Major League Baseball has "a sense of urgency" to find a new ballpark for the Tampa Bay Rays after scrapping a plan to split seasons between Florida and Montreal.

The Rays' lease at Tropicana Field expires following the 2027 season.

"They have been in a substantial period of uncertainty as to where they're going to play, which in turn dictates that economic outlook for the franchise," Rob Manfred said. "That's a bad thing. It's a bad thing for a business. It hampers the ability of the business to operate and the club to operate the most effective way."

St. Petersburg mayor Ken Welch and city of Tampa mayor Jane Castor are hopeful their communities will be able to develop viable stadium proposals.

"My hope is that Tampa, the officials in Tampa Bay and the region ... and the Rays can work together to find a solution that'll keep a full season of baseball in Tampa," Manfred said. "We think Tampa is a major league market and we want to find a solution that makes the club economically viable in that market. ... I think some of the comments from civic leaders in the region have also been encouraging."