Long frustrated with their inability to find a new stadium and fill their well-worn current one, the Tampa Bay Rays were given permission by Major League Baseball’s executive council on Wednesday to begin exploring an unusual possibility: to split their games between the Tampa Bay area and Montreal.
Although Commissioner Rob Manfred stressed that the effort was simply an exploration for now, the idea was seen as a possible life preserver for a Rays franchise that has struggled to find a new facility, lags near the bottom in attendance, has a less lucrative television deal than its peers — and still remains competitive on the field despite small payrolls.
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“The purpose of the split season would be to preserve baseball in Tampa, but improve the economics of the club over all by playing some of their games in Montreal,” Manfred said at a news conference concluding the owners’ meetings in New York on Thursday.
He added later: “There was no commitment or discussion or grant on the issue of a permanent relocation. It was simply the split-season possibility.”
The proposal drew plenty of questions — and some ridicule — on social media, and there was immediate pushback from officials in St. Petersburg, Fla., which owns Tropicana Field, the 30-year-old domed stadium where the Rays play. In their lease, the Rays have committed to playing all of their home games at Tropicana Field through the 2027 season. Rick Kriseman, the mayor of St. Petersburg, told the Tampa Bay Times that he had told the Rays that he would not grant permission for talks with Montreal.
Manfred said of the Rays: “They’re committed to being in Tampa Bay through 2027. This is a longer-term project for them.”
A split season would face many hurdles, including approval from the players’ union. Among the questions: Could players, most of whom live only in their employer’s city during the season, and staff, who are often there year-round, manage three-month rents in each city? Would the move create two dedicated fan bases, or two less invested ones because they see the team as half-committed? Could the team net two sets of television deals and sponsorships?
Whatever the reasoning, the exploration of a two-city arrangement was viewed as potential leverage for the Rays, who have been linked to Montreal in past relocation speculation, to compel municipalities in the Tampa Bay area to support the construction of a new stadium.
“My priority remains the same,” said Stu Sternberg, the Rays’ principal owner, in a team-issued statement. “I am committed to keeping baseball in Tampa Bay for generations to come. I believe this concept is worthy of serious exploration.”
The Rays would play the early portion of the season in Tampa Bay — before rain becomes heavier, which could allow for a cheaper stadium without a roof — and the remaining games in Montreal.
With a population of more than four million in the metropolitan area, Montreal is one of the largest cities in North America without an M.L.B. team. Montreal once had a team: the Expos, who played there from 1969 to 2004. But amid poor management and lagging attendance, they limped to Washington for the 2005 season and became the Nationals.
Entering Thursday, the Rays were 43-31, good for second in the American League East behind the Yankees, despite an opening day payroll of $60 million (last in M.L.B., according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts) and 14,545 fans a game (second to last).
Manfred said a split season was not unprecedented in M.L.B. history. Before their relocation was approved, the Expos played 22 of their 81 home games during the 2003 season in San Juan, P.R. Asked if the Rays’ exploration included playing in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, which opened in 1976, or a new facility there, Manfred deferred to the Rays.
“There was a broad grant of permission to explore what’s viable,” he said. “That includes existing facilities and new facilities, whatever arrangement the Tampa Bay folks might come up with.”