A Season of Change: How the Rays Will Navigate Their Temporary Home
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to embark on a unique 2025 season, with their home games currently being relocated to the New York Yankees' Spring Training facility at Steinbrenner Field in the Tampa area. This is due to significant roofing damage sustained at Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton in October 2024. As they prepare for their home opener on Friday afternoon against the Colorado Rockies, the Rays are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season, where they finished fourth in the AL East with an 80-82 record. A key factor in their struggles last year was the revolving door of injuries on the pitching staff, including ace Shane McClanahan missing the entire season while recovering from Tommy John surgery and Shane Baz being limited to just 14 starts.
While the Rays had expected McClanahan to be their Opening Day starter, the 27-year-old will begin the season on the IL after experiencing nerve irritation in his left arm during his final Spring Training start on March 22nd against the Red Sox. As a result, fourth-year starter Ryan Pepiot will take the mound in his first Opening Day start as Tampa Bay pivots with their ace’s debut now delayed. Pepiot, 27, enters his second full season with the Rays after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in an offseason trade in December 2023. In his first season with Tampa Bay, Pepiot impressed, posting a 3.60 ERA, 142 strikeouts, and a 1.15 WHIP in 26 starts.
Despite their tendency to maintain a low payroll, the Rays have consistently fielded competitive rosters through strategic moves and strong player development. This offseason, they made a notable free-agent signing, agreeing to a two-year deal with former San Diego Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, who is expected to make his season debut in late May as he recovers from shoulder surgery he underwent late last season. The team will heavily rely on their youthful talent, with infielder Curtis Mead securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. Other rising stars, such as Junior Caminero and Josh Lowe, are also expected to contribute significantly to the Rays’ success, while veteran leadership from Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe will help guide the team as they aim for playoff contention and navigate playing at their temporary home at Steinbrenner Field in 2025.
