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.

According to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, it cost $50 million to get the minor league ballpark into MLB compliance. That's on top of all the work the Yankees did to improve the facilities themselves.

Among the upgrades to the facilities are a made-to-order kitchen, a players lounge and a two-story weight room.

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.