Yankees' Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders to change name

Key Points:

• The Yankees' Triple-A affiliate will drop the RailRiders name starting in 2027, with a new team identity set to be unveiled in November, marking the first full rebranding of a Minor League Baseball team since before the 2026 season.
• The rebranding aims to honor the region’s natural beauty, heritage, and outdoor legacy while strengthening ties with the local community and the parent Yankees franchise.
• The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchise, based in Moosic, Pennsylvania, has a history dating back to 1989 and has undergone several name changes tied to its MLB affiliations, including the Red Barons, Yankees, Empire State Yankees, and RailRiders.
• The RailRiders have experienced recent success, reaching the International League Championship Series last year and winning the IL title and Triple-A National Championship in 2016 with notable players like Aaron Judge.
• Team president Shawn Reilly emphasized the goal of creating a lasting identity that resonates with the community and honors the franchise’s baseball tradition.