The Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday announced co-presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld will step down from their leadership positions once the team is sold, which is expected in the next two weeks.
Silverman and Auld have led the Rays' operations internally and externally in their presidential roles for more than a decade.
The team said both moves are connected with the sale.
An investment group led by Jacksonville developer Patrick Zapulski is finalizing the purchase from principal owner Stuart Sternberg for a reported $1.7 billion, pending final approval from Major League Baseball.
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Although they are leaving their leadership roles, Silverman and Auld will have some involvement in the team.
While he will not have a formal role, Silverman will represent Sternberg on an executive advisory board being established by new ownership.
Auld will stay as a senior adviser to ownership and the leadership team "during the transition and beyond," according to the team.
Meantime, Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday said he expects Zalupski to begin formally looking for stadium sites after the sale. Manfred, speaking at a Front Office Sports "Tuned In" event in New York, reiterated he wants the team to stay in the Tampa Bay area.
The Rays said they will share information about the sale and new ownership group after the transaction is completed.
Silverman is wrapping up his 22nd season with the Rays and 17th as team president. He was first promoted to team president in October 2005 when he was 29 years old, and later served three seasons of president of baseball operations, from 2015 to 2017, before returning to the role of team president.
He said his time with the Rays has been one of the "greatest joys" of his life.
"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," he said in a statement. "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."
Auld is in his 21st season with the franchise and 11th as team president. He stated he is grateful to continue supporting the team as a senior adviser.
“This organization has never only been about the wins and losses; it’s been about heart, purpose and community," Auld said. "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."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
