2025 MLB City Connect Uniform Rankings: A Look at the Latest Designs

In 2025, eight Major League Baseball teams—the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and Washington Nationals—introduced new City Connect uniforms. This marks the second round of City Connect designs for these franchises since the program, led by Nike, began in 2021. The uniforms reflect regional influences and team identifications as they strive to encapsulate the spirit of their respective cities.
The Miami Marlins' new design has sparked extensive discussion, primarily due to its divergence from the initial concept that was heavily inspired by the Havana Sugar Kings. While the first design received high praise, the Marlins' second rendition has drawn criticism for failing to meet fan expectations. The uniform, which the team has dubbed 'Retrowave,' boasts a blend of colors and horizontal pinstripes reminiscent of the Miami Heat's popular alternate uniforms, yet is perceived as a less innovative approach. Additionally, the inclusion of '305'—Miami's area code—on the cap has been deemed lackluster, especially when presented in a manner that could resemble 'SOS.' The juxtaposition of these elements raises questions about the effectiveness of the design and how well it communicates the team's identity.
The Chicago White Sox's latest City Connect uniform, drawing inspiration from the crossover appeal of the Chicago Bulls, faced a lukewarm reception. While the idea of merging both franchises may intrigue some fans, it has not resonated on the field. Jerry Reinsdorf, who owns both teams, seems to have missed a valuable opportunity to evoke the nostalgia associated with the Bulls' classic cursive script from 1979-1985. This design does not appear to sufficiently differentiate itself from the team's initial City Connect, which enjoyed favorable reviews. Similarly, the new design's association with the Goodyear logo prompts further critique, as it has overshadowed the intended homage to the Bulls.
The Washington Nationals' updated City Connect uniforms, themed around the 'District Blueprint,' have continued to highlight the city of Washington, D.C. The design includes denim color jerseys that reflect the city's street grid, and the interlocking 'DC' logo serves as a historical nod to the team's identity from 2006 to 2010. Despite some elements fitting together nicely, there remains dissatisfaction regarding the color decisions, particularly the gray caps, which do not match the primary denim jerseys. While the cherry blossoms have been retained in the design, the evident dissonance between the cap and uniform colors has not gone unnoticed by fans.
The Colorado Rockies have adopted a 'from sunrise to sunset' theme for their second City Connect design. Despite the intriguing concept, the uniform's color palette has been criticized for lacking a connection to Colorado's heritage. Initially celebrated for its connection to the Rockies' geographical identity, the new uniform feels more aligned with desert aesthetics, leaving fans longing for the previous design, which adeptly used the traditional Rockies color scheme. The nostalgic license plate design from the earlier iteration was particularly well received, and the current versions may not capture the same affinity.
Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants have achieved a substantial upgrade with their second City Connect uniforms, which draw upon the vibrant music culture of the Bay Area. This new design successfully moves away from the fog-inspired aesthetic of the previous version. Although these uniforms are aesthetically pleasing and a fun representation of San Francisco's rich cultural history, some question the necessity of a redesign given the team's classic orange-and-black color scheme. Notably, the iconic interlocking 'SF' logo was omitted from the cap, which feels inconsistent with the team's longstanding identity.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have chosen to integrate elements from their past into their second City Connect design, revamping the original 'Serpientes' theme by incorporating the purple and teal colors that were once the team's primary palette. The decision to blend these historic colors into a contemporary design appears well-received, positioning the uniforms for favorable comparisons to the first iteration. While there is still dialogue about which cap design should be prioritized, the overall reception suggests a commitment to honoring the team's legacy, hinting at a potential shift away from their current 'Sedona Red' branding.
The new City Connect uniforms for the Houston Astros are viewed as a significant improvement over their past 'Space City' designs. The new iterations maintain the space theme but do so with a fresh white-on-white approach that feels more fitting for a home alternate. The inclusion of a logo paying tribute to Union Station enhances the design's narrative, linking it back to an essential aspect of Houston's history. The aesthetic touches that reference the Astros' history provide a sense of continuity while acknowledging the team's evolution, creating a successful hybrid that resonates well with fans.
Finally, the Boston Red Sox have debuted a second City Connect uniform that pays homage to Fenway Park's famed Green Monster. The intentionality behind color choices, particularly the yellow numbers symbolizing features like Pesky's Pole, reflects a strong connection to the franchise's storied history. The balance in design and color, steering clear of excessive attempts to reinvent tradition, has culminated in one of the most aesthetically appealing uniforms within the City Connect program. This new design emerges as a symbol of pride for the franchise, showcasing a commendable blend of modernity and tradition.








