There’s a new captain at the helm of the Tampa Bay Rays ship. Patrick Zalupski has taken control, and while he’s not throwing out the first pitch just yet, it’s clear the guy isn’t here to simply keep the engine running. After all, you don’t spend $1.7 billion just to watch from the luxury suite.
Neander stays, Cash returns, and the foundation holds
Zalupski’s buyout from longtime owner Stuart Sternberg was unanimously approved by MLB owners in late September. And while the man hasn’t even stepped behind the mic for his first press conference (that’s coming tomorrow), one major call has already been made — and it’s one fans should feel pretty good about: Erik Neander stays.
Now, if you’re not familiar with Neander, this isn’t some guy pulled from the bleachers. He started as an intern back in 2007. That’s right — coffee and spreadsheets. Now he’s been running the show since 2018. And let’s not pretend it’s been a rough ride: five playoff appearances in eight seasons, a trip to the 2020 World Series, and a .559 winning percentage. That’s solid, especially when you consider the Rays’ budget situation.
Speaking of stability, manager Kevin Cash — the longest-tenured skipper in the Majors — is expected to return, too. Most of his coaching staff is staying put, though there’s some noise about assistant hitting coach Brady North possibly shifting to another role. Still, the foundation seems intact.
Tropicana’s troubles and the Rays stadium limbo
But here’s where things get spicy: the stadium drama. Thanks to Hurricane Milton, Tropicana Field was deemed unusable this past season. The team had to scramble and landed at George M. Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 season. But after that, there is total uncertainty. There was a $1.3 billion stadium complex in the works, packed with retail, a hotel, and big dreams — but when city funding got delayed, that whole deal teetered. Sternberg, already feeling heat, threw in the towel.
Now it’s Zalupski’s puzzle to solve. Will he rebuild trust with city leaders? Can he revive the vision of a downtown ballpark that finally gives the Rays a modern home? No one knows, but the current stadium lease runs through 2028, and if Tropicana isn’t the answer in the long term, someone’s going to need to write some big checks — public, private, or both.
Caminero is the cornerstone — and now’s the time to act
And don’t look now, but Zalupski has another decision looming: locking down Junior Caminero. The 22-year-old phenom is already the face of the franchise. A .264/.311/.535 slash line, 45 homers, 110 RBI, and a standout All-Star performance.
Sure, Caminero’s still got two years before arbitration, but waiting would be a gamble. You want to lock him in now. Eight years feels right. And based on what we’ve seen with similar extensions — Chourio’s $82M, Rafaela’s $50M, even Roman Anthony’s massive $130M deal — something in the $110–$120 million range would make a whole lot of sense. Toss in some incentives, club options, maybe a little sugar on top, and boom — you’ve secured your future.
So yes, there’s a new owner in Tampa Bay, but the Rays’ to-do list is already stacked. Stadium chaos. Superstar extensions. A fan base that wants answers. Welcome to Major League Baseball ownership, Mr. Zalupski — the honeymoon clock just started ticking.
