Yankees Triple-A Affiliate Officially Rebrands Ahead of the 2027 Season
A name tied to place and history
The Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate announced Saturday that it will be called the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Highlanders. The RailRiders name had been used by the team since 2013. The organization linked the new name to the wooded hills around PNC Field and to the New York Highlanders, who played at Hilltop Park in Manhattan’s Washington Heights from 1903 to 1912. The franchise later adopted the Yankees name.
Another offseason rebrand
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre team is one of several minor league clubs changing its identity this offseason. The St. Louis Cardinals’ Double-A affiliate will be known as the Ozarks Springbirds. The change ushers in a new era for the Yankees’ affiliate, with the Highlanders name set to debut in the 2027 season.
Pitchers to watch in 2027
Right-handers Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange are expected to be among the leading pitching prospects in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s rotation next year, barring a trade or an unexpected injury. Both could move to relief during the season, but are expected to begin as starters.
Rodriguez, 23, made six major league starts in 2026 and recorded a 5.40 ERA. In 21 Triple-A starts that season, he posted a 2.45 ERA. Lagrange, also 23, began 2026 in the Triple-A rotation before moving to the bullpen in June. A right shoulder capsular sprain kept him out for most of the second half.
Key points
- The Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate will be called the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Highlanders.
- The RailRiders name had been in use since 2013.
- The new name references local terrain and the franchise’s 1903–1912 Highlanders identity.
- Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange are expected to open 2027 in the Triple-A rotation.