growing Market: Orlando is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. With a booming population and tourism, it could attract a larger fanbase.
    • Tourism: With attractions like Disney and Universal, Orlando draws millions of visitors each year. A new stadium could see high ticket sales from tourists.

Cons:

    • Losing an Established Fanbase: The Tampa & St. Petersburg area has an established fanbase. Moving to Orlando could alienate fans unwilling to travel long distances to games.
    • Traffic and Infrastructure: Orlando’s public transportation and stadium access are already problematic. Moving the team there could worsen traffic and drive away local fans, especially given the long drive between Tampa and Orlando.

Time for a New Owner

Many fans feel Sternberg should sell the team. His refusal to address the stadium situation and invest in the roster has frustrated supporters. Despite successful trades and free-agent signings, the Rays could never keep a team together for more than a couple of seasons. If Sternberg were willing to spend, they might finally find the missing piece to win a World Series. Until then, the Rays may continue to be known for their Wild Card appearances and as MLB’s farm system.

Potential Price and Buyers

In 2022, the Miami Marlins sold for $1.2 billion, and the Detroit Tigers were valued at around $1.4 billion. These teams share market sizes and revenue potential similar to the Rays. Depending on how the stadium situation unfolds, the Rays could be worth between $1.3 billion and $1.7 billion. A new stadium and a commitment to keeping talent could make the team even more valuable, attracting local investors.

 

Final Thoughts

The Rays have shown themselves to be one of MLB’s most successful small-market teams. However, under Sternberg’s ownership, their future is uncertain. His refusal to invest in a new stadium, his tight-fisted approach to payroll, and past relocation attempts are slowly stalling progress. The Rays and their fans deserve better. Will MLB step in and force Sternberg to sell the team?

 Main Photo Credits: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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