In their first trip to Steinbrenner Field of 2025, the Rays were still the guests. Before, during and after their 4-0, spring-opening loss, they saw signs of their pending regular season takeover, such as the expansion of the visiting clubhouse to meet Major League Baseball’s standards.

Steinbrenner Field has been the Yankees' spring training home since 1996. But after Hurricane Milton damaged Tropicana Field, the Rays made a deal to play this coming season here.

The cost to turn George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., into a major league facility will exceed $50 million, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said. The Tampa Bay Rays will play their 2025 regular-season schedule at the complex -- the training and spring facility of the New York Yankees -- after being left without a home stadium.