Report: MLB officials shut down Tampa Bay Rays’ split-city plan with Montreal

TAMPA, Fla. – It appears that Major League Baseball is shutting down a proposed plan that would have seen the Rays split their home schedule between Tampa Bay and Montreal.

The Tampa Bay Times reports that plans were killed by MLB officials, creating more uncertainty about the team’s future in the St. Petersburg, Fla., area.

Team owner Stuart Sternberg is expected to address the subject during a media availability today.

The Rays have been consistent contenders in the American League East but weak attendance has been an issue for years.

Tampa Bay’s lease at Tropicana Field ends after the 2027 season.

MLB gave permission to the Rays in 2019 to explore splitting their home schedule between the Tampa Bay area and Montreal, which lost the Expos to Washington, D.C., after the 2004 season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 20, 2022.