The Royals have sought to emulate the Rays in many ways, poaching manager Matt Quatraro and bench coach Paul Hoover from the organization. Owner John Sherman has talked about having a more sustainable approach to competitiveness, like the Rays have done despite a shoestring budget. The team has won fewer than 80 games just twice in a full season since 2007, winning 90+ games nine times over that stretch.
The Rays have also won two pennants in that time, but still have yet to win their first championship. Now the future of the franchise is in question, as damage to Tropicana Field due to Hurricane Milton has left the team to play in Steinbrenner Field, a minor league park that serves as the home of a Yankees affiliate.