"The Tampa Bay Rays announced that the team has recently commenced exclusive discussions with a group led by Patrick Zalupski, Bill Cosgrove, Ken Babby and prominent Tampa Bay investors concerning a possible sale of the team," the Rays said in a statement. "Neither the Rays nor the group will have further comment during the discussions."

Sportico reported the Tampa Bay Rays are in advanced talks to be sold to a Jacksonville group headed by Patrick Zalupski.

The Tampa Bay Rays confirmed owner Stu Sternberg is in exclusive and serious talks to potentially sell the team to a group of investors led by Patrick Zapulski, a Jacksonville-based home builder. Zapulski's group reportedly offered $1.