Tampa Bay Rays confirm they are in talks to be sold

TAMPA, Fla — The Tampa Bay Rays are in talks to be sold, the team confirmed.

According to the Rays, they are in talks to sell the team to Florida home developer Patrick Zalupski.

Zalupski is the Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dream Finders Homes, according to the company website.

In March, when the plan for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium in St. Petersburg fell apart, talks of Rays owner Stu Sternberg selling the team started to grow.

We contacted the City of St. Petersburg, and they stated that the City administration had not spoken to the Rays about the sale.

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In March team president Matt Silverman denied those claims.

Mayor Jane Castor commented on the news on Wednesday.

“The Tampa Bay Rays are part of this community, and we want them to stay right here in Tampa Bay," she said. We’re optimistic that any new ownership will recognize the passion of our fans and the value of keeping the team rooted where they've been supported from the start.”

Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala has been calling for Sternberg to sell the team. He spoke with ABC Action News on Wednesday.

"I think today's news is definitely good news for Rays fans in the Tampa Bay area," he said. "I think the likelihood of the Rays staying in the Tampa Bay area goes up exponentially with today's news."