Rays Ownership Steps into the Spotlight, Fans Take Notice
PORT CHARLOTTE - For the first few months of the Rays' new ownership era, managing partner Patrick Zalupski kept a low profile. CEO Ken Babby had been the public face, handling most of the media duties. But lately, Zalupski’s been making some noise - not with press conferences, but with tweets.
Yes, Zalupski has taken to X (formerly Twitter), and the fans have taken notice.
From his @PZalupski account, he’s been engaging directly with Rays faithful - replying to questions, dropping hints, and even using emojis to tease upcoming changes. Whether it’s a nod to uniform tweaks or a wink about Opening Day surprises, Zalupski is showing he’s listening - and more importantly, responding.
One fan casually asked - “Hey Zalup” - about bringing back the classic gray road jerseys with “Tampa Bay” across the chest. Zalupski responded with the eyes emoji 👀 - a subtle but clear signal that the idea is on his radar.
Just don’t expect it too soon. MLB uniform changes are a marathon, not a sprint, often taking years to work through approvals and production.
Another fan suggested consolidating the team’s wild-card banners into one comprehensive display at Tropicana Field. Zalupski’s reply?
“Make sure you come to opening day!” - complete with a wink 😉 and a green checkmark ✅. That’s as close to a confirmation as you’ll get on social media.
And when someone pointed out that Zalupski was actually replying to fans, he doubled down with: “We are listening, keep it coming!!”
That open-door digital policy has led to a flood of suggestions - and, naturally, a few complaints. Fans are calling for everything from more payroll spending and lower ticket prices to a return of the old Devil Rays branding.
One even pitched a Muppets night. Another asked to remove the protective netting above the Rays tank so they could watch the splashdowns more clearly.
Whether any of those happen is anyone’s guess, but the message is clear: fans feel heard.
Zalupski isn’t alone in this online engagement. Babby (@kenbabby) and co-chair Bill Cosgrove (@Bill_Cosgrove) are also active, giving fans a rare, real-time connection to the top of the organization.
Broadcast Plans Coming into Focus
On the broadcast side, the Rays’ new MLB-led TV plan is beginning to take shape. The core broadcast team remains intact, with Dewayne Staats and Brian Anderson returning to call games, and Ryan Bass handling reporting duties.
Rich Hollenberg and Doug Waechter will take care of pre- and post-game coverage for home games. For road games, those segments will be scaled back and handled by the on-site crew. MLB is also working to keep the games available on all the usual cable, satellite, and internet platforms, like Spectrum.
For fans looking to cut the cord, direct-to-consumer streaming subscriptions are already on sale at $99 for the season.
Franco Legal Situation Looms
Meanwhile, the Rays continue to navigate the uncertainty surrounding shortstop Wander Franco. His new trial in the Dominican Republic on charges of sexual abuse of a minor is set to begin Friday.
Franco was previously found guilty and handed a two-year suspended sentence - essentially probation - but both sides appealed. Prosecutors are pushing for a five-year prison sentence, while Franco’s legal team has challenged the evidence, leading to this retrial.
The case centers around a relationship with a 14-year-old girl that began in December 2022, when Franco was 21. The original trial was delayed for months and stretched over several weeks before the verdict.
The outcome of this new trial could have major implications for the Rays, who still owe Franco $164 million from the 11-year, $182 million deal he signed in 2021. Even if he’s cleared, questions remain about his visa status and potential MLB disciplinary action.
New Look, Familiar Faces
Inside the Port Charlotte clubhouse, one symbolic change stands out: a massive wall photo of the 2008 AL Championship celebration - featuring former principal owner Stuart Sternberg - has been replaced. The new image?
The 2020 clinching moment, with players hoisting the trophy. A subtle but telling shift in focus toward the current era.
On the field, the Rays will be mixing up their look this season. The City Connect jerseys have been updated - the numbers are now a bright green to match the names, making them easier to read. Friday home games will feature throwback Devil Rays uniforms, while road games will alternate between navy and Columbia blue tops.
Around Camp: Notes and Nuggets
- Yandy Díaz landed seventh on MLB Network’s list of top first basemen after spending most of last season as a DH. Notably absent? All-Star Jonathan Aranda.
- Kevin Kiermaier, back in Port Charlotte recently, spent time mentoring younger outfielders like Chandler Simpson. Kiermaier said he felt “very nostalgic” during his visit. He also recently auditioned for MLB Network and is expected to make occasional studio appearances this season.
- Jacob Melton is ESPN.com’s pick as the Rays’ player to watch in camp. The outfield prospect has turned heads early.
- Ryan Pepiot and Junior Caminero had a wholesome moment during the recent outdoor Lightning game. Pepiot, used to Indiana winters, gave Caminero his jacket when the Dominican native got cold. “He needed it more than I did,” Pepiot said.
- Mike Ford, who played parts of six MLB seasons and spent 2021 with Triple-A Durham, is a new addition to the Rays’ player development staff.
- Jim Previtera, a 20-year veteran in the Rays’ security and operations departments, is heading north to take a VP role with the New York Racing Association.
- The Rays received mixed feedback in Jayson Stark’s annual poll of MLB insiders. They tied with the White Sox as the league’s “least recognizable team” and ranked third among the AL’s “least improved” clubs. But they earned praise for the return they got in trading Shane Baz to Baltimore - four prospects and a draft pick.
- Several MLB executives privately expressed optimism about the Rays’ new ownership group and the proposed stadium project in Tampa.
Looking Ahead
As the Rays ramp up for the season, there’s a new energy around the franchise - and it’s not just coming from the players on the field. With Zalupski stepping into the public eye and engaging directly with fans, the front office is signaling a more open, interactive approach to leadership.
Whether it’s uniform tweaks, stadium plans, or TV coverage, the Rays seem to be entering a new chapter - one that blends tradition with a fresh, fan-focused outlook. Now, it’s just a matter of seeing how it all plays out on the diamond.