As we usher in 2026, it's time to reflect on the past year and highlight the most significant moments that struck a chord with both Rays fans and our wider community. This annual tradition allows us to celebrate the stories that captivated our readership.
Here’s a look at the ten most-read articles on DRaysBay for 2025:
One standout piece was published on the evening of December 30th and quickly climbed to the eleventh spot in our viewership rankings for the year. Given the enduring interest surrounding the Stadium Saga, it’s likely this article would have broken into the top ten had the new year not arrived just 30 hours later.
A particularly surprising development in the Rays Stadium Saga was the unexpected decision by the Rays management to return to Tropicana Field. This wasn't merely a casual choice; the stadium was not undergoing any repairs at the time the team announced its commitment to return to the site where they held an active lease. This move raised eyebrows, especially considering the implications it had for the team's future.
This pivotal moment further strained the already tenuous relationship between the previous ownership group and local political figures, ultimately paving the way for the sale of the team to the Zalupski group in late 2025. In one article, we examined how Rays executives claimed that Pinellas County had "effectively broken" the contract for the new stadium, a statement that, regrettably, lacked truthfulness.
In terms of roster changes, the Rays made a significant overhaul of their catching lineup but adopted a more subdued approach during the trade deadline this season. Despite the less dramatic nature of these moves, the team remained active and engaged in the market.
In the draft, the Rays managed to sign nearly all their picks except for their final selection in the 20th round. Our coverage detailed who was signed, the timing of their contracts, and the financial aspects involved. Notably, the Rays exceeded the bonus slots to secure their two second-round picks, a strategic move made possible by saving $1.2 million in projected bonuses from their two first-round selections.
With many fans eager to know what to expect when visiting GMS Field, we gathered a wealth of information into a single, handy resource for reference. We trust that readers found this compilation useful.
While it wasn’t formally announced on our homepage, you may have noticed the recent addition of Ben Whitelaw to our site. His article provided a comprehensive overview of the prospects acquired to replenish the Rays’ farm system, which will be discussed further in an upcoming piece.
Despite the Rays front office insisting that the fire sale of star players in 2024 was anything but that, the underwhelming performance both on the field and within the minor leagues in 2025 marked a critical turning point. The pressing question now is this: will the team’s change in ownership, along with the ongoing trade of veteran players like Baz and Lowe, steer the organization back on course?
Before the new ownership group emerged at the close of the 2025 season, a rival group from the Orlando area claimed to possess $1 billion in private financing aimed at securing a new ballpark for Central Florida's baseball franchise, complete with a proposed location and some renderings. However, the primary investor from this group later decided to join the victorious ownership team.
Additionally, we shared a detailed follow-up discussing how Orlando could leverage hotel taxes to potentially support the Rays’ relocation up I-4, a topic that generated considerable interest among our readers.
The two top articles were essentially in a tight race for the title of most-read last year, showcasing their popularity far above the rest of our content.
In a surprising turn during their inaugural press conference, the Rays’ new ownership revealed plans for an immediate pursuit of a new stadium. It was anticipated that they would act swiftly, especially since the team did not have a home to play in at the time of the acquisition. Their intention to search for a site encompassing 100 acres significantly narrowed the possibilities, zeroing in on a familiar location: the very same site where the Rays played in 2025.
We also had the privilege of being invited, alongside other media representatives, to preview the renovations at GMS Field before the onset of the 2025 season. This article featured numerous images from Lizzie, showcasing the impressive transformation as the team worked to rebrand a former Yankees complex into a new home for the Tampa Bay Rays.
We sincerely appreciate your continued support of DRaysBay. We invite you to share your thoughts and engage with us in the comments section as we look forward to a promising future for the Rays, beginning with their much-anticipated return to Tropicana Field in April!
