5 Reasons Why the Tampa Bay Rays Should Play in Montreal

5. It Would Re-Ignite a Familiar Rivalry

Since the birth of Canada, Montreal and Toronto have been mired in a heated rivalry. Dating back to the days of Upper- and Lower-Canada, the cities have been in constant feud. Bringing the Rays to Montreal would re-ignite that intra-divisional rivalry with the Blue Jays. 

Loyal Rays fans can transport themselves back in time to the "Hinske Heckler" days. A passionate Rays fan would berate Eric Hinske every time he played at Tropicana Field. That's part of the mystique that has evaded the Rays as they try to bolster their local fanbase.

Without a natural rival, the Rays could become the thorn in Toronto's side again. Eventually, they would return to St. Petersburg and bring the rivalry back to Central Florida.

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1. Montreal has a Serviceable MLB-Caliber Ballpark

Let's get the most obvious answer out of the way. Few cities in North America could host an MLB team and provide all of the necessities to cater to the professional level. But Montreal is one of the few places that can. 

Olympic Stadium is the former home of the Montreal Expos and, just a few years ago, hosted the Toronto Blue Jays for preseason action. Playing downtown in a significant market offers more exposure and convenience than any of the other potential suitors.

Undoubtedly, weather and minor league scheduling would impact the Rays' outlook for 2025 if they decided to stay closer to home. Olympic Stadium offers a similar environment to the Trop, with major league facilities better suited to the Rays.

2. Montreal is Hungry for More MLB Baseball

Recently, MLB has openly discussed the possibility of expansion. One topic included in that discussion is the potential to bring back professional baseball to La Belle Province.

Ever since the Expos left town back in 2004, there's been a growing chorus of people demanding the MLB return to Montreal. This is the league's opportunity for free beta testing to see if the local market would support a team in the long run. 

3. Montreal has Courted the Rays in the Past

Before the Rays reached an agreement with their local government regarding financing their new stadium, they were in talks with Charles Bronfman to split the season in Montreal. That familiarity would go a long way to securing the much-needed facility. Moreover, Montreal would be eager to find a tenant, even in the short term, for its unused stadium.

4. Logistically It Makes Sense

The Rays are casting a wide net in trying to find a new home. Reportedly, they are considering up to 50 alternate venues for the upcoming campaign, some of which would take them as far as California to take over the now-vacant Oakland Coliseum. Logistically, that would be a nightmare for the Rays as they would be forced to travel across the country for divisional matchups. 

Ideally, the Rays can find a place to play in the Eastern time zone. Montreal checks that box while shortening the Rays' trips to Toronto, Boston, Baltimore, and New York.

5. It Would Re-Ignite a Familiar Rivalry

Since the birth of Canada, Montreal and Toronto have been mired in a heated rivalry. Dating back to the days of Upper- and Lower-Canada, the cities have been in constant feud. Bringing the Rays to Montreal would re-ignite that intra-divisional rivalry with the Blue Jays. 

Loyal Rays fans can transport themselves back in time to the "Hinske Heckler" days. A passionate Rays fan would berate Eric Hinske every time he played at Tropicana Field. That's part of the mystique that has evaded the Rays as they try to bolster their local fanbase.

Without a natural rival, the Rays could become the thorn in Toronto's side again. Eventually, they would return to St. Petersburg and bring the rivalry back to Central Florida.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.