Minor League Baseball Reorganization Big Losers (as of this moment)

It's been a month and the long rumor minor league baseball reorganization have gone underway. Ever since MLB/MiLB agreement ended all current affiliations were voided. Most of MLB teams looking ways to cut costs decided to have their minor league affiliate clubs close to their stadium especially Triple-A level. During that time some teams have upgraded their status, changed affiliation, realigned, or "re-purposed" into current or new leagues. There were few teams that have hit the lottery like St. Paul Saints and Sugar Land Skeeters. Then there were few teams having deal with bad set circumstances involving affiliation loses and demotions. Here are four teams that have took the reorganization hard.

Trenton Thunder - they were first two minor league teams taking a huge hit in the reorganization. Originally they were Yankees Double-A affiliate since 2002. After the season ended Yankees cut their affiliation ties with the team and chose Somerset Patriots, formerly of Atlantic League, as their Double-A affiliate. The move left Thunder ownership steaming. Some consolation for Thunder as they recently became part of MLB draft league. A downgrade for them. Another team not so lucky.

Staten Island Yankees - another team left out in the cold by Yankees, but it was a year in the making. This team were doomed once contraction news first hit and most of New York-Penn League was on the list. MLB wanted NYPL to become summer-collegiate league that have met with resistance from team owners within the league. Yankees, like they did with Trenton Thunder, cut affiliation ties with the team leaving them shocked. This one didn't have happy ending. Staten Island team decide to close up shop AND sue the Yankees and MLB. Sad way to end.

Wichita Wind Surge - one of the teams hit big in reorganization based on unfortunate circumstances. Wichita had finish building a new stadium for Triple-A baseball and lured former New Orleans Baby Cakes (Marlins affiliate) to relocate. Then pandemic hits and end up cancelling the season before a single Triple-A game played at the new stadium. In the reorganization Minnesota Twins scooped them up as their farm team along the now former American Association team St. Paul Saints. Saints end up being big winners in this going from independent to Triple-A baseball. Meanwhile, Wind Surge demoted down to Double-A, most likely, playing in the league they familiar with the Texas League. (Note: Wichita Wranglers played in TL from 1987-2007 before relocating and becoming Northwest Arkansas Naturals). In summary, city of Wichita hiked taxes to get a new stadium to be built for Triple A team, got a club to relocated, but covid cancelled the season as well MLB/MiLB agreement ending voiding all affiliations. They got a new affiliate club, but end up being demoted a level down away from the original plan. It was horrible whirlwind of circumstances that turn a field of dreams into a nightmare.

Fresno Grizzlies - how bad the reorganization hurts this team? Fresno wanted to remain in Triple-A, but they became a team no MLB teams want Triple-A affiliate with. It goes back when Giants ditched them for Sacramento after 2014 season. They ended up being Astros affiliate from 2014-2018 mainly it was the only Triple-A team available after the rest been scooped up. Their final affiliate? Washington Nationals. Yikes! Imagine being a player having fly through 3 time zones when getting called up or sent down. With no MLB team showing any interest as Triple-A affilaite what does MLB want to do with them? Demote them to Low-A ball and being affiliated with Colorado Rockies. A big time demotion that city of Fresno is fighting against, but time is running out as MLB awaits their decision. It's a no-win situation for them.