Tampa Bay Rays facing major problem if they make the playoffs

The Tampa Bay Rays are on a hot streak that has them positioned to make the MLB playoffs, but that could present a pretty big challenge due to their stadium situation.

The Rays have already begun to discuss with the league whether they would even be able to host playoff games at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The stadium only seats 10,046, and that could be too small for a potential American League Championship Series or World Series.

Steinbrenner Field is the temporary home of the Rays after Tropicana Field suffered hurricane damage last October. It usually functions as the spring training home of the New York Yankees.

The low capacity risks a modest profit for the team due to diminished gate receipts. However, players may be reluctant to play in a neutral stadium such as Miami’s loanDepot park or Atlanta’s Truist Park, due to the travel and how it would impact their families.

MLB brass and the team have time to make a decision, but one can assume the league would not be eager to showcase a minor league stadium during the playoffs. A lack of clear alternatives could leave them without much choice.

The Rays enter play Wednesday with a 44-35 record, good for second place in the American League East. If the playoffs started today, they would be the AL’s first wild-card team.