"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.

Patrick Zalupski has signed a letter of intent to buy the franchise, and former MLB catcher A.J. Pierzynski tells Foul Territory TV that he's been trying to do this for a while.