Baseball's fashion season is officially here. This month, eight MLB teams are set to unveil their second-generation City Connect uniforms, a fresh wave of alternate jerseys designed to forge a deeper bond between the club and its community. For 2026, the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals, and Milwaukee Brewers are stepping up to the style plate.
These uniforms are more than just new gear; they're wearable stories. As the league stated, each design is "rooted in emotional connection and cultural authenticity," building upon the foundations of the first City Connect series launched in 2021. From local landmarks to state mottos and historical nods, the details are in the fabric. Let's break down the rankings for these eight new looks.
Starting at the bottom, the Milwaukee Brewers' "Wisco" design leaves me wanting more. While the water-toned base and sunset gradient aim to capture Wisconsin's lake country, the overall aesthetic feels disconnected from the club's iconic identity. As a lifelong admirer of the legendary ball-in-glove logo, this new direction, complete with a "Wisco" chest wordmark, doesn't quite hit home.
Similarly, the Kansas City Royals' bold fuchsia-to-blue gradient, inspired by the City of Fountains, is a concept that doesn't fully translate to the diamond for me. The tribute to the original 1969 "R" logo and the heartland symbolism are thoughtful touches, but the vibrant color combo feels more suited for a running shoe than a classic baseball uniform. It's a daring swing, but in this case, it's a miss.
