Hurricane Milton Forces Major Shake-Up for Tampa Bay Rays’ 2025 Season
It’s been a whirlwind of challenges for the Tampa Bay Rays, and the storm isn’t just metaphorical. After Hurricane Milton tore through Tropicana Field on October 9, shredding most of its fabric roof, the Rays are now facing a season of uncertainty and adaptation. Major League Baseball (MLB) has stepped in to rearrange the Rays’ 2025 schedule, and the changes are nothing short of dramatic.
With Tropicana Field out of commission until at least 2026—if it’s even salvageable—the Rays will call Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida, their temporary home. But this move comes with its own set of complications. Steinbrenner Field, typically home to the Class A Tampa Tarpons, is an open-air stadium, making it vulnerable to Florida’s unpredictable summer weather. To mitigate potential disruptions, MLB has front-loaded the Rays’ home games into the first two months of the season.
A Schedule Like No Other
The Rays’ 2025 schedule is a logistical puzzle. Tampa Bay is set to play 13 of its first 16 games at home and a staggering 47 of 59 games at home through May 28. But here’s the kicker: the back half of the season will be a grueling road trip marathon. The Rays will play 69 of their final 103 games on the road, including just eight home games in both July and August. Talk about a tough break!
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key schedule changes:
- A series originally scheduled at the Los Angeles Angels from April 7-9 will now be played in Tampa from April 8-10. The second series between these teams will shift to Anaheim from August 4-6, instead of St. Petersburg from August 5-7.
- The Minnesota Twins will play their first series against the Rays at Steinbrenner Field from May 26-28. Their second series will take place at Target Field in Minneapolis from July 4-6.
To kick off the season, the Rays will host their first six games against the Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates. They’ll then head to Texas for a three-game series before returning for a 13-game homestand featuring matchups against the Angels, Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, and the New York Yankees.
Weather Woes at Steinbrenner Field
While Steinbrenner Field offers a temporary solution, it’s far from ideal. The Class A Tampa Tarpons, who usually play there, experienced significant weather-related disruptions this past season. From June 21 through their season finale on September 8, the Tarpons had six home postponements, two cancellations, and four suspended games. If history is any indication, the Rays could be in for a bumpy ride during the summer months.
The Long Road Ahead
For a team that’s already dealt with its fair share of adversity, the Rays now face one of the most challenging schedules in recent memory. Playing 69 of their final 103 games on the road is a daunting task, even for a team as resilient as Tampa Bay. The road-heavy schedule could have significant implications for the Rays’ playoff hopes, as fatigue and travel could take a toll on the players.
And let’s not forget the emotional impact of losing Tropicana Field, the Rays’ home since their inaugural season in 1998. While the stadium has often been criticized for its quirks, it’s been a constant for the team and its fans. Now, with the Trop’s future uncertain, the Rays are left to navigate uncharted waters—both literally and figuratively.
What’s Next for the Rays?
As the Rays prepare for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how they adapt to their new reality. Can they overcome the challenges of a front-loaded home schedule and a grueling road stretch? Will Steinbrenner Field prove to be a suitable temporary home, or will weather disruptions add another layer of complexity?
One thing is certain: the Rays’ 2025 season will be a test of resilience, adaptability, and determination. For a team that’s no stranger to punching above its weight, this could be their toughest challenge yet. Stay tuned, baseball fans—this is a story that’s far from over.
Originally Written by: Associated Press
