With the Tampa Bay Rays on the verge of being sold to a group led by Jacksonville real estate developer Patrick Zalupski, team presidents Matt Silverman and Brian Auld are stepping down from their posts, the Rays announced Wednesday. The reported $1.7 billion sale is expected to close in two weeks .

Silverman, who has been with the Rays for more than two decades, will remain with the club on an advisory board once the new ownership group takes control of the team.

"It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to serve the Rays and help make a lasting impact on the Tampa Bay region," Silverman said in a statement. "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. Children who once came to g

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