ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay Rays Presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Alud have stepped down from their positions ahead of the team’s sale.
Both men will still hold roles connected to the team, the Rays said in a news release Wednesday.
Alud will stay on with the Rays as a senior adviser to the new owners and leaders during and after the transition.
“This organization has never only been about the wins and losses, it’s been about heart, purpose, and community,” Alud said in a statement. “I’m deeply proud of all we’ve built together, and that pride comes from sharing this journey with some of the most dedicated, talented, and creative people I’ve ever known. As I prepare to step down as president, I’m thankful to remain part of the Rays as a senior advisor, continuing to support the incredible team that makes this place so special.”
Silverman will not have a formal role with the franchise, but will represent current owner Stuart Sternberg and his partners on an executive advisory board that will be established by the new ownership group.
“It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the Rays and help make a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay region,” Silverman said in a statement. “What makes me proudest is seeing how the Rays have become woven into the region’s identity, with a true generational fan base taking shape. Children who once came to games are now bringing their own families, and that sense of connection will continue to grow for decades to come. Under Stu’s leadership, we have fulfilled our mission to energize the community through the magic of Rays baseball. I leave with deep gratitude for our players, staff, and supporters, and with great excitement for all that lies ahead for the Rays and for Tampa Bay.”
8 On Your Side asked St. Petersburg City Councilmember Corey Givens what the relationships was like with the city and the current Rays Presidents.
“We had a sour relationship with the previous owners. And I’m really excited at the fact that we get to actually reengage and we get to hopefully renew that ownership contract,” Givens said.
Givens said the team is contracted to play at Tropicana Field until 2028.
“There is nothing in that contract that says that we can’t revisit it and hopefully vote to redact that contract, edit that contract, or see if there may be a new direction for us to go,” Givens said.
Givens said this could be an opportunity for the city to make sure they are receiving more than they are giving away. Businesses in downtown St. Pete will tell you they could use a boost.
“We have an economy that hasn’t come back yet, and we’ve lost our Rays for the summertime, so if you think about those 81 nights that we had, we knew we were going to get at least 15,000 maybe 25 to 30 thousand folks downtown. We were driving our economy, and our cash register(s) were ringing that way,” said Chris Steinocher, the President & CEO of St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce.
Some reports said the owners are considering Tampa locations for a Rays stadium. A fan at the home game Wednesday night said they would prefer it.
“Please build in Tampa,” said one Rays fan.
Video above: Hillsborough County has two new potential sites for a Rays stadium
The city is repairing the roof to Tropicana Field to fulfill the contract. But the Trop could really become a thing of the past, as the sale of the Rays seems to be on the horizon.
The Rays news release said more information regarding the sale and the team’s new owners will be released after it is completed.