Ranking the 2026 MLB City Connect Jerseys from Misses to Must-Haves

[Cody Christie]

Image courtesy of MLB/Individual Clubs/Nike

Major League Baseball’s City Connect initiative has always walked a fine line between creativity and chaos. Since its launch in 2021, the program has encouraged teams to lean into culture, community, and storytelling rather than tradition. Sometimes that results in brilliance. Sometimes it looks like a marketing meeting that went on a little too long.

Thursday brought the second wave of City Connect uniforms for eight franchises, and as expected, the results are a mixed bag. Some clubs leaned into bold identity. Others played it safe. A few might have missed the assignment entirely.

Here is how the latest batch stacks up from bottom to top.

8. Texas Rangers

Maybe it is the lack of color. Maybe it is the overly simple design. Either way, something feels missing here. The concept of celebrating Mexican influence across Texas is strong, but the execution falls short. Adding green to complement the red and better reflect the Mexican flag could have elevated the look. Instead, it feels like a concept that never fully came together.

Pros: Ties to Texas-Mexican heritage.
Cons: Everything else.

 

7. Baltimore Orioles

The idea behind City Connect is to break away from the norm, so sticking with the same color palette feels like a missed opportunity. The Oriole graphic is clean, but the “BMORE” text doesn't quite land as it should. The home run patch on the sleeve might be the standout feature, which says a lot about the rest of the design.

Pro: Home run sleeve patch is a nice tie to Camden Yards
Cons: Color scheme too close to regular jerseys.

6. Cincinnati Reds

There is something to be said for consistency, but this feels like playing it too safe. The Reds essentially swapped out last year’s black look for red while keeping the same design language. The futuristic vibe works, but using their primary color scheme again makes it feel less like a City Connect and more like an alternate jersey.

Pros: Futuristic design.
Cons: Too similar to the first City Connect.

5. Atlanta Braves

Powder blue is almost always a win, and it works here, too. The problem is that this feels more like a throwback than a City Connect. The lowercase A and the color scheme are nice touches, but it leans heavily on nostalgia rather than offering something new or uniquely tied to the city.

Pros: The lower-case “A” hat is nice.
Cons: Seems too close to a throwback and not something new.

4. Kansas City Royals

This one takes a swing, and for the most part, it connects. The fuchsia-to-blue gradient is bold and distinct, inspired by Midwest sunsets and the city’s iconic fountains. The unique R logo adds character, and the Beatles nod on the collar is a fun piece of trivia that ties into team tradition. It might not be for everyone, but at least it stands out.

Pros: Love the Beatles reference.
Cons: Hat logo leaves something to be desired.

3. Milwaukee Brewers

Milwaukee expands the concept beyond the city and embraces the entire state with a “Wisco” identity. The new color scheme separates it from their traditional look, which is exactly what City Connect should do. The updated Barrelman patch is a strong callback to team history while still feeling modern. This is a well-balanced design that hits most of the right notes.

Pros: State connection, sleeve patch.
Cons: “Wisco” phrase can be unflattering.

2. San Diego Padres

San Diego already had one of the most popular City Connect sets, and they wisely didn't overthink it. The vibrant colors remain, but the refreshed wordmark keeps things feeling new. The Dia de los Muertos sleeve patch is the standout element, adding meaningful cultural depth. This will once again be a hit, especially with younger fans who gravitate toward bold designs.

Pros: Vibrant colors, sleeve patch.
Cons: Similar to the first City Connect jersey.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates

This is how you do it. The Pirates leaned all the way into their identity and came out with something that feels both intimidating and unique. The blacked-out look, paired with a stylized pirate wordmark, gives it an edge that few teams can match. Now picture Paul Skenes on the mound wearing this. That is nightmare fuel for opposing hitters. With a young core rising (including recently promoted Konnor Griffin), this jersey will become one of the most recognizable looks in the league.

Pros: Nearly Perfect.
Cons: I don’t have one in my closet yet.

City Connect uniforms are at their best when they take risks and fully commit to a story. The 2026 class shows that not every team is comfortable doing that. The Pirates, Padres, and Brewers embraced the assignment and delivered something memorable. Others felt hesitant, sticking too close to their traditional identity when the whole point is to break away from it.

As the program continues to evolve, the gap between the teams that get it and the teams that do not is becoming more obvious. And if this year is any indication, bold will always beat safe.

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[Esker Stannum]

I have to say that I think my opinions of them are backwards from yours.
I like Tejas, Orioles, Reds, Braves and Padres but not Royals Brewers and Pirates