Minor League Teams That Will Leave After 2025

Originally posted on New Baseball Media
By Chris Studley | Last updated Sep 3, 2025 11:31 PM ET

Since the Commissioner’s Office took over Minor League Baseball, there have been significant changes across the Minor League landscape. Entire levels were wiped out after 2020, while organizations have had to contend with stringent facility requirements set forth by Major League Baseball. Between that and other factors, we’ve seen numerous Minor League relocations over the years, and after 2025, more teams will leave the ecosystem.

Aberdeen Ironbirds

The Aberdeen Ironbirds, named after Baltimore legend Cal Ripken Jr., have been in the Orioles’ system for over 20 years. However, that will end after 2025.

Baltimore will re-affiliate with the Frederick Keys, once the team’s High-A affiliate. Frederick is in the midst of a major renovation of its facility and will take over Aberdeen’s affiliate come 2026.

Baseball won’t leave Aberdeen after 2025. The team will join the MLB Draft League, where the Frederick Keys played between the loss of their affiliation with Baltimore from 2020 to 2025.

Adley Rutschman and Jackson Holliday are among notable Ironbirds alumni.

Carolina Mudcats

It’ll be the end of an era for the Carolina Mudcats, a team that will relocate after the 2025 campaign.

Carolina, currently a Brewers affiliate in the Low-A Carolina League, will move to nearby Wilson, North Carolina, for the 2026 campaign. The Mudcats played in Zebulon, North Carolina.

The Carolina Mudcats have been affiliated with several teams over their history, including the Reds, Braves, and Marlins. Josh Beckett, Corbin Burnes, Chone Figgins, Adrian Gonzalez, and Matt Holliday are among notable alumni.

Modesto Nuts

Baseball has existed in Modesto, California, since the late 1940s, with several MLB teams — including the Athletics, Yankees, Rockies, and most recently, the Mariners — being affiliated with the organization.

However, professional baseball exited the city after the 2025 season. Diamond Baseball Holdings, which owns many Minor League teams across the different classifications, will relocate the team to Southern California. Modesto is located in the San Joaquin Valley, near Oakland and San Francisco.

Notable Nuts alumni include Mark McGwire, Jason Giambi, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, and Ted Simmons.

Modesto will relocate to San Bernardino, California, assuming the Inland Empire 66ers moniker and the associated facility. With Inland Empire becoming a Mariners affiliate, the Angels will have the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes as their High-A affiliate.

The Dodgers’ affiliate for the California League will be in Ontario, California.

This article first appeared on New Baseball Media and was syndicated with permission.

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